Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 4, 2023

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

MDHHS recognizes first Social Determinants of Health Month in January Statewide summit to take place Jan. 24-26

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is bringing partners together across the state in recognition of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) month in January. MDHHS will host events throughout the month to highlight statewide efforts and offer a virtual SDOH Summit Jan. 24-26. Phase II of the MDHHS Social Determinants of Health Strategy, Michigan’s Roadmap to Healthy Communities, will also be released.

Throughout the month, local, state and federal partners will highlight their efforts to address social factors that impact health. The goal of the month is to improve awareness of current resources for residents, highlight successful community driven solutions and develop stronger partnerships to support a greater impact in community.

“Inequities in health outcomes in Michigan have been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “These inequities arise from complex, integrated and overlapping social structures, economic systems and policies, rather than individual risk factors. MDHHS is excited to release Phase II of the MDHHS Social Determinants of Health Strategy, Michigan’s Roadmap to Healthy Communities during SDOH month, which focuses on the importance of multisector partnerships and other holistic strategies to improve health outcomes in Michigan.”

Disparities in SDOH unfairly disadvantage individuals and contribute to persistent and preventable health inequities. MDHHS promotes the health, safety and stability of residents by providing services and administering programs and policies that positively improve the social determinants of health.

“When it comes to health, many people in Michigan face significant barriers. These barriers, including limited access to healthy food, unsafe housing or lack of transportation which can impact a person’s ability to make healthy decisions and affect how healthy they are,” said MDHHS policy and planning director Ninah Sasy. “Through the SDOH Strategy, we are addressing these inequities by ensuring that we have diverse voices at the table as we improve our programs and policies.”

If interested in attending, register for the summit and share efforts from your community.

Are there local efforts to address SDOH happening in your community? Please share and email MDHHS at MDHHS-SDOH-PolicyandPlanning@Michigan.gov.

To stay updated on SDOH efforts in Michigan and learn more about how you can participate in SDOH month, sign up for the SDOH newsletter or visit Michigan.gov/SDOH.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 3, 2023

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

MDHHS offers tips during National Birth Defects Prevention Month
Healthy Communities, Healthy Babies is focus of prevention month 

LANSING, Mich. – Nearly 13,000 children in Michigan are diagnosed annually with a birth defect within one year of birth. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is joining with leading prenatal health experts from the National Birth Defects Prevention Network this month to increase awareness of five critical tips that help reduce the chances of having a baby with a birth defect.

Birth defects are structural changes that can affect almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain or foot, and can cause lifelong health challenges. Annually, the National Birth Defects Prevention Network raises awareness of birth defects and promotes strategies that help reduce the risk of birth defects and their complications. The National Birth Defects Prevention Month campaign theme this year is “Healthy Communities, Healthy Babies.”

“As medical care and treatment have improved, babies and children with birth defects are living longer and healthier lives,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Although not all birth defects can be prevented, pregnant people and prospective parents are encouraged to make healthy choices and adopt healthier habits to help lower their risk of having a baby born with a birth defect.”

Follow these five tips to increase your chances of having a healthy baby:

1. Be sure to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day at least one month prior to conception.
2. Plan a visit with your health care provider to support a healthy pregnancy.
3. Reduce risk of infections.
   • Become up to date on all vaccines before becoming pregnant. If you are pregnant, the CDC recommends the following vaccines: flu, Tdap and COVID-19.
4. Care for your body and mind before and during pregnancy to set up you and your baby for success.
5. Avoid harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

The MDHHS Birth Defects Education and Outreach program encourages Michiganders to be active participants in National Birth Defects Prevention Month by sharing these tips for healthy communities and healthy babies.

For more information, visit National Birth Defects Awareness Month – National Birth Defects Prevention Network (nbdpn.org).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 16, 2022 

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

MDHHS and GetSetUp offer interactive learning and socialization for older Michiganders this holiday season

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Library of Michigan are offering Michigan older adults free interactive online programs specifically designed to increase social interaction, physical activity and wellness.

Classes cover topics from how to effectively use digital technology, to health and wellness through fitness and cooking, to a full range of enrichment classes. The interactive classes are taught by older adults to their peers on the social learning platform GetSetUp. Classes and programs are accessible at the click of a button around the clock.

Forty percent of people ages 60 and older nationally reported feeling lonely, according to a January 2020 study from the Center on Aging and Health at Johns Hopkins University. This often gets worse during the winter months when weather conditions and the holidays can lead people to feel more isolated. MDHHS and the Library of Michigan are offering GetSetUp classes as a simple and equitable way for aging adults to connect with others from their own homes throughout the holiday and winter season.

