Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2023

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Michiganders urged to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness as temperatures climb across the state

LANSING, Mich. – With temperatures reaching over 90 degrees in Michigan over the next several days, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging all residents to stay cool to beat the heat.

MDHHS routinely reviews emergency department (ED) data for heat-related illness. As daily temperatures rise above 80 degrees, ED visits for heat-related illness tend to increase. This is often more likely for the first high-heat event of the year as people are not as used to those kinds of temperatures and may not take the necessary precautions.

“It’s important Michiganders stay hydrated and understand the risks of excessive heat exposure during this warm weather,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Young children, older adults and those who have medical conditions are at increased risk for heat-related illness, so be sure to check frequently on them and others in your community who may need additional assistance.”

To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to:

• Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
• Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
• Spend time indoors in air conditioning at home or in a cooling center.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
• Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.

For those without access to air conditioning, text or call 211 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a cooling center nearby. You can also spend some time at an air-conditioned library, shopping mall or other public building – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.

In addition to staying hydrated and out of the sun, residents are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a car even with windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside, and because a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s they are more susceptible to heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both forms of heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F) and tiredness. Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and can result in death if not treated promptly.

For more information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness, see the MDHHS Heat Awareness and Safety Fact Sheet, also available in Spanish, Arabic, and Bengali, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2023

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

Michigan has increased need for people to care for children as state marks Foster Care Month
From Metro Detroit to Branch County, families provide loving homes

LANSING, Mich. – It does Cheryl Harrison’s heart good when the teenage girls she fosters bond so much that they call each other “sisters.” Linda and Kelly Young hold family meetings to make sure everyone is on board before they welcome a new foster child into their home.

Michigan urgently needs more loving foster parents like Harrison, of Wayne County, and the Youngs, of Branch County, to temporarily care for children while the state works to reunify them safely with their biological parents.

“You have to always show children your strength and they will know to never give up,” said Harrison, who likes to foster teenagers because she can see the positive impact she has on both their current actions and their futures.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May to be Foster Care Month in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) during the month is recognizing foster families for their contributions while raising awareness of the need for more foster homes. There are about 10,000 children in foster care in the state. There is a particular need for families to foster older children, sibling groups and youth with special needs.

“Foster parents play a tremendously important role in our efforts to keep kids safe,” said Demetrius Starling, senior deputy director of the MDHHS Children’s Services Administration. “I appreciate the love and support that Michigan’s 4,300 licensed foster families provide to children who need temporary homes until they can be safely reunified with their parents or adopted if it’s not safe for them to return home.”

In April, the department announced its Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, which includes more than 20 protocols and policies to improve the safety and well-being of Michigan children. Having enough loving foster homes to meet the needs of children is a key to keeping them safe.

MDHHS is addressing an increased need for foster parents due to the department’s commitment to provide family homes for children and reduce the use of congregate care settings, as well as a significant loss of foster homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Harrison won the Foster Family Excellence Award as part of Foster Care Month.

The Youngs this month received the Adoption Excellence Award from MDHHS. The couple have been foster parents for more than 22 years and have adopted multiple children. “We learned long ago that life is full of challenges, but we are fortunate to be able to impact these challenges in a positive way and imprint hope in kiddos’ lives,” Linda Young said.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent can call a Foster Care Navigator at 855-MICHKIDS or visit www.fcnp.org. Navigators are experienced foster care parents who can answer questions and guide prospective foster parents on their journey. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hopeforahome.

Please see attached photos of Cheryl Harrison and the Young family.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2023

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov

MDHHS seeking proposals for mobile response team expansion to
address crisis situations for youth through MI Kids Now program

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to expand access to mobile response teams to address crisis situations for young people through the MI Kids Now Mobile Response II Grant Program.

The program is intended to expand intensive crisis stabilization services for children who are experiencing emotional symptoms, behaviors, or traumatic circumstances that have compromised or impacted their ability to function within their family, living situation, school/childcare or community.

Eligible applicants are Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSP) as defined under Section 330.1204 of the Michigan Mental Health Code. This service will be available to families regardless of current participation in or eligibility for CMHSP services, and CMHSPs would be able to use grant funding to design services that are proactive in nature and address crisis situations prior to further escalation.

