July 28 is World Hepatitis Day

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day

by | Jul 27, 2022 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2022

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

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day
MDHHS encourages hepatitis B and C testing during pregnancy and among infants born to people with hepatitis infection

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recognizing World Hepatitis Day on Thursday, July 28 to highlight the importance of hepatitis B and C testing during pregnancy, and among infants born to people infected with hepatitis B (HCB) or hepatitis C (HCV).

“World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to encourage all eligible Michiganders to get tested for hepatitis B and C, as testing is critical and important for early detection and treatment,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Many infected individuals can live decades without experiencing any signs or symptoms. Left untreated, hepatitis B and C infections can cause severe liver damage.”

HBV is transmitted from person to person through the contaminated blood or body fluids of a person who has the virus, such as through unprotected sex and from an HBV-infected person to their infant at birth (perinatal HBV). The most effective way to prevent HBV infection is to get vaccinated. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends hepatitis B vaccination among all infants, unvaccinated children under 19 years of age, adults ages 19 through 59 years, and adults ages 60 years and older with risk factors for HBV.

HCV is a blood-borne pathogen that spreads through contact with blood from an individual who is infected. This includes through sharing needles or equipment used to inject or prepare drugs, occupational exposures, unregulated tattooing, sharing personal care items contaminated with infectious blood (e.g., razors or toothbrushes) and from an HCV-infected person to their infant at birth (perinatal HCV). There is no vaccine to prevent HCV, however, there are effective medications to cure an individual of their HCV infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis B testing during each pregnancy. HBV vaccine is also recommended among pregnant persons who are identified as being at-risk for HBV infection during pregnancy. The HBV vaccine contains no live virus and there is no apparent risk of adverse events to developing fetuses when the vaccine is administered during pregnancy. The CDC also recommends HCV testing among all adults ages 18 and older, and among pregnant people during every pregnancy, regardless of age.

People who are HBV or HCV positive during pregnancy should seek follow-up care in the postpartum period for evaluation and treatment management in addition to testing of their newborn

For more information, visit the Hepatitis, Syringe Service Program or We Treat Hep C webpages.

Task Force to Tackle Monkeypox Outbreak

Task Force to Tackle Monkeypox Outbreak

by | Jul 21, 2022 | Health and Wellness

Coulter Creates Task Force to Tackle Monkeypox Outbreak

  • Oakland County has the highest number of monkeypox cases in Michigan.
  • County Executive Coulter is calling on the federal government to boost monkeypox vaccine supply.
  • Paul Benson, who treats the LGBTQ+ community, says if adequate supply becomes available, the monkeypox vaccine can eliminate the virus.

Pontiac, Mich., July 21, 2022 – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter launched the Oakland County Monkeypox Task Force today to respond to the outbreak and educate the public about the illness. To date, the county has at least five confirmed or probable monkeypox cases, the highest of any county in Michigan.

Oakland County Health Officer Calandra Green will lead the task force which will help develop a communication and education plan about monkeypox and a strategy for outreach to the communities. They also will create a plan for the distribution of vaccines once they become more readily available.

“Oakland County has the largest number of cases of monkeypox in the state of Michigan and the population of individuals most at-risk of getting it exceeds our capacity to vaccinate them at the moment,” Coulter said. “That’s why I’m forming a task force to prepare for what may be to come.”

Task force members include Dr. Paul Benson, medical director at Be Well Medical Center in Berkley where he serves a large segment of the LGBTQ+ community, Oakland County Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust, Affirmations Executive Director Dave Garcia, a representative from Corktown Health in Hazel Park, and a representative from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Additional task force members may be named soon.

Coulter also urged the federal government to increase the availability of doses of monkeypox vaccine.

“We know that the number of cases will increase. I’m urgently calling on the federal government and the Centers for Disease Control to expedite the development and production of the drugs that will help prevent and treat this emerging virus,” he said.

The federal government allocated only 2,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine to the state of Michigan of which Oakland County Health Division has enough doses to vaccinate 340 people. Because of that small number, preventative vaccination is not yet an option. Rather, the vaccines will go to individuals who have already been exposed to the virus. Specific quantities and timelines for delivery of more vaccine are not yet known.

In the meantime, Oakland County Health Division has been responding to the outbreak through contact tracing and monitoring. So far, all monkeypox cases in the county have been among adult males.

“We are committed to diligently working to contain the spread of monkeypox in Oakland County,” Green said. “The community can help by knowing their risks and seeking testing if they experience any symptoms of monkeypox.”

In addition to the steps the Health Division is already taking to reduce the spread of the illness, vigilance and preventative vaccination, once adequate supply becomes available, will be the key to eliminating monkeypox from our region, said Dr. Benson.

