Market Days seek to promote healthy eating

by Becky Andrus | Jul 14, 2022 | Health and Wellness

Market Days seek to promote healthy eating and food access in Oakland County

Pontiac, Michigan – The Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) encourages residents to participate in their annual Family and Senior Market Days this summer. Residents with a State of Michigan Bridge/EBT card or who participate in Oakland County’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will receive a $5 coupon to purchase produce from local farmers on Family Market Days, and residents 60 years and older will receive a $5 coupon on Senior Market Days. Coupons are distributed on a first come, first served basis, and must be used during the event. No registration is necessary.

“These events help connect residents with locally grown, fresh produce, while familiarizing them with farmers markets around the county,” said Calandra Green, Oakland County health officer. “They also offer free nutrition education and physical activity opportunities to help reinforce healthy behaviors.”

In addition to $5 coupons for produce, the events will include a variety of activities for families and seniors, including yoga, Oakland County Parks inflatables, raffles, and prizes. Various resources will also be on site, including breastfeeding support, WIC Project Fresh, and older adult health resources.

WIC Project Fresh coupons will also be available at Family Market Days for enrolled WIC clients. The Oakland County and Oak Park Farmers Markets also offer Double Up Food Bucks, which matches money spent at a farmers’ market using a Bridge card/EBT up to $20.

Family Market Days:

July 23, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Oakland County Farmers Market (2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford)

July 27, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Oak Park Farmers Market (Oak Park High School Parking Lot, 13701 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park)

Senior Market Days (age 60+ only):

August 24, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Oak Park Farmers Market (Oak Park High School Parking Lot, 13701 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park)

September 8, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Oakland County Farmers Market (2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford)

September 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Farmington Farmers Market (33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington)

The market days this year are made possible in part by Beaumont Health, Trinity Health, Humana, Genysis Credit Union, Henry Ford Health System.

For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter, or contact Jessica Williams at [email protected] or (248) 563-7792.

Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP)

Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) was launched by Oakland County Health Division in 2009 as a collaboration of local government, hospitals, health care providers, community-based organizations, business, and citizens working to increase and promote healthy eating and physical activity opportunities.

HOP currently has two teams dedicated to specific initiatives:

Farmers Market Team – Improve the health and well-being of Oakland County by supporting Farmers Markets.
Youth Team – Improve the health and well-being of Oakland County through programs in schools.

HOP began hosting Family Market Days in 2009 to engage entire families in healthy eating practices and encourage physical activity. The partnership expanded to include older adults in 2017 by hosting Senior Market Days.

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

Connect Residents to Advance Careers through Education

by Becky Andrus | Jul 14, 2022 | Regional News

Career and Education Navigators to Connect Residents with Financial and Other Support to Advance Careers through Education or Training

Team will help adults attain post-secondary degree or certification and build the region’s talent pipeline.
Career and education navigators will be embedded in communities throughout Oakland County.
Partners include Oakland County Michigan Works!, Oakland Community College, Oakland University, Lawrence Technological University, Baker College, Oakland Literacy Council and others.

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County, in partnership with several regional educational institutions and community organizations, launched a new effort today to help Oakland County residents obtain a post-secondary degree or certification.

Career and education navigators will help individuals find paths to meaningful careers, get into and complete college or training programs, and reduce obstacles to education such as the cost of books, registration fees, and childcare options. To connect with a career and education navigator, call 1-888-559-4360 or click on www.oakgov.com/Oakland80.

“This program targets Oakland County adults to help them open the door to new or better career opportunities,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “We identified the resources needed to launch this program and hired people who are uniquely qualified to connect students with the help they need to launch a successful career.”

The career and education navigators are responsible for helping prospective students enter educational programs, including applying to post-secondary institutions, filing financial aid applications, accessing loan applications, transferring records, registering for classes, and helping tackle other barriers to success. Their work also includes intensive coaching and ongoing mentorship through graduation and beyond.

Career and Education Navigator Cal Talley said Oakland County residents who want to improve their career options, but may not be aware of the resources available, now have a partner in helping them achieve success.

“Oakland County’s career and education navigators are here to support you as you take the next steps in gaining your degree or credential,” he said. “From the application and enrollment process to student aid and support services like childcare, books, and transportation, our navigators will help you every step of the way in reaching your goals.”

The other career and education navigators and the communities in which they will be embedded are:

Team leader Tamara Myles
Jason Chapman in Troy
Rachel Dixon in Southfield
Carlton Elam in Waterford
Janice Fitzhugh based in Oak Park
Tonya Medlock in Pontiac
Paul Wierzbicki in Waterford

Talley is based in Novi. Navigator biographies accompany this press release in the press kit.

The career and education navigators will be located at the six Oakland County Michigan Works! Offices, Oakland Community College, Oakland University, the Oakland Literacy Council, and other partner sites around the county.

Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., whose campus will host a career and education navigator, said higher education translates into opportunity for individuals, their families, and communities.

“A college degree provides a person with more career options, upward mobility and significantly more earning potential,” Hirsch Pescovitz said. “Higher education also has a direct and positive impact on the community, society, and economic development. The data is unequivocal – there’s a direct correlation between education, quality of life and the health of our citizens and our economy.”

