5-year roadmap to keep Oakland County moving forward

5-year roadmap to keep Oakland County moving forward

by | Mar 16, 2022 | Regional News

Coulter unveils 5-year roadmap to keep Oakland County All ways, moving forward

  • Strategic plan is ambitious and data-driven; metrics posted to public dashboard for accountability, live tonight at oakgov.com
  • Focus on three areas: strong economy, safe and healthy communities, opportunities for residents to live their best lives
  • Coulter announces new and expanded programs: Business Forward, Oakland 80, Support for Mental Health, Housing Trust Fund, Oakland University Sustainability Partnership
  • Celebrates Oakland Together “40 Under 40” class of 2022

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter revealed his roadmap for Oakland County’s future during his State of the County speech Tuesday night at the M1 Concourse Event Center in Pontiac. The five-year strategic framework commits Oakland County to “All ways, moving forward,” by making a real and measurable impact in three primary areas: a strong economy, healthy and safe communities, and opportunities for residents to live their best lives.

“Our mission is simple, but powerful: To serve through collaborative leadership and to help support communities where residents flourish and businesses thrive,” Coulter said.

Coulter set the tone for the evening by driving a Chevrolet Bolt EUV, produced at GM’s Orion Assembly Plant in Oakland County, into the event space before taking the stage to celebrate GM’s recent announcement of a $4 billion investment in the plant to produce the Chevrolet Silverado EV and electric GMC Sierra, adding 2,300 new jobs.

Prior to tonight’s speech, Coulter met with residents and several community organizations to hear firsthand what people want most from the county.

“Residents want a strong economy and training programs to help prepare workers for high-paying, in demand jobs,” Coulter said. “They’ve asked for accessible health care – including mental health – and affordable housing. They’ve told me that we need to help our kids catch up in school. And they want Oakland County to be a place where people feel safe, heard and welcomed.”

Coulter outlined his administration’s plans for a strong economy including Business Forward, designed to help entrepreneurs successfully emerge from the pandemic and grow their small businesses. With a team of nine business consultant. this program will bring resources straight to Oakland County’s 36,000 small business owners right in their own communities; and Project Diamond, a grant program created in collaboration with Automation Alley to help small manufacturers gain access to advanced manufacturing tools.

Next, Coulter highlighted the county’s significant progress toward connecting residents with health care and wraparound services through Health360, an initiative announced in his 2020 State of the County speech. Oakland County also has invested nearly $13 million in mental health services, including $2 million for the Oakland Together Mental Health and Wellbeing School Partnership. Through this grant program, health navigators are working directly with Oakland County schools to increase access to mental health services and support for students.

Coulter also announced how Oakland County is fostering new opportunities for residents to live their best lives:

  •  Oakland80, the county’s program to help 80 percent of adults secure a college education or training certificate by 2030, is expanding by deploying up to a dozen new career and education navigators through a partnership with Jewish Vocational Services. The program will help eliminate barriers residents face when pursuing post-secondary education or training;
  • The Housing Trust Fund provides gap funding to developers to ensure our residents have safe and affordable rental- and home-ownership options;
  • And a partnership with Oakland University to address environmental sustainability issues in the county.

Coulter also acknowledged that Oakland County is always Oxford Strong, remembering Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, Madisyn Baldwin, and Justin Shilling, the victims of the Oxford High School tragedy. One of their classmates, senior Ava Swiss, opened the State of the County speech by signing the National Anthem.

Coulter ended his remarks recognizing Oakland County’s Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2022, the 10th year of honoring young professionals who live or work in Oakland County who exemplify the best of Oakland County and what many aspire to be.

Oakland County thanks the State of the County sponsors for making the event possible: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kevin Denha, DTE, Zaid Elia, Arie Liebovitz, Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, and United Wholesale Mortgage.

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Child and Adolescent Health Center Program Expansion

Child and Adolescent Health Center Program Expansion

by | Mar 15, 2022 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2022

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-21-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS issues Requests for Proposals for

Child and Adolescent Health Center Program Expansion

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) to expand the Child and Adolescent Health Center program through school-based or school-linked health services. The models funded through this grant include Child and Adolescent Health Centers (CAHC) and School Wellness programs (SWP).

The purpose of the CAHC Program Expansion RFP is to provide school-based or school-linked comprehensive primary care and preventive health services, psychosocial and health promotion/disease prevention services, Medicaid outreach activities and access to Medicaid preventive services in a manner and atmosphere friendly to children and adolescents ages 5 to 21. Programs provide a safe and caring place for children and adolescents to learn positive health behaviors, prevent diseases and receive needed medical care and support, resulting in healthy youth who are ready and able to learn and become educated, productive adults.

This RFP is open to public and non-profit entities such as local health departments, community health centers, community mental health agencies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, non-profit hospitals/health systems, school districts, federally recognized tribes and other health care or social services organizations qualified to provide school-based or school-linked health care services.

