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.

“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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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2022

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

First mosquito-borne virus of 2022 detected in Michigan mosquitoes
Residents urged to protect against mosquito bites

LANSING, Mich. – Mosquitoes recently collected in Bay County have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (MDHHS BOL). These are the first infected mosquito pools detected for 2022. Residents are reminded that the best way to protect themselves against JCV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV), is to prevent mosquito bites.

Every summer in Michigan, bites from mosquitoes carry the risk of spreading diseases to people and animals. JCV sickened six Michiganders in 2021. Also reported last year were 46 cases of WNV and one case of EEE. Seven of the WNV cases resulted in death.

The JCV virus is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. Most cases occur from late spring through mid-fall. Illness can develop within a few days to two weeks following a bite from an infected mosquito. While most people do not become ill, initial symptoms can include fever, headache and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause severe disease in the brain and/or spinal cord including encephalitis and meningitis.

“It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We urge Michiganders to take precautions such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible, and wearing clothing to cover arms and legs to prevent bites.”

While the JCV is found throughout much of the U.S., cases have been increasing in the Midwest. This likely reflects increased awareness and testing, but may also be due to an increase in the presence of the virus in the environment. This is the second year that the MDHHS BOL is offering virus testing of mosquito pools collected by local health departments and county mosquito control programs. Testing is offered to improve detection and notification of mosquito-borne viruses.

JCV can be spread by mosquitoes that become infected when they feed on deer or other animals that have the virus in their blood. Infected mosquitoes spread the virus to other animals or people through bites. Arboviruses including WNV and EEE spread when mosquitoes contract the virus from biting infected birds then biting a human.

Residents can stay healthy by using simple, effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following steps are recommended to avoid mosquito-borne diseases:

• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2022

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

Children ages 6 months through 4 years now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
Pfizer vaccine, which was already authorized for ages 5 and up, is now authorized down to 6 months of age; Moderna vaccine is now authorized for 6 months through 5 years.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announces that all Michiganders ages 6 months and up are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. The pediatric vaccine, which received emergency use authorization for this age group from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), was recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on June 18, 2022.

“Today parents of young children can breathe a sigh of relief as Michiganders 6 months and up are eligible to get their safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Parents have been patiently waiting for a vaccine for younger children for years, and now we are ready to help our little ones get the best protection. I am grateful to every Michigander who has gotten their COVID vaccine, taking action to keep themselves, and all our friends, families and neighbors safe. I urge parents to get their children vaccinated so they can enjoy their summer and get ready for the fall, knowing they are protected.”

MDHHS is recommending providers begin vaccinating children ages 6 months and up as soon as possible. It is anticipated that both vaccines could be available as early as today. The Moderna series is two doses given 28 days apart for ages 6 months through 5 years. For children 6 months of age through 4 years, the Pfizer series is three doses, the first two given three weeks apart and the third dose administered at least eight weeks after the second dose. For ages 5 and older, the Pfizer series is two doses given 21 days apart.

“Being able to vaccinate children ages 6 months and up with safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is a significant milestone that brings us hope and protects our littlest Michiganders,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “These vaccines are incredibly effective in preventing severe illness, disease and hospitalizations. Even healthy children can suffer serious affects from COVID-19, not just those with underlying conditions. We recommend parents and guardians talk to their child’s medical provider or their local health department about the pediatric vaccine and how it offers protection.”

More than 500,000 Michigan children under the age of 5 will now be eligible to receive the vaccine. MDHHS recommends all eligible children get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on vaccines even if they have previously had COVID-19. Children younger than 5 can receive vaccine from a primary care provider, local health department or federally qualified health center. Some pharmacies will vaccinate ages 3 and up. Visit Vaccines.gov for nearby vaccine locations – age specific information will soon be available.

“We are extremely grateful to now be able to vaccinate nearly all residents in our state,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “It is important to get children ages 6 months and up vaccinated as quickly as possible to save even more lives and reduce serious illness across our communities, and we want to remind everyone to get boosted if they are eligible. Getting the safe and effective vaccine is an effort that every eligible Michigan resident can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Working together we can help keep our families safe and healthy.”

In Michigan, there have been more than 427,000 confirmed COVID cases in those age 19 and younger, and 44 deaths have been reported in ages 0 to 19 as of June 15.

“As a mother, pediatrician, and internist I have seen first-hand the disrupting effects of COVID-19 on our daily lives, even when patients do not end up in the hospital,” said Dr. Amy Hepper, Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Michigan Medicine. “I am very excited that this new phase of COVID-19 vaccine approvals for our littlest patients will allow children and their families to continue to return to normal with less disruptions to school, work and family life. These vaccines have been in use for the past 18 months in larger doses for older children and adults. I am confident that they are safe and effective with no long-term effects, and I have already begun recommending them to my patients.”

Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19. To date, more than 6.7 million Michiganders have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.

For the latest information is available visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2022

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

MDHHS offers tips and tricks to stay healthy during heat waves

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michigan residents to take steps to protect themselves from risks related to hot weather.

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 early in the summer season as people are not yet used to high temperatures and are not taking the necessary precautions.

“Michigan residents can take steps to protect themselves from heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” 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. Limit time in heat, stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight and find somewhere with air conditioning or take cool showers. Text or call 211 or contact your local health department to locate a cooling center in your area.”

When it is very hot, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness because the body’s temperature rises and cannot be cooled by sweating or the other ways the body cools itself. The most severe heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If not treated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or death.

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.
• 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 Michigan 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 store, 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. Because a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult 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
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Tiredness

Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and can result in death if not treated promptly. Humidity can make temperatures feel even hotter and further stress the body’s ability to self-regulate. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 911 for immediate medical help and try to cool the person down.

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, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2022 

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

MDHHS seeks proposals to provide supervised visitation and safe exchange services for children who are crime victims

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Victim Services is seeking proposals from organizations that can assist with visitation between parents and children.

Proposals are for providing supervised visitation and safe visitation exchange for children with parents in situations involving domestic or dating violence, child abuse, sexual assault or stalking.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including faith-based organizations.

This request for proposals is open only to Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange programs to expand and enhance existing services. Examples of how this can be accomplished include offering a second location, employing bilingual monitors and increasing services hours by providing additional evening and weekend hours.

The award period is Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023. MDHHS anticipates issuing up to five awards with a maximum of $250,000 possible for a single award.

Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 20.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select the “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete request for proposals can be accessed under the “Current Grants” section under the “Bureau of Community Services” link and by selecting the “SUPVS-2023” grant program.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2022 

MDHHS CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-211, WheatonB@michigan.gov

AARP CONTACT: Cathleen Simlar, 248-472-7836, CSimlar@aarp.org

Michigan’s Age-Friendly Action Plan approved by Gov. Whitmer

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have approved and submitted Michigan’s Age-Friendly Action Plan to AARP.

This plan was the culmination of more than a year of collaboration with AARP and MDHHS’s Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration to craft a comprehensive strategy to help Michigan’s older residents live well and safely in their communities.

Michigan’s plan can be found on the AARP website.

The plan follows Michigan’s designation in October 2019 as an AARP Age-Friendly State, the first step in a multi-year process to make Michigan more livable for people of every age. Michigan was the first state in the Midwest to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. So far, eight municipalities in Michigan – Auburn Hills, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Lansing, Novi, Royal Oak and Southfield – have joined the Age-Friendly community network and many more are in the planning stages.

“One of MDHHS’s priorities is to ensure that Michiganders can age in their homes and communities for as long as possible while continuing to contribute to the economy and live healthy lives,” said Farah Hanley, MDHHS chief deputy director for health. “The Age-Friendly Plan will help us accomplish this important goal.”

Michigan’s residents 60 and older make up roughly a quarter of the state’s population.

Under the plan, Michigan’s Age-Friendly work will focus on six areas:

1. Community and Information – Expand the reach of information and awareness of aging network services, ensuring all older adults and caregivers can access culturally and linguistically appropriate quality services where and when they need them.
2. Respect and Social Inclusion – Prioritize resources to promote social interaction and connectedness, including expanding access to technology and transportation.
3. Social Participation – Increase the number of aging network services that can be offered virtually, like Personal Action Toward Health and support groups.
4. Transportation – Ensure older adults and caregivers have transportation options that meet their needs in their communities.
5. Community and Health Services – Increase the number of well-trained, qualified and supportive multicultural direct care workers through collaboration by elevating the workforce, improving retention, promoting its collective value and supporting opportunities to increase wages.
6. Elder Abuse & Exploitation – Leverage services and resources to ensure older adults have access to programs and services they need to make their own decisions to enable them to age in place.

According to AARP, Michigan’s Age-Friendly Action Plan is the blueprint needed to help adults 50 and older remain in their homes and communities for the long-term.

“We know from a recent AARP survey that 77% of older adults want to age in place, and there’s no doubt helping them do so makes sense for everyone,” said AARP Michigan Director Paula D. Cunningham. “Older residents earn money, pay taxes and purchase many goods and services, particularly locally. An age-friendly state sustains not only the individual but our communities, and that will become even more critical in just six short years when Michigan will have more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 18 for the first time in our history.”

Michigan will now turn to implementing the recommendations and working with local partners alongside AARP to encourage age-friendly initiatives in all parts of the state.