Booster dose authorized for children ages 5 to 11

Booster dose authorized for children ages 5 to 11

by | May 23, 2022 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2022

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster dose
authorized for children ages 5 to 11;
Those 12 and older and immunocompromised or age 50 and older
should receive a second booster dose 

LANSING, Mich. – Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announces Michiganders ages 5 through 11 are eligible for a booster vaccine five months after receiving their primary series.  Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized for those under age 18. COVID-19 booster doses may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine.

“We are excited for continuing developments in our fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We have safe and effective tools to prevent severe outcomes and this booster is another way to combat this virus and keep our children and vulnerable populations protected. Children ages 5 through 11 may now receive a booster dose five months after their primary series. It is important that all Michiganders ages 5 and up get vaccinated if they aren’t already, and we urge everyone to stay up-to-date on vaccines.”

Symptoms may vary when children are infected with COVID-19, and unvaccinated children can still infect those around them even if they are not showing symptoms. Getting children vaccinated and boosted helps keep communities safe.

The CDC is also strengthening its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised, and those 50 years and older should receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first booster dose.

When getting a booster dose, you’re encouraged to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card or immunization record to show the vaccine provider. Downloadable immunization records are accessible for adults 18 and older free of charge at the Michigan Immunization Portal. Visit Michigan.gov/MiImmsportal and upload a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport. If you do not have records in the portal or are seeking records for a child under 18 years of age, contact a health care provider or local health department.

To date over 6.7 million Michiganders ages 5 and up have gotten at least their first dose of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. Eligible Michiganders are encouraged to stay up-to-date on vaccinations, which includes booster doses that provide extra protection, and residents of long-term care facilities where outbreaks can spread quickly and extra protection is strongly recommended.

MDHHS also encourages Michigan residents to pay attention to local guidance as some communities may be at a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission.

To schedule a primary or booster dose of the COVID vaccine, visit vaccines.gov.

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.

For more information about COVID-19 in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
Coalition Working to Protect Trafficking Survivors

Coalition Working to Protect Trafficking Survivors

by | May 19, 2022 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media contact:
AG Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 19, 2022

AG Nessel Joins Bipartisan Coalition Working to Protect Trafficking Survivors

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition of 41 attorneys general in asking the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to support the intent of the Debt Bondage Repair Act in the agency’s rulemaking implementing recent amendments to Section 605C of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The Debt Bondage Repair Act was signed into law in December 2021 and prohibits credit rating agencies from providing consumer reports that contain negative items about human trafficking survivors from any period during which the individual was being trafficked. It is a common tactic of traffickers to strip their victims of their financial independence or stability in order to keep them trapped. Even after they escape their trafficking, these survivors are often left with a wrecked credit history that leaves them unable to rent an apartment, purchase a car, or find employment.

“I remain committed to using a victim-centered approach with human trafficking survivors,” Nessel said. “It would be contrary to this approach to allow victims harmed by human trafficking to be further harmed – this time financially – by unauthorized debt taken out in their name by their traffickers. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting the Debt Bondage Repair Act because one of the first steps in recovering from the ordeal of human trafficking victimization is regaining financial independence.”

As the Attorneys General note in their letter: “More than 1 in 4 survivors of human trafficking reported that a bank account or credit card which was opened in their name was then used or controlled by their trafficker. Traffickers can then mismanage the victim’s account, resulting in harm to their credit. This harm can linger for years after survivors have escaped their trafficking. Restoring financial independence is a crucial component of a survivor’s recovery. By regaining control over their finances, survivors reclaim and reassert their personhood in defiance of their traffickers. This takes bravery and time. Without some mechanism to help them, negative consumer reports that resulted from their trafficking become an almost insurmountable obstacle to simple tasks, like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, and applying for a job – all foundational steps as they try to get back on their feet. We welcome the Bureau’s proposal to implement the prohibition against reporting adverse information resulting from trafficking and to establish a method for submitting broadly-defined documentation of that trafficking, as contemplated by the Debt Bondage Repair Act.”

The letter was signed by Attorneys General of Delaware, Mississippi, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Expanding Resources

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Expanding Resources

by | May 19, 2022 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 19, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Expanding Resources for Victims of Crimes, Addressing Nursing Shortage, Other Legislation

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4674 and 4675 into law, which increase the amount of compensation available to crime victims and expand access to other vital services such as mental health resources. Governor Whitmer also signed House Bill 5089 and Senate Bills 166, 627 and 628. Together, this marks 829 bipartisan bills signed since Governor Whitmer took office.

 

“As a former prosecutor, public safety is a core issue for me. Today, I am proud to sign two bipartisan bills that support and empower victims of violent crimes,” said Governor Whitmer. “In my budget for the coming year, I’ve proposed funds to help local governments hire and train more first responders so we can ensure Michiganders feel safe at home and in their community. I will never stop fighting to protect Michiganders and will always work with anyone to protect public safety.”

