by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2022 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2022
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov
MDHHS shares FDA’s updated guidelines for Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
LANSING, Mich.- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is updating vaccine providers across the state about the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limiting the authorized use on the administration of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine.
On May 5, FDA released a statement that it has revised its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and limited the authorized use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. The updated EUA limits use to:
- Individuals 18 years of age and older for whom other authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines are not accessible or clinically appropriate; or
- Individuals 18 years of age and older who elect to receive the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine because they would otherwise not receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Based on its investigation, the FDA has determined that the risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), warrants limiting the authorized use of the vaccine. TTS is a syndrome of rare and potentially life-threatening blood clots in combination with low levels of blood platelets. TTS linked with the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine has most frequently presented within 10 days to two weeks following vaccine administration.
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified 60 confirmed TTS cases following the administration of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, including nine fatal cases. The FDA has determined that the reporting rate of TTS is 3.23 per million doses of vaccine administered and the reporting rate of TTS deaths is 0.48 per million doses of vaccine administered.
“Throughout the pandemic, our federal partners have been committed to ensuring that science and data guided their decisions,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “These new guidelines further underscore the robust safety review process in place for these vaccines. We continue to urge all Michiganders ages 5 and older to get their safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and to get boosted if eligible.”
For individuals who have received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine as their primary dose, it is recommended they receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. mRNA vaccines are preferred for the first booster dose. Additionally, if Janssen COVID-19 vaccine was used for both the primary and booster doses, individuals are eligible for an additional dose of an mRNA vaccine. In both instances, vaccine protection has been shown to increase following administration of an mRNA vaccine.
Background & Safety Monitoring for Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) EUA
- On Feb. 27, 2021, Janssen COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for emergency use. On April 13, 2021, FDA and CDC recommended a pause in administration of the vaccine to investigate six reported cases of TTS, and to help ensure that health care providers were made aware of the potential for TTS, and could plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required for TTS.
- On April 23, 2021, following a thorough safety evaluation, FDA and CDC lifted the recommended pause regarding the use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. The agencies confirmed a total of 15 cases of TTS had been reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, including the original six reported cases, out of approximately 8 million doses administered.
- In December 2021, after reviewing updated vaccine effectiveness and safety data, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made a recommendation for the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines over the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
To date, nearly 6.7 million Michiganders (67%) have received their first does of COVID-19 vaccine. More than 393,000 residents have received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. |
by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Awards $3 Million to Michigan Cities to Upgrade Infrastructure, Making Communities More Attractive for Economic Investment
LANSING, Mich. – Today, during Economic Development Week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a total of $3 million is being awarded to fund infrastructure and public safety enhancements in 11 municipalities that will help move the municipality toward financial stability.
“Today’s grants will help protect public safety and enhance infrastructure in nearly a dozen communities across Michigan,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “As a former prosecutor, public safety is a core issue for me and I want families feel safe at home in the streets. And as a governor focused on the kitchen-table issues, I want high-quality roads, bridges, and water infrastructure so people can get to where they need to go safely and have access to clean, safe drinking water. The projects being funded today will help us keep getting things done for our hardworking people and resilient communities. Together, we will protect public safety and improve infrastructure, building on our growing economic momentum as we keep moving Michigan forward.”
For fiscal year 2022, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $2.5 million for the program, with a $500,000 carryover from the previous fiscal year. The Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships (FDCVT) Grant Program has a $2 million cap per municipality and grants are awarded based on applications submitted by the municipality.
“The Michigan Department of Treasury looks forward to working with our local partners to find projects that could help move a community toward financial stability,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Our team will ensure these grants are provided to our local communities as expeditiously as possible.”
The following communities will receive funding this year, with projects and amounts noted (alphabetical order):
Public safety enhancement through replacement of one fire engine
“The City of Benton Harbor is indeed grateful to Governor Whitmer and the State of Michigan for the $425,000 FDCVT grant to purchase a new fire truck. This grant will go a long way toward enhancing the safety and security of the Citizens of Benton Harbor and improving the City’s financial position in relation to its equipment needs.”
