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| The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR. |
Dear FISH supporters,
We are pleased to send you the attached copy of our Winter 2022 Issue of FISHline, along with our sincere thanks for your continued support. As our lead article reports, numbers alone don’t tell the story of what your support is making possible. Three of our FISH volunteers who helped at the pantry recently shared their experiences.
Also, please note that ONTV’s 12th Annual Food Drive will be held virtually on Feb. 7-11. The drive rallies wonderful community support in the middle of winter to help keep our pantry shelves full for client shoppers. You can get details at orionontv.org.
Thank you on behalf of many of our community’s most needy individuals and families. You are helping to make a difference in their lives.
Gratefully,
Oxford/Orion FISH Board of Directors
FISH Newsletter: http://oxfordorionfish.org/FISHline_Fall2021.pdf
Media contact:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AG Nessel’s Elder Abuse Task Force Releases Jan. 2022 NewsletterLANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released the Elder Abuse Task Force’s latest newsletter this morning, which highlights the important work that continues to protect our elderly. The three-page update is now available on the Department of Attorney General’s website. “The continued work of the Elder Abuse Task Force is bettering the lives of seniors across the state,” Nessel said. “I’m proud of what this group has accomplished thus far and know their steadfast focus will lead to additional protections for our most vulnerable.” Michigan’s Elder Abuse Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sections – all working together to combat elder abuse. Since the last newsletter was issued in July, the group has focused on accomplishing the Task Force’s Second Set of Initiatives. The Financial Exploitation Prevention Act (FEPA) took effect Sept. 26. Its passage last year was part of the Task Force’s First Set of Initiatives, while providing comprehensive The Act requires financial institutions to report Groups interested in attending a FEPA presentation are asked to email [email protected] with the following information:
If the group is below 50 attendees, the Department of Attorney General asks, to preserve time and resources, that the interested group allow another group to join their event upon request. Eligible groups include but are not limited to elder abuse coalitions, area agencies on aging, law enforcement, and financial institution professionals. The latest newsletter also provides an update on a bipartisan package of bills introduced in June. The legislation would implement fundamental reforms impacting guardians and conservators-individuals appointed by probate courts to act in the best interests of vulnerable individuals. It is now up to the legislature to move the bills forward. A recent criminal case of interest is People v. Haynes, decided August 12, 2021 (docket no. 350125). Gary Haynes’ conviction came after he stole over $300,000 from a widow in her 90’s while serving as her financial advisor. One of Haynes’ arguments on appeal was that there was insufficient evidence that the victim was a vulnerable adult, arguing, in part, because she was mentally capable of handling her own affairs. In affirming the defendant’s conviction, the Court of Appeals found that there was strong evidence by which a jury could find, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the victim was a vulnerable adult because she walked with a cane, needed help buying groceries, getting to appointments, doing chores around the house, and needed help paying her bills online because she was not familiar with computers. The case signifies why it is critical to continue to provide training to police and prosecutors on how to investigate and prosecute those who financially exploit vulnerable adults. More information is available on the Task Force’s webpage. Those interested in updates are welcome to subscribe to receive the newsletter. |
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 12, 2022 CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected] Michigan Opioids Task Force announces RFP for racial equity consultant to lead new Racial Equity Workgroup LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Opioids Task Force is requesting proposals for a racial equity consultant to guide the development of a Racial Equity Workgroup to target disparities in overdose fatalities among Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). In 2020, the economic and social disruption of the COVID-19 global pandemic exacerbated the already deadly drug overdose epidemic and brought to the forefront the deadly impact of health disparities on BIPOC communities. Provisional 2020 data illustrates increases in overdose fatalities among African American and Hispanic/Latinx populations. The age-adjusted opioid overdose death rate for Black residents, increased from 29.1 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2019 to 37.5 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2020. The age-adjusted opioid overdose death rate for Hispanic residents, increased from 15 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2019 to 22.3 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2020. Overdose deaths among Hispanic residents increased by 52% in 2020, from 91 in 2019 to 138. In response, the Michigan Opioids Task Force will establish a statewide Racial Equity Workgroup committed to evidence-based initiatives to combat growing racial disparities in overdose deaths. The racial equity consultant will support the development of a statewide Racial Equity Strategic Plan for reducing overdose disparities. Qualified applicants must have two years of experience as a racial equity consultant and/or experience facilitating community conversations about race and equity. “The Michigan Opioids Task Force was created to quickly respond to growing disparities in our state,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “These deaths are tragic, and we want to encourage anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek help. I am proud that our organization is taking swift action to prevent overdose deaths – especially in minority groups who are experiencing higher death rates.” Overarching goals of the workgroup will include:
The Michigan Opioid Task Force is partnering with Vital Strategies, a global health nonprofit, will support the work of the Racial Equity Workgroup. Vital Strategies’ work on this initiative is part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies investment in overdose prevention in Michigan announced in March 2019. Interested applicants can view the Request for Proposal and proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 7. The anticipated start date of the project is March 1. For more information and resources, visit Michigan.gov/Opioids. |
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 11, 2022 CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@ MDHHS awarded federal grant to address mental health needs LANSING, Mich. – Heavy flooding last July in the metro Detroit area not only damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure, it also took an emotional toll on residents, many of whom were already struggling with pandemic-related challenges. Now, federal grant funding awarded to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and its Detroit-area partners will help provide support to Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County residents who were emotionally affected by the flood disaster. The $3.7 million Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will be used to create the Tri-County Strong program. Local mental health provider groups coordinating with behavioral health personnel from the state, Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, Oakland Community Health Network and Macomb County Community Mental Health will seek out flood survivors and offer crisis counseling services and supports. “After a flood disaster, government assistance to rebuild your home or business is often not enough. Survivors also need emotional support to rebuild their lives and keep moving forward,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS prioritizes meeting the behavioral health needs of Michiganders. We are grateful to FEMA and SAMHSA for recognizing this need in our largest metropolitan area.” Allen Jansen, senior deputy director of the MDHHS Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration, said Tri-County Strong will reach out to flood-impacted neighborhoods and intervene to build community resilience. “The intent is to help community members cope with normal reactions to this disaster, and prevent or minimize any post-disaster needs for more intense clinical behavioral health services,” Jansen said. Grant funding will run through early October 2022. “This past year our region has struggled with natural disaster and the psychosocial toll and devastation that was left behind, in addition to the pandemic, which has contributed to stress and fears,” said Eric Doeh, president and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. “In spite of it all, we are dedicated to improving the lives of flood survivors and we’re proud to be part of these efforts.” While local community mental health agencies will be reaching out, people affected by the flooding who want immediate behavioral health assistance should contact their county agency:
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Applications are now being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for 2022 spring, summer and fall and winter 2022-2023 residencies.