 

“Without proper resources and assistance, those who survive a crime may never recover,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I’m proud to support these bills and know the expanded eligibility will provide much-needed support that crime victims deserve.”

 

“I appreciate the Governors willingness to work with us and am privileged to be part of a team who are seeking to help crime victims get the help they need by removing roadblocks and giving them an extended time to apply so they don’t miss out on eligible assistance,” said Rep. Bradley Slagh, R – Zeeland.

 

“Public safety that doesn’t include the needs of crime victims is not true safety. Today, Governor Whitmer has made clear that Michigan stands with crime survivors and their families,” said Aswad Thomas, vice president at Alliance for Safety and Justice and national director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “As a crime survivor, I understand the emotional and physical toll of violence. These reforms will provide crime victims with the critical help to heal and recover from violence. Today, we’re united with one goal: to make Michigan safer for all.”

 

House Bill 4674 was Sponsored by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R – Adrian, and a copy can be found here.

 

HB 4675 was Sponsored by Rep. Bradley Slagh, R – Zeeland, and a copy can be found here.

 

Addressing the Health Care Worker Shortage 

House Bill 5089 modifies the requirements an applicant must meet to be granted registration as a nurse aide by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. House Bill 5089 adjusts training requirements without compromising the quality of training, which will help address the health care worker shortage.

 

“All Michiganders deserve access to affordable, high-quality health care and by allowing for more nurse aides to enter the field and receive vital training, we’re meeting the needs of the moment,” said Governor Whitmer. “Addressing these challenges with innovative and bipartisan solutions ensures everyone can succeed in Michigan. I will continue to work with anyone to improve our healthcare system.”

 

HB 5089 was sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin, R – Brighton, and a copy can be found here.

 

Expanding Prescription Drug Refills Access  

Senate Bill 166 allows pharmacists in Michigan to refill prescriptions authorized by a prescriber in another state or province of Canada. This allows those attending school, working, or traveling in Michigan from other states or Canada to maintain easy access to have their prescriptions refilled.

 

“I want to thank the governor for signing my bill SB 166 which would allow Canadian medical professionals to write prescriptions for Michigan patients similar to how doctors in Indiana and Ohio can,” said Sen. Curtis Vanderwall, R – Ludington. “It’s really about lowering costs and increasing access for Michiganders. There are so many folks in Eastern and Northern Michigan that travel to Canada and may get a prescription written for them while they are there. This will save them from having to get a second prescription written in the state, which translates into time and money. Common-sense solutions like this are what drive healthcare forward in Michigan, and I look forward to continuing to work my colleagues and the governor on improving affordability and access for Michiganders.”

 

Senate Bill 166 was Sponsored by Sen. Curtis Vanderwall, R – Ludington, and a copy can be found here.

 

Surveying the Michigan-Indiana Border 

Senate Bill 627 and 628 establishes the Michigan-Indiana State Line Commission within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, to recover and reestablish the Michigan-Indiana State Line. The Commission will be made up of five licensed surveyors from the five border counties. Upon completion of the survey, the commission is required to submit their findings to the legislature.

 

Senate Bill 627 and Senate Bill 628 were both sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSata, R – Niles, and copies can be found here and here.
Whitmer Signs Bills Fighting Opioid Crisis  

Whitmer Signs Bills Fighting Opioid Crisis  

by | May 19, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 19, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Fighting Opioid Crisis 

$800 million dollars to be invested in treatment, prevention, mental health, other abatement efforts

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of legislation investing $800 million dollars in treatment, prevention, mental health in response to the Opioid Crisis. Together, Senate Bills 993, 994, and 995 manage the disbursement of settlement funds as a result of opioid-related lawsuits and create the Opioid Advisory Commission to advance policy to prevent, treat, and support those with opioid use disorder.

 

“The opioid crisis touches families across our state, which is why it’s so crucial to ensure that Michiganders facing substance use issues have the support and resources they need to get better,” said Governor Whitmer. “The legislation I signed today will be instrumental in preventing more deaths and will provide Michigan families impacted by the devastating opioid epidemic with some semblance of relief. These funds will bring millions of dollars to support our neighbors, family, and friends in treatment and recovery. I will continue to work with anyone who wants to help those who are struggling.”

 

“Time is not on our side when it comes to Michigan’s opioid epidemic, so I applaud the bipartisan support that got these bills across the finish line and to Gov. Whitmer’s desk,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I have spent the past couple of months visiting communities and organizations around Michigan to learn more about the work being done to prevent and treat Opioid Use Disorder, and while local governments will receive direct payments, the timely deployment of state settlement dollars is crucial in the fight against opioids in our communities. This puts us a step closer to getting the proper infrastructure in place to ensure settlement dollars can be used quickly and save as many lives as possible.”

