Residents Urged to Protect Against Mosquito Bites

Residents Urged to Protect Against Mosquito Bites

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Health and Wellness

Residents Urged to Protect Against Mosquito Bites Throughout the Fall

Post Date:10/03/2024 12:18 PM

Parent spraying mosquito repellant on childPontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Health Division reminds residents to prevent mosquito-borne illness by avoiding mosquito bites while they work or recreate outside during the fall. Mosquitoes remain active until the first hard frost of the year.

“Keep protecting yourself against mosquitoes as we transition into fall,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Oakland County’s director of Health & Human Services. “As you enjoy outdoor fall festivities like football games and cider mills, take steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

Most people who are infected with mosquito-borne diseases have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache and body aches. However, in some individuals, a more serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop.

 Follow these prevention tips: 

  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent.
    • All EPA registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.
    • Always follow the product label instructions.
    • Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home.
    • Turn over any container that can collect water. Once a week, empty  items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots and trash containers.
    • Clean clogged roof gutters, especially if leaves tend to plug the drains.
    • Treat standing water – such as retention ponds or drainage ditches – with a mosquito larvicide. It is easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Make sure there are no holes in window and door screens. Do not prop open doors.

West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes are infected with the virus by biting infected animals, such as birds or deer. The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. With West Nile Virus, people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms if they become ill from the virus.

More information about mosquito-borne diseases can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. Nurse on Call is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X.

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County public information officer, at 248-202-9668.

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Proposal for Juvenile Justice Facility Improvements 

Proposal for Juvenile Justice Facility Improvements 

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 10, 2024

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

MDHHS issues Request for Proposal for
Juvenile Justice Facility Infrastructure Improvements 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Juvenile Justice has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to improve infrastructure of juvenile justice facilities. The $2 million in funding was included in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s FY2025 budget.

“The Juvenile Justice Facility Infrastructure program is part of a continuing effort to improve juvenile justice facilities across the state,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “This investment will fund projects and activities at private and locally operated juvenile justice facilities to assist with infrastructure improvements and ensure available beds continue to be on hand.”

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, private and public entities, and federally recognized tribes or a group of federally recognized Michigan tribes, that operate a juvenile justice facility or facilities.

The grant period is from Jan. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2025. The total amount available is $2 million, with awards ranging from $200,000 to $2 million.

Grant applications for the Juvenile Justice Facility Infrastructure program RFP must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7.

A pre-application conference will be held to provide instruction on using the EGrAMS system at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct 14, and will last approximately 90 minutes. The webinar can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3ZRaV4O.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Children’s Services Agency” link and selecting the “JJFI-2025” grant program.
$1.2 million in Children Trust grants to help prevent child abuse   

$1.2 million in Children Trust grants to help prevent child abuse   

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 10, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: E. Stover, 517-285-6270, [email protected] 

MDHHS announces more than $1.2 million in Children Trust Michigan grants to help prevent child abuse 

Organizations in Kalamazoo, Oakland, Van Buren and Wayne counties receive funding

LANSING, Mich. –The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the Children Trust Michigan’s Board of Directors approval of $1.28 million for four Michigan community-based organizations to support child abuse prevention programs and services.

The grants will be funded over a four‐year period. Winning grant proposals were selected through a competitive bid process. Strong emphasis was placed on assuring funded initiatives are appropriately integrated into broader community plans for serving children and families.

“MDHHS is fully committed to keeping Michigan kids safe,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Children Trust Michigan provides critical funding to community-based organizations across Michigan that prevent child abuse and neglect. Their prevention efforts are a key part of MDHHS’s Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda.”

Children Trust Michigan (CTM) is a nonprofit housed within MDHHS. CTM partners with MDHHS on a variety of initiatives and projects implemented by CTM.

“It is always exciting to award critical funds for the prevention of child abuse and neglect,” said Suzanne Greenberg, CTM executive director. “Our prevention team will work closely with our new grantees to build protective factors for children and families that will make safe, healthy and happy childhoods possible for Michigan’s children.”

The four organizations receiving funding are:

  • The Children’s Center, Wayne County, $320,000 for expansion of the Family Resource Center to help families meet their basic needs and Parent Cafés.
  • Centro Multicultural La Familia Inc., Oakland County, $320,000 for their Opening Doors Program and Parent Cafés.
  • Van Buren Intermediate School District, Van Buren County, $320,000 for Parents as Teachers Home Visiting Program.
  • YMCA of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, $320,000 for Crisis Nursery, Respite Care for Parenting Persons.

With the newly funded initiatives, combined with other multi‐year grant commitments and the statewide network of local councils, CTM distributed more than $2.6 million in FY24 in support of child abuse prevention programming across the 83 counties in Michigan.

Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda

The Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, announced in 2023, includes more than 20 protocols and policies to improve the safety and well-being of Michigan children. Developed over the course of more than four years, the agenda relies on best practices in child welfare and commits the department to the nation’s highest standards. The action agenda highlights the steps MDHHS has taken and will continue to take that can be separated into five categories – prevention, intervention, stability, wellness and workforce.

To learn more about Children Trust Michigan, its efforts to end child abuse and where its programs and services visit ChildrenTrustMichigan.org.

