by orionontv | Nov 21, 2025 | Health and Wellness
| For immediate release: November 21, 2025
Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734
MDARD Offers Food Safety Tips for a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages Michiganders to keep food safety top of mind as they gather with loved ones during the holiday season.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your holiday feast is safe to eat:
- Store your food at the correct temperatures before preparation.
- Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are set to 40°F and below and 0°F, respectively.
- Make room for holiday meal items and leftovers by clearing outdated foods from your refrigerator.
- Make sure your refrigerator shelves and storage drawers are clean by washing and wiping them with hot, soapy water and letting them air dry.
- Use a cooking thermometer. A thermometer can help you make sure you’re cooking your food completely and safely.
Thawing Your Turkey Safely
The USDA outlines three safe methods for thawing your turkey:
- Refrigerator Thawing: Allow 24 hours for every four to five pounds of turkey. For example, a 16-pound turkey will take four days to thaw.
- Cold Water Thawing: Submerge the turkey in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
- Microwave Thawing: Check your microwave’s manual for specific instructions. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.
Never thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter. A turkey must thaw at a safe temperature. When a turkey stays out at room temperature for more than two hours, its temperature becomes unsafe even if the center is still frozen. Germs can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
- Cook to the Right Temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check the thickest part of the breast, thigh, and stuffing (if cooked inside the turkey).
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Wash hands, utensils, countertops and cutting boards thoroughly after handling raw meat. Use separate tools for raw and cooked foods.
- Stuffing Safety: Cook stuffing in a separate dish according to package instructions or ensure it reaches 165°F if prepared inside the turkey. If you cook stuffing in the turkey, put the stuffing in the turkey just before cooking.
- Refrigerate leftovers at 40°F or colder within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
- Store leftovers in small, shallow containers for quick cooling.
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving and consume refrigerated leftovers within three to four days. For longer storage, freeze leftovers and use within two to six months for best quality.
By following these tips, you can focus on enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal without worrying about foodborne illnesses.
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by orionontv | Nov 19, 2025 | Health and Wellness
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 18, 2025
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov
MDHHS launches bidding process for Healthy Kids Dental contract
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is announcing today that it has launched a competitive procurement for the Healthy Kids Dental contract.
Healthy Kids Dental is a dental benefit program for children with Medicaid and covers dental services such as X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, sealants and more at no cost to families. The Healthy Kids Dental model functions similarly to commercial dental plans and serves approximately 955,000 Michigan children statewide.
“Through this rebid process, MDHHS seeks to provide improved quality and access for Michigan’s youth served by Healthy Kids Dental,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Dental care remains one of the most unmet health needs for children, particularly in low-income and rural areas. Oral health plays a critical role in overall health, and Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Program is vital to ensuring our children receive the care they need for a lifetime of smiles.”
Healthy Kids Dental will provide access to a robust network of dental professionals while promoting patient-centered best practices for enrolled children. This will result in children and their families having an increased understanding of the value of daily oral health care and preventive dental care to improve the likelihood of good oral health practices throughout the child’s life.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) will manage the request for proposal (RFP) process on behalf of MDHHS. The RFP is posted on the state’s SIGMA Vendor-Self Service system online. Interested bidders are encouraged to refer to the proposal instructions for additional information regarding questions submittal and deadlines.
To bid on proposals, all vendors must first be registered with SIGMA Vendor Self-Service. Registration is free, and information on how to register and obtain an account to bid on open solicitations is available online: DTMB – How to Register as a Vendor.
Responses from bidders are due Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Bidders are to submit any written questions regarding the RFP by Monday, Dec 1. MDHHS will post answers to bidder questions on the SIGMA system by Monday, Dec. 15.
New contracts are scheduled to begin Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. For more information, visit the MDHHS Healthy Kids Rebid webpage.
by orionontv | Nov 13, 2025 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2025
CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, StebbinsL@michigan.gov
MDHHS seeks input from older adults for new state plan
LANSING, Michigan. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS Bureau) is inviting the public to join Community Conversations online and throughout the state to discuss the needs of older adult residents.
