by orionontv | Jan 17, 2025 | Health and Wellness
|
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 17, 2025
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS urges vaccinations as respiratory cases rise in Michigan
Flu numbers expected to peak in coming weeks
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages Michigan residents to get vaccinated, as increases in flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity have been observed and are expected to continue.
At the end of December, trends in respiratory illness reached the highest levels so far this season at both the national level (6.8% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness) and in Michigan (4.5%). Michigan activity typically lags a few weeks behind the national trend, meaning the next few weeks are likely to see increasing local activity, especially as children return to school after the December holidays.
The majority of Michiganders are not up to date on the vaccinations that protect against these infections. Only 11% of Michigan residents have been vaccinated this season for COVID-19 and 23.6% have been vaccinated for influenza. It is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. All three of these vaccines can help protect against severe respiratory illness and can be given at the same time. Nationally, 11 children have died from influenza during the 2024-25 flu season; none of the children were from Michigan.
“With many respiratory viruses circulating and Influenza cases rising, it is crucial for Michigan residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “COVID-19 and flu vaccines are effective at preventing serious outcomes, including hospitalization and death. It is not too late to protect yourself and your family this season.”
According to state data, as of Dec. 28, approximately 2.5 million people have received their flu vaccine this flu season. This is well below the 4 million doses of flu vaccine that were expected to be administered this season. Vaccination coverage rates are highest among older adults, while they remain lowest for school-aged children (14.9% coverage for ages 5-12 and 7.7% coverage for ages 13-17) and college-aged young adults (10.9% coverage).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the annual influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Getting vaccinated now, as respiratory virus activity is increasing, can still provide protection. Flu activity usually peaks in February, but significant flu activity can continue into May. It takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered before the body builds up enough immunity to protect from severe illness from the flu. If eligible, Michigan residents should receive their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines today to help protect from potentially severe consequences from these illnesses.
Vaccination is particularly important for these younger age groups as children return from the holiday break. It is also important for individuals at higher risk of developing serious complications — including young children, adults ages 65 years and older, people with certain medical conditions and pregnant persons. Speak to a health care provider to discuss vaccination and determine which flu vaccine is best for you. Additional information about recommendations can also be found by visiting ACIP Recommendations Summary | Influenza (Flu) | CDC.
Vaccines are an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and are covered with no out-of-pocket costs by most health plans in Michigan.
Those with questions about their health insurance can contact the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) at 877-999-6442, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.
Flu, COVID and RSV vaccines are widely available at local health departments, physicians’ offices and pharmacies around the state. Find a location by using the Vaccine Finder. Visit Michigan.gov/COVIDFluRSV for more information or visit IVaccinate.org to find answers to vaccine questions. Visit Michigan.gov/flufocus for updates on flu and respiratory illnesses in Michigan. |
by orionontv | Jan 15, 2025 | Health and Wellness
|
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 14, 2025
CONTACT: Erin Stover 517-285-6270 [email protected]
MDHHS provides update on latest MISEP report, highlighting progress made in protecting children in the department’s care
LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) appeared before Judge Nancy G. Edmunds of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan to provide an update on improvements the department continues to make to Michigan’s child welfare system, as part of the Modified Implementation, Sustainability and Exit Plan (MISEP).
During the court conference, Judge Edmunds determined that MDHHS has met or exceeded the required performance standards in five of the areas monitored for compliance during the reporting period of July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, moving these areas closer to the removal of court oversight. Additionally, Judge Edmunds applauded MDHHS and the federal court monitors on the progress made and stated that she is hopeful that with continued effort, MDHHS will move closer to exiting court oversight.
“Ensuring that all Michigan children have a safe and loving place to call home is a top priority at MDHHS. I’m proud of the work and positive impact our team continues to make for families and children,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “This court conference allows us to discuss the innovative strategies we have identified and implemented to enhance our operations, including the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda which includes protocols and policies to improve the safety and well-being of Michigan children.”
The latest report shows that MDHHS met or exceeded required performance standards in five of 26 areas monitored and were within 10% of meeting or exceeding the standard in four additional areas.
Key areas of progress include:
- Maintaining a sufficient number and array of homes capable of serving the needs of the foster care population including a sufficient number of available licensed placements within the child’s home community for adolescents, sibling groups, and children with disabilities – the monitors found that MDHHS has made good faith efforts to maintain an array of homes.
- Adoption caseload standards – 89.3% of adoption workers had a caseload of no more than 15 children, marking a second period of positive trending.
- Written family assessments and services plans – 85% of the reviewed cases had a comprehensive written assessment of a family’s strengths and needs, designed to inform decision-making about services and permanency planning, exceeding the performance standard of 83%.