“MDHHS strives to offer a variety of programs for aging adults that encourage them to live independently,” said Farah Hanley, MDHHS chief deputy director for health. “GetSetUp provides the opportunities that older Michiganders want and need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.”

The GetSetUp program also helps active agers become more fit, learn to manage their finances, develop new skills and even supplement their income. A special “New Year, New Me” program is running into 2023 to help people accomplish their New Year’s goals with learning tracks on health and wellness, money and business, and growth and development. Plus, classes are available in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin and Hindi, and a growing number of weekly classes in Spanish.

GetSetUp helps address aging health by assuring older adults stay connected to the technical tools they need to thrive and age in place at home, including the latest technologies and software. Research has shown that older adults who learn how to use their tech devices to stay connected with family and interact with others will age more successfully.

“This is a real game changer. AmeriCorps seniors especially have been struggling with technology,” said GetSetUp user Carol Hart, program director of the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program in Muskegon. “I was worried thinking I had to build my own program, but this I can do. This is already here. It’s simple. It’s a patient learning environment. Thanks to the state of Michigan. This is a real gift to the community.”

GetSetUp’s custom-built video learning interface has been tailored to older adults of all technology levels. The platform offers support via phone and in all classes to assist learners with technology and includes a booking system complete with regular reminders and after-class notes. Michigan’s older adults can easily connect with a safe community of more than 4.6 million peers globally. Many have gone on to teach classes or host community sessions on the platform on topics such as Learning to Line Dance, Dealing with Diabetes, and more.

“We know that the holidays and winter season can be a festive time for many people but also a time where others feel particularly alone. We want to remind people that there are empowering learning and socialization opportunities on GetSetUp,” said Lawrence Kosick, president and co-founder of GetSetUp. “We offer opportunities around the clock to learn and socialize with just a click of a button. We look forward to seeing more Michiganders in our upcoming sessions!”

Older adults in Michigan can access these services by visiting: https://www.getsetup.io/partner/michigan

About GetSetUp 

GetSetUp is on a mission to help older adults learn new skills, connect with others and unlock new life experiences. The social learning platform helps more than 4.6 million older adults in 160 countries stay mentally and physically fit, creates economic opportunities through jobs and reskilling and provides a community where people find meaning and purpose by sharing their knowledge and passions and forming new connections. Classes are taught by older adults on a highly interactive, custom-built video platform where older adults can connect during and in between classes. Classes are taught in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin. Learn more at https://www.getsetup.org.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 5, 2022

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

MDHHS recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week Dec. 5-9

Michigan residents urged to get flu vaccine before the holidays

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recognizing National Influenza Vaccination Week this week and reminding Michigan residents that it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine.

The United States is seeing early season elevated flu activity, with 35 states reporting high or very high activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, there have been at least 4.4 million illnesses, 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths associated with flu so far this season. The cumulative rate of influenza-associated hospitalizations was 11.3% per 100,000 individuals for the week ending Nov. 19, which is the highest hospitalization rate for this time of year since the 2010-2011 flu season. Additionally, 12 flu-associated pediatric deaths have been confirmed nationally for the 2022-2023 season so far.

“Influenza cases are on the rise in Michigan, and the situation is expected to worsen over the next several weeks. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your families against the anticipated surge of influenza,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for MDHHS. “It is not too late to get vaccinated this season — please get vaccinated today to prevent yourself from getting the potentially severe consequences of influenza this holiday season and to help prevent further burden on our health care system.”

Flu activity is steadily increasing in Michigan and positive flu cases have been reported in the central, southwestern and southeastern regions across the state.

The early surge of flu activity is occurring along with significant activity of another respiratory virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), throughout the country and in Michigan. While there is no current vaccine to protect from RSV, the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can help protect against respiratory illnesses and they can be given at the same visit.

CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for all persons ages 6 months and older with rare exceptions. According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, as of Nov. 12, approximately 2.2 million people in Michigan have received their flu vaccine for the 2022-2023 flu season, which is 60.9% towards the state’s goal of reaching 4 million doses of flu vaccine administered this season.

For people younger than 65 years, CDC does not recommend any flu vaccine over another during the 2022-2023 flu season. Options for this age group include inactivated flu vaccine, recombinant flu vaccine or live-attenuated flu vaccine.

Vaccination is particularly important for individuals at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including young children, adults ages 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions and pregnant persons. Some children ages 6 months through 8 years will need two doses of flu vaccine this season to be fully protected. Individuals should speak with their health care provider to determine which vaccine is best for them.

It takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered before the body builds up enough immunity to prevent the flu. Michiganders should get their vaccine now to protect themselves before flu activity peaks in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) also reminds Michiganders that flu shots 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.  