The four-month award begins on June 1, 2022, and ends September 30, 2022, with the total available amount being $2.09 million. Maximum awards of $300,000 and minimum awards of $170,000 will be available per successful applicant. Successful applicants will be invited to apply for annual renewals based on availability of funds and acceptable performance.

Grant applications for the Child and Adolescent Health Center Program Expansion RFP must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m. on April 15.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Public Health Administration” link and selecting the “CAHCE-2022” grant program.
Tuesday is Conservation Officer Appreciation Day

Tuesday is Conservation Officer Appreciation Day

by | Mar 15, 2022 | Recreation

Tuesday is Conservation Officer Appreciation Day

More than 200 men and women serve as Michigan conservation officers – a demanding career that continues to evolve since first being established here in 1887. Recognizing these officers’ many contributions, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Tuesday, March 15, as Conservation Officer Appreciation Day in our state.

“Michigan’s conservation officers are in the field every day, doing their utmost to protect our state’s unrivaled woods, waterways and wildlife and the Michiganders and visitors who enjoy them,” said Gov. Whitmer. “On Conservation Officer Appreciation Day and every day, we commend these officers for their service, bravery and unyielding commitment to public safety, positive outdoor recreation experiences and sustainable natural resources. Together, we will strive to be good stewards of our phenomenal parks and public lands so we can pass them on to our children and children’s children.”

As sworn law enforcement officers who live in the counties they patrol, conservation officers are embedded members of their communities, equipped with the tools they need to respond to life-threatening, general criminal, and search and rescue events where time is of the essence.

Last year, Michigan COs contacted more than 387,000 people, delivering natural resource protection, education, safety tips and general law enforcement services to ensure people responsibly enjoyed the outdoors.
 
DNR: News Digest – Week of March 14, 2022

DNR: News Digest – Week of March 14, 2022

by | Mar 15, 2022 | Recreation

Michigan DNR banner

News Digest – Week of March 14, 2022

a tight grouping of bright purple crocuses with orange stamens, green grass peering through part of the background

Need a spring boost? These crocuses might do the trick!
This week’s stories may reflect how the Department of Natural Resources has adapted to meet customer needs and protect public health and safety. Follow our COVID-19 response page for updates on access to facilities and programs.

We’ll continue to share news and information about the best ways to discover and enjoy Michigan’s natural and heritage resources! Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Bewitching Belle Isle

gray, glass-domed conservatory building against a cloudy, pink-lit sky, with pink, red and white tulips and lush green grass in foregroundWant to see more gorgeous pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Mike Sonnenberg at Belle Isle Park in Detroit? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.

Tuesday is Conservation Officer Appreciation Day

a smiling, red-haired woman, a bearded man in hoodie and a female conservation officer laugh while petting a white and brown dog jumping up More than 200 men and women serve as Michigan conservation officers – a demanding career that continues to evolve since first being established here in 1887. Recognizing these officers’ many contributions, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Tuesday, March 15, as Conservation Officer Appreciation Day in our state.

“Michigan’s conservation officers are in the field every day, doing their utmost to protect our state’s unrivaled woods, waterways and wildlife and the Michiganders and visitors who enjoy them,” said Gov. Whitmer. “On Conservation Officer Appreciation Day and every day, we commend these officers for their service, bravery and unyielding commitment to public safety, positive outdoor recreation experiences and sustainable natural resources. Together, we will strive to be good stewards of our phenomenal parks and public lands so we can pass them on to our children and children’s children.”

As sworn law enforcement officers who live in the counties they patrol, conservation officers are embedded members of their communities, equipped with the tools they need to respond to life-threatening, general criminal, and search and rescue events where time is of the essence.

Last year, Michigan COs contacted more than 387,000 people, delivering natural resource protection, education, safety tips and general law enforcement services to ensure people responsibly enjoyed the outdoors.
A uniformed, male conservation officer stands in front of his black DNR patrol truck, next to Comerica Park baseball stadium in Detroit“The men and women who make up our ranks of conservation officers are the first line of defense in protecting Michigan’s world-class natural resources today, just as generations of officers have done every day for the past 135 years,” said Chief Dave Shaw, DNR Law Enforcement Division.

“In addition to our traditional fish and game role, our officers serve as an integral part of the community policing and public safety response networks in the counties where they are assigned.”

In this short video, meet a Grand Rapids man and his family who were helped by a DNR officer after a life-threatening chainsaw accident in Oceana County.

March 31 academy application deadline

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Michigan conservation officer, the DNR is hiring recruits for the upcoming 2022 academy. Get all the information you need about this unique law enforcement career and connect with a recruiter at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

Questions? Email DNR-LawEnforcement@Michigan.gov.

2022 fishing license season begins April 1; new underwater spearfishing licenses available

a Black man and little boy, both dressed in dark jeans and jackets, boy in a khaki baseball cap, hold a fishing pole while standing on a grassy shoreFor anglers eager to hit the water, a reminder that Michigan’s new license season – the 2022 fishing license season – starts Friday, April 1. Licenses for the 2022 season are valid through March 31, 2023, and can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. Anyone buying a fishing license online will have the opportunity to sign up for auto-renewal through the DNR eLicense system.