- Provision of services – MDHHS agreed that the services identified in service plans be made available in a timely manner, to identify appropriate, accessible, and individually compatible services and to amend service plans when services are not provided or do not appear to be effective. In this area, 85.7% of the reviewed cases were rated as acceptable for provision of services, exceeding the 83% performance standard.
Federal court monitors have been tracking progress since a 2008 settlement agreement following a 2006 lawsuit filed against the former Michigan Department of Human Services by Children’s Rights. In 2019, the court approved the Michigan Implementation, Sustainability and Exit Plan.
In January 2024, many requirements in the settlement agreement were eliminated with a stipulated order signed by Judge Edmunds because of the significant and sustained progress made by MDHHS in numerous areas.
“Progress can be a long road, especially when it comes to child welfare, but it’s encouraging to see leaders recognize both the strides made and our plans to address the work that still lies ahead,” said Demetrius Starling, senior deputy director of the MDHHS Children’s Services Administration. “Continuous improvement is key to ensuring better safety and outcomes for kids.”
To view the latest federal court monitor report and other information, visit www.michigan.gov/ChildWelfareAgreement. |
by orionontv | Jan 9, 2025 | Health and Wellness
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 9, 2025
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
Michigan selected by CMS as one of four states to
participate in innovative behavioral health model
New model seeks to improve quality of care, access and outcomes
LANSING, Mich. – As part of its continuing commitment to improving behavioral health access to care and outcomes, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is participating in the Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model.
The IBH Model focuses on improving quality of care and behavioral and physical health outcomes for adults enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare with moderate to severe mental health conditions and substance use disorder (SUD). The model will support aligning payment between Medicaid and Medicare for integrated services and improving quality reporting and data sharing. Michigan is one of four states selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the model.
“We are excited to have been chosen by CMS to offer this enhanced level of care to Medicaid beneficiaries seeking treatment for behavioral health issues and substance use disorder,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Michigan residents will receive more personalized and integrated care through this model designed to reduce visits to the emergency department, improve behavioral and physical health outcomes and address quality of life needs such as housing, food and transportation.”
Medicaid and Medicare populations experience disproportionately high rates of mental health conditions or SUDs, or both. As a result, they are more likely to experience poor health outcomes such as frequent visits to the emergency department and hospitalizations or premature death. In FY2022, Michigan’s Community Mental Health Service Programs served 178,837 individuals for behavioral health issues; with 12,806 of those individuals receiving substance use services only. An additional 62,691 admissions for SUD services were administered by the state’s 10 Pre-Paid Inpatient Health Plans.
Michigan plans to implement the IBH Model in multiple locations throughout the state in both urban and rural areas, including the Upper Peninsula. Sites will be chosen from among providers who are currently participating in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic demonstration or as a Health Home.
“Michigan’s receipt of this award from CMS underscores and will strengthen Michigan’s innovative community-based approaches to meeting the behavioral health needs of Michiganders. Building on Michigan’s network of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and Behavioral Health Homes – two initiatives led by MDHHS – this newly funded initiative will foster even greater access to and coordination of behavioral health care and other community health and human services for Michiganders enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare,” said Robert Sheehan, Community Mental Health Association of Michigan CEO. “CMHA applauds MDHHS for expanding its partnership with CMS, the latest in a long list of leading-edge behavioral health initiatives.”
Specialty behavioral health providers will screen and assess patients for priority health conditions as well as behavioral health conditions and SUD. Providers will lead an interprofessional care team and be responsible for coordinating with other members of the care team to address patients’ behavioral and physical health and health-related social needs such as housing, food and transportation. Providers will be compensated based on the quality of care provided and improved patient outcomes.
The eight-year model period begins Jan. 1, 2025, and consists of a three-year pre-implementation period prior to services starting. MDHHS was awarded $7.5 million by CMS for planning and implementation.
by orionontv | Jan 8, 2025 | Health and Wellness
|
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 8, 2025
CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112
MDHHS seeks applicants for SDOH Hubs Advisory Council
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking applications from local organizations and community members interested in serving on the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Hubs Advisory Council.
Now entering its second year, the Advisory Council is a key component of Michigan’s Roadmap to Healthy Communities. As part of the statewide SDOH Strategy, the advisory council helps guide implementation of the initiatives and develops recommendations to support SDOH Hub efforts. SDOH Hubs are a network of community partners that work together to help Michigan residents get the care and support they need to stay healthy.
The overarching goal of the Advisory Council is to optimize the impact of SDOH Hubs on improving community health and well-being by providing strategic guidance, performance oversight and recommendations to support sustainability. Responsibilities include offering subject matter expertise and personal insight to support the success of the Hubs; supporting implementation of community information exchange; and regularly assessing and monitoring SDOH Hubs’ performance, impact and alignment with the mission and objectives.
