Governor Whitmer Announces Partnership of Health Providers

Governor Whitmer Announces Partnership of Health Providers

by | Apr 9, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Partnership of Health Providers Supporting COVID-19 Efforts at TCF Regional Care Center

Alternate care facility set to open for patients starting Friday, April 10

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced a partnership of health care providers providing critical support, staffing and resources at the TCF Regional Care Center, scheduled to accept its first 25 patients this Friday, April 10. The partnership includes Henry Ford Health System, McLaren Health Care, Beaumont Health and the Detroit Medical Center.

“Fighting this virus is going to take all of us working together as Michiganders, and we are proud to be partnering with these Michigan health care systems to help save lives and ensure those with the most serious cases of COVID-19 get the care they need,” Whitmer said. “Our hospitals and medical professionals are serving on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19, and they are proving that once again by stepping up to support the TCF Regional Care Center.”

Key personnel at TCF Regional Care Center were also announced today.

  • Lynn Torossian will lead overall management of TCF Regional Care Center. Torossian most recently served as President and CEO of CEO of Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.
  • Daniel Medrano will lead day-to-day operations at the TCF Regional Care Center. Medrano is currently serving as Corporate Vice President of Facilities Management of McLaren Health Care.
  • Jenny Atas will lead medical services at TCF Regional Care Center. Dr. Atas is the regional care coordinator for Region 2 South Trauma Network (RTN), serving Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, including the city of Detroit. Region 2 South is served by 35 hospitals, 92 EMS agencies, four EMS Medical Control Authorities and four Health Departments.

Members of the Michigan National Guard have been assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with logistics support to establish the alternative care facility at TCF that will have up to 1,000 beds and will receive patients from other southeast Michigan acute-care hospitals at least 48 hours after having been admitted as an inpatient at one of those acute-care facilities. The TCF Regional Care Center will not accept patients by ambulance or walk-up, and it will not have an intensive care unit area or provide care to patients who need ventilation.

Each of the health care systems participating are bringing critical resources to the effort. Henry Ford Health System will be supporting pharmaceutical purchasing and patient tracking services at the TCF Regional Care Center. Henry Ford Health System will also have members serving in key roles at TCF Regional Care Center, including the on-site clinical liaison.

“As a health system caring for a large majority of our region’s COVID-19 patients, we are uniquely positioned to provide the expertise needed to optimize this field hospital,” said Wright Lassiter, III, President and CEO, Henry Ford Health System. “We are confident that with the help of our partners, this facility will help ease the collective burden we share as we continue to fight this pandemic.”

Daniel Medrano will continue at TCF Regional Care Center after serving as part of the team to get the alternative care facility operational over the past week. Additional staff from McLaren Health Care will also support the efforts on site.

“We value the opportunity to join with our colleague health systems here in southeast Michigan to bring this 1,000-bed field hospital on line and help relieve the volume pressures associated with caring for those affected by the coronavirus,” said Greg Lane, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer for McLaren. “Dan Medrano, a field-tested Marine who oversees all capital construction projects for McLaren, and his team will bring a no-nonsense approach to collaboration and execution of this mammoth undertaking.”

Beaumont Health will work to support certain procurement efforts vital to TCF Regional Care Center operations, subject to market availability, and Detroit Medical Center is supplying critical equipment on site at the alternate care facility

“We are all trying to be helpful in a stressful situation that is putting a strain on the entire health care system throughout the country. We hope to have an agreement with TCF on the specifics soon that will enable us to operationalize this,” Beaumont Health CEO John Fox said.

“The Detroit Medical Center recognizes the importance of this healthcare coalition and what it will mean in the fight against COVID-19 in this region,” said Audrey Gregory, Ph.D., R.N. Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Medical Center. “All health systems in our community are facing serious capacity issues with the growing number of COVID-19 patients. The resources at the TCF Regional Care Center will benefit all of us and help to enhance the care we provide to those in the communities we serve.”

