Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2022 

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

GETSETUP CONTACT: Liz Miller, 888-559-1614, press@getsetup.io

MDHHS and GetSetUp renew partnership and expand to Library of Michigan to continue reducing isolation for older adults

LANSING, Mich. – GetSetUp, an interactive learning community where older adults better their lives through the pursuit of learning, has renewed its partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

The partnership with MDHHS’s Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration has been so effective that the state is expanding free access to the program through 2023 and increasing access through an agreement with the Library of Michigan and its 400 branches around the state. Library patrons can access GetSetUp from public access computers, or they can log on through their library’s website and direct questions to library staff.

GetSetUp’s initial partnership with MDHHS reduced isolation and loneliness by making its services available to the 2.4 million older adults in Michigan. That included reaching 108,000 older adult learners in the first year who enjoyed classes and discussions on a variety of topics such as healthy aging, fitness, photography, technology and mental well-being.

GetSetUp offers real-time, engaging learning experiences that range from teaching everyday technical skills to enrichment-focused courses taught by expert instructors. Since starting the partnership with Michigan in 2020, GetSetUp has expanded to more than 4,500 classes. It offers classes 24 hours per day in languages such as English, Spanish, Hindi and Mandarin, with instructors and participants from all over the world. Its custom-designed video platform was made specifically for older adults to easily learn new skills and connect with a trusted community. 

“With over 40% of Michigan older adults living alone across a diverse geography and in rural areas, social isolation and loneliness are critical problems we are taking proactive steps to address,” said Farah Hanley, chief deputy director for health at MDHHS.

“GetSetUp is a key part of our solution, helping older adults overcome their fears and reluctance to learn technology, providing safe socialization opportunities, and creating a sense of purpose through learning that improves mood and mental health,” Hanley said. “We are excited to extend our partnership with GetSetUp through 2023.”

GetSetUp’s model of community-based classes taught by experts – who are older adults themselves – has helped older adults become more comfortable with technology so they can now access state-provided services and manage their own health and wellness. They’ve also explored their creative sides and shared their knowledge with others. Michigan community members who are participating are spending on average two to 10 hours a week on GetSetUp. Dozens of Michiganders have become active ambassadors who host their own interest groups on topics that matter to them, including Dealing with Diabetes, Meatless Recipes and more. Several Michiganders have even become paid guides on the platform, serving as a model and inspiration for expanding peoples’ economic opportunities. 

“We are thrilled to be continuing to partner with MDHHS and expanding to include the Library of Michigan and its branches,” said Lawrence Kosick, president and co-founder at GetSetUp.“We admire how dedicated to meeting the needs of their older adults the State of Michigan has been and the support they have fostered in scaling GetSetUp’s life-long learning offerings to their older adult community. We look forward to reaching even more Michiganders to assure that they, too, have the opportunity to stay active and engaged and reimagine themselves at any age in a safe, fun and interactive way.” 

About GetSetUp

GetSetUp is on a mission to help those over 55 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. Learn more at www.getsetup.io/michigan. 

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2022

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

MDHHS hosting three, free virtual baby fairs for new or expecting families

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting three virtual baby fairs for new or expecting parents this month. At the virtual events, families will have an opportunity to learn about available resources, important health and safety information and ask questions directly to program experts.

“MDHHS is excited to be able to offer a safe way for parents to get all the important information they need at this exciting time in their lives,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We encourage Michigan families to attend one of the free events being offered to learn about immunizations, hearing screening, breastfeeding and other topics.”

The events are free of charge and occurring on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, June 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 15 from 9 to 11 a.m.
• Tuesday, June 28 from 9 to 11 a.m.

The following MDHHS programs are participating in the virtual baby fairs:

• Newborn Screening
• Michigan BioTrust for Health
• Infant Safe Sleep
• Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
• Immunizations
• Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
• Birth Defects Education and Outreach
• State Breastfeeding Initiative
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
• Vital Records
• Michigan Home Visiting Initiative
• Maternal Infant Health Program
• Children’s Special Health Care Services
• Eat Safe Fish
• Unintentional Injury Prevention

Participants can register for one of these sessions online or by scanning the QR code.

Scan here to register!

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2022

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

MDHHS urges Michiganders to recognize World No Tobacco Day on May 31 by quitting commercial tobacco

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recognizing World No Tobacco Day by urging Michiganders to quit commercial tobacco.

World No Tobacco Day is an initiative created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is observed each year on May 31. The annual health observance was created to draw the world’s attention to the tobacco epidemic, and the preventable death and diseases it causes. This year’s campaign focuses on the negative impact that the tobacco industry has on the environment, and calls attention to the environmental impact the tobacco industry has on the planet, which further harms human health.

“We know that the use of tobacco takes a significant toll on a people’s health,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive at MDHHS. “It damages nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, mouth, skin, eyes and bones. However, something that people may not consider is the significant impact that the tobacco industry has had on our natural resources. This year’s World No Tobacco Day campaign sheds a light on that fact.”

