by Becky Andrus | Apr 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
Governor Whitmer Leads Coalition of 12 Governors Calling on the Trump Administration to Increase Access to Affordable Health Care by Opening a Special Enrollment Period During COVID-19 Crisis
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, along with a coalition of governors from Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma to ask that the Administration reconsider its decision and take swift action to allow for a special enrollment period of at least 30 days on the federal health care exchange. In the face of the worst public health crisis in modern history, it is imperative that every step be taken to expand access to affordable health care for those in need.
“Too many of our constituents are uninsured or underinsured despite the steps we’ve taken at the state level,” the governors said. “As a result, far too many of our residents are choosing to forgo coronavirus testing and treatment out of fear of the potential costs to themselves and their families. It is essential that we remove every barrier as quickly as possible to ensure those in our states and across the country are able to access the treatment they need. One of the most effective ways this can be done is by opening up a federal special enrollment period to give everyone the chance to enroll in a health plan that offers the coverage they need with access to any qualifying subsidies.”
On March 12, Governor Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox called on the Trump administration to allow for a special enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act (www.healthcare.gov) to allow more Americans, including Michiganders, to sign up for coverage and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Also on March 12, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters urged the Trump Administration to open a special enrollment period to allow people without health insurance or short-term plans to purchase a health care plan through the health insurance marketplaces.
“During this crisis, we must do everything we can to ensure access to quality, affordable health care,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why we’re calling on the Trump Administration to do the right thing, reconsider its decision, and allow for a special enrollment period, and it’s also why we’re taking action in Michigan to expand opportunities for safe, quality care. We will continue to work with our partners across both state and federal government, as well as those in the private sector, to ensure Michiganders everywhere can access the care they need.”
On April 10, DIFS announced that the state had received agreements from nearly all of the state’s health insurance companies to waive cost-sharing, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for COVID-19 testing and treatments. The Whitmer Administration and DIFS had worked with insurers to waive these costs. Consumers with these individual and group health plans will not be charged cost-sharing for coronavirus related medical treatment, such as primary care visits, laboratory testing, emergency room visits, ambulance services, and FDA-approved medications and vaccines for COVID-19 when they become available.
After Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria devastated communities across the Southern United States, CMS announced a special enrollment period for those impacted by the storms. Special enrollment periods have also been used to respond to more personal situations such as house fires or domestic violence.
“In a time of a fast-moving pandemic, taking every step possible to expand access to health insurance is not just a responsible choice for the health of the individual, but also for the health of our communities, our states, and the country,” the governors continued. “We as governors have done and will continue to do everything we can for our residents, and we hope that you will take all the necessary steps that only you can for them as well.”
To view the full letter to HHS Secretary Azar and CMS Administrator Verma, click the link below:
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by orionontv | Apr 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
USDA Recall,
Conagra Brands, Inc. Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-to-Eat Chicken Bowl Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2020/recall-007-2020-release
MDARD food inspectors should conduct recall audit checks during routine inspections or as directed.
Class I Recall
Health Risk: High
Apr 10, 2020
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2020 – Conagra Brands, Inc., a Russellville, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 130,763 pounds of not ready-to-eat chicken bowl products because the product may contain extraneous material, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The frozen, not-ready-to-eat chicken bowl items were produced on Jan. 23, 2020. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]
- 9.5-oz. cartons containing “Healthy Choice POWER BOWLS Chicken Feta & Farro” with lot code 5006002320, UPC code 072655001800 and a best by date of 10/19/2020 on the label.
- 9.5-oz. cartons containing “Healthy Choice POWER BOWLS Chicken Feta & Farro, BOILS ÈNERGIE Poulet feta et épeautre” with lot code 5006002320, UPC code 072655003026 and a best by date of 10/19/2020 on the label.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P115” printed on the packaging next to the lot code. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide and exported to Canada.
The problem was discovered when the firm received consumer complaints about rocks being in the products and the firm then notified FSIS of the issue.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms are notifying their customers of the recall and that actions are being taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
Consumers with questions about the recall or seeking a refund can contact Conagra Brands Consumer Care at 1-800-672-8240 or at [email protected]. Member of the media with questions about the recall can contact Daniel Hare, Conagra Brands Senior Director of Communication, at (312) 549-5355.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to [email protected]. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
by orionontv | Apr 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
Updated – Oakland County further analyzes COVID-19 cases by race
Oakland County Executive David Coulter is launching efforts to gather more data that allows public health officials to fully analyze the county’s COVID-19 data on the basis of race and ethnicity. The county currently has information about the race of close to 52% (4/9/20 12:30 p.m.) of Oakland County residents who have tested positive from novel coronavirus.
“It is vital to have racial data during this pandemic to help understand the breadth of COVID-19 and which communities it is impacting, especially since we know health disparities by race are well established,” said Coulter. “Because racial data is not always collected by labs or for other reasons, Oakland County Health Division is taking proactive steps to revisit each case lacking racial data to build a more complete picture.”
“I applaud Oakland County for recognizing the need to evaluate demographic data related to the spread of COVID-19,” said Representative Brenda Lawrence (MI-14). “To get a better understanding of the disproportionate impact on communities of color, we must have the ability to analyze data to implement recommendations to the unique challenges of impacted populations”
Residents can view the percentage of cases by race on the county’s coronavirus website, OakGov.com/COVID. Close to half of positive cases in Oakland County are missing racial or ethnic information. Recent expansion of the county’s case investigation team and changes to the case investigation process will proactively gather race and ethnicity information for past and future cases.
“In Oakland County, African Americans comprise 13.7% of Oakland County residents, but at this point represent 24.4% of our COVID-19 infections,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. “We expect to see a continuation of racial disparities in our cases as more data is gathered.”