State Units on Aging are tasked under the Older Americans Act with developing and administering a multi-year State Plan on Aging that provides goals and objectives related to assisting older residents, their families and caregivers. The State Plan on Aging serves as a blueprint that outlines coordination and advocacy activities to meet the needs of older adults and for building capacity for long-term care efforts.
MDHHS is seeking input regarding the needs and gaps in programs and services that impact quality of life for older residents. The Community Conversations will run through Wednesday, Nov. 20 at various locations across the state and in a separate online forum. Those interested in providing information on the needs of older adults are encouraged to participate in one of the community forums or complete a survey. The survey, which is available online and in paper form in English, Spanish and Arabic, will remain open through Monday, Dec. 15.
“Michigan is home to more than 2.4 million older adults, representing about one-quarter of the total state population,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The voices of Michigan’s older adults are critical to the development of a state plan that effectively addresses the needs of older adults and caregivers. These conversations provide the opportunity to hear directly from the public about their experiences related to aging, including their knowledge of available supports and services.”
The information gathered during the Community Conversations and from survey responses will be used to identify priorities for MDHHS in support of the health and well-being of Michigan’s older adult population. A draft plan will go before the State’s Commission on Services to the Aging for approval before being submitted to the Federal Administration for Community Living by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for an effective date of Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, and for implementation during Fiscal Years 2027 through 2029.
For a current list of Community Conversation locations, dates and times, or to access the survey, visit the State Plan on Aging webpage.
Space may be limited and organizers request RSVPs for planning purposes. Please RSVP to the locations listed in the schedule and contact the host sites for additional information regarding accessibility needs. |
by orionontv | Nov 13, 2025 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2025
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer, MDHHS honor dedication of state’s
1.7 million caregivers during Family Caregivers Month
New online resource, Mi Caregiver Connection, launched to provide support
LANSING, Mich. – As part of a national effort to raise awareness about the critical role family caregivers play in providing a broad range of assistance for older adults, service members, veterans, people with disabilities and those with serious or chronic health conditions, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November as Family Caregivers Month in Michigan.
“We are recognizing the commitment of the nearly 1.7 million family caregivers in our state who step up and step in every day to ensure their loved ones can live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible regardless of age or disability,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director. “We are committed to supporting these caregivers not only this month, but every month.”
As part of an effort to support the state’s caregivers, the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan recently launched Mi Caregiver Connection, an online caregiver resource center. The resource links caregivers with local level services and support. Michigan’s area agencies on aging serve as the planning and service area for Michigan’s State Unit on Aging within MDHHS.
“The Commission on Services to the Aging welcomes the Governor’s recognition of the important work done by family caregivers to help older adults remain safely at home,” said Commissioner Nancy Duncan. “We are also excited about the launch of the Mi Caregiver Connection, which will provide new tools and resources for family caregivers throughout the state.”
According to the national organization, Caregiver Action Network, more than half of those providing care in the United States do not recognize themselves as caregivers. Caregiving can include day-to-day support as well as periodic tasks such as attending doctor’s appointments, maintaining and assisting with medications and helping to manage finances.
“There are millions of caregivers striving every day to help their loved ones who are in need of ongoing, daily personal care assistance,” said Bob Schleuter, Commission on Services to the Aging chairperson. “Family Caregiver Month helps to acknowledge the demands and stress, but also the rewards of taking care of a family member or friend every day. It is important that more people understand just what it takes to make sure that all of our loved ones receive the best personal care possible.”
For more information on supporting caregivers, visit Mi Caregiver Connection.
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by orionontv | Oct 27, 2025 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 24, 2025
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov
MDHHS encourages parents to practice safe sleep
guidelines in honor of Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging parents to learn about and implement safe sleep practices for infants during Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, highlighting the life-saving steps families can take to help every baby sleep safely and grow up healthy.