About Children Trust Michigan

Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1982, Children Trust Michigan is the state’s only statewide nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Children Trust Michigan serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.
Whitmer Signs Bills to Support Michigan Students and Schools

Whitmer Signs Bills to Support Michigan Students and Schools

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

October 10, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills to Support Michigan Students and Schools, Investing in Literacy Education, School Safety and Mental Health Programs, and More

These commonsense, bipartisan bills bolster Governor Whitmer’s commitment to Michigan’s students, schools, and educators by building on the historic investments made in the FY25 Budget.

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed three bills that build on the most recent budget’s historic investments in Michigan’s students, schools, and teachers. These bills will put money back in the pockets of Michiganders, grant greater financial flexibility to our schools, and ensure all students get the support they need in the classroom, making Michigan a state where anyone can live, work, and invest.

 

“These commonsense, bipartisan bills will help us build a brighter future for Michigan by making key investments in our schools, students, and teachers,” said Governor Whitmer. “From investing $125 million more in our students and schools to implementing proven science of reading strategies that will improve literacy, I’m committed to making a real difference in people’s lives. That’s why I’m proud to sign these three bills into law, giving our schools, students, and teachers the flexibility they need.”

 

House Bill 5503, sponsored by state Representative Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), adds $125 million in School Aid Fund money for Fiscal Year 2025, supporting per-pupil school safety and mental health in school districts across the state. The bill also secures one million dollars to support a tip line for students to anonymously report improperly stored firearms that were accessible to a minor. By investing in school safety, this commonsense legislation will keep our kids safer and make our communities stronger.

 

“As a teacher-turned-legislator, I understand firsthand how important it is to make the necessary investments to ensure our schools have the resources they need for success. Michigan Democrats are taking the lead in transforming our schools statewide,” said state Representative Regina Weiss, chair of House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Education. “This substantial investment will strengthen our schools and allow them to focus on meeting the unique needs of their students and communities. Strong schools support healthy kids, and Michigan Democrats will always put our kids first.”

 

Senate Bills 567 and 568, sponsored by state Senators Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Danya Polehanki (D-Livonia), implements proven “Science of Reading” strategies in public schools’ curricula to increase literacy for Michigan’s students. The bill also ensures all Michigan schools test for and support students with dyslexia. This commonsense piece of legislation ensures Michigan students get the help they need to succeed in schools and takes the burden of expensive testing and tutoring off of parents, expanding access to education and putting money back in Michiganders’ pockets. By supporting students from an early age, Michigan will continue to be a state where folks want to raise their families.

 

“These bills improve literacy by weaving the science of reading into our assessments, our teaching methods, and through teacher training,” said state Senator Jeff Irwin. “By focusing on the foundational skills of literacy and emphasizing decoding skills in early grades, we can help thousands of students with characteristics of dyslexia from falling through the cracks.”

 

“Far too many Michigan students struggling with dyslexia have gone under the radar for far too long — and these students deserve so much better,” said state Senator Dayna Polehanki. “I’m thrilled that our bipartisan legislation to implement dyslexia screening and intervention in our schools has finally been signed into law. As a former educator, I know that this is a commonsense solution that will eliminate barriers to literacy and position our youth for successful futures.”

 

 

Gov. Whitmer at bill signing event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gov. Whitmer at bill signing event

 

 

 

 

 
MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity for Rural Areas

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity for Rural Areas

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: October 10, 2024
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724
Program contact: Tracey Barnes, 517-388-4540

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity for Rural Areas

Proposals due by 5 p.m. (EST) on December 5, 2024

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring today announced the department is offering a competitive grant program to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure benefiting rural communities in Michigan.

“Our rural communities are a fundamental part of Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to providing the support and resources to help increase resiliency and success in those communities,” said Boring. “The Rural Development Grant prioritizes sustainability for land-based industries and provides the crucial infrastructure needed for our rural areas to grow and thrive for years to come.”

The Rural Development Fund grants are available for projects addressing expansion and sustainability of land-based industries; worker training related to land-based industries; and energy, transportation, housing, communications, water, and wastewater infrastructure to benefit rural communities and micropolitan statistical areas.

Land-based industries include food and agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas production, and tourism. Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. For a complete list of eligible counties, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.

The total amount of funding available during this grant cycle is $2 million. The maximum limit that can be requested for a project grant $100,000 with all proposals requiring a minimum 30 percent cash match of the grant amount being requested. Applicants for grant funds must describe how the project will impact and produce measurable outcomes for rural communities around land-based industries. The proposals will be evaluated through a competitive process.

Those interested in applying for the grant program should visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants to view the program details. All applications must be submitted through the MiAgGrants system. All applicants are required to submit three letters of support.

MDARD will host an informational webinar on this grant opportunity on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. (EST). More information on the webinar is located on the website.

Any additional communications concerning this Request for Proposal should be sent to [email protected]. Proposals must be received online through the MiAgGrants system no later than 5 p.m. (EST) on December 5, 2024.  Proposals received after 5 p.m. (EST) will not be considered.

The Rural Development Fund grants are funded by the Nonferrous Metallic Minerals Extraction Severance Tax. The Rural Development Fund was created under PA 411 of 2012. Revenue from the severance tax is in accordance with PA 410 of 2012.

For more information on the MDARD Grants Program and how we can help you, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants or email us at [email protected].