While partner health care systems have volunteered key leadership positions and personnel at the alternative care facility, it will largely be staffed by a Public Health Strike Team, through FEMA. The Whitmer Administration has also launched a COVID-19 volunteer website, www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19 where trained medical professionals can register to serve their fellow Michiganders by assisting hospitals in fighting COVID-19.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

AG Nessel Warns Michiganders of Door-to-Door Scammers

AG Nessel Warns Michiganders of Door-to-Door Scammers

by | Apr 9, 2020 | Uncategorized

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Ryan Jarvi
(o) 517-335-7666 (c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, April 9, 2020

AG Nessel Warns Michiganders of Door-to-Door Scammers

LANSING – In an effort to be proactive, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents of door-to-door scammers who may try to pose as government officials offering information on stimulus checks, unemployment benefits or other programs and services in place during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“While we are not aware of any specific instances of door-to-door scammers in Michigan, residents should be prepared for anything in this time of emergency,” Nessel said. “Scammers will attempt to deceive you and steal personal information or money in all kinds of ways and going door-to-door is not a new tactic. Do not fall for these tricks.”

Any contact from someone posing as an individual should be verified by asking for credentials, or independently contacting the agency or entity the person claims to be representing. Reports of any door-to-door scammers should be reported to law enforcement agencies where the scam is taking place and can be reported to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team.

Reports can be filed online or by calling Consumer Protection tip line at 877-765-8388.

Scammers could pose as government officials providing unemployment assistance, utility workers offering service or even census workers. Scammers will often try to ask for some type of fee in exchange for the service offered, or persuade an individual to provide personal or financial information.

Generally, census workers begin making door-to-door visits this time of year, but those operations have been delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to view more information on identifying census workers.

Do not provide information to unsolicited requesters, including over the phone, through email or social media.

Consumers are encouraged to file consumer complaints online with the Michigan Department of Attorney General or call 877-765-8388.
Supporting Guardsmen Who are Supporting the Community

Supporting Guardsmen Who are Supporting the Community

by | Apr 9, 2020 | Uncategorized

Supporting guardsmen who are supporting the community

Contact: 1SG Ron Raflik 517-481-7600

As Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen come together from across the state to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, many of them need someplace to stay. They can keep themselves and their families safe by taking extra steps and practicing social distancing.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the Michigan National Guard on March 18th. Since then, Guardsmen from across the state have been serving their neighbors and communities during these challenging times.

“I think in times of dire need the ability to give support, and the ability to provide the humanitarian efforts is really what the National Guard is designed for,” said Sgt. Quintin Shine. “That’s why people look for us in times of need, they look toward us to be that ‘safety net’ for them and to continue helping them with their daily lives. One of the reasons why I joined the National Guard is to help and serve my community as well as my country.”

Shine is the supply non-commissioned officer in charge for the 272nd Regional Support Group based out of Jackson, Michigan. He, along with many others from his unit, was called up to provide support for the other guardsmen who were activated. They are operating Joint Reception, Staging, Onward movement and Integration (JRSOI) sites, which serve as a base of operation for those supporting the COVID-19 response. In addition, they are also provided daily medical checkups.

“The biggest challenge is first to protect the force, protect the mission, and protect our Soldiers. We are thinking deliberately as we set up operations,” said Maj. Ryan Davis, the operations officer for the 272nd RSG.

When entering the hotel, guard members must first wash their hands. As soon as they come through the doors, they are screened by the medics to ensure they have not developed any symptoms. Markings on the floor assist in maintaining social distancing.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for our staff to be able to provide support for the State of Michigan, and help our communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This lines up directly with what our unit does, and our ability to stand up in any situation,” said Davis.

What makes things different in this particular situation is that the JRSOI has set up base in hotels. It also makes it easier for the guardsmen to practice social distancing as well as precautionary hygiene that they must now practice, rather than placing large groups in field tents. While the hotel is operating with only essential workers, the JRSOI is coordinating with the hotel to provide laundry service twice a week along with other general maintenance.

“The main reason for us to stay at the hotel is to make sure that safety is the biggest concern, especially with everyone going out into the community. The last thing we need is for one of our guard members to risk passing it along to their family members,” said Shine.

For the local Soldiers who live alone, self-monitoring has been implemented. These additional measures are imperative to ensure the safety of the guardsmen and the communities they serve.

“It’s great that we’re taking care of our Soldiers and supporting the community,” said Maj. Michael Garrett, 272nd RSG medical officer.

Garrett is overseeing the medics working in the JRSOI sites. He, along with other physicians in the Michigan National Guard have been on board since the governor first activated the National Guard and they are in constant communication with each other discussing the virus and ways to help mitigate risk.

“I think we have a lot of good plans in place for helping to flatten the curve of the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Michigan,” said Garrett. “I’m very confident in our ability to support the governor, and the citizens of Michigan.”