— Ellis Mitchell, City Manager
Public safety enhancement through installation of surveillance cameras and security doors
Public service enhancement through renovation of police center
“The city of Ecorse would like to thank the Treasury office and the Governor’s office for providing the City of Ecorse with the very needed grant funds so we can enhance our jail and the security of our City Hall.” — Lamar Tidwell, Mayor of the City of Ecorse
Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters
“I am very grateful for this grant. It will allow the City of Gaastra residents to have updated water meters. Many are outdated and getting costly to repair, and as we all know, budgets are tight. I am thankful for this grant to allow the City to run more efficiently” — Tom Place, Gaastra Mayor
Public safety enhancement through installation of surveillance cameras and security doors
“The City of Hamtramck appreciates the continuing support of the state of Michigan to ensure safety and security of our staff and public in our city facilities.” — Amer Ghalib, Mayor
Public safety enhancement through replacement of emergency generator
“The City of Harper Woods is grateful for the FDCVT grant to purchase a “whole house” generator to power our City Hall during storm power outages due to fallen trees. Our residents love our tree city and managing our urban forest just got a little easier due to this grant.” — John Szymanski, Acting City Manager
Public safety enhancement through replacement of emergency generator
“On behalf of the City of Highland Park community, we are grateful to the State of Michigan for awarding FDCVT funds for the purchase of a generator for the Recreation Center. The Recreation Center serves the community in many ways such as a Covid-19 testing and vaccination hub; it provides programs for seniors, youth and adults; and serves as a regional sheltering site for the American Red Cross. This generator allows for uninterrupted services and provides assurance to the community that they will have a place to go in the event of an emergency.” — Hubert Yopp, Mayor
Water system enhancement through replacement of fire hydrants
Water system enhancement through replacement of water valves
“The City of Inkster is very appreciative of the funding provided by the State of Michigan via the FDCVT grant program. These funds will allow us to complete projects that are critical to the operation of our city. We look forward to utilizing the awarded funds in a manner that will please our grantor and support our community residents.” — Darryl Greene, City Treasurer
Public service enhancement through replacement of equipment
Public safety enhancement through replacement of patrol vehicles and equipment
“The FDCVT award is great news! The State of Michigan (FDCVT grants) will assist the City of Melvindale with much needed funding for the Police Department and the Department of Public Works. These departments are two of the most vital to communities. The funding is far reaching and will serve all residents, businesses, employees and any visitors to Melvindale. The grants will allow the City to use its limited financial resources to provide other necessary services. On behalf of the City of Melvindale, thank you very much for the funding, assistance and cooperation.” — Richard Ortiz, City Administrator, Finance Director
Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters
“The Village of Ontonagon is excited to receive FDCVT funding to upgrade our water metering system. We anticipate that our entire community will benefit from these upgrades which will streamline water billing while considerably reducing labor costs. In turn, our resources can be utilized to better serve our residents in numerous other areas.” — William DuPont, Village Manager
Water system enhancement through replacement of fire hydrants
“The Village of Peck is grateful and very surprised for the grant award. It was written by me and is only the second grant I have written. It will allow our DPW workers to concentrate on other projects around the village. Fiscally it will cut down on labor and parts cost on repair and maintenance of our aging fire hydrants.” — Tim Heiden, Village Supervisor
Water system enhancement through replacement of a water main
“This funding means a great deal to our small community, the water system improvements that can be completed with this money will provide our residents and critical customers with higher quality water, improved pressures, fire protection and more reliable water supply. With this money we will be able to provide a more robust supply of water to critical customers along our 8 Mile corridor. Without your help this work to help move our Township forward would not be possible.” — Donna Squalls, Township Supervisor
Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships (FDCVT) Grant Program
Municipalities can participate in the FDCVT Grant Program if they are experiencing one or more conditions indicative of “probable financial stress” as outlined within state law. The grants fund specific projects, services, or strategies that move a city, village, or township toward financial stability.
Across Michigan, communities large and small continue to be challenged by the increased cost of
maintaining and enhancing their critical infrastructure, as well as new threats posed by the increasingly
severe climate‐related weather events. To address these challenges and increase public safety for all
Michigan residents, the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2023 recommendation includes $276 million of one‐time general fund for investments to address critical infrastructure needs in our state’s communities. This general fund is in addition to $578 million of new federal transportation and state restricted funding also included in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.
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by Becky Andrus | May 10, 2022 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2022
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces $1.4 Million Awarded to Support Entrepreneurial Growth in Central Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo to announce that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.4 million grant to Central Michigan University for renovations to the Central Michigan University Research Corporation incubator and accelerator.
This investment will support local entrepreneurs through office renovation and upgrades to provide a safer working environment following the coronavirus pandemic. The EDA investment will be matched with $352,320 in local funds and is expected to create 100 jobs, retain 30 jobs and generate $5 million in private investment.
“Today’s investment will help the Central Michigan University Research Corporation improve its facilities and empower entrepreneurs,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This investment will help us continue growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and building on our manufacturing and R&D strengths. This month, we opened the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University and the Wacker Innovation Center in Ann Arbor. We must keep investing in every region of Michigan to tap into the entrepreneurial energy in every county of our great state. Our efforts to grow the economy are working—unemployment is 4.4%, we’ve added 174,000 jobs year over year, and we are working together to lower the costs of essentials like childcare and housing and putting money in people’s pockets with $400 auto refund checks and proposed tax cuts for seniors and working families. Let’s keep Michigan moving by investing in our economic development and the kitchen-table issues.”
