state’s first environmental justice conference May 18-20

state’s first environmental justice conference May 18-20

by | May 10, 2021 | Environmental
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2021
Jill A. Greenberg, EGLE spokesperson, [email protected], 517-897-4965
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

White House, EPA leaders to join Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist for state’s first environmental justice conference May 18-20

Event to focus on rebuilding trust, reimagining justice and removing barriers

White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan will address a new federal focus on environmental justice and the connection to state efforts during the inaugural Michigan Environmental Justice Conference, set for May 18-20.

The three-day virtual conference will feature environmental justice experts, advocates, and business leaders, as well as government officials. It is free to attend, but registration is required.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and EPA Administrator Regan will jointly launch the conference at the opening plenary.  Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist will serve as the second-day keynote speaker focusing on the intersection of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities work and environmental justice in Michigan. White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Mallory will serve as the keynote speaker at the closing plenary. Mallory leads the Biden administration’s White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council and the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council.

Local and national environmental justice advocates will also take part in the conference, including: Dr. Robert Bullard, known as the father of environmental justice, and U.S. EPA Senior Environmental Justice Advisor Charles Lee. Members of the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice (MAC EJ) will also take part.

According to Liesl Clark, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), this conference will play an important role in our work toward addressing environmental justice challenges.

“This conference is the latest step in our coordinated efforts led by the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate to move Michigan toward achieving environmental justice,” Clark said. “The governor prioritized environmental justice when she first took office in 2019. This hard work continues across state departments and in collaboration with our environmental justice advisory council and the Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team. I encourage those who want to play a role in ensuring that everyone has equitable access to join us for this three-day event.”

The conference’s theme is “Rebuilding Trust, Reimagining Justice and Removing Barriers.” It is hosted by the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate, the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice, the Michigan Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team and EGLE.

Nearly 1,000 people already have signed up to attend the event, designed to examine long-standing challenges facing environmental justice communities while addressing systemic inequities.

“Intentional dialogue will help us move forward in the quest for transformative change, meaningful engagement and the development of intersectional solutions as we work to address environmental injustices and ensure that no community in this state is adversely affected by our environmental laws and regulations,” said Regina Strong, Environmental Justice Public Advocate. “I am excited to see the interest in working across all levels of government and hand-in-hand with community to advance environmental justice. This conference offers a unique opportunity for us to examine ways to take action as we work to rebuild trust, reimagine justice and remove barriers.”

The Michigan Environmental Justice Conference will feature sessions on a wide range of topics including federal and state priorities, climate and equity, tribal perspectives, the future of infrastructure, and a community town hall.

For those interested in attending, register for the conference, and find more information including an event agenda.

The event is open to the public, including environmental justice advocates, community members, government representatives, academia, change agents and the business sector.

The Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate was created by Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Order 2019-06 to serve as an external and internal advocate and catalyst for ensuring environmental justice throughout the state. The Office operates as a Type I agency within EGLE, with a direct line to the governor’s office to elevate concerns and coordinate across state government. The Office also works to address and resolve environmental justice concerns and complaints and advance environmental justice and equity in Michigan.
MDHHS updates testing requirements

MDHHS updates testing requirements

by | May 10, 2021 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS updates testing requirements for long-term care facilities
Routine testing no longer required for fully vaccinated staff members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2021
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has revised its epidemic order for COVID-19 testing in long-term care facilities across the state to reflect current guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Under changes to the COVID-19 testing order for skilled nursing facilities, homes for the aged and adult foster care facilities licensed to care for 13 or more individuals, fully vaccinated staff no longer must be routinely tested. This order is effective immediately.

“Getting the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “The increases we are seeing in Michiganders receiving their vaccine, including among long-term care patients and staff, is allowing us make this change to testing requirements in these facilities.”

Testing continues to be required under the following circumstances:

  • Initial testing of all new or returning residents to a facility covered by this Order and newly hired staff when the individual is unvaccinated and has not been tested in the 72 hours prior to intake or start date.
  • Testing any resident or staff member with symptoms of COVID-19 or suspected exposure to COVID-19, regardless of that individual’s vaccination status.
  • Weekly testing of all residents and staff in facilities experiencing an outbreak (any facility-acquired positive cases among residents or staff) until 14 days after the last new positive case, regardless of vaccination.
  • Weekly testing of all unvaccinated staff.

 

More than 289,000 doses of vaccine have been administered to long-term care patients and staff. All facilities have first dose clinics completed with 98% completing second dose clinics. Third clinics to vaccinate anyone from the second clinic that needs their second dose have been completed at 99.5% of these facilities. Facilities are responsible for requesting, obtaining and maintaining a record of vaccination status for all residents and staff members.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.