The Career and education navigators, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, are aligned with Oakland80, Oakland County’s goal to achieve 80 percent of its residents obtaining a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.

According to 2019 data from the Lumina Foundation, 59 percent of Oakland County’s 679,000 working adults already have an advanced degree. This outpaces the state of Michigan, which has a rate of 49 percent. The U.S. average of people with college degrees is 52 percent. Oakland County recognizes more needs to be done to improve the pipeline of skilled workers. According to recent southeast Michigan labor market data from Emsi, there were 2,736 job postings in advanced manufacturing, 595 in construction, 2,622 in health care and 6,530 in information technology.

WD-O80NavigatorBiosSheet-v2.pdf

Support-Services-Flyer.pdf

Education Budget Making Highest State Per-Pupil Investment

by Becky Andrus | Jul 14, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Education Budget Making Highest State Per-Pupil Investment Ever, Funding School Infrastructure, Teacher Recruitment

Historic budget will improve every kid’s in-class experience, build up school facilities, recruit and train skilled educators, boost on-campus mental health resources, shore up school safety

FLINT, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan education budget that will make the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history, invest half a billion dollars in school infrastructure, fund teacher recruitment, bolster school safety, expand mental health resources, and so much more.

“Every kid in every district deserves to feel safe and supported in school, and I am proud today to sign a historic, bipartisan education budget that will make game-changing investments to improve every student’s in-class experience,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The budget makes the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history to help schools buy new textbooks, offer more personalized instruction, and bolster AP and honors classes. It also bolsters resources for special education, at-risk funding, and career and technical education while expanding slots in free after-school and preschool programs. Finally, to improve the on-campus experience, the budget invests a quarter of a billion dollars in school infrastructure to build or renovate everything from classrooms, computer labs, and libraries, and significantly expands teacher recruitment programs so we attract and train thousands of educators every year. This budget is proof of what is possible when we put our students first and stay focused on getting things done.”

“On behalf of MEA’s 120,000 members from across the state, we would like to thank Gov. Whitmer for listening to the voices of educators and taking our expertise to heart in developing this transformative education budget,” said Paula Herbart, President of the Michigan Education Association and a veteran teacher from Macomb County. “The governor’s new budget will help address serious challenges in our local schools, including the educator shortage, student mental health, and post-pandemic learning support. Every child deserves a quality education and an opportunity for success, and the governor’s budget will go a long way toward achieving that vital goal.”

“Gov. Whitmer has worked effectively with the legislature and came through for students and educators, this time with a strong budget that represents the largest per-pupil investment in our state’s history. The increase in support for at-risk and special education students is critical, as it will better position schools to set vulnerable kids up for success. The move to further invest in both career and technical education and colleges and universities also reaffirms the governor’s commitment to strengthening our economy and ensuring Michigan students have options for their future,” said David Hecker, President of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

“This year’s budget is going to pay huge dividends for our students now and into the future,” said Jason Messenger, Principal of Portage West Middle School and President of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors. “In addition to increasing funding for our students with the greatest need, the significant investments in mental health and school safety will help ensure that students are safe and supported at school so they can reach their potential. The funding for new teacher recruitment is an important step in building back our educator workforce so all Michigan students have access to the education professionals who support their learning. Thank you to Governor Whitmer and the legislature for passing a historic budget that invests in all students.”

Education Budget by the Numbers

$9,150 per-pupil funding for every kid, in every public school district, highest state amount ever.
$214 per-pupil mental health and school safety funding for every kid, in every public school district.
Additional funding to meet students’ individual needs for all of the nearly 200,000 special education and 710,000 at-risk students.
1,300 more free preschool slots in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).
$250 million for school infrastructure.
$10,000 in tuition for 2,500 future Michigan educators every year.

Education Budget Breakdown

The education budget can be divided into six key sections: students, mental health, learning supports, student safety, school infrastructure, and teacher recruitment.

1) Students

For our students, the highest state per-pupil funding in Michigan history—$9,150 for students in every district. Additional support for the nearly 200,000 special education students and 710,000 at-risk students in Michigan. An expansion of free preschool under the Great Start Readiness Program to 1,300 more kids. Expanding funding for career and technical education programs by 27%.

2) Mental Health

Dedicated mental health dollars for every student in every school. Increasing funding for teen centers, district mental health grants, and TRAILS, which offers training to school mental health professionals so they can better serve students with evidence-based services.

3) Learning Supports

An expansion of before and after-school programs to keep kids engaged. Funding for the MI Kids Back on Track, Governor Whitmer’s proposal to offer every kid in Michigan tutoring to help catch up and get on track for long-term success, and resources for districts to develop learning pods for academically at-risk and economically disadvantaged students.

4) Student Safety

Dedicated school safety dollars for every student in every school. Funds to hire more on-campus school resources officers, create an intervention system for at-risk students that brings together law enforcement, schools, and mental health professionals, and establish a school safety commission.

5) School Infrastructure

$250 million for school infrastructure. Resources to help schools build or refurbish classrooms, labs, and libraries. Funds to assess current state of school infrastructure, determine further funding.