Safe sleep refers to recommended practices that reduce the risk of sleep-related injuries or death in infants by providing a safe and secure sleep space for babies. On average, a sleep-related infant death occurs every two to three days in Michigan.
“Safe sleep isn’t just a routine, it’s a powerful tool to prevent infant deaths,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “With awareness and support, every parent and caregiver can feel confident and empowered to create a safe sleep environment for their baby. Every nap and every night should follow guidelines that protect babies and give parents peace of mind.”
If all sleep-related deaths were prevented, Michigan’s infant mortality rate for 2022 would have decreased by 23.1%, saving the lives of 150 babies. Many of these deaths are preventable with evidence-based safe sleep practices.
The ABCs of Safe Sleep:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies sleep:
- Alone.
- Back (on their back, not their side or stomach).
- Crib (in a safety-approved crib, bassinet or pack and play with a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet and no soft bedding, pillows, toys or bumpers).
More recommendations for infant safe sleep practices include:
- Putting babies to sleep on their back in their own sleep space.
- Back sleeping protects a baby’s airway and ensures access to fresh air. Babies are safest in a crib, bassinet or pack and play with a tightly fitted sheet.
- Removing clutter from sleep spaces.
- Stuffed animals, pillows, blankets and other soft objects are a suffocation hazard and should be kept out of a baby’s sleep space.
- Breastfeeding babies if possible.
- Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of sleep-related death. It provides the best nutrition, builds healthy immune systems and promotes bonding.
- Avoid overheating.
- When a baby gets too warm, it can increase a baby’s risk of sleep-related infant death. Parents and caregivers should use a sleep sack or wearable blanket if baby is cold.
- Do not use seats, swings or a couch for routine sleep.
- Babies are at risk of suffocation when they sleep in an inclined seat, on a couch or chair.
- If baby falls asleep in an unsafe location, they should be moved to a crib, bassinet or pack and play.
- Planning ahead.
- Falling asleep with baby can put them at risk for suffocation, falling and other injuries. There are steps parents and caregivers can take to plan ahead.
Parents should make sure everyone who cares for their baby knows how to keep baby safe while sleeping. For more information and resources on safe sleep, visit the MDHHS Safe Infant Sleep webpage. |
by orionontv | Oct 27, 2025 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 27, 2025
CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, StebbinsL@michigan.gov
MDHHS announces Healthy Kids Dental procurement
requirements ahead of fall competitive bid
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today announced updated requirements for dental health plans providing services to 955,000 Michigan children covered by Medicaid and Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Program ahead of a competitive bid process scheduled to be posted in November.
“Dental care remains one of the most unmet health needs for children, particularly in low-income and rural areas,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Program plays a vital role in supporting children’s health, confidence and success in school. As a leader in expanding access to dental care for kids, we’re building on that foundation through the upcoming rebid to better serve Michigan’s youth. We encourage the dental community to take part in this important effort.”
Consistent with federal standards, the rebid will include updates to Michigan’s Medicaid Dental Plan network adequacy and timely access standards, which can be found on the MDHHS website. In determining whether these standards are met, MDHHS will only consider providers with whom bidders have executed contracts at the time of bid submission.
MDHHS is releasing its updates to Healthy Kids Dental network adequacy and timely access standards in advance of the rebid to provide time for potential bidders to review their provider networks and execute contracts necessary to meet these standards.
Additionally, MDHHS will only be considering statewide bids but reserves the option to select a dental plan serving only Region 10, which includes Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) will manage the RFP process on behalf of MDHHS. The RFP will be posted on the state’s SIGMA Vendor-Self Service system online in fall 2025. New contracts are scheduled to begin on Oct. 1, 2026.
To bid on proposals, all vendors must first be registered with SIGMA Vendor Self-Service. Registration is free, and information on how to register and obtain an account to bid on open solicitations is available online: DTMB – How to Register as a Vendor. Interested bidders will be encouraged to refer to the proposal instructions for additional information regarding questions, submittal and deadlines once it is posted.
For more information, visit the MDHHS Healthy Kids Rebid page online. |