Michigan selected for $15M Code.org pilot program

Michigan selected for $15M Code.org pilot program

by | May 10, 2021 | Regional News

1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 10, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Michigan selected for $15M Code.org pilot program expanding AP Computer Science offerings

Investment builds on innovative partnership between MiSTEM Network, Code.org, Grand Valley State University and College Board to expand STEM education, grow talent for high-demand careers

 

LANSING, MICH – Michigan, a national leader in STEM education for K-12 students, will expand Advanced Placement Computer Science (AP CS) opportunities thanks to a $15 million Code.org pilot program launching in seven states. The pilot focuses on expanding AP CS course offerings to more students and increasing diversity to ensure CS courses are available to all students.

 

“By investing in our students early on, we are taking another step toward cultivating a rewarding education and career pathway for our students, creating a strong talent pool for businesses, and putting Michigan on the path to economic success,” Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II said. “We are thankful for Code.org for choosing Michigan as one of the first states in the nation to launch this expansive, inclusive computer science opportunity. We encourage educators and students to explore the rewarding opportunities this new AP Computer Science offering brings.”

 

This investment will leverage best practices of inclusive teaching that considers the cultural perspectives, interests and experiences of Black, Latino, Native American and other underrepresented student groups. The goal of this new pilot program is to grow the number of participants and ultimately increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who will pursue careers in computer science or engineering. Michigan schools will have the opportunity to offer two college-level computer science courses to students with full curriculum materials and professional development support for teachers at no cost with the support of grant funds through the MiSTEM Network.

 

“Progress on solving our national need to give students access and opportunities to high-quality computer science courses depends on the dedication and leadership of local organizations like the MiSTEM network,” said Cameron Wilson, President of the Code.org Advocacy Coalition. “MiSTEM’s progress in expanding access to computer science over the last few years has made them a truly invaluable partner. They will continue to make a powerful difference in the lives of students who deserve the opportunity to learn a subject that’s transformational in their education, success and future.”

 

To date, this professional learning partnership has trained over 300 AP Computer Science teachers and launched over 300 new AP courses at no cost to Michigan schools. The results have been stunning – the number of students taking AP CS exams has increased more than 400% while maintaining the rate of students who earn college credit. During this time, more than 70% of Michigan students earned a score of 3 or higher on AP CSP Exams. This score qualifies those students to potentially earn college credit for their accomplishment.

 

The College Board has been awarding the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Awards since 2018 and 2/3 of the schools recognized from 2018 through 2020 in Michigan were a part of this partnership. Partnership schools have increased the number of African American and Latinx students taking the course and exam significantly.

 

“We applaud Michigan’s commitment to providing a more diverse set of students with computer science courses, which are fundamental for 21st century careers,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP Program at the College Board. “We’re eager to see how the state’s efforts continue to close the equity gap in computer science education.”

Cody High School in Detroit Public Schools Community District recently received the Advanced Placement Computer Science Female Diversity Award from the College Board for having at least 50% or higher female exam rates on the AP CS Principles exam.

“I’m so glad that we have quality curriculum to rely on so that our students have an opportunity to learn about coding and computer science,” Carrie Russell, teacher at Cody High School, Detroit Public Schools Community District, said. Code.org has provided a curriculum that is already College Board approved so our district was able to offer Computer Science Principles as an AP course. Through Code.org, I have received training, continuing professional development, and support to deliver instruction to my students that allow them to succeed or excel in computer science.”

 

To learn more about the workshops for school districts to take part in this pilot, visit www.mi-code.org.

 

To learn more about the MiSTEM Network, and how business or organization can connect with their Regional MiSTEM Network Director to support Computer Science in their local community, visit www.michigan.gov/MISTEM.

MDHHS launches Vacc to Normal Milestone Tracker

MDHHS launches Vacc to Normal Milestone Tracker

by | May 10, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

Updates total number of Michiganders vaccinated.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS launches Michigan Vacc to Normal Milestone Tracker

New tracker includes CDC data on Michiganders vaccinated in-state and in other states for the most complete vaccination rates; 54% of residents have received first dose

LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching the Vacc to Normal Milestone Tracker to complement the Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard. This Tracker includes vaccinations of Michiganders received both in-state and out-of-state, allowing the state to provide more comprehensive data on vaccination milestones as they are reached.

