FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 18, 2021

MDHHS CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov 

TREASURY CONTACT: Ron Leix, 517-335-2167, leixr@michigan.gov

Nearly $32,000 raised at ninth annual Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund event in Detroit

More than 480 foster youth eligible to receive college scholarships

LANSING, Mich. – More than 480 foster youth are eligible to receive college scholarships following the ninth annual Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Benefit Dinner organized by the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Friday evening’s event at the Roostertail along the banks of the Detroit River was attended by approximately 150 guests who raised $31,615 for scholarships through MET, the Michigan Department of Treasury’s 529 prepaid education program. So far this year, MET has raised $38,969 for the scholarships.

Both the fundraiser dinner and raffle will benefit youth who have experienced foster care in Michigan. A partnership between MET and MDHHS makes Fostering Futures Scholarships possible.

“I am proud of the hard work and effort our staff put in each year to make the Fostering Futures Scholarship possible,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, who spoke at the event. “The extraordinary generosity of our sponsors, donors and guests make the dream of college a reality for students exiting foster care. These dollars provide some help with college costs when there may not be many other options available.

Close to 11,500 youth are in the Michigan foster care system run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Nationally, fewer than 10% of former foster youth nationally enroll in college after high school and fewer than 3% eventually earn a degree.

During his remarks at the event, Demetrius Starling, executive director of the MDHHS Children’s Services Agency, noted the challenges that youth who experience foster care face in going to college and the important role that the Fostering Futures Scholarship can play.

“Too often these young people are not able to go to college,” Starling said. “Youth that want to go to college deserve an opportunity to pursue a higher education. Some of these young people are here tonight. Please hear me when I say this: We are so proud of you! You are strong, resilient, and capable.”

Carolyn Clifford, anchor for television station WXYZ Channel 7, emceed the event. Keynote speaker Robert E. Thomas – a Detroit native who was in foster care as a child and has experienced success as an engineer and community leader – received the “Making A Difference” award. Thomas also is a foster care consultant.

The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provides former foster care students who may not have adequate financial resources to attend college with a scholarship. During the 2021-22 academic year, 487 students at 58 different institutions are eligible for support.

Anyone who could not attend Friday’s event can make donations to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund by visiting www.FosteringFutures-MI.com. Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is a Section 170 (c) non-profit organization.  All contributions are eligible for an income tax deduction.

Since 2012, fundraising efforts have totaled more than $1.3 million, with funds awarded as scholarships in the year they were raised.

Above, keynote speaker Robert E. Thomas received the Making a Difference Award at the Fostering Futures Scholarship fundraiser in Detroit. He is shown with, from left, Robin Lott, director of the Michigan Department of Treasury Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning, and Diane Brewer, executive director of MET.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2021

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

Event to raise funds for child abuse, neglect prevention statewide 

Michigan Children’s Trust Fund 19^th annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction set for Sept. 28

LANSING, Mich. – Child abuse and neglect prevention supporters can make a difference in the lives of Michigan children and families by taking part in the 19^th annual Pam Posthumus Signature Live Virtual Auction Event Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.

People can help fund child maltreatment prevention programming in all of Michigan’s 83 counties by bidding on sports and concert tickets, travel packages and more.

The event seeks to raise $500,000 in critical funds for the Children’s Trust Fund, which is within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Money raised from the auction pays for programs such as food pantries, safe sleep, shaken baby syndrome prevention, child development support, adverse childhood experiences prevention and more. Additionally, it supports other targeted services that allow local partners around the state to continue to provide education, training, and other child abuse and neglect prevention programs. All private donations and state funding is eligible to be multiplied through Children’s Trust Fund federal funding.

“The Pam Posthumus Signature Auction is a sign of hope for Michigan’s children and families,” Children’s Trust Fund Executive Director Suzanne Greenberg said. “The funding raised through this auction helps strengthen families and communities across the state by educating and supporting them on child safety, health and well-being. Child abuse and neglect is preventable when we work together, and I encourage Michiganders to support this crucial event for kids.”

