MDHHS encourages parents to practice safe sleep guidelines

MDHHS encourages parents to practice safe sleep guidelines

by | Oct 27, 2025 | Health and Wellness

 

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 24, 2025

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov  

MDHHS encourages parents to practice safe sleep
guidelines in honor of Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging parents to learn about and implement safe sleep practices for infants during Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, highlighting the life-saving steps families can take to help every baby sleep safely and grow up healthy.

Safe sleep refers to recommended practices that reduce the risk of sleep-related injuries or death in infants by providing a safe and secure sleep space for babies. On average, a sleep-related infant death occurs every two to three days in Michigan.

“Safe sleep isn’t just a routine, it’s a powerful tool to prevent infant deaths,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “With awareness and support, every parent and caregiver can feel confident and empowered to create a safe sleep environment for their baby. Every nap and every night should follow guidelines that protect babies and give parents peace of mind.”

If all sleep-related deaths were prevented, Michigan’s infant mortality rate for 2022 would have decreased by 23.1%, saving the lives of 150 babies. Many of these deaths are preventable with evidence-based safe sleep practices.

The ABCs of Safe Sleep: 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies sleep:

  • Alone.
  • Back (on their back, not their side or stomach).
  • Crib (in a safety-approved crib, bassinet or pack and play with a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet and no soft bedding, pillows, toys or bumpers).

More recommendations for infant safe sleep practices include: 

  • Putting babies to sleep on their back in their own sleep space.
    • Back sleeping protects a baby’s airway and ensures access to fresh air. Babies are safest in a crib, bassinet or pack and play with a tightly fitted sheet.
  • Removing clutter from sleep spaces.
    • Stuffed animals, pillows, blankets and other soft objects are a suffocation hazard and should be kept out of a baby’s sleep space.
  • Breastfeeding babies if possible.
    • Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of sleep-related death. It provides the best nutrition, builds healthy immune systems and promotes bonding.
  • Avoid overheating.
    • When a baby gets too warm, it can increase a baby’s risk of sleep-related infant death. Parents and caregivers should use a sleep sack or wearable blanket if baby is cold.
  • Do not use seats, swings or a couch for routine sleep.
    • Babies are at risk of suffocation when they sleep in an inclined seat, on a couch or chair.
    • If baby falls asleep in an unsafe location, they should be moved to a crib, bassinet or pack and play.
  • Planning ahead.
    • Falling asleep with baby can put them at risk for suffocation, falling and other injuries. There are steps parents and caregivers can take to plan ahead.

Parents should make sure everyone who cares for their baby knows how to keep baby safe while sleeping. For more information and resources on safe sleep, visit the MDHHS Safe Infant Sleep webpage.
Michiganders to Volunteer for Free Tax Prep Programs

Michiganders to Volunteer for Free Tax Prep Programs

by | Oct 27, 2025 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2025

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

State Treasurer Eubanks Calls on Michiganders to Volunteer
for Free Tax Prep Programs

Train for Free, Volunteer Locally and
Help Your Neighbors Thrive

LANSING, Mich. – State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks is encouraging Michigan residents to make a difference this tax season by volunteering with free tax preparation programs such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide programs.

These programs offer no-cost, high-quality tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities and those who speak English as a second language. Each year, thousands of Michiganders rely on these services to file their returns, claim important tax credits and keep more of their hard-earned money.

“Free tax preparation services are a lifeline for working families and seniors across Michigan,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “By volunteering, you can play a direct role in helping your neighbors achieve financial security while also gaining valuable skills and experience. Whether you’re a student, retiree or working professional looking to give back, there’s a place for you in these programs.”

Why volunteer? The impact is real.

During the 2025 filing season, Michigan’s free tax preparation programs saved residents millions of dollars in preparation fees and helped return tens of millions of dollars in state and federal refunds. Yet the demand for services continues to grow faster than the number of available volunteers.

Volunteers are community members trained to help their neighbors file their taxes for free and claim every tax credit available to them. Their service directly aids individuals and families in building financial stability, managing unexpected challenges and improving overall economic well-being.

“Anyone can get involved—no tax experience is required,” said Eddie Fakhoury, executive director at the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). “Volunteers receive free training and IRS certification and can choose roles that fit their strengths, from greeting clients to preparing returns. Even a few hours of your time each week can make a big difference.”

Given that no prior tax experience is required, volunteers come from all walks of life: working professionals, retirees, college and high school students, IRS employees and people who simply want to contribute to their community.

CEDAM manages MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org, where individuals seeking assistance can find free local services and prospective volunteers can sign up through the Michigan Free Tax Help interest form. After connecting with a sponsoring organization, volunteers receive comprehensive training before beginning at a convenient location in their community.