6) Teacher Recruitment

Funding MI Future Educator Fellowships, which pay up to $10,000 in tuition for 2,500 future Michigan educators every year, $9,600 stipends a semester for student teachers, and Grow-Your-Own programs that help districts put support staff on no-cost paths to become educators. Additional funding for career and technical education educators and the Troops-to-Teachers program that connects veterans with mentor teachers as they work to become certified educators. Finally, a robust investment to guarantee retired teachers have a stable, secure retirement.

Education Bill Signing

988 crisis line helping connect Michigan residents

by Becky Andrus | Jul 14, 2022 | Health and Wellness

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2022

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

988 crisis line helping connect Michigan residents
experiencing behavioral health crises to resources

LANSING, Mich. – Michiganders in crisis now have an easy-to-remember three-digit number to call for help – 988. Michigan has joined the nation in transitioning to the 988-dialing code, which will operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s network of more than 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country. 988 logo

“The 988 number is another step toward strengthening and transforming crisis care and mental health services in our state, which is a key focus of the department,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of health and Human Services (MDHHS) director. “This
universal number means no matter where you live or call from, you can reach a
trained crisis counselor who can help. We encourage Michigan residents or their family members to call 988 if they are experiencing mental health-related distress, emotional distress or a substance use crisis.”

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline This action expands the existing Lifeline beyond people who are feeling suicidal to all individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, including suicidal thoughts or substance abuse issues .

“Crisis is defined by the caller,” said Dr. Debra Pinals, medical director for Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “And by providing an easy-to-remember number we are making help more accessible and strengthening support to those in need. Trained counselors will be available 24/7 to field calls. They will listen to the caller’s problems, assess their needs and provide support by connecting them with resources, and alert local emergency crisis teams, if necessary. The roll out of 988 as an easier number to remember will provide a natural extension to the already promising work of the department in implementing the Michigan Crisis and Access Line.”

Anyone with these concerns can call:

Mental health-related distress.
Thoughts of suicide.
Substance use crisis.
Emotional distress.
There are specialized services available for veterans, LGBTQ individuals and other groups.
People who are worried about a loved one who may need support also can call.

The 988-dialing code does not replace the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK (8255)) or other locally operated crisis lines. Instead, it serves as a universal entry point to connect individuals in need to trained crisis counselors who can help. MDHHS is working to ensure a solid infrastructure is built through coordination with 911 and other crisis service providers as the 988-dialing code launches.

Prior to the development of 988, the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) was funded by the Michigan Legislature in December 2018. MDHHS was charged with the development of MiCAL, which is currently operating in Oakland County and the Upper Peninsula, and with 988 implementation.

MiCAL is built on the SAMHSA’s National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care which is also the foundation for 988. In Michigan, MiCAL is responsible for answering 988 calls in all areas of Michigan. In Macomb and Kent counties, Macomb County Community Mental Health and Network 180 will answer 988 calls with MiCAL providing back-up call coverage.

For more information, visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Michigan Crisis & Access Line.

# # #

Important New Federal Rule to Regulate Ghost Guns

by Becky Andrus | Jul 12, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 12, 2022

Media contact:
AG Press

AG Nessel Joins Coalition of 20 Attorneys General Backing Important New Federal Rule to Regulate Ghost Guns and make Communities Safer

Amicus Brief Continues Efforts to Support Common-Sense Gun Regulations and Improve Public Safety as these Weapons have Proliferated Across the Country

LANSING – Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a group of 20 Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief supporting an important new federal rule regulating “ghost guns”: unserialized weapons that are often made at home from weapon parts kits or partially complete frames and receivers and can be purchased without background checks.

The rule would help ensure that buyers pass background checks before purchasing such kits and that law enforcement officers can trace any self-made guns that are later used in a crime. It would also limit gun traffickers’ ability to distribute these dangerous weapons into Michigan.

“On average, more than 1,200 Michigan residents die each year from gun violence,” Nessel said. “Ghost guns continue to proliferate our streets and I have been asking ATF to close the dangerous loophole that keeps these weapons from being subject to the same regulations as other firearms. So I gladly stand with my colleagues in supporting this new common-sense rule.”

In recent years, Michigan and other states have seen an exponential increase in the number of ghost guns recovered by law enforcement. Absent federal enforcement, these dangerous weapons have continued to proliferate, including in states that have tried to regulate ghost guns themselves. The Final Rule from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) helps curb this problem by serving as a vital backstop to existing state efforts to stem the flow of ghost guns.

The ATF’s Final Rule regulates ghost guns by clarifying critical definitions in the Gun Control Act. Specifically, the Final Rule makes it clear that weapon parts kits and partially complete frames or receivers—the key building blocks for ghost guns—are “firearms” under the Act if they can be readily converted to function as such. In making this sensible clarification, the Final Rule helps ensure that these kits and partially complete frames or receivers are subject to the same serialization and background check requirements as conventionally manufactured guns. This helps close a dangerous loophole in firearms regulation that enabled people to evade existing gun laws and get their hands on these dangerous weapons.

A copy of the brief is available here.

The brief was led by District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine and the Attorneys General of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and joined by the Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

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