by Becky Andrus | May 24, 2022 | Health and Wellness
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2022
CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov
MDHHS seeks proposals to help victims of child abuse
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Victim Services is seeking proposals from organizations that can provide services to victims of child abuse.
The focus of the Children’s Advocacy Center Victims of Crime Act proposals is to enhance or expand services offered by organizations with a demonstrated history of providing services to victims of child abuse and their non-offending family members.
Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribes and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations – including faith-based organizations – that provide children’s advocacy center services.
Successful applicants are expected to provide the following core services to victims/survivors and their non-offending family members, as defined in the Comprehensive Services Guidelines for Children’s Advocacy Centers Funded by the Michigan Division of Victim Services:
- Forensic interview services.
- Information and referral.
- Personal advocacy/accompaniment.
- Emotional support and safety services.
- Criminal/civil justice system assistance.
- Systems change and coordination.
- Trauma-informed therapy.
- Specialized medical evaluation.
The award period is Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023. MDHHS anticipates issuing up to 35 awards with a maximum of $1.5 million possible for a single award.
Grant applications for the Children’s Advocacy Center proposal must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m. July 12, 2022.
For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select the “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete request for proposals can be accessed under the “Current Grants” section under the “Bureau of Community Services” link and by selecting the “CACV-2023” grant program. |
by Becky Andrus | May 23, 2022 | Regional News
Oakland County’s COVID-19 Response Receives National Recognition
The National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized Oakland County with 11 Achievement Awards.
- Four of the awards focused on pandemic response, including the county’s school nurse program and COVID-19 vaccine public education campaign.
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County has captured 11 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for 2022, including four for Oakland County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
NACo recognized Oakland County for its:
- 2020-2021 Oakland Together School Nurse Initiative, where the Oakland County Health Division hired public health nurses to serve in local school districts to address COVID-19-related concerns
- Save Your Spot online COVID-19 vaccine scheduler for residents to indicate their interest in getting vaccinated with more than 600,000 registrations
- One-by-One multi-faceted public education campaign that encouraged hope and confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution plan which helped get PPE to thousands of first responders and front-line workers who responded daily to residents in the county’s 62 cities, villages and townships.
“From the first case of COVID-19 in March of 2020, through today, Oakland County has prioritized the health and safety of its residents,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “I’m so proud of our employees for being recognized for their passion, creativity and dedication to not only the response to COVID, but also ensuring that our residents have access to efficient and quality services and programs.”
To view all of Oakland County’s awards, click here and type Oakland County in the search bar.
“All across the country, counties are working tirelessly to support residents and drive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” NACo President Larry Johnson said. “This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties work every day to build healthy, safe and thriving communities.”
Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include: children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received. NACo unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at naco.org.
by Becky Andrus | May 23, 2022 | Scouting
Scouts honor new commodore for Sea Scouting
Brandon Kathman | District Executive
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Michigan Crossroads Council
The Boy Scouts of America honored local volunteer Wayne Hastings with the National Sea Scout Award in a virtual ceremony on May 21, commending him for his work with young people.
Hastings has also been appointed commodore of the Sea Scouting program in National Service Territory 9, which spans Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Sea Scouting, while founded on the same core principles as traditional Scouting, places particular emphasis on boating and water-based activities.
“I have a real love for sailing and a real love of Scouting, and this is where they come together,” Hastings said.
A member of the Port Huron Yacht Club, Hastings volunteers with local Sea Scout Ship 109. In addition to nautical know-how, Hastings said he enjoys teaching youth leadership skills, which they will use throughout their lives. Ship 109 meets several times each month, and occasionally the youth help crew racing vessels during the club’s regattas
“It’s a different program, but all the Scouting values are the same,” Hastings said. “Being safe on the water is a lifelong skill living in Michigan. Knowing how to be safe on the water can save your child’s life or equip them to save someone else’s life.”
An Eagle Scout himself, Hastings grew up in Nebraska and was never exposed to the Sea Scouts as a youth. After learning about the program through friends at the yacht club, Hastings accepted a position as unit commissioner for ships in the Blue Water District, which covers the Thumb’s eastern coastline.
“Wayne is a fantastic volunteer and ambassador for the Scouting movement,” Christa Warner, executive for the Blue Water District, said. “We are so lucky to have him, and we are proud of all he has achieved.”
Eventually, Hastings became involved with the National Sea Scout Committee and helped to found new ships. He also serves as assistant council commissioner for the Michigan Crossroads Council.