The auction is named in memory of Pam Posthumus, a tireless advocate for preventing child abuse. Posthumus was appointed to the Children’s Trust Fund Board of Directors in 1997 and became its chair in 2002. The event is made possible by the generosity of the state of Michigan, Michigan Legislature and sponsors such as Cinnaire, DTE, Jackson, and countless other organizations and individuals.

To register for the event or donate, visit https://CTFAuction.cbo.io

To learn more about Children’s Trust Fund (and to learn where the program is near you) and its efforts to end child abuse, visit michigan.go/CTF.

# # #

ABOUT the Children’s Trust Fund Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1982, the Children’s Trust Fund is Michigan’s only statewide nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The Children’s Trust Fund serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.

• Children’s Trust Fund Auction Press Release.pdf

---

Become a foster parent through Michigan Department of Health & Human Services foster care program. Questions?  Contact Us SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe All |  Subscriber Help

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 9, 2021 

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

MDHHS launches online access to immunization
records for Michiganders ages 18 and older

LANSING, Mich. – To help Michiganders ages 18 and older more easily access their immunization records, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched the Michigan Immunization Portal.

Michigan adults with immunization records posted in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), including COVID-19 vaccination, will be able to locate their own record online and download, save or print this information. The portal was funded through CDC grant dollars and was officially launched in mid-August.

“We want to make sure Michiganders are able to access their vaccination records as easily as possible as this is important health information,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The Michigan Immunization Portal allows them to find their record from their computer or smart phone and save a copy for their records. This will also allow anyone who has misplaced their COVID-19 vaccination card to print a record of their vaccination.”

To ensure privacy and that individuals are only able to access their own immunization records, Michiganders must create a MILogin account at Michigan.gov/MiImmsportal and upload a valid government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport. There is no cost to access the portal.

Immunizations provided in another state or country may not be included in an individual’s record in the portal. If an individual’s immunization record can’t be found, records can still be requested from a physician’s office or local health department.

As the portal is only available for those 18 years or older, parents won’t be able to download their child’s immunization records. Parents may contact their child’s physician’s office or local health department to get a copy of their immunization records.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 8, 2021

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, WuthC@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer declares September as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are declaring September as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, and joining with community networks to celebrate recovery and raise awareness of recovery-oriented systems of care working to prevent and treat substance use disorders in our state.

“Like other chronic and relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, substance use disorder can be managed successfully,” said Governor Whitmer. “This Alcohol and Addiction Recovery Month, we recommit ourselves to providing Michiganders struggling with substance use disorders with multiple points of care — from expanded telehealth services to medication assisted therapies. When Michiganders with mental health or substance abuse disorders seek help, they deserve to be met with the knowledge and compassion that anyone can recover and manage their conditions successfully.”

Substance use disorder is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the individual and those around them. The United States is amid an opioid epidemic, with opioid overdoses killing nearly 48,000 people per year. An opioid can be a prescription drug, or an illicit substance, such as heroin. The use of tobacco, alcohol, prescription opioids and illicit drugs is costly to our nation, exacting approximately $820.5 billion dollars annually, and growing, in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.

In the long-term, substance use disorder may lead to mental and physical effects such as paranoia, psychosis, immune deficiencies and organ damage that will require treatment to resolve. In 2019, over 1.3 million people in Michigan, age 12 and older, had abused an illicit drug in the past month and 615,000 individuals aged 12 and older in Michigan needed treatment for illicit substance or alcohol use – 7.3 % of the population.

“Recognizing Alcohol and Drug Addiction and Recovery Month allows us to celebrate those who have successfully been able to manage their disease and also highlight the need to provide resources, dignity and treatment to those who are affected by a substance use disorder,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “It’s important to educate Michiganders on how recovery is possible, welcomed and celebrated not just in the present but for the rest of their lives.”

A person’s treatment and recovery are built on his or her strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources and inherent values. It addresses the whole person and their community, and is supported by peers, friends, and family members. Support for telehealth services has enabled thousands of Michiganders to engage safely in substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery support services that would have otherwise been inaccessible.