Training options are offered both online and in person, and most sites operate evenings and weekends to accommodate volunteers’ schedules.

“I volunteer with VITA because it meets a huge need in our community,” said Ken Slater of Lansing, who has volunteered with United Way of South Central Michigan for years. “It is a free service that assists people to complete their tax forms without having to pay exorbitant fees. It has allowed me to meet some of the most resourceful people in our community while personally learning about our tax system. I am not an accountant, but VITA has trained me to be a skilled tax preparer. There are few volunteer opportunities that allow you to both give back and receive so much. It makes a difference!”

For more than 50 years, VITA and similar programs have provided free, reliable tax return preparation to qualified individuals. While the IRS oversees the programs, local sites are staffed and operated by volunteers who want to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Ready to make a difference?

Visit MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org/Volunteer to sign up and start your journey as a tax prep volunteer today.
MDHHS announces Healthy Kids Dental requirements

MDHHS announces Healthy Kids Dental requirements

by | Oct 27, 2025 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 27, 2025

CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, StebbinsL@michigan.gov

MDHHS announces Healthy Kids Dental procurement
requirements ahead of fall competitive bid

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today announced updated requirements for dental health plans providing services to 955,000 Michigan children covered by Medicaid and Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Program ahead of a competitive bid process scheduled to be posted in November.

“Dental care remains one of the most unmet health needs for children, particularly in low-income and rural areas,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Program plays a vital role in supporting children’s health, confidence and success in school. As a leader in expanding access to dental care for kids, we’re building on that foundation through the upcoming rebid to better serve Michigan’s youth. We encourage the dental community to take part in this important effort.”

Consistent with federal standards, the rebid will include updates to Michigan’s Medicaid Dental Plan network adequacy and timely access standards, which can be found on the MDHHS website. In determining whether these standards are met, MDHHS will only consider providers with whom bidders have executed contracts at the time of bid submission.

MDHHS is releasing its updates to Healthy Kids Dental network adequacy and timely access standards in advance of the rebid to provide time for potential bidders to review their provider networks and execute contracts necessary to meet these standards.

Additionally, MDHHS will only be considering statewide bids but reserves the option to select a dental plan serving only Region 10, which includes Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) will manage the RFP process on behalf of MDHHS.  The RFP will be posted on the state’s SIGMA Vendor-Self Service system online in fall 2025. New contracts are scheduled to begin on Oct. 1, 2026.

To bid on proposals, all vendors must first be registered with SIGMA Vendor Self-Service. Registration is free, and information on how to register and obtain an account to bid on open solicitations is available online: DTMB – How to Register as a Vendor. Interested bidders will be encouraged to refer to the proposal instructions for additional information regarding questions, submittal and deadlines once it is posted.

For more information, visit the MDHHS Healthy Kids Rebid page online.
MDARD Encourages Owners to Keep Animals Safe this Halloween

MDARD Encourages Owners to Keep Animals Safe this Halloween

by | Oct 27, 2025 | Agriculture

bob new header For immediate release: October 27, 2025

Media contacts: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Animals Safe this Halloween

Have a fab-boo-lous holiday without causing scares or stress for animals

LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of the best ways to keep their animals healthy and safe this Halloween.

“Considering the needs of our animals is important when making plans for Halloween to ensure they won’t have any unpleasant scares or additional stress,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From keeping them away from the candy bowl to ensuring they have up-to-date identification, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Halloween.”

Keep animals safe this holiday by following these five easy tips:

  • Unsafe Eats: Give Halloween candy to trick-or-treaters—not your animals.

Unfortunately, animals cannot enjoy all of the same treats and food we do. Be sure to keep candy or other sweets containing chocolate, raisins, and/or xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) away from animals as these ingredients can be hazardous.

  • A Quiet Place: Have a quiet space for your animals.

Having a constant stream of visitors can be overly stimulating for animals. It is important to have a quiet space set aside for them to go if they are getting too stressed. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

  • Prevent Disappearing Acts: Make sure animals have proper identification.

When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, it can be easy for animals to sneak out and get lost. Make sure animals have identification tags and/or up-to-date microchips with current contact information to improve the chances they are returned home.

  • Avoid Temptations: Keep Halloween decorations and wires out of reach.

Spooky decorations and lights not only make for a frightful display but also catch the eye of our animals. As these items can cause injury, be sure they are kept out of an animal’s reach, along with candles with an open flame, glow sticks, and potpourri.

  • Cautious Costumes: Be thoughtful when selecting a costume.