“Annual flu shots help keep you healthy and protect people around you, which is why they are covered at no cost by most health insurance plans in Michigan,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Consumers with questions about their health insurance coverage should contact their insurance company and if they cannot get the information they need or have additional questions, DIFS is available to help. Contact DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.”

Flu vaccines are widely available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state. Find a location near you using the Vaccine Finder. Visit Michigan.gov/flu for more information or visit IVaccinate.org to find answers to vaccine questions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 30, 2022 

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

MDHHS enhances work with providers to meet behavioral health needs of children in foster care, juvenile justice systems

New contracts focusing on youth dealing with mental health crises will provide more innovative care

LANSING, Mich. – Children in the state foster care and juvenile justice systems experiencing a behavioral health crisis will have expanded access to services under a new effort by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

MDHHS is asking congregate care providers to submit plans for placement in their facilities to address the needs of youth who must access mental health stabilization programs – meaning services to stabilize and treat youth dealing with serious mental health concerns, like suicidal thoughts.

“This is an important step forward to ensure that children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems who need mental health stabilization have a place to go to be treated,” said Demetrius Starling, executive director of the department’s Children’s Services Agency. “To do that, we are asking our child-caring institutions to provide the behavioral health treatment youth need before they transition to homes with their parents, relatives or foster families.”

The department has issued a statewide request for proposals for new child-caring institution contracts and will begin implementing the new contracts in summer 2023.

MDHHS has contracts with 31 child-caring institutions to provide 800 beds, however, due to nationwide staffing shortages and other factors, these facilities provide fewer than 500 beds. The changes are expected to improve access to behavioral health services that youth in care need.

“Members of the Michigan Federation for Children and Families believe a strong partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is critical in expanding and providing equitable access to the full array of behavioral health services that best serve young people and their families,” said Janet Reynolds Snyder, executive director of the statewide association of private nonprofit community-based child and family-serving organizations that partner with MDHHS.

The idea of the new contract model is to encourage greater innovation in caring for the unique needs of children in the state’s foster care and juvenile justice systems.

This effort is part of a multi-faceted approach by MDHHS to address a national need for expanded behavioral health services for youth. The demand is coupled with a nationwide staffing shortage that makes it difficult to provide needed services, which MDHHS is also addressing.

MDHHS contracts with child-caring institutions to provide specialized treatment to youth in foster care or the juvenile justice system. In recent years it has been challenging in Michigan and nationally to find foster care and juvenile justice placements – especially residential therapeutic treatment beds.

“As a family court judge, I am encouraged that the department has recognized the greatest unmet health need of children and teens in the foster care system is their mental and behavioral health and is addressing the issue,” said Marquette County Probate Court Judge Cheryl L. Hill. “The new contracting model should allow for targeted results to meet the individual mental health needs of the youth and hopefully allow courts to reunify families sooner. While there are other issues to tackle in the overall child welfare system, this is a good step in the right direction to solving the crisis in care issues we face.”

MDHHS has already taken action to address the challenge, including bipartisan support of legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to:

• Increase rates paid to the facilities.
• Increase funding for specialized programs.
• Put in place temporary wage increases for staff working in the facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Issue lump sum payment awards to help offset pandemic-related expenses and lost revenue.

MDHHS also has:

• Restructured the department to ensure behavioral health services are supported across community-based, residential and school locations, as well as other settings. The changes will benefit people of all ages, with addressing the needs of children and their families a top priority. This includes creation of the Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports.
• Created a Health Care and Human Services Workforce Steering Committee that is involved in multiple efforts to recruit more behavioral health workers to address shortages.
• Created the Division of Child Safety and Program Compliance to assist and provide additional oversight of contracted agencies providing congregate care or place children in foster care homes or facilities.

To earn state contracts, facilities must demonstrate through the request for proposal process that they can meet the specialized needs of children.

Other goals of the new process are to clearly define expectations and increase contract oversight effectiveness

To ensure contracted facilities are included in this reform, the department solicited input through provider surveys, in addition to hosting focus groups to hear from providers on the proposed reforms. The department used this feedback to help refine goals for reform

Agencies that would like to submit a proposal should go to the “Child Caring Institution – Therapeutic Short-Term Treatment Program” Bid Number 230000000402 at www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS after registering on that website. For assistance with registration or navigating the site, contact the Office of Financial Management at 517-284-0540 or 888-734-9749 and press “1” on the automated menu, or email [email protected]. Vendors who intend to submit a proposal and have questions should contact the solicitation manager, Mary Ostrowski, at 517-249-0438 or [email protected].