“The Vacc to Normal Milestone Tracker provides the most complete estimate of the number of Michigan residents ages 16 and older who have received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “The safe and effective vaccine is the most important tool we have to reduce the spread of COVID-19. By getting shots in their arms as soon as possible, Michiganders can protect themselves, their families and their communities and help end this pandemic as quickly as possible.”

To date, 4,393,499 Michiganders age 16 and older have received their first dose of he safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, 54% of the state’s residents.

The tracker uses vaccination counts from the CDC COVID Data Tracker to provide information on the number of Michiganders ages 16 and older who have received their first dose. CDC has access to administration data from providers who are not currently reporting to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), including federal entities, such as Veteran’s hospitals and Department of Defense Facilities, and out-of-state providers who administered vaccine to Michigan residents.

The Vacc to Normal Tracker also tracks the date when 55%, 60%, 65% and 70% of Michigan residents 16 years or older have received their first dose of vaccine and provides the date two weeks later when the next steps to normalcy will move forward.  The Vacc to Normal plan will use four vaccination-based milestones:

  • 55% of Michiganders (4,453,304 residents), plus two weeks  
    • Allows in-person work for all sectors of business.
  • 60% of Michiganders (4,858,150 residents), plus two weeks  
    • Increases indoor capacity at sports stadiums to 25%.
    • Increases indoor capacity at conference centers/banquet halls/funeral homes to 25%.
    • Increases capacity at exercise facilities and gyms to 50%.
    • Lifts the curfew on restaurants and bars.
  • 65% of Michiganders (5,262,996 residents), plus two weeks  
    • Lifts all indoor % capacity limits, requiring only social distancing between parties.
    • Further relaxes limits on residential social gatherings.
  • 70% of Michiganders (5,667,842 residents), plus two weeks  
    • Lifts the Gatherings and Face Masks Order such that MDHHS will no longer employ broad mitigation measures unless unanticipated circumstances arise, such as the spread of vaccine-resistant variants.

The Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard provides detailed information on doses administered and coverage, including detail on county, age group, race/ethnicity and provider type. The Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard provides detailed data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), collected from Michigan enrolled providers.

Doses administered to Michigan residents by most health care providers in other states are not sent to MCIR at this time. CDC is developing an interstate data transfer system for sharing data on COVID-19 vaccine doses between states for their residents. Michigan has signed a Data Sharing Agreement with CDC and is working with other states to put technological connections in place for sharing information until the CDC data transfer system is developed. Michigan has had data sharing agreements with Wisconsin and North Dakota for all immunizations since before the COVID-19 vaccination campaign began.

Michiganders who have been vaccinated in another state are urged to bring their vaccination card to their health care provider at their next appointment or to their local health department to have their immunization information updated in MCIR. Although MDHHS is now receiving CDC counts on first doses administered to Michigan residents, this data is aggregate and does not include information about county of residence, age, sex or other demographic information.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
Michigan Sustainability Conference: virtual event June 2-4

Michigan Sustainability Conference: virtual event June 2-4

by | May 6, 2021 | Environmental
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2021
Jill A. Greenberg, EGLE spokesperson, [email protected], 517-897-4965
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

Michigan Sustainability Conference fosters community collaboration

Registration open for virtual event set for June 2-4

The Michigan Sustainability Conference (MISCON), a one-of-a-kind event for transforming social and environmental sustainability, is planned June 2-4, 2021.

The virtual conference, hosted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), in partnership with Michigan Green Communities and Michigan Health and Hospital Association, will allow attendees to network with hundreds of business and community leaders to learn from, collaborate with, and together drive meaningful change.

“Whether it’s developing electric vehicles, innovating food waste reduction technologies or examining how clean energy options contribute to a sustainable economy, this conference illustrates how our collaborative efforts directly impact our environment and that of generations to come,” said Elizabeth M. Browne, director of the Materials Management Division at EGLE.

This year’s three-day program offers a multitude of sessions focusing on successful business case studies, community sustainability efforts, the linkage to public health, and funding opportunities. Strategically placed networking breaks using the Whova application allow attendees to directly interact with exhibitors, presenters, and other conference-goers.

Attendees will gain the tools they need to move from traditional procedures to best practices using science, technology, storytelling, and partnerships to meet the underlying demand for social and environmental sustainability. Session topics include carbon reduction, transportation, recycling electronic waste, landfill avoidance, and sustainable economic growth.

Those interested in attending MISCON as a participant or exhibitor are encouraged to view event information and register online. Continuing education and professional development hours are available.

Individuals needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation in this conference should contact Joel Roseberry at [email protected] or 517-599-9494 by May 7, 2021, to request language, mobility, visual, hearing, translation and/or other assistance.