The council’s purpose is to:
- Provide strategic guidance to the MDHHS SDOH Hub leadership team, based on expertise and insight within communities, to support goals of new and established SDOH Hub sites.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement among partners utilizing professional networks, including heath care professionals, community-based organizations/members, policymakers and private industry.
- Advocate for policies and initiatives that address root causes of heath disparities and close disparity gaps.
- Provide SDOH Hub performance oversight and make recommendations to support long-term scalability and sustainability.
Eligible participants include, but are not limited to, community foundation members, community leaders, community health specialists and epidemiologists with extensive expertise in racial and health equity. Individuals in the fields of philanthropy, health care, public health, social sciences, policy and/or community advocacy are encouraged to apply.
Applications to participate on the Advisory Council must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 17. Participants will meet virtually beginning in February 2025 with an estimated total commitment of 36 hours through December 2025.
More information about the Advisory Council and the application are available online. |
by orionontv | Jan 6, 2025 | Health and Wellness
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 6, 2025
CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS recognizes Social Determinants of Health Month in January
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is bringing partners together from across the state in recognition of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Month this January.
Throughout the month, MDHHS is encouraging community and advocates in health and social equity to use the hashtag #MISDOHMonth2025 when they host events, webinars or awareness activities to promote health equity and SDOH work across Michigan to show support.
“As we recognize Social Determinants of Health Month, it’s a good time to acknowledge the vital role each of us plays in creating a healthier, more equitable Michigan,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The department remains committed to fostering partnerships and promoting health equity across the state. Addressing the social factors that shape health outcomes is critical to eliminating health disparities and ensuring all residents have the opportunity to thrive.”
Phase III of Michigan’s Roadmap to Healthy Communities remains underway, driving progress on key initiatives such as the SDOH Hubs, efforts to close the health disparities gap and Health in All Policies. These initiatives continue to support community-led solutions and promote health equity across the state.
The annual MDOH Summit serves as a springboard to launch next steps for the SDOH Strategy. This year, 2025, will be a dedicated evaluation year to assess the impact of current efforts and initiatives, and identify opportunities for further growth and improvement. Results and findings will be presented at the 2026 Summit, slated for June 2026, which will connect State of Michigan agencies and community partners to address important topics focused on SDOH initiatives.
To help promote SDOH Month, a toolkit is available online with resources including graphics, suggested social media posts, talking points and ideas to help get people involved.
MDHHS-SDOH-PolicyandPlanning@Michigan.gov about local efforts to address SDOH in your community, and also share those efforts on social media using the hashtag #MISDOHMonth2025 to inspire others to show support for this important work.
To stay updated on SDOH efforts in Michigan, sign up for the SDOH newsletter or visit Michigan.gov/SDOH.
by orionontv | Dec 4, 2024 | Health and Wellness
|
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 4, 2024
CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS awarded $2.25 million federal grant to streamline transition to adult care for youth with epilepsy
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been awarded a $2.25 million grant for the Michigan Youth with Epilepsy Transition demonstration project, which seeks to provide support to youth with epilepsy as they transition into adult health care.
This five-year grant comes from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Maternal Child and Health Bureau. The goal of the project is to improve quality of life and other outcomes for youth with epilepsy and their families, with a focus on those who have complex health and social needs and/or require a higher level of family support and coordination.
“The transition from youth to adulthood can be particularly challenging for young people and their families, especially for those with conditions like epilepsy. This project aims to enhance coordination across various systems to ensure a successful transition for these youth, while also offering vital support to their families,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “By collaborating with four major epilepsy centers in Michigan, we will provide comprehensive assistance to help young people with epilepsy and their families navigate the shift from pediatric to adult care.”
The grant award will allow MDHHS’s Children’s Special Health Services (CSHCS) program to enhance its transition-to-adulthood efforts by improving coordination between health care and other transition service areas. It will also support the development of resources to help youth and families navigate various other systems beyond health care that provide services to children and adults.
There are an estimated 13,600 Michigan children ages 17 and younger with epilepsy. Nationwide, only 23% of the adolescent population receives the services needed to make transitions to adult health care.
During the next five years, CSHCS will partner with two pediatric and two adult neurology clinics to implement strategies to improve transition to adult-serving systems for children and youth with epilepsy. Activities will include strengthening collaborations across child- and adult-serving systems to support youths and their families, developing and implementing a Michigan health care transition framework and creating a Roadmap to Transition resource guide for youth and families. Engagement with youths with epilepsy and their families will be a major focus of the project.
In addition to the four neurology clinics, other key partners in the project include the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Michigan Public Health Institute, the Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center at Michigan Medicine and Patient and Family Partnerships, Inc.
CSHCS is a program within MDHHS and is a part of Title V of the Federal Social Security Act. The CSHCS program is for children and some adults with chronic health conditions. Its mission is to enable individuals with special health care needs to have improved health outcomes and an enhanced quality of life. For more information about CSHCS, visit the MDHHS website. |
