Whitmer Tours EMU Vaccination Clinic 

Whitmer Tours EMU Vaccination Clinic 

by | Apr 13, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

PHOTOS: Gov. Whitmer Tours Eastern Michigan University Vaccination Clinic

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer toured the vaccination clinic at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). She was joined by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Washtenaw County Health Department Officer Jimena Loveluck, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbors President Alonzo Lewis, and Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church Pastor Larry Davis.

 

“In Michigan, we’re working around the clock to expand access to the three safe, effective vaccines, so we can bring down our COVID-19 numbers and save lives,” said Governor Whitmer. “We need more vaccine doses so that we can get back to normal as soon as possible, and the way forward is to continue ramping up our vaccine access and double down on our efforts to mask up, socially distance, and wash our hands. Let’s beat COVID-19 together.”

 

To date, Michigan has administered 5,132,443 vaccines, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible. As part of these efforts, Michigan is working to administer 100,000 shots per day, partnering with organizations like the Eastern Michigan University to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine. The EMU vaccination clinic has been open since December to provide vaccines to healthcare workers and has the capacity to administer up to 1,000 vaccines per day.

 

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Whitmer announces federal funding priorities

Whitmer announces federal funding priorities

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 12, 2021

CONTACT: [email protected]

Kurt Weiss, [email protected]

                                                                                          

Gov. Whitmer announces federal funding priorities to transform state by promoting job growth and supporting small business 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today her funding priorities as the state readies for more than $18 billion in federal funding available through the American Rescue Plan Act. State government is expected to receive $5.7 billion in additional federal funding, in addition to $4.4 billion directed to local governments and $3.9 billion to K-12 schools. Many Michiganders have already received stimulus checks from the federal government through the Act.

 

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest billions in Michigan’s families, communities, schools, and small businesses,“ said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The American Rescue Plan will help us build back better, preparing our state for the future while creating thousands of jobs and uplifting working families. I look forward to working with the legislature to put these dollars to work in a strategic way that builds on our shared priorities. Let’s get it done.“

 

“Michiganders expect and deserve state leaders to work together to ensure the spending of the federal funds is done in a way that transforms Michigan into a better place and helps our residents and businesses,“ said State Budget Director David Massaron. “Michigan will be placed at a competitive disadvantage compared to other states if we do not get this right. This type of funding opportunity is rare, and these dollars must be invested wisely to contribute to sustainable and shared prosperity.“

 

Several key priority areas for investment that have sustainable and long-term benefits include job creation, infrastructure, access to health care, and children and their education, which could involve:

 

  • Grant programs for small businesses to keep our main streets vibrant and our communities resilient, support for Michigan’s community development financial institutions (CDFI) to compliment the traditional lenders supporting businesses through Paycheck Protection Program loans, and creation of a small business accelerator to provide startup capital and support for entrepreneurs.
  • Business attraction efforts to invest in future technologies, mobility, and advanced vehicle technology research & development is also important. Investing in workforce opportunity and talent retention will also help transorm the state.
  • Addressing the long-term neglect of our infrastructure to help provide all Michiganders access to clean drinking water, broadband, public green space, climate resilient dams and local infrastructure, and a clean environment.
  • Using lessons learned this past year to fuel investment in improved public health capacity, expanded access to behavioral health supports, additional services to the aging and expanded options to age in place, and redesigned and integrated access to state benefits.
  • Making long-term investments in our children and the next generation, including expanding access to preschool and childcare, addressing pandemic learning loss, creating out of school learning opportunities, providing wraparound supports for mental health and social-emotional wellbeing, creating safe learning environments, and providing incentives to improve teacher recruitment and retention efforts.

 

In a letter sent to the Governor and legislative leaders, the business community has encouraged a thoughtful approach in the allocation of federal funding that produces long-term strategic investments. Groups signing the letter included Business Leaders for Michigan, the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Grand Rapids Chamber, the Lansing Regional Chamber, the Michigan Manufacturers Association and the Small Business Association of Michigan. Support has also been provided by the Council of Michigan Foundations.

 

MDHHS Vaccination Partnership with Universities

MDHHS Vaccination Partnership with Universities

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS Launches Vaccination Partnership with Universities and Colleges, Expands Mobile Vaccination Sites with Community Partners in Neighborhoods
MDHHS leverages mobile network to increase vaccination of vulnerable populations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2021
Contact: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. With all Michiganders eligible to receive one of the three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is continuing its efforts to equitability distribute and increase vaccine accessibility. This now includes vaccine allocation to universities and colleges and expanded mobile sites in communities across the state.

“Vaccinations are the best tool we have to fight COVID-19 and end this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We are committed to making vaccine accessibility simple and equitable, which is why we are mobilizing efforts to bring vaccines to college students, and to those who are most vulnerable or do not have access to transportation. These efforts will help us reach our goal of vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders age 16 and up as quickly as possible.”

