Ottawa County's COVID-19 Response Updates - Monday, April 13, 2020

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 04/13/2020 05:20 PM EDT

Updates I Monday, April 13

Latest COVID-19 Videos - Public Health Updates I County Updates & Spanish
Media Contact: Kristina Wieghmink, OCDPH public information officer
kwieghmink@miottawa.org I mobile/text 616-510-8523

Click the dashboard to expand. Only laboratory-confirmed cases are displayed. Case counts may differ from those reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services if cases get reassigned to or from different jurisdictions. Data Source: Michigan Disease Surveillance System.

Data are updated daily at miOttawa.org/miHealth.

COVID-19 & Health Disparities

The COVID-19 outbreak is having an effect on marginalized and poorer communities across the globe. Often times, people with lower income, those who have jobs without paid sick time or are uninsured may not seek health care due to cost or access - leading to health disparities. Although the term disparities is often interpreted to mean racial or ethnic disparities, many dimensions of disparity exist in the United States, particularly in health. If a health outcome is seen to a greater or lesser extent between populations, there is disparity. Race or ethnicity, sex, sexual identity, age, disability, socioeconomic status and geographic location all contribute to an individual’s ability to achieve good health. It is important to recognize the impact that social determinants have on health outcomes of specific populations. People who experience health disparities and have poorer health outcomes may also have underlying medical conditions, which makes them more likely to become severely ill from COVID-19. LEARN MORE

Social Determinants of Health

Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work and play affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. These conditions are known as social determinants of health (SDOH).

We know that poverty limits access to healthy foods and safe neighborhoods and that more education is a predictor of better health. We also know that differences in health are striking in communities with poor SDOH such as unstable housing, low income, unsafe neighborhoods or substandard education. By applying what we know about SDOH, we can not only improve individual and population health but also advance health equity. As a community, we must create social and physical environments that promote good health for all.

Know What Affects Health I HealthyPeople.gov

Health Equity

Health equity can be defined in several ways. One commonly used definition of health equity is when all people have the opportunity to attain their full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of their social position or other socially determined circumstance.

Achieving health equity requires valuing everyone equally with focused and ongoing societal efforts to address avoidable inequalities, historical and contemporary injustices, and the elimination of health and healthcare disparities.

Importance of Health Equity I Attaining Health Equity

Why is addressing social determinants of health important?

Addressing social determinants of health is a primary approach to achieving health equity. Social determinants of health such as poverty, unequal access to health care, lack of education, stigma and racism are underlying, contributing factors of health inequities.

"A large part of public health's work is achieving health equity, eliminating disparities and improving the health of all groups," said Lisa Stefanovsky, administrative health officer with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. "In Ottawa County, we are committed to working together to assure conditions that promote and protect health for all community members."

Watch for future bulletins this week on how Ottawa County organizations and community members have been addressing the health needs of our county.

Click the infographic to download and share.

Click for the state and local COVID-19 resource list.

English I Spanish

Need Assistance with Cell Phones?

Click for the COVID-19 Provider Assistance List

Supporting and Reassuring Children

Children's emotions are processed through repetitive play and stories read multiple times. Check out the short book created by Mind Heart to help reassure children, under the age of 7, regarding COVID-19. This book may help families to discuss the full range of emotions arising from the current situation. The resource does not seek to be a source of scientific information, but rather a tool based on illustrations.

English I Spanish I More Information

#OttawaStaysHome

Use the hashtag #OttawaStaysHome on all your social media platforms and tell us why you stay home and what you’re doing to occupy the time. The county will share its favorite posts, images and videos. Be creative! Visit Facebook.com/OttawaCounty.

Click the featured image to share.

Governor Whitmer's Press Briefing April 13, 2020

WATCH BRIEFING I PRESENTATION SLIDES

MDHHS Announces Peer-run Warmline to Aid Persons
with Mental Health Needs During COVID-19 Pandemic

Warmline will operate seven days a week 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Starting today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching a statewide warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health conditions. The warmline will connect individuals with certified peer support specialists who have lived experiences of behavioral health issues, trauma or personal crises, and are trained to support and empower the callers.

The warmline will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753). It is intended to serve individuals living with persistent mental health challenges including anxiety, depression and trauma. Individuals in crisis, including those considering suicide, are urged to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-8255.