Michigan, along with the rest of the country, is trying to prevent further spread of COVID-19. The Michigan National Guard is out there helping the community while maintaining safe guidelines themselves. Right now, there are three of these sites in Michigan. If the need arises the guard is ready to provide additional sites for support. (Michigan Army National Guard story by Staff Sgt. Tegan Kucera/Released)

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Governor Signs Executive Order Ensuring Continued Flow of Supplies

Governor Signs Executive Order Ensuring Continued Flow of Supplies

by | Apr 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

For Immediate Release

April 8, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Ensuring Continued Flow of Emergency Medical, Sanitary Supplies Into Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-40, which waives International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) credentialing requirements and ensures emergency medical supplies, sanitary supplies and key personnel can continue to flow into Michigan during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Right now, it’s more important than ever to ensure there are no disruptions in the flow of critical equipment and health care personnel coming into our state to help treat patients and reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Whitmer said. “This Executive Order will help ensure urgently needed resources are delivered as efficiently as possible during this crisis.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a steep and immediate demand for certain essential supplies, equipment and personnel, and has made it harder for state agencies and departments to conduct business as usual — including credentialing motor carriers.

Motor carriers delivering the following products will not face fines or penalties if their license or decals lapse:

  • Medical supplies or equipment related to the testing, diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19
  • Sanitary supplies including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants
  • Food
  • Equipment, supplies or people needed to establish or manage temporary housing, quarantine or isolation facilities
  • People designated by federal, state or local authorities for medical, isolation or quarantine purposes.
  • People necessary to provide other medical or emergency services

This Executive Order is effective immediately and continues through May 5, 2020.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

To view executive order 2020-40, click the link below:

MDOT has an Activity for Kids

by | Apr 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDOT has an activity for kids during the COVID-19 outbreak – build a spaghetti bridge

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Posted at 9:52 AM, Apr 08, 2020
and last updated 9:52 AM, Apr 08, 2020

(WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of Transportation has an activity for kids to do while at home during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The department said kids can learn about engineering by designing, building and testing a bridge made from spaghetti.

All you’ll need is uncooked spaghetti, masking tape, empty soup cans or coffee cans and strips of cardboard.

Instructions from MDOT below.

Procedures: Bridges are a very important component of our transportation system. Without the use of bridges to traverse environmental elements such as rivers and gorges, it would take much longer and be more expensive to get products and people to their destinations.

Elementary bridge designing using materials such as spaghetti provides students with a method of investigating engineering techniques and allows for practicing scientific testing procedures.

Engineering Guidelines:

  • All completed bridge supports must be the same distance above the floor or tabletop. A distance of 30 centimeters or 1 foot works well.
  • Each group must use the same (or less) amount of uncooked spaghetti. The amount of spaghetti used is dependent upon the size of the can used. For soup cans, use 30-40 noodles; for coffee cans use 75-100 noodles.
  • The base of the support structure must be no wider than the can being used.
  • The can must be positioned with the opening facing up. This allows for the addition of weights to test the strength of the support.
  • The students can break or cut the spaghetti to any length they deem necessary.
  • The spaghetti should be taped only at the top or bottom. In other words, they must not use tape to wrap the entire length of the noodles or bundles of noodles.

Making the Support Structure:

  • Have the students become familiar with the engineering guidelines and the materials being used in the lesson.
  • Ask the students to brainstorm ideas for their design and to make drawings of possible support systems.
  • Suggest they consider geometric shapes (triangles, rectangles, etc.) that could be used.
  • Provide an adequate time limit for experimentation and construction. This consideration is dependent upon the ability level of the class.
  • Ask them to record the number of noodles that they use.
  • When each group has completed the task, have them investigate the maximum length of cardboard or poster board that can be balanced upon their support.
  • Have them record the metric length. Verify each group’s results and record their findings on the chalkboard.
  • Next, have each group use weights placed inside the can to test the strength of their support. Suggest that they begin with the lightest of weight then add weight incrementally.
  • Have them record the progression of weights that are added.
  • Have the students stop adding weight when the structure begins to wobble.
  • Verify each group’s results and record their findings on the chalkboard. If appropriate, give a prize to the members of the teams with the “best” results.
  • Ask the groups to re-place their cardboard roads upon the support structure. Does the structure still support the “road”? Can more weight be added when the road is placed on the bridge support?