“Unlike the COVID vaccine, we can actually eradicate monkeypox from our area with preventative vaccination that focuses on males who have high risk factors in their lifestyles,” Dr. Benson said. “Until an adequate supply of vaccine arrives, people need to be aware of how the disease can spread from one person to another and watch for signs and symptoms of the virus.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus can spread from person to person through:

  • direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
  • respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
  • touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
  • pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
  • It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids.

Individuals with questions about monkeypox may contact the Oakland County Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or email [email protected].

New website to educate Michigan residents about monkeypox

New website to educate Michigan residents about monkeypox

by | Jul 20, 2022 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2022

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

MDHHS launches new website to educate Michigan residents about
monkeypox, how to get help if you have symptoms, the state’s response

LANSING, MICH. – To help keep Michiganders up to date on monkeypox (MPV) and the state’s response to the virus, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a new website at Michigan.gov/mpv.

The site provides information about the signs and symptoms of MPV, number of cases in the state by county; information for health care providers about testing and coordinating with local health departments; treatment; and other resources for the public and providers. State case count information will be updated regularly.

“MDHHS is working closely with our federal partners, local health departments and health care providers across the state in response to this outbreak,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “MPV is a viral illness that spreads primarily through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, bodily fluids or prolonged face-to-face contact. It is important to remember that the risk to the general public is low. However, Michiganders with concerns about MPV should see their provider to be evaluated for testing.”

MPV is a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. MPV belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine) and cowpox virus. While both diseases may have similar presentation, MPV is not related to chickenpox.

Persons experiencing MPV symptoms should contact a health care provider for evaluation. CDC is urging health care providers in the United States to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with MPV, regardless of whether they have travel or specific risk factors for MPV and regardless of gender or sexual orientation. While many of those affected in the current global outbreaks are men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has MPV can get the illness.

There are no treatments specifically for MPV infections. However, MPV and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox can be used to prevent and treat MPV infections.

States are receiving vaccine allocations from the Strategic National Stockpile in accordance with the number of MPV cases and the size of the underlying at-risk population. Michigan has received a limited supply of the vaccine, JYNNEOS. Additional limited allocations will follow in the next few months, but specific quantities and timelines are not yet known. The federal government continues to purchase vaccine, but JYNNEOS is not likely to become broadly available in the near-term.

A local health department may initiate contact with eligible individuals who have been identified as a close contact to an MPV case about receiving the vaccine. If you know you have had a contact with someone with MPV please contact your local health department for more information. Information about federal vaccine allocations is available online and will be updated every Wednesday.

Treatments for MPV have not been pre-deployed to states by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will continue to be available through the Strategic National Stockpile. Clinicians evaluating MPV patients should be aware of the clinical considerations and process of requesting TPOXX (Tecovirimat) for their patients.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/MPV or CDC.gov/monkeypox.
Assistance for Needy Families State

Assistance for Needy Families State

by | Jul 20, 2022 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2022 

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

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families State Plan available
for public comment

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is accepting public comment on its plan for spending Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding from the federal government.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan can be viewed on the MDHHS website. The plan is effective Jan. 1, 2023. The public can submit comment by email to [email protected] through Sept. 5, 2022.

TANF is a federal program run by states that assists families who are unable to provide for their children’s basic needs.

“TANF provides important funding from our federal partners as we work to support families who are struggling to pay for food, clothing and other necessities for their children,” said Lewis Roubal, MDHHS chief deputy director for opportunity. “TANF also helps parents find jobs. We welcome input from our residents about our plans for spending these federal dollars that come to Michigan.”

The state plan describes programs and services paid for with TANF, including:

  • The Family Independence Program, which provided cash assistance to more than 27,000 low-income people in June.
  • Child care.
  • Services to support employment and self-sufficiency, including job search services and assistance with transportation.
  • Support for children in foster care and adoption assistance.
  • Hunger relief.
  • Services for school children at-risk of struggling with academics.
  • Buying diapers.

The plan is for the three years beginning in 2023. Michigan received $772.8 million from TANF for fiscal year 2022, with $528.1 million appropriated to MDHHS.

To be eligible for TANF, applicants must be low-income and have a child 18 or younger, or be pregnant, or be younger than 18 while also being the head of the household.
Market Days seek to promote healthy eating

Market Days seek to promote healthy eating

by | Jul 14, 2022 | Health and Wellness

Market Days seek to promote healthy eating and food access in Oakland County

Pontiac, Michigan – The Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) encourages residents to participate in their annual Family and Senior Market Days this summer. Residents with a State of Michigan Bridge/EBT card or who participate in Oakland County’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will receive a $5 coupon to purchase produce from local farmers on Family Market Days, and residents 60 years and older will receive a $5 coupon on Senior Market Days. Coupons are distributed on a first come, first served basis, and must be used during the event. No registration is necessary.