Our animals might not share the same enthusiasm for costumes we do. It is possible your animals cannot recognize you or others they may know because of your costumes, causing unexpected reactions and additional stress. Consider wearing pieces of your costume around your animal before Halloween to better acclimate them to the sight.

If your animals are the ones wearing the costumes, make sure they are comfortable in their outfit. The costume should not restrict their movement or breathing, block their sight, cause them to get overheated, or have small pieces that can be chewed off and become a choking hazard. Also, don’t leave a costumed pet unsupervised.

Following these tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy through the spooky season. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health either now or throughout the year, please talk to your veterinarian.
Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

by | Oct 24, 2025 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Michigan Cherry Committee; Public Health Advisory Council; Autism Council; Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Human Trafficking Commission; Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect; Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing; Michigan Soybean Committee; State Boundary Commission; and Workforce Development Board.

 

Michigan Cherry Committee

Juliette McAvoy, of Central Lake, is the vice president of sales and marketing at King Orchards. McAvoy was previously an assistant account manager for Nielsen Perishables Group and a vegetable salesperson and account manager for Strube Celery and Vegetable Company. McAvoy holds a Bachelor of Science in agri-business management and horticulture with a specialization in food industry management from Michigan State University. Juliette McAvoy is reappointed to represent District 1 Tart Cherry Growers for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring February 1, 2027.

 

Emily Miezio, of Suttons Bay, is the receiving station manager for Cherry Bay Orchards. Miezio holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Hope College and a Master of Science in nursing from Michigan State University. Emily Miezio is reappointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring February 1, 2027.

 

Mark Schilling, of Saint Joseph, is the owner of Schilling Family Farms, LLC and Mick Klug Farm. Mark Schilling is reappointed to represent District 3 tart cherry growers for a term commencing October 23, 2024, and expiring February 1, 2027.

 

The Michigan Cherry Committee was developed for the purpose of improving the economic position of the Michigan red tart and sweet cherry growers by creating greater marketing opportunities for their fruit. The Committee conducts advertising and promotion programs, assembles, and disseminates market information, and supports research into new marketing methods.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Public Health Advisory Council

Dr. Gregory Zimmerman, of Big Rapids, is associate dean of The Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University. Zimmerman previously served as department head for the clinical laboratory, respiratory care, and health administration programs at Ferris State University. Zimmerman holds a Bachelor of Science in sports medicine and public health education, a Master of Science in health sciences administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Education in higher education leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Gregory Zimmerman will be reappointed to represent schools of public health from an institution of higher education in Michigan for a term commencing November 2, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029.

 

Kristen Schweighoefer, of Ann Arbor, is the environmental health director for the Washtenaw County Health Department. Schweighoefer is a registered sanitarian and holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Master of Science in hospital and molecular epidemiology from the University of Michigan. Kristen Schweighoefer will be reappointed to represent food safety experts for a term commencing November 2, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029.

 

The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan’s public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Autism Council

Raymie Postema, of Marshall, is the director of the Office of Recipient Rights at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Postema holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Western Michigan University. Raymie Postema is reappointed to represent Recipient Rights for the public system for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.

 

The Autism Council is charged with overseeing Michigan’s Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) State Plan. The Council will implement, monitor, and update the Michigan ASD State Plan, which will provide for comprehensive lifespan supports to individuals with ASD and their families through access to information and resources, coordination of services, and implementation of evidence-based practices.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services

Marisa Spain, of Westland, is an employment advocate at Disability Rights Michigan. Spain was previously a policy research assistant for the City of Detroit and a testing accommodations specialist at the University of Michigan. Spain holds a Bachelor of Science in integrative biology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in biology from the University of North Florida. Marissa Spain will be appointed as an individual representing current or former applicants for, or recipients of, vocational rehabilitation services for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2027. Spain succeeds Kellie Blackwell, who has resigned.

 

Laurie Penfold, of East Lansing, is the applicant department customer service representative for Peckham, Inc. Laurie Penfold will be reappointed to the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services as an individual representing business, industry, or labor for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

Kathryn Flagstadt, of Marquette, is retired and most recently was a site manager at Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Flagstadt worked for the State of Michigan for 28 years before retiring. Flagstadt holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and management from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Kathryn Flagstadt will be reappointed to represent qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors with knowledge of, and experience with, vocational rehabilitation programs for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan’s rehabilitation programs and services, and advises the department director and Governor. The Council works in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (LEO-BSBP).

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Human Trafficking Commission

Jayla Irons, of Lansing, is a policy advisor in the Executive Office Governor Gretchen Whitmer, specializing in criminal justice and public safety. Irons holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Michigan State University. Jayla Irons is appointed as a designated representative from within Office of the Governor for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring January 17, 2027. Irons succeeds Alicia Moon, whose term has expired.