The amount available is $1 million with an individual maximum award of $200,000. The department estimates issuing up to five awards. Grant applications for the MI Kids Now Mobile Response Grant Program RFP must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 21.

A pre-application conference will be held to discuss this funding opportunity and provide instruction on using the EGrAMS system. The pre-application conference will be held on Wednesday, May 17 at 10 a.m., and will last approximately 90 minutes. The conference can be accessed at https://bit.ly/40aUsFf

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 “Specialty Behavioral Health Services” link and selecting the “MKNII-2024” grant program.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2023

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Mental Health Awareness Month shines spotlight on available resources

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have joined mental health advocates around the nation to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Observed nationally since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month promotes mental health education and support to increase individual well-being and decrease the stigma often associated with seeking help for mental illness.

“Everyone should have access to mental health services and resources when they need them and where they need them,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS is proud to continue to offer resources to support families experiencing concerns with mental health, substance use or other mental health-related issues.”

MDHHS is dedicated to addressing mental health care as part of a larger public health approach and ensuring Michigan families have access to support when dealing with personal and community-related crises and tragedies.

The department is diligently working on a variety of initiatives to expand access and eligibility to programs that support mental health and well-being. Last year, MDHHS increased its investment in children’s behavioral health services by developing a new Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports. Since its inception, the bureau has developed and issued $6 million in grants for community mental health service programs to explore innovative ways to support children and families in crisis, and for efforts to expand workforce to support the growing demand for mental health services across the state.

Additionally, the new bureau is overseeing efforts to improve behavioral health supports for youth and families with involvement in the child welfare system. These efforts are highlighting the reality that consistent access to care and opportunities for timely, effective interventions are essential to family preservation and successful reunification in the community.

“We know the negative emotional impacts of a disaster can last for months or years,” said Dr. Debra Pinals, MDHHS medical director for behavioral health and forensic programs. “Everyone recovers differently, and it can take time to regain emotional strength and equilibrium after all the stress, changes and loss we’ve been through. At the same time, we can be strengthened by the knowledge of all that we have been able to achieve during this time.”

Over the past two years, MDHHS and its partners have implemented three statewide lines to ensure that mental health or substance use help for all Michiganders is just a phone call away: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Michigan Peer Warmline and Frontline Strong Together Crisis Line. Cumulatively, almost 11,000 callers a month have received help from these three lines.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a free 24/7 line that people can use confidentially and anonymously through call, text or chat at 988lifeline.org. 988 is available to provide support to anyone who may be experiencing emotional distress or struggling with mental health or substance use concerns. It is also a resource for family members or friends who may be concerned about a loved one’s mental health.

The Michigan Peer Warmline, 88-PEER-753 (888-733-7753), is a statewide warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health and/or substance use conditions. The Warmline connects individuals with certified peer support specialists who have lived experiences of behavioral health issues, trauma or personal crises, and are trained to support and empower the callers.  All calls are anonymous and the warmline operates seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Frontline Strong Together, 833-34-STRONG, is a new service funded through MDHHS that provides 24/7 support to first responders (police, EMS, fire, dispatch and corrections) and their families through a crisis line, specialty treatment and referrals. This service was developed in a partnership between first responder professional unions, Wayne State University and Michigan Crisis and Access Line staff.

Mental health in the workplace has also taken on new significance in the wake of pandemic work-life challenges. The MDHHS Stay Well program recently created a collection of resources to help plan, implement and sustain wellness programs for employees within organizations, and is working closely with Labor and Economic Opportunity as they expand offerings attending to workplace mental health. Mental Wellness Tools for Organizations is available on the Stay Well website.

According to the ongoing Household Pulse Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 30% of Michigan adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression during the most recent reporting period (March 29 – April 10, 2023). The Pulse Survey also found more than 12% of Michigan adults “who have ever had COVID-19” reported experiencing long-term health effects from their infection, also referred to as Long COVID. Long COVID can be associated with mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression and concentration or memory problems, also known as “brain fog.”