The effort to increase university allocations is intended to vaccinate students before they return home for the summer. Nearly 16,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses are being shipped to local health departments associated with participating colleges and universities across the state.

“Vaccinating this group of the population right now makes a lot of sense as thousands of college and university students near the end of their academic year and are preparing to travel back home, start new jobs, take summer vacations, and interact with their family and friends,” said Northern Michigan University president Fritz Erickson. “We appreciate this initiative by the state to keep college students safe. This effort will protect not only the age group that is now seeing a higher rate of infection than before, but it protects communities and families across the state from spread of the virus due to the mass movement of college students that takes place over the next few weeks.”

Twenty-six colleges and universities are participating in the vaccination effort including:

  • Andrews University
  • Albion College
  • Central Michigan University
  • College for Creative Studies
  • University of Michigan-Detroit
  • Ferris State University
  • University of Michigan-Flint
  • Michigan State University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Kalamazoo College
  • Davenport University
  • Calvin University
  • Cornerstone University
  • Adrian College
  • Northern Michigan University
  • Alma College
  • Oakland University
  • Lawrence Technological University
  • Rochester University
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Saginaw Valley State University
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Concordia University Ann Arbor
  • University of Michigan
  • Wayne State University
  • Finlandia University

“Protecting the health and safety of our campus community has always been critical to our student experience, but never more so than during this pandemic,” Central Michigan University president Bob Davis said. “By data-driven planning and development of measures to keep our community safe, we’ve been able to stay open and operational since returning to campus last June. And now, because of Governor Whitmer’s unwavering commitment to make vaccinations available to all Michiganders, we are positioned and prepared to offer mass vaccinations to all of our students. We are appreciative to the Governor and her staff for their efforts to keep our community and all of Michigan safe.”

Starting April 14, expansion of mobile clinics in Detroit and Hamtramck will offer vaccine outreach in areas of high social vulnerability index (SVI). Workers will go into communities and help community members register for Ford Field vaccinations or participate in that day’s mobile clinic. These mobile clinics will have the capacity to vaccinate up to 500 residents per day.

“Given the rise in cases and hospitalizations, now more than ever, it is important to bring the vaccine where people are, right in their neighborhood,” said Denise Fair, chief public health officer at the Detroit Health Department. “We will be offering even more opportunities to provide vaccines to our community. We are continuing to do everything we can to make it as accessible as possible for Detroiters to get vaccinated. If it means going to neighborhoods to make it even easier, that is what we will do.”

The goal of these efforts is to work with trusted community partners, like churches, to distribute factual information and administer vaccines. They will also help residents sign up for appointments and in some cases provide transportation to available vaccine clinics, including the location at Ford Field.

Mobile Clinic locations take place at the following locations:

April 14

  • Detroit Job Corps Center, 11801 Woodrow Wilson St., Detroit
  • Shrine of Black Madonna, 7625 Linwood St., Detroit

April 15

  • Historic King Solomon Church, 6100 14th, Detroit
  • Salvation Army Harbor Light, 3737 Lawton St., Detroit

April 16

  • Ernst T. Ford Field Rec. Center, 10 Pitkin St., Detroit
  • Wings of Love, 17133 John R St., Detroit

April 19

  • Historic Little Rock Baptist Church, 9000 Woodward, Detroit
  • Greater New Mt. Moriah, 586 Owen St., Detroit

April 20

  • YPAC/YALA, 2112 Holbrook St., Hamtramck
  • Kabob House, 11405 Contant St., Hamtramck

April 21

  • Russell Street Baptist Church, 8700 Chrysler Dr., Detroit
  • Hyacinth Church, 3151 Farnsworth St., Detroit (Tentative)

April 22

  • New Greater Zion Hill MBC, 18891 St. Louis St., Detroit
  • Perfecting Church, 7616 Nevada, Detroit

While the pandemic continues, there are still layers of protection that can continue to help mitigate the spread. Every Michigander has a responsibility to do their part by wearing a mask (even after getting the vaccine), washing hands, maintaining social distancing and getting the vaccine when it is available to you.

To find a vaccination site in Michigan, visit the Michigan.gov/Coronavirus website.

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

 

Adopt-A-Highway litter pickup in Michigan begins April 17

Adopt-A-Highway litter pickup in Michigan begins April 17

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Transportation

 

MDOT E-mail

MDOT on facebook MDOT on Twitter MDOT on YouTube Mi Drive - Know before you go. MDOT on Instagram Sign up for E-mails form MDOT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 

CONTACT: Dan Weingarten, MDOT Office of Communications, 906-250-4809
                      [email protected]

First Adopt-A-Highway litter pickup in Michigan
begins April 17

Fast facts:
– The first Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Adopt-A-Highway pickup of the year is April 17-25 for the southern half of the Lower Peninsula.
– Pickups for the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula will be from May 1 to May 9.
– Sections of highway are still available to adopt. Go to www.Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway for more information.
– MDOT requires all Adopt-A-Highway volunteers to wear a mask outdoors when they are unable to consistently maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household.