“President Biden is committed to helping communities tackle the unique challenges that the coronavirus pandemic presented,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in the Central Michigan University Research Corporation will enhance its facilities to support home-grown high-tech entrepreneurs, who will be a long-term source of jobs and private investment for the region.” “The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Central Michigan University and its efforts to build a more resilient regional economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The Central Michigan University Research Corporation is an anchor facility for entrepreneurs in the region where they can safely meet in-person and return to pre-pandemic productivity.”
“This investment will strengthen the University’s efforts to provide our entrepreneurs and small businesses with the space and resources they need to get their businesses up and running,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow. “Congratulations to Central Michigan. It’s exciting to see the University transform new technology and innovation into new jobs and new businesses for Michigan.”
“Central Michigan University continues to play a vital role in creating jobs and spurring growth throughout Michigan by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses – the lifeline of our economy,” said Senator Gary Peters. “This federal support will ensure the Central Michigan University Research Corporation can effectively continue working to uplift innovation in the region.”
“CMU’s Research Corporation helps bring local businesses together to collaborate on investments that benefit mid Michigan residents and our local communities,” said Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04). “Renovating CMURC’s incubator will help foster future partnerships that contribute to the region’s economy and I congratulate the leadership at CMU for their work in securing this funding.”
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov) The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
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by Becky Andrus | May 10, 2022 | Health and Wellness
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2022
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov
MDHHS urges testing as part of Hepatitis Awareness Month
Nearly 2,000 Medicaid beneficiaries being treated for
hepatitis C through the We Treat Hep C Initiative
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May as Hepatitis Awareness Month and Thursday, May 19 as Hepatitis Testing Day in Michigan.
In recognition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michiganders to get tested for hepatitis B and C and highlighting one year of progress of the department’s We Treat Hep C Initiative. Launched on April 1, 2021, the initiative is designed to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Michigan by increasing access to hepatitis C treatment among Michigan Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries. Since April 1, 2021, nearly 2,000 Michigan Medicaid beneficiaries living with hepatitis C have received curative treatment.
Viral hepatitis primarily affects the liver. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV, the two most common types of viral hepatitis, are leading causes of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants in the United States.
HBV is transmitted from person-to-person through contaminated blood or body fluids. HBV can spread from infected mothers to their infants at birth (perinatal HBV), through unprotected sex or through contact with blood or body fluids of a person who has the virus.
HCV is spread through contact with blood from an infected person and may also be spread from infected mothers to their infants at birth (perinatal HCV). People with HCV infection are often undiagnosed because they rarely experience symptoms or feel sick. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C; however, there are effective medications that can cure HCV infection when taken once daily for as little as eight to 12 weeks.
“As people infected with hepatitis B or C often do not experience symptoms, testing is critical to detect whether treatment may be warranted,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “In recognition of Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day, MDHHS is urging Michiganders to ask their health care providers for a hepatitis test at their next appointment.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends HCV testing among all adults at least once in their lifetime, and hepatitis B and C testing among all pregnant people during every pregnancy, regardless of age.
Since the launch of the We Treat Hep C Initiative, there have been 186 new HCV treatment prescribers added; however, the success of the program is highly dependent on the clinical community testing and treating more patients for HCV. To build clinical capacity to treat HCV in Michigan, MDHHS contracted with Wayne State University’s Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center and Henry Ford Health to provide clinical consultation, case-based discussions and trainings to clinicians to guide them through hepatitis C disease management and treatment. Providers are encouraged to utilize the clinical resources available at Michigan.gov/WeTreatHepC.
For more information, visit the Hepatitis and We Treat Hep C webpages.
by Becky Andrus | May 10, 2022 | Regional News
CORRECTED: Applications open for 14 Oakland County Solid Waste Planning Committee vacancies
May 11, 2022, OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. – The Oakland County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications to fill 14 vacancies on the county’s Solid Waste Planning Committee. All openings are terms not to exceed two years. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3.
The Board is accepting applications for the following positions:
- Three individuals representing the general public
- Four individuals representing the solid waste management industry
- Two individuals representing environmental interest groups
- One county elected official
- One city elected official
- One township elected official
- One representative of industrial waste generators
- One individual representing the regional solid waste planning agency (SEMCOG)
The committee meets as needed to address requests to amend the Oakland County Solid Waste Plan and/or requests from the State to update the Plan. Members will be required to attend all relevant meetings.
To qualify, elected officials and those representing the general public must be current residents of Oakland County. Representatives of the solid waste management industry, environmental interest groups, industrial waste generator and SEMCOG must conduct business and be active in the county.
Those who would like to apply must submit an online application, which is available at https://forms.oakgov.com/79.
For more information about the BOC, please visit www.oakgov.com/boc or call 248-858-0100.