 

“The opioid epidemic has been, and continues to be, devastating. While no amount of money from these lawsuits and settlements can bring back a lost loved one, it may help provide the funds needed to expand our efforts in combatting it,” said Sen. Betty Jean Alexander, D – Detroit. “The simple fact is, there is not enough support out there to help the thousands of people affected by opioid use disorder and opioid addiction. Senate Bill 995 being signed into law is essential not only to get all the money due to the state but is also a symbolic step forward by the Legislature to recognize and actively address the severity of this widespread crisis.”

 

“As a lead House sponsor on the Opioid Settlement package, it was an honor to work with Governor Whitmer, Attorney General Nessel, and my colleagues in the House and Senate to bring unprecedented resources for opioid recovery and healing to our state,” said Rep. Christine Morse, D – Texas Twp.

 

Senate Bill 993 creates the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund in the Department of the Treasury.

 

Senate Bill 993 was sponsored by Senator Michael MacDonald, R – Macomb, and a copy can be found here.

 

Senate Bill 994 creates the Opioid Advisory Commission, which would review initiatives related to education, prevention, treatment, and services for individuals and families affected by substance abuse disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

 

Senate Bill 994 was sponsored by Senator Mark Huizenga, and a copy can be found here.

 

Senate Bill 995 creates a threshold for certain civil actions related to opioids. Enacting the bill would allow the State and local governments that have settled to receive full incentives under the settlement payment plans.

 

Senate Bill 995 was sponsored by Senator Betty Jean Alexander, D – Detroit, and a copy can be found here.

 

More information about the historic opioid settlements can be found through the Department of Attorney General’s website. Payments are expected to begin sometime this summer. The Department of Attorney General will release additional information when the payments begin.
EGLE awards 23 grants to conduct stream cleanups

EGLE awards 23 grants to conduct stream cleanups

by | May 17, 2022 | Environmental

 
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2022
Jeff Johnston, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304 Tamara Lipsey, Aquatic Biologist, [email protected], 517-342-4372

EGLE awards 23 grants to conduct stream cleanups and monitoring

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today announced $108,228 in grants to 23 local governments and nonprofit organizations for stream cleanup and monitoring through the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) Program. These annual grants help foster local stewardship and a sense of community while providing valuable data used to protect Michigan’s waters.

The MiCorps Volunteer Stream Cleanup Program provides grants to local governments to clean and improve Michigan waterways. Local governments often partner with nonprofits or other volunteer organizations for the cleanups, which include removal of trash and other manmade debris from streams and stream banks.

The cleanup grant program began in 1998 and is funded by fees from the sale of Michigan’s specialty water quality protection license plates that are available from the Secretary of State’s Office.

The local governments selected to receive cleanup funding in 2022 are:

  • City of Ann Arbor, $4,210.
  • City of Battle Creek, $3,839.
  • Benzie County Conservation District, $750.
  • Berrien County Conservation District, $2,051.
  • City of Dexter, $979.
  • Grand Traverse County Conservation District, $2,550.
  • Muskegon Conservation District, $2,888.
  • Newaygo County Conservation District, $5,000.

The MiCorps Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program provides grants to enable local governments and nonprofit organizations to conduct volunteer-based water quality and stream habitat monitoring through benthic macroinvertebrate surveys and habitat assessments. Three types of monitoring grants are available: startup grants get organizations started with learning and planning, implementation grants fund the first two years of official monitoring, and maintenance grants help organizations that are already monitoring replace equipment and continue their program.

The organizations selected to receive funding in 2022 are:

Startup Grants

  • Antrim County Conservation District, $5,000.
  • Gogebic County Conservation District, $4,261.
  • Hillsdale County Conservation District, $4,703.

Implementation Grants

  • Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, $18,530.
  • Olivet College, $16,391.
  • West Michigan Environmental Action Council, $20,000.

Maintenance Grants

  • Alger County Conservation District, $1,958.
  • Clinton River Watershed Council, $2,000.
  • Friends of the Rouge, $2,000.
  • Grass River Natural Area, Inc., $1,127.
  • Kalamazoo Nature Center, $1,991.
  • Manistee County Conservation District, $2,000.
  • The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, $2,000.
  • Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, $2,000.
  • Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, $2,000.

MiCorps is a network of volunteer water quality monitoring programs established by EGLE in 2004 to engage the public in collecting water quality data for use in water resources management and protection programs. MiCorps is administered for EGLE by Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association and Huron River Watershed Council.

Questions about the grant award process should be directed to Dr. Paul Steen, Huron River Watershed Council, at 734-519-0449 or [email protected]; or Tamara Lipsey, Lake Michigan Unit, Surface Water Assessment Section, Water Resources Division, EGLE, at [email protected] or 517-342-4372.

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EGLE COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on EGLE’s work during the pandemic, visit this webpage. Follow state guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.