April 12, 2021 — Volunteers will fan out out across lower Michigan to give state highway roadsides their annual spring-cleaning beginning Saturday as groups in the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) program pick up litter from April 17 to 25.

The first AAH pickup for the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula will be later, from May 1 to 9, when spring has had more time to set in.

“Our thousands of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers deserve thanks for helping to save taxpayer dollars while keeping Michigan roadsides clean,” said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. “Their community spirit and pride make a huge difference. We ask all motorists to keep an eye out for these volunteers and drive cautiously during the pickup periods.”

Volunteers pick up litter three times each year. Statewide, there will be a summer pickup from July 17 to 25 and a fall pickup from Sept. 25 to Oct. 3.

The AAH program began in Michigan in 1990. Today, around 2,900 groups have adopted more than 6,000 miles of state highway. In a typical year, these volunteers collect 60,000 to 70,000 bags of trash annually, an estimated $5 million value for the state. Last year was anything but typical, though. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first pickup of 2020 was cancelled. While the summer and fall pickups went forward with COVID precautions in place, groups collected around 20,000 bags of trash. Organizers speculate the numbers were down because fewer groups were able to participate, not necessarily because there was less trash on the highways.

AAH groups wear high-visibility, yellow-green safety vests required by federal regulations when working within a highway right of way. MDOT provides free vests and trash bags, and arranges to haul away the trash. Volunteers include members of various civic groups, businesses and families. Crew members have to be at least 12 years old, and each group must number at least three people. MDOT requires all AAH volunteers to wear a mask outdoors when they are unable to consistently maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household.

Sections of highway are still available for adoption. Groups are asked to adopt a section for at least two years. AAH signs bearing a group’s name are posted along the stretch of adopted highway. There is no fee to participate.

Several landfills in southwestern Michigan are also chipping in to help the AAH program. Westside Landfill in St. Joseph County, C&C Landfill in Calhoun County, Orchard Hill Landfill in Berrien County, Southeast Berrien County Landfill near Niles, and Republic Services Gembrit Circle Transfer Station in Kalamazoo have all agreed to accept trash generated by the three annual AAH pickups at no charge. In exchange, these businesses receive a sign recognizing their support.

For more information, go to www.Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway.
Expanded Medicaid helps residents afford coverage

Expanded Medicaid helps residents afford coverage

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 12, 2021

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton [email protected]

                                                                                          

Gov. Whitmer announces Healthy Michigan Plan top 900,000 enrollees

 

Expanded Medicaid program helps residents afford coverage

 

LANSING, Mich. – The Healthy Michigan Plan is now providing health care coverage to more than 900,000 residents for the first time, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today.

 

There are now 900,100 people enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan, the state’s expanded Medicaid program. Gov. Whitmer and (MDHHS) have strongly supported the Healthy Michigan Plan. When she was State Senate Democratic leader, Whitmer helped pass the bipartisan legislation that created the Healthy Michigan Plan, which was enacted in April 2014.

 

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and finances of so many Michigan families underscores the importance of the Healthy Michigan Plan for its 900,000 enrollees,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Providing affordable health care coverage to all Michiganders is critical. I am proud of the Healthy Michigan Plan – one that I helped create during my time as Senate Democratic Leader by collaborating with a Republican governor and legislature.”

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries jumped from just under 682,000 in late March 2020 to more than 900,000 now. Michigan instituted policies to help families access affordable health care coverage such as deciding to avoid terminating Healthy Michigan Plan coverage and freeze premiums for as long as the COVID-19 public health emergency exists. The state qualified for additional Medicaid funding from the federal government through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

 

MDHHS has also worked to streamline the application process over the past few years to ensure people eligible to receive benefits are able to access them without unnecessary burdensome requirements.

 

“The Healthy Michigan Plan is a perfect example of how we can work together with a bipartisan spirit to enact laws that make a positive difference in the lives of Michigan residents,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. ““Our residents have increased access to health care as a direct result of the Healthy Michigan Plan, which allows them to be healthy, successful and productive.”

 

Healthy Michigan Plan coverage is available to Michiganders ages 19-64 years old who have an income at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level – or $16,971 annually for a single person – and meet other eligibility requirements, such as not qualifying for other Medicaid programs. Expanded Medicaid plans are allowed under the federal Affordable Care Act if states decide to implement them.

 

Apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling the Michigan HealthCare Helpline at 855-789-5610. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/HealthyMiPlan.