For additional mental health resources, visit the COVID-19 webpage.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2023

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

MDHHS provides update as federal  Public Health Emergency comes to an end Free COVID-19 testing and vaccines to continue to be available

LANSING, Mich. – As the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) comes to a close today, May 11, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides updates about changes to data reporting, Epidemic Orders and the continued availability of COVID-19 testing and vaccines.

“MDHHS will continue to provide resources to Michiganders to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, including access to free testing and vaccines,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Based on changes being made at the federal level, there will be updates made to data reporting and other requirements our state has been following for the past three years.”

Testing
MDHHS will continue supporting free over-the-counter test (OTC) distribution through the Michigan library program. Tests shipped direct to households via Project Act will be supported until at least June 2023. MDHHS will also support distribution of COVID-19 antigen tests to high-risk settings including long-term care, shelters, jails and schools.

Free COVID-19 testing will also continue at neighborhood and community testing locations, including distribution of OTCs. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to support free COVID-19 testing at some locations.

No-cost coverage for testing will continue for Michigan residents with Medicaid through Sept. 30, 2024, however other insurers may require cost-sharing. Individuals should contact their insurer for more information.

Vaccines
All currently distributed COVID-19 vaccines are considered federal assets. COVID-19 vaccines will eventually move to the commercial market, however, as the federal supply persists there will be no changes or cost associated with receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The shift to commercial vaccine is projected to occur this fall. The Biden Administration recently announced a program to preserve free access to COVID-19 vaccines for the uninsured and underinsured even after the PHE ends.

Michiganders can find vaccine nearest them by visiting vaccines.gov or calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136. MDHHS will continue to support vaccination for homebound populations through collaboration with Disability Rights of Michigan. Through a partnership with MDHHS, Medical Network One and the Visiting Nurses Association will continue also be available to support COVID-19 vaccine events.

Therapeutics
Authorized COVID-19 therapeutics will continue to be available. The federal government has purchased a supply of antiviral treatments that will be available at no cost. After that supply is depleted, costs will depend largely on the type of health insurance an individual has available. No-cost coverage will continue for Michigan residents with Medicaid through Sept. 30, 2024.

Epidemic Orders
All remaining state Epidemic Orders will be rescinded. Residential and long-term care facility reporting, testing and vaccine orders are also ending. Hospitals and Nursing Homes will need to observe CDC and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance and requirements which will continue to mandate reporting.

Data
COVID-19 remains a reportable disease in Michigan so case, death and demographic information will continue to be posted regularly along with wastewater surveillance, outbreak reporting, COVID-like Illness and hospitalization data. Negative test and case reporting is being discontinued in some jurisdictions in the United States. CDC Transmission and Community-Level reporting will therefore be discontinued as those levels rely on case rates and/or test positivity.

Although Michigan will continue to receive positive COVID-19 test results, negative COVID-19 test reporting will no longer be required and total test volume and test positivity will no longer be available on the COVID-19 Dashboard.

Other reporting changes include:

• Per the ending of the Long-Term Care (LTC) Epidemic Order, Adult Foster Care and Homes for the Aged COVID-19 data will no longer be available on the LTC data page.
• Statewide, aggregate COVID-19 Nursing Home data will be available on the LTC data page.
• Individual facility data can be found through CMS.
• Detailed demographic information on Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children cases will be discontinued.
• The K-12 School District Case Rates dashboard will be discontinued at the end of this school year.
• The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard will be updated to focus metrics on initiation and receipt of a bivalent vaccine and will be updated according to CDC cadence which is expected to be monthly starting in June.

Medicaid redeterminations
Medicaid beneficiaries will have to renew their coverage this year as Michigan resumes Medicaid eligibility redeterminations to comply with federal legislation as the PHE ends. Renewals for traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan will take place monthly starting in June 2023 and run through May 2024. Monthly renewal notices will be sent three months prior to a beneficiaries’ renewal date starting with June renewal dates. Beneficiaries can check their renewal month at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

More information about the how benefits connected to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency are changing can be found at Michigan.gov/2023BenefitChanges.

To find the most updated information on COVID-19, including vaccines and testing, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.