DNR News Digest – Week of Nov. 11, 2024
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News Digest – Week of Nov. 11, 2024 |
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News Digest – Week of Nov. 11, 2024 |
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News Release |
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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 12, 2024 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected] Michigan’s overdose death rate declines nearly LANSING, Mich. – Overdose deaths in Michigan decreased by 5.7% in 2023, with 2,826 deaths provisionally recorded compared to 2,998 deaths in 2022, reported the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Additionally, MDHHS notes the overall overdose death rate has dropped from its peak of 31.1 deaths per 100,000 in 2021 to 28.2 in 2023. The decline marks progress in the ongoing fight against the opioid crisis in the state. Based on currently available data, the decline in Michigan from 2021 to 2023 is almost five times greater than the national decline seen in that same time frame. “Michigan is a leader in addressing opioid addiction and has been recognized for our harm reduction efforts by the National Governor’s Association,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We will continue investing in programs that further our efforts to save lives by decreasing substance use disorders, expanding treatment options and improving recovery success.” The decline in the overdose death rate can be credited in part to public health measures like the launch of Michigan’s Naloxone Direct Portal, which provides the opioid overdose reversal medication at no charge to community groups and helps boost distribution of naloxone in high-risk areas. The state has also increased access to fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, enabling individuals who use drugs to detect these dangerous substances and reduce their risk of accidental overdose. While this data is promising, the racial gaps continue. Based on 2023 provisional data, Black residents are 2.8 times and American Indian/Alaska Native residents are 2.2 times more likely to die of an overdose than white residents. “Public health officials, state agencies and community partners have been working tirelessly to reverse overdose trends,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “The harm-reduction tools we have implemented are saving lives, but we must ensure that their benefits are felt equally across all communities, particularly among those residents who are disproportionately affected.” The disparities in death rates reflect a broader systemic issue that is being addressed through targeted interventions in communities of color. MDHHS is taking a data-driven approach to ensure substance use disorder funding reaches communities with the highest need. “Limited access to care has been a key driver of racial disparities in Michigan communities, from the COVID pandemic to the opioid crisis,” said Tommy Stallworth, MDHHS senior advisor. “The state’s commitment to expanding funding for community-based and mobile health services is crucial. By including substance use disorder interventions and improving access to care in marginalized communities, the state is taking important steps toward addressing these disparities in a meaningful way.” As the state continues to combat the opioid crisis and substance use disorder (SUD), MDHHS and the Opioids Task Force prioritize implementing targeted strategies to address the unique needs of communities of color. This includes expanding access to life-saving resources, improving outreach and addressing social determinants of health that contribute to overdose risk. The state remains committed to reversing the harm caused by the overdose epidemic and will ensure that all communities, regardless of race, benefit from prevention efforts. Other recent key accomplishments and initiatives include: Workforce
Reimbursement
Community Investments
More information about programming and resources can be found on the SUD Resources website. Information about how the state’s Opioid Healing and Recovering Fund is being spent can be found on the opioids settlement website. |
Troy, Mich. – There is still time for technology innovators to register for the Defense Innovate and Integrate (Di2) Summit on Thursday, Nov. 14. This event aims to guide technology-driven businesses in navigating the $400 billion U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) market, offering insight into how the Armed Services and Homeland Security find, acquire and integrate new technologies.
The summit, which takes place at the Michigan State University Management Education Center in Troy, provides attendees with a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders, government officials and defense experts. All technology innovators in advanced manufacturing, defense, engineering, IT, mobility, robotics and R&D industries are welcome to attend.
“Oakland County is committed to opening doors for our technology businesses to explore new markets, and the Di2 Summit is an excellent opportunity for them to connect with the Department of Defense,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “This event will help our businesses understand how they can contribute to national security while driving economic growth right here at home.”
The program begins at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and concludes with a reception at 4:30 p.m. The event fee is $150 for Oakland County firms and $200 for non-Oakland County companies. Click here for the full schedule and to register. Contact [email protected] for more information.
This event is hosted by Oakland County Economic Development and the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, with additional support from the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute, ERDCWERX, and Oakland Thrive, which organizes the summit.
“Oakland Thrive is transforming communities throughout Oakland County by providing free, high-level consulting expertise to the small business owners in communities that would otherwise not have access to that kind of help,” said Oakland Thrive CEO Vicki Selva. “We are pleased to offer this opportunity to technology businesses throughout Oakland County and beyond.”
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 12, 2024 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected] Governor Whitmer, MDHHS and other state LANSING, Mich. – As part of a national movement to honor and show support for family caregivers, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November as Family Caregivers Month in Michigan. This effort raises awareness of the critical role family caregivers play in providing a broad range of assistance for older adults, service members, veterans, people with disabilities, and those with serious or chronic health conditions. “An estimated 1.7 million family caregivers in our state step up every day to ensure their loved ones can live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible regardless of age or disability status,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. “We are committed to supporting these caregivers not only this month, but every month.” “The Commission on Services to the Aging welcomes the Governor’s recognition of the important work done by family caregivers,” said Nancy Duncan, Commission on Services to the Aging Advocacy Committee chair. “Their care, love and dedication allow older adults to remain safely at home as they age.” Resources for family caregivers include support groups, toolkits and workshops through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, advocacy organizations and community-based services. A Michigan Care Kit is available from Caring Across Generations and additional resources are available through the Caregiver Action Network and AARP Resources for Caregivers and their Families. “Caregivers experience the impact of caring on their time, with implications for their health, family, work and personal and financial well-being,” said David LaLumia, 4AM executive director. “Caregivers deserve our gratitude and our support. This month, we are pleased to recognize their many contributions to some of our most vulnerable citizens.” “Family caregivers are the unsung heroes in our communities, providing essential care that enable loved ones to age with dignity at home,” said Paula D. Cunningham, AARP Michigan state director. “This month, and every month, we honor their dedication and recognize the invaluable support they offer to Michigan’s older adults and families.” According to the Caregiver Action Network, more than half of those providing care in the United States do not recognize themselves as caregivers. Caregiving can include day-to-day support as well as periodic tasks such as attending doctor’s appointments, maintaining and assisting with medications and helping manage finances. For more information on supporting caregivers, visit Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration (BPHASA). |