“These events help connect residents with locally grown, fresh produce, while familiarizing them with farmers markets around the county,” said Calandra Green, Oakland County health officer. “They also offer free nutrition education and physical activity opportunities to help reinforce healthy behaviors.”

In addition to $5 coupons for produce, the events will include a variety of activities for families and seniors, including yoga, Oakland County Parks inflatables, raffles, and prizes. Various resources will also be on site, including breastfeeding support, WIC Project Fresh, and older adult health resources.

WIC Project Fresh coupons will also be available at Family Market Days for enrolled WIC clients. The Oakland County and Oak Park Farmers Markets also offer Double Up Food Bucks, which matches money spent at a farmers’ market using a Bridge card/EBT up to $20.

Family Market Days:

July 23, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Oakland County Farmers Market (2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford)

July 27, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Oak Park Farmers Market (Oak Park High School Parking Lot, 13701 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park)

Senior Market Days (age 60+ only):

August 24, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Oak Park Farmers Market (Oak Park High School Parking Lot, 13701 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park)

September 8, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Oakland County Farmers Market (2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford)

September 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Farmington Farmers Market (33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington)

The market days this year are made possible in part by Beaumont Health, Trinity Health, Humana, Genysis Credit Union, Henry Ford Health System.

For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter, or contact Jessica Williams at [email protected] or (248) 563-7792.

Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP)

Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) was launched by Oakland County Health Division in 2009 as a collaboration of local government, hospitals, health care providers, community-based organizations, business, and citizens working to increase and promote healthy eating and physical activity opportunities.

HOP currently has two teams dedicated to specific initiatives:

  • Farmers Market Team – Improve the health and well-being of Oakland County by supporting Farmers Markets.
  • Youth Team – Improve the health and well-being of Oakland County through programs in schools.

HOP began hosting Family Market Days in 2009 to engage entire families in healthy eating practices and encourage physical activity. The partnership expanded to include older adults in 2017 by hosting Senior Market Days.

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

988 crisis line helping connect Michigan residents

988 crisis line helping connect Michigan residents

by | Jul 14, 2022 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2022

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

988 crisis line helping connect Michigan residents
experiencing behavioral health crises to resources

LANSING, Mich. – Michiganders in crisis now have an easy-to-remember three-digit number to call for help – 988. Michigan has joined the nation in transitioning to the 988-dialing code, which will operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s network of more than 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.988 logo

“The 988 number is another step toward strengthening and transforming crisis care and mental health services in our state, which is a key focus of the department,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of health and Human Services (MDHHS) director. “This
universal number means no matter where you live or call from, you can reach a
trained crisis counselor who can help. We encourage Michigan residents or their family members to call 988 if they are experiencing mental health-related distress, emotional distress or a substance use crisis.”

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline This action expands the existing Lifeline beyond people who are feeling suicidal to all individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, including suicidal thoughts or substance abuse issues .

“Crisis is defined by the caller,” said Dr. Debra Pinals, medical director for Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “And by providing an easy-to-remember number we are making help more accessible and strengthening support to those in need. Trained counselors will be available 24/7 to field calls. They will listen to the caller’s problems, assess their needs and provide support by connecting them with resources, and alert local emergency crisis teams, if necessary. The roll out of 988 as an easier number to remember will provide a natural extension to the already promising work of the department in implementing the Michigan Crisis and Access Line.”

Anyone with these concerns can call:

  • Mental health-related distress.
  • Thoughts of suicide.
  • Substance use crisis.
  • Emotional distress.
  • There are specialized services available for veterans, LGBTQ individuals and other groups.
  • People who are worried about a loved one who may need support also can call.

The 988-dialing code does not replace the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK (8255)) or other locally operated crisis lines. Instead, it serves as a universal entry point to connect individuals in need to trained crisis counselors who can help. MDHHS is working to ensure a solid infrastructure is built through coordination with 911 and other crisis service providers as the 988-dialing code launches.

Prior to the development of 988, the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) was funded by the Michigan Legislature in December 2018. MDHHS was charged with the development of MiCAL, which is currently operating in Oakland County and the Upper Peninsula, and with 988 implementation.

MiCAL is built on the SAMHSA’s National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care which is also the foundation for 988. In Michigan, MiCAL is responsible for answering 988 calls in all areas of Michigan. In Macomb and Kent counties, Macomb County Community Mental Health and Network 180 will answer 988 calls with MiCAL providing back-up call coverage.

For more information, visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Michigan Crisis & Access Line.

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