“Now that I’m retired, Scouting is my full-time hobby,” Hastings said.
To learn more about the local Sea Scout program or other opportunities in Scouting, contact the district office at (810) 841-5568.
by Becky Andrus | May 23, 2022 | Recreation
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DNR News
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 May 20, 2022
Contact: Kevin Sayers, 517-582-3209, or Mike Smalligan, 517-449-5666
Join Mi Trees and plant a tree (or trees!) for the future
More than 50,000 trees already have been planted and mapped statewide
Want to help Michigan with cleaner air and water? Want to provide cooling summer shade and a haven for wildlife?
Start with a tree. Pick one out at your local nursery, plant it and then pin it on the DNR’s interactive map!
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites residents to help in planting 50 million trees by 2030 through our Mi Trees campaign. Whether you have a family forest plot handed down through generations or a small city lot, a new tree (or trees!) can make a big difference in your landscape.
“Michigan’s natural beauty and resources are the pride and joy of every Michigander,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “To protect our state’s green spaces, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is encouraging Michiganders to join the Mi Trees campaign, helping to plant 50 million trees by 2030. If you’re interested in being a part of this statewide effort, plant your own tree, and log it online through the DNR website. As governor, I’ll keep working across the aisle to make bold investments in our parks and public lands, including the $450 million investment we made in our state and local parks earlier this year—the largest one-time investment ever—in the Building Michigan Together Plan.”
One state, global effort
Mi Trees is part of 1T.org, a global effort to plant more trees to help communities adapt to the world’s changing climate. Since Michigan’s campaign launched on Arbor Day, nearly 270 planters have pinned over 50,000 trees on our map!
The DNR plans to plant more than 6 million trees this year on state forest land. The department typically plants millions of trees a year. |
Help your trees thrive
“To make sure new trees stay healthy, plant them correctly and water through the summer,” said Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forestry coordinator for the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.
- Spring and fall are best for planting trees. Staff at local nurseries can help you choose a tree from their inventories that will thrive where you want to put it.
- Consider the size your tree will be when it is fully grown and plant an appropriate distance from your house or other buildings and away from power lines. These tips from the Arbor Day Foundation can help you make the right selection.
- Consider planting native trees, which provide food and cover for wildlife.
- Water your tree daily during the first week, then weekly afterward. You want a balance; enough water but not too much. If the ground feels wet, you may not need to water.
- Once you plant your tree, go to our interactive online map and log in your tree.
For more information on how the DNR takes care of state forests, visit Michigan.gov/Forestry.
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by Becky Andrus | May 23, 2022 | Regional News
Oakland County Extends Free Rabies Vaccine with Dog License Purchase Through End of June
- Free rabies vaccine clinics Tuesday mornings throughout June.
- Animal shelter will waive dog license delinquency fee for pet owners who participate.
- No appointment necessary.
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center has extended its offer of a free rabies vaccine with the purchase of a dog license on Tuesday mornings through the end of June. Pet owners who take advantage of the offer also will not have to pay the dog license delinquency fee which begins after June 1.
Free rabies vaccines with the purchase of a dog license have been available at the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center in Pontiac from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays since April. To date, 375 pet owners have opted into the deal.
“Protecting your dog against rabies also protects your family and neighbors,” said Bob Gatt, Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center manager. “We don’t want the cost of the rabies vaccine to be a barrier for anyone getting a dog license.”
If a dog is spayed or neutered, a dog license costs $15 for one year or $40 for three years. For a dog that is not spayed or neutered, those fees rise to $25 or $70, respectively. The three-year license requires a three-year rabies vaccine. Pet owners must bring proof of a prior rabies vaccination to get the three-year vaccine.
After June 1, dog license fees rise to $40 for a spayed or neutered dog for one year, $55 for a spayed or neutered dog for three years, and $85 for a non-spayed or unneutered dog for three years.
Michigan law requires licenses for all dogs as a public health measure to ensure dogs have their rabies vaccines. Plus, it makes it easier to return strays to their owners. For more information, go to www.oakgov.com/petadoption or call 248-858-1070.
About Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center
Since 1980, the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center has been helping animals by providing shelter and care while attempting to reunite them with their owners or to find new homes. The shelter handles more than 4,000 animals per year. The new state-of-the-art shelter is located at 1200 North Telegraph, Building 42 East, in the city of Pontiac on the Oakland County Government campus. The shelter is 35,000 square feet and provides the very best in industry standards to the animals residing here.