 

The Human Trafficking Commission is designed to identify sources for grants that will assist in examining and countering human trafficking, fund research programs to determine the extent and nature of human trafficking in this state, and provide information and training to police officers, prosecutors, court personnel, social services personnel, and other individuals.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission

Dr. Ruben Martinez, of East Lansing, is a professor of sociology emeritus and the past director of the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University. Martinez holds a Bachelor of Science in behavioral science from the University of Southern Colorado, a Master of Arts in sociology from Arizona State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in sociology from the University of California at Riverside. Dr. Ruben Martinez is reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring June 15, 2029.

 

The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission is the successor to the Michigan Boxing Commission and is responsible for the regulation of professional boxing and mixed martial arts. The Commission and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs are vested with management, control, and jurisdiction over all professional boxing, professional or amateur mixed martial arts, and unarmed combat contests or events conducted in this state.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect

Annie Harrison, of DeWitt, is a detective and deputy sheriff at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. Harrison holds a Bachelor of Arts in social relations, criminal justice, and Jewish Studies from Michigan State University. Annie Harrison will be reappointed to represent law enforcement for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Harrison will also be redesignated as chair of the task force.

 

Stacey Goodson, of Wyoming, is the owner and lead trainer of Amoyan Training and Consulting, LLC. Goodson holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Science in human services from Capella University. Goodson is a mentor to foster parents through Bethany Christian Services. Stacey Goodson will be reappointed as an individual representing parents’ groups for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, of East Lansing, is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Health – Sparow and the lead OB/GYN at the Ingham County Health Department’s Women’s Health Services division. Laws-Barker holds a Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University. Dr. Alane Laws-Barker will be reappointed as a health professional for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

Ivana Maplanka, of Lake Orion, is the regional director for Business Service Center 2 within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Maplanka holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Southern Adventist University and a Master of Arts in counseling with a specialization in child and adolescent counseling. Ivana Maplanka will be reappointed to represent child protective service agencies for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

Charles Ellias, of Clawson, is an artist. Ellias is also a founding member of Defenders of the Children. Charles Ellias is appointed to represent adult former victims of child abuse and neglect for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2025. Ellias succeeds Kimberly Clemmons, who has resigned.

 

Created by Executive Order 2017-4, the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force consists of 18 members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing

Erica Chapin, of Kentwood, is the community and partnerships manager at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Chapin holds a Bachelor of Science in public and nonprofit administration from Grand Valley State University. Erica Chapin is appointed as an individual knowledgeable in the field of deafness for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring January 18, 2026. Chapin succeeds Liliana Ospina-Herbstreith, who has resigned.

 

The Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing serves to advise the Department of Civil Rights on matters pertaining to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing persons.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Soybean Committee

Ryan Drozd, of Gobles, is an equipment operator at Drozd Farms. Drozd holds a Bachelor of Science in farm management from Purdue University. Ryan Drozd is reappointed to represent District 7 growers for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring September 23, 2028.

 

Jeff Fromm, of Owosso, is the owner of Fromm Farms Trucking. Jeff Fromm is appointed to represent District 6 growers for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring September 23, 2028. Fromm succeeds Mark Senk, whose term has expired.

 

The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee develops procedures relating to the soybean marketing program and recommends amendments to the marketing program. The Committee prepares the estimated budget required for the proper operation of the marketing program, develops methods for collecting and auditing the assessments, and collects and assembles information and data necessary for proper administration of the marketing program.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

State Boundary Commission

Richard Datema, of Petoskey, is a retired land surveyor for KEBS, Inc. Datema holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from Michigan State University. Richard Datema is reappointed for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring November 14, 2027.

 

The State Boundary Commission is responsible for administering the State Boundary Commission Act and portions of the Home Rule City Act and the Home Rule Village Act. The Commission serves as a quasi-judicial body adjudicating many types of municipal boundary adjustments and recommends to the Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs the approval or denial of petitions for incorporations of new Home Rule Cities, new Home Rule Villages, and municipal consolidations. The Commission also recommends approval or denial of certain types of petitions involving land currently under township jurisdiction that is proposed to be annexed into a Home Rule City.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Workforce Development Board

Representative Joey Andrews, of St. Joseph, is currently serving his second term representing the 38th House District. Representative Andrews is a former organizer and policy analyst for the AFL-CIO and was also a managing partner of Parasol Solar. Rep. Andrews holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and music from Carson Newman University and a Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University School of Law. Representative Joey Andrews is appointed as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, appointed by the Governor from a list of three candidates submitted by the house minority leader, for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2027. Andrews succeeds Representative David Martin, whose term has expired.