AG Nessel Calls on FCC to Expand Multilingual Emergency Alerts
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MDHHS seeks input from older adults for new state plan
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2025 CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, StebbinsL@michigan.gov MDHHS seeks input from older adults for new state plan LANSING, Michigan. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS Bureau) is inviting the public to join Community Conversations online and throughout the state to discuss the needs of older adult residents. State Units on Aging are tasked under the Older Americans Act with developing and administering a multi-year State Plan on Aging that provides goals and objectives related to assisting older residents, their families and caregivers. The State Plan on Aging serves as a blueprint that outlines coordination and advocacy activities to meet the needs of older adults and for building capacity for long-term care efforts. MDHHS is seeking input regarding the needs and gaps in programs and services that impact quality of life for older residents. The Community Conversations will run through Wednesday, Nov. 20 at various locations across the state and in a separate online forum. Those interested in providing information on the needs of older adults are encouraged to participate in one of the community forums or complete a survey. The survey, which is available online and in paper form in English, Spanish and Arabic, will remain open through Monday, Dec. 15. “Michigan is home to more than 2.4 million older adults, representing about one-quarter of the total state population,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The voices of Michigan’s older adults are critical to the development of a state plan that effectively addresses the needs of older adults and caregivers. These conversations provide the opportunity to hear directly from the public about their experiences related to aging, including their knowledge of available supports and services.” The information gathered during the Community Conversations and from survey responses will be used to identify priorities for MDHHS in support of the health and well-being of Michigan’s older adult population. A draft plan will go before the State’s Commission on Services to the Aging for approval before being submitted to the Federal Administration for Community Living by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for an effective date of Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, and for implementation during Fiscal Years 2027 through 2029. For a current list of Community Conversation locations, dates and times, or to access the survey, visit the State Plan on Aging webpage. Space may be limited and organizers request RSVPs for planning purposes. Please RSVP to the locations listed in the schedule and contact the host sites for additional information regarding accessibility needs. |
MDHHS honor dedication of state’s 1.7 million caregivers
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2025 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov Governor Whitmer, MDHHS honor dedication of state’s LANSING, Mich. – As part of a national effort to raise awareness about 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, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November as Family Caregivers Month in Michigan. “We are recognizing the commitment of the nearly 1.7 million family caregivers in our state who step up and step in 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,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director. “We are committed to supporting these caregivers not only this month, but every month.” As part of an effort to support the state’s caregivers, the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan recently launched Mi Caregiver Connection, an online caregiver resource center. The resource links caregivers with local level services and support. Michigan’s area agencies on aging serve as the planning and service area for Michigan’s State Unit on Aging within MDHHS. “The Commission on Services to the Aging welcomes the Governor’s recognition of the important work done by family caregivers to help older adults remain safely at home,” said Commissioner Nancy Duncan. “We are also excited about the launch of the Mi Caregiver Connection, which will provide new tools and resources for family caregivers throughout the state.” According to the national organization, 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 to manage finances. “There are millions of caregivers striving every day to help their loved ones who are in need of ongoing, daily personal care assistance,” said Bob Schleuter, Commission on Services to the Aging chairperson. “Family Caregiver Month helps to acknowledge the demands and stress, but also the rewards of taking care of a family member or friend every day. It is important that more people understand just what it takes to make sure that all of our loved ones receive the best personal care possible.” For more information on supporting caregivers, visit Mi Caregiver Connection.
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CELEBRATE 15 YEARS OF RECREATION AT OPEN HOUSE
ORION TOWNSHIP INVITES COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE 15 YEARS
OF RECREATION THROUGH FREE REC CENTER OPEN HOUSE
Orion Township, MI – Orion Township invites the community to celebrate 15 years of recreation at the
Parks & Progress Open House on Wednesday, November 12, at Great Lakes Athletic Club (GLAC). The
event highlights the newly redesigned recreational space at GLAC—whose new name, now narrowed to
two finalists, will be revealed at 5:30 PM—and showcases the township’s recreational achievements over
the past 15 years, as well as exciting plans for the future.
“Over the past 15 years, Orion Township has made significant investments in parks, green spaces, trail
connections, and recreational programming,” said Supervisor Chris Barnett. “This event is a celebration of
that progress and a chance for our community to experience all of the amenities at the new recreation
center, and everything else that makes Orion a place where living truly feels like a vacation.”
For additional background, see the attached feature story, Where Living is a Vacation and Recreation
Leads the Way. We welcome our media and community partners to use or adapt it for their own
publications.