“While this information helps us paint a picture, I stress that any of us is at risk of getting COVID-19. All of us must take the maximum precautions. Follow the governor’s orders and take all recommended preventative actions,” Coulter said.
Coulter encourages residents to follow public health protocols including Governor Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe and local health orders, frequent and thorough hand washing, and social distancing.
As of 1:00 p.m. today the total number of COVID-19 cases in Oakland County is 4,558 and 289 deaths.
For more information, go to Oakland County’s COVID-19 website at OakGov.com/COVID. Residents with questions about the disease should call the Heath Division’s Nurse on Call phone line at 1-800-848-5533. Residents with non-health calls should call 248-858-1000.
by Becky Andrus | Apr 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
Prevention and Recovery Support in Oakland County
Auburn Hills, MI – April 10, 2020
With Governor Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order and closure of Michigan businesses, community events and school buildings, The Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities (Alliance) has adapted quickly to provide online prevention and recovery support for all community members including our youth and persons in need of Narcan. See below for more information.
If you haven’t already done so, please connect with us through social media as we are constantly posting updates, wellness tips, events and resources. Also, our trainings are listed on our website calendar. Updates are constant. A new page on our website just launched with our online offerings.
Need a reason to get outside? Join us for our virtual 5k! More info here.
RECOVERY SUPPORT
Shatter the Stigma Family & Recovery Support Meetings:
FREE ONLINE NARCAN TRAININGS
Save A Life FREE Narcan Trainings are online now every Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon starting Thursday, April 9.
RESOLVE
Components of RESOLVE will be shared during the Monday night Recovery support group listed above.
We do offer a full virtual RESOLVE program for adults and youth!
To participate in a dedicated online full experience, we are utilizing Google Classroom. Contact Angela Bogota for more information.
PREVENTION FOCUSED TRAININGS
Drawing on components from our Keep Them Safe, Keep Them Healthy program (KTSKTH), online meetings/trainings on Underage Drinking, Prescription Drug Misuse, Vaping/ENDS & Youth Marijuana Use presentations are available.
We will share and educate through Zoom meetings and webinars for all prevention programs. Contact us to schedule substance specific online trainings/presentations for your school, coalition and/or youth group.
YOUTH STRESS/ANXIETY REDUCTION
RENEWED: Learning to use mindfulness as a tool for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other difficult feelings.
If you have a more direct need for your own community connections, please contact the people responsible for those programs as listed below. We are happy to adapt to the needs of the school or community group.
Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, founded in 2004, is a 21 coalition prevention partnership based in Oakland County and predominantly funded by Oakland Community Health Network. The Alliance also provides five Shatter the Stigma Support Groups throughout Oakland County and free Narcan trainings. Through substance abuse prevention, mental and physical wellness, and recovery support programs, the Alliance connects, strengthens, and mobilizes strategic partners to promote healthier communities. www.achcmi.org
by Becky Andrus | Apr 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
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– DNR News –
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| The following release, without photos, was issued earlier today by Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center. The photos were added for DNR distribution. |
Apr. 10, 2020
Contact: Tobi Voigt, 517-898-6067
 LANSING, MICH. The Michigan History Center today announced a new collecting initiative that gives residents the opportunity to share stories that reflect their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, for the benefit of future generations. The COVID-19 pandemic is a critical moment in history, and the Michigan History Center is committed to documenting – through objects, archival materials, stories and experiences from diverse Michiganders – how the coronavirus is affecting Michigan residents in the workplace, at home, in communities and in many other settings.
The first phase of the three-phase collecting initiative is active right now. It offers a web-based platform for people to share and donate photos, videos and audio files that document their daily lives during this emergency – all of which will be considered for preservation in the Archives of Michigan’s collections. The following questions can provide a starting point in choosing what to share:
- How are you communicating with family, friends and colleagues?
- Have certain places become more important to you?
- What is something that has brought you unexpected joy?
- What steps have you taken to protect your health and the health of others?
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 “Archives and museums preserve and share the real stuff of the past, but we also have an obligation to collect and preserve the documents, images and objects that will help future residents understand our present,” said Sandra Clark, Michigan History Center director.
“There is no question that the coronavirus emergency that is so deeply affecting all our lives is a significant history-making time. That’s why the Michigan History Center is launching this collecting project now,” Clark said. “We hope, too, that the shared experiences will strengthen our state’s sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.” |
Phase 2: 3D objects
The second phase is collecting three-dimensional objects and documents related to the coronavirus emergency for the Michigan History Museum system’s collections. In keeping with the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, this phase will begin with a call to the public to help identify items and move to physically gathering them once it is safe to do so.
Phase 3: Interviews and stories
The third phase involves long-term collecting of stories, through oral history and StoryCorps interviews, memoirs and other materials that are created during the reflection period after an immediate crisis. These materials will be preserved in both the museum and archival collections.
Michigan residents can learn more about the initiative at Michigan.gov/MHCStories.
The Michigan History Center, part of the Department of Natural Resources, fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan’s stories. Its 12 museums and historic sites and the Archives of Michigan provide opportunities for Michiganders to actively learn about and research their heritage and the history of Michigan through exhibits, special events, online resources and diverse programming. We base these experiences on Michigan’s museum and archival collections, which document the history of the state and its diverse peoples. We actively collect around Michigan’s continuing stories.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Family: State archivist Mark Harvey submitted this photo of (from left to right) his daughter Ana, wife Annie and daughter Ava wearing face masks they made.
Face masks: Tobi Voigt, Michigan History Center engagement director, sews face masks for a Lansing area informal network of sewers that distributes masks to hospitals, law enforcement, nursing homes, and other organizations and individuals working on the front lines./ |
| DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. |
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