If you or a loved one is seeking care, visit MDHHS – BH Recovery & Substance Use (michigan.gov) or Michigan.gov/Opioids.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 8 2021

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

MDHHS issues quarantine guidance for asymptomatic students

Prevention measures, including universal masking, reduce COVID-19
transmission and days away from school due to quarantine

LANSING, Mich. – To help ensure Michigan students and educators are as safe as possible in the classroom and keep students in school for in-person learning, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued updated quarantine guidance.

“When layered prevention strategies such as masking, distancing, testing, isolation and quarantine are applied consistently, school-associated transmission of COVID-19 is significantly reduced – which keeps kids in the classroom so they can learn,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “However, if someone is exposed to COVID at schools, it’s important for them to follow quarantine guidance to prevent spread to other children.”

MDHHS recommends local health departments and schools work together to quickly isolate COVID-19 cases among students and staff, identify close contacts of those cases and adopt quarantine policies that reduce the risk of transmission in schools while allowing in-person learning. When evidence-based prevention measures, including universal masking, are in place, modifications may be made to the 10- to 14-day at-home quarantine.

“The best protection against COVID-19 are the three safe and effective vaccines we have available, and we urge all eligible Michiganders to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “As many of our students are too young to be vaccinated, masks are an important tool to prevent the spread of the virus and allow for in-person learning to continue uninterrupted.”

School quarantine guidance for asymptomatic students who were exposed to a student infected with COVID-19 varies depending on a variety of circumstances. In all cases, the student who has tested positive for COVID-19 should isolate and follow directions from their local health department. Any individual that displays COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, should be tested and isolate as directed.  

Under the new guidance, a student exposed to COVID-19 can remain in school under the following scenarios:  

• A fully vaccinated student (regardless of whether they wore a mask) who came in close contact with a COVID-positive student. The exposed student can remain in school if they wear a mask and monitor symptoms for 14 days after their exposure. They should test for COVID-19 three to five days after their last exposure to the COVID-positive student. If the exposed student tests positive, then the student should isolate and follow directions from their local health department.   
• An unvaccinated student who was masked and exposed to a COVID-positive student who was also masked in an indoor school setting, so long as the students remained at least three to six feet apart. The exposed student can remain in school if they wear a mask, but they should monitor symptoms for 14 days following the exposure.
• An unvaccinated student who was masked and exposed to a COVID-positive student who was also masked in an indoor school setting, but the students were less than three feet apart and the student tests daily.
  • The exposed student can remain in school if they wear a mask. They should monitor symptoms for 14 days and test daily before coming into the school building for the seven days following the exposure. They should continue to monitor for symptoms for a total of 14 days following the exposure. 
  • The exposed student should work with their school district and local health department to determine options available for daily testing. If the student cannot complete daily testing for seven days following the exposure, the student should not remain in school and should follow the guidance below. 

An unvaccinated student exposed to COVID-19 should not remain in school under the following scenarios:

• If the exposed or COVID-positive student, or both were not wearing a mask. Unvaccinated students who are unmasked are more likely to become ill because they are more likely to have been exposed to larger amounts of virus.
  • The exposed student should not remain in school, and instead the student should quarantine at home for 10 days following the exposure. 
    • They may return after day 10 if they have not had any symptoms during those 10 days. They should continue to monitor for symptoms for a total of 14 days following the exposure.
    • The student may return after day seven if they test negative that day and do not have symptoms. They should continue to monitor for symptoms for a total of 14 days following the exposure. 
• A student who was masked and exposed to a COVID-positive student who was also masked in an indoor school setting, but the students were less than three feet apart and the student does not test daily. 

MDHHS is providing schools antigen testing supplies free of charge through the MI Safe Schools Testing program. Schools and individual school districts can request antigen test kits through the Mi Safer Schools: School Antigen COVID Test Ordering form. MDHHS will be leveraging our partnership with Intermediate School Districts to help distribute COVID-19 antigen tests based on the orders placed in the School Antigen COVID Test Ordering Form. Questions about test supply orders can be sent to your Intermediate School District and any other school testing related questions can be sent directly to MDHHS at MDHHS-COVIDtestingsupport@michigan.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.