More information about the Parks & Progress event is available at OrionTownship.org or through the
event’s Facebook page.
The evening’s timeline is as follows:
4:30 PM – Choose Your Adventure
Heritage Park Ribbon Cutting: Explore our newest park at 3345 Pasadena, thoughtfully designed to
honor the families and history of our community.
FREE Family Fitness Class (Ages 11+): Strength & Cardio with trainers Jen Pozzi & Regan Slocum.
5:30 PM – The Big Reveal at GLAC / New Recreation Center
Celebrate the official transition of GLAC into the newly redesigned Recreation Center at 3800 S.
Baldwin Road.
Witness the facility’s new name reveal and enjoy an evening of recreation, community connection,
and fun.
6:00 PM – Open House Highlights (for members and nonmembers)
Tour the recreation center and explore the new children’s center
Sample a “Taste of Orion” from local restaurants
Take a FREE fitness class (Barre with Mykala or HIIT Core with Regan) or work out
independently
Swim with the family
Create crafts in the new art room
Play family bingo and more activities for all ages
Special Bonus: Nonmember participants who are Orion residents will receive a virtual punch card
redeemable for three future visits.
Paint the Plow project designs
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 6, 2025
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MEDIA CONTACT Jocelyn Garza 989-245-7117 GarzaJ10@Michigan.gov |
Michigan students promote winter and road safety with their imaginative and colorful Paint the Plow project designs
LANSING, Mich. – Students from schools and educational organizations across Michigan unveiled their inspiring and colorful artwork as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) annual Paint the Plow project. This initiative invites students to paint snowplow blades with designs that promote safe driving and raise awareness for snowplow operators who help keep Michigan’s roads clear during the harsh winter months.
This year’s designs feature the safety message, “Give plows space; it’s not a race.” The theme urges drivers to slow down, stay alert and give snowplows plenty of room to work safely. Each design showcases the artistic talents and hard work of Michigan students and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safe driving and the state’s commitment to achieving zero deaths on our roads.
“It’s great that the students are helping us get the word out on the importance of giving us room to work,” said MDOT Transportation Maintenance Worker, Adam Westendorf. “I think it’s good that they’re involved with getting these important safety messages out in a fun way.”
Westendorf has helped coordinate plow blade drop off and pick up for Bay Region the last two seasons and always looks forward to seeing the students creativity on display.
Participating schools and organizations include:
- Bay Region’s Heritage High School
- Bay Region’s Bay City Boys and Girls Club
- North Region’s Bear Lake High School
The painted plow blades will be visible along various state trunklines in Michigan through the winter, serving as both functional maintenance vehicles and striking reminders of the importance of safe driving practices. Beginning in late autumn, MDOT snowplow names and locations will be accessible on Mi Drive, the department’s construction and traffic information website. Mi Drive also allows motorists to view traffic cameras and speeds, locate incidents, and search for construction projects throughout Michigan. To locate MDOT plows in action, select the plow layer on Mi Drive. A list of complete snowplow names is available on the MDOT website.
Paint the Plow applications and theme for the 2026-27 season will be available beginning in March 2026. Applications require a draft of the intended design and commitment from the school to complete the plow blade before the winter season. Applications are open to all Michigan middle and high schools, as well as educational organizations.
As winter approaches, MDOT reminds all Michigan drivers to stay safe by following these essential winter driving tips:
- Adjust your speed: Always drive for conditions. Snow and ice may require slower speeds and an increase in following distances to allow for safe stopping.
- Stay alert: Always check the weather forecast and Mi Drive (gov/Drive) before traveling.
- Prepare your vehicle: Keep your vehicle well maintained and stock it with supplies like an emergency kit and necessary fluids. Check out the Michigan State Police’s Winter Driving page for more tips.
- Respect snowplows: Give snowplows room to work safely. Michigan law now requires individuals to keep at least a 200-foot distance between their vehicle and a snowplow.
Safe roads start with all of us! Drive smart, give plows space and let’s make this winter a safe one for Michigan.
Attention media:
For more information about the North Region project, contact MDOT North Region Communications Representative James Lake at 906-250-0993.
For more information about the Bay Region projects, contact MDOT Bay Region Communications Representative Caitlyn French at 989-573-1274.
Heritage High School art students show off their artistic design
for MDOT’s 2025-2026 Paint the Plow program.
The Bay City Boys and Girls Club show off their artistic design
for MDOT’s 2025-2026 Paint the Plow program.
Bear Lake High School art students show off their artistic design
for MDOT’s 2025-2026 Paint the Plow program.
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Give plows space, it’s not a race.