Last month, the DNR announced upcoming regulation changes adopted by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. One notable change is the expansion of underwater spearfishing opportunities that will now include the chance to harvest additional species.

Starting April 1, underwater spearfishing for walleye, northern pike and lake trout has been added for Lake Michigan (waters south of the southernmost pier at Grand Haven) and Lake Huron (waters south of the southernmost pier of the Thunder Bay River, extending south to the mouth of the St. Clair River [Fort Gratiot Light]).

This opportunity requires a new underwater spearfishing license along with monthly effort and harvest reporting requirements. The underwater spearfishing license is complimentary, unless a DNR Sportcard is needed, and will be available only online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. See page 16 of the 2022 fishing guide (available on the DNR guides and digests page) for more on this spearfishing opportunity.

Everyone planning to fish is encouraged to periodically review the digital version of the fishing guide for regulation updates throughout the 2022 fishing season. For tips on getting started, choosing locations, targeting different species and other “how to” information, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.

Questions? Contact the DNR Fisheries Division main line at 517-284-5830 and select option 4.

Traveling soon? Don’t forget your recreation safety certificate

a young woman with light brown hair, wearing black and blue life vest, steers a blue and white Jet Ski making waves on dark blue waterTaking an out-of-state hunting trip? Planning to rent a personal watercraft (such as a Jet Ski) on spring break? Don’t forget to take a copy of your Michigan safety certificate, demonstrating your completion of an appropriate safety program.

Many states require this documentation before you can rent a boat, personal watercraft or other equipment to participate in a season. If you’ve misplaced your certificate, don’t worry. Anyone who has already completed a Michigan hunter, bow, marine, ORV, snowmobile or trapper education course can request a duplicate safety certificate.

Recreational safety education courses are available to complete online from the comfort of your home and at your own pace at Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.

Questions? Send an email to DNR-LED-RecSafety@Michigan.gov.

Teachers: Salmon in the Classroom applications due April 15

young girl with light brown braid on one side, mouth open wide in a smile, holding a see-through cup of young salmon up near her faceIf you are (or know) a third through 12th grade classroom teacher who’s looking for a creative, hands-on way to bring science and conservation into the curriculum, consider applying for the DNR’s Salmon in the Classroom program – but make sure applications are in by April 15!

Every year, the program helps almost 300 schools around the state raise chinook salmon in their classrooms, in preparation for spring release during field trips to local, approved rivers, lakes and streams.

Participating teachers get free professional development, a teacher’s guide and a curriculum guide with more than 30 classroom activities to help students explore Great Lakes ecology, water quality, life stages, anatomy, invasive species and much more. Teachers also earn State Continuing Education Clock Hours, as approved by the Michigan Department of Education.

“Salmon in the Classroom isn’t just another routine activity; it’s a front-row seat to science,” said DNR aquatic education coordinator Tracy Page.

“Teachers and students commit to learning everything they need to know in order to raise these fish from egg stage to smolt stage, and it’s like the kids go through a transformation, too,” she said. “There’s just something special about seeing the pride in these kids’ eyes when they’re placing their young fish into the river for the first time.”

Questions? Watch this Salmon in the Classroom video and get more program details – including timeline and application process – at Michigan.gov/SIC or contact Tracy Page at 989-277-0630.

THINGS TO DO

Archery instruction, lantern-lit hikes, volunteer days and more at Michigan state parks: See what events are coming up the rest of this month!

BUY & APPLY

As temperatures warm up, many folks will be thinking about ORV trails. Visit our ORV info page and get up to date on everything you need to get on the trails.

GET INVOLVED

Want to share your passion for the outdoors? Become a volunteer safety instructor and help people stay safe in the woods and on the water.
Enhancing Emotional Health Program

Enhancing Emotional Health Program

by | Mar 15, 2022 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2022

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS issues Requests for Proposals for

Expanding, Enhancing Emotional Health Program Expansion

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) to expand the number of sites offering the Expanding, Enhancing Emotional Health program.

The purpose of the Expanding, Enhancing Emotional Health Expansion Program RFP is to support comprehensive mental health services to children and adolescents in a school-based location by a licensed mental health professional. Expanding, Enhancing Emotional Health is a program model of the Child and Adolescent Health Center Program

This RFP is open to public and non-profit entities such as local health departments, community health centers, community mental health agencies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, non-profit hospitals/health systems, school districts, federally recognized tribes and other health care or social services organizations qualified to provide mental health care to the school age population.

The four-month award begins on June 1, 2022, and ends Sept. 30, 2022, with the total available amount being $1.5 million with a maximum of $110,000 per successful applicant. Successful applicants will be invited to apply for annual renewals based on availability of funds and acceptable performance.

Grant applications for the Expanding, Enhancing Emotional Health Expansion Program RFP must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m. on April 15.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Public Health Administration” link and selecting the “E3E-2022” grant program.