The tobacco industry damages the earth’s ecosystem by contributing 84 megatons of greenhouse gases every year. Growing tobacco also contributes to deforestation. The WHO reports that around 3.5 million hectares of land are destroyed each year. Additionally, because 90% of tobacco production occurs in the developing world, the environmental burden most heavily affects countries that lack the resources to cope with these problems. Reducing commercial tobacco use would increase the overall well-being of populations by reducing death and disease and increasing environmental sustainability.

In addition to affecting the earth’s eco-system, cigarette waste has a large negative impact on local communities. Cigarette butts are the most littered item on earth, and major cities spend millions of dollars each year to clean up the waste that smokers leave behind. Cigarette waste is toxic and when littered, it can contaminate water, poison fish and hurt animals that consume it.

The WHO provides several resources to those who are interested in helping raise awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco. Learn more ways to help on the WHO website.

For residents in need of assistance in quitting tobacco, the Michigan Tobacco Quitline – 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From now through Sept. 30, all new enrollees at the Michigan Tobacco Quitline will receive two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy along with a coaching session.

For more information about the Quitline, visit Michigan.gov/tobacco.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2022

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

Michiganders urged to take precautions to prevent tick bites

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging Michigan residents to take steps to avoid tick bites while enjoying the outdoors this summer. Tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, are increasing across the state.

“Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “If you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health and if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, consult with your medical provider.”

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne disease in Michigan. In 2021, there were 878 confirmed and probable reported cases of Lyme disease, nearly double the 451 cases reported in 2020. Anaplasmosis, caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is the second most common tick-borne disease in the state, and cases are also increasing. Reported cases of anaplasmosis in Michigan residents jumped from 17 confirmed and probable cases in 2020 to 56 in 2021. Counties with the largest increase in anaplasmosis cases include Dickinson and Menominee in the Upper Peninsula and Manistee and Benzie in the Lower Peninsula. Health care providers need to consider tick-borne diseases in people presenting with fever and other non-specific symptoms during the warm months when ticks are active.

Both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are transmitted by Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the blacklegged or deer tick. The blacklegged tick is well-established in parts of Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and has been found in new regions over the past few years. Information about Lyme disease risk by county is available at Michigan.gov/Lyme.

Signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease typically begin one to two weeks after a tick bite or being in wooded or brushy areas where ticks commonly live. Early symptoms can be non-specific and include fever or chills, rash, headache, fatigue and muscle aches. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics can decrease the risk of serious complications.

Protect yourself and your family against tick-borne diseases by following these tips:

Avoid tick-infested areas:

• As ticks live in grassy, brushy and wooded areas, walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter at trail edges.
• Protect your pets – dogs and cats can come into contact with ticks outdoors and bring them into the home. Talk with your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products for your pet.

Use insect repellent:

• Apply repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin.
• Treat clothes (especially pants, socks and shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying repellents.

Perform daily tick checks:

• Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, even in your own yard.
• Inspect all body surfaces carefully and remove attached ticks with tweezers.
• To remove a tick, grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.

Bathe or shower:

• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.
• Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to help kill ticks in clothing.

Not all ticks spread the same germs. MDHHS can help to identify ticks you may encounter outdoors. Residents can email photos of ticks to [email protected] for identification. Michiganders can also submit ticks to MDHHS for identification free of charge. For more information on how to submit your tick and/or photos, visit Michigan.gov/Lyme.

Visit CDC.gov/Ticks for additional information.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2022

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

MDHHS alerts caregivers about new Safe Sleep for Babies Act
prohibiting sale of crib bumper pads and inclined sleepers

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is praising a new federal law that will improve efforts to make sure infants sleep in a safe environment.

The Safe Sleep for Babies Act, signed by President Joe Biden last week, makes it illegal to sell padded bumper pads and inclined sleepers for infants. The law does not include unpadded, mesh crib liners.

“The Safe Sleep for Babies Act will save the lives of Michigan babies,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, senior deputy director of the MDHHS Public Health Administration. “Parents see these items in stores and may think they are safe for their baby when they are not. These products have been involved in hundreds of infant deaths and we are grateful they will no longer be sold. Educating parents and other caregivers about the importance of infant safe sleep remains a top priority for MDHHS.”

In addition to not using crib bumpers and inclined sleepers, babies from birth to age 1 can be kept safe while sleeping at night and during naps by following the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to:

• Place baby on back, in a crib, bassinet or pack ’n play on their own with no other people for every sleep time. If baby falls asleep in an unsafe sleep space, baby should be moved to a crib, bassinet or pack ’n play as soon as possible.
• Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
• Keep baby’s sleep space clutter-free – no pillows, blankets, toys or bumper pads.
• Avoid covering baby’s head or overheating. Instead of a blanket use a sleep sack, wearable blanket or footed sleeper to keep baby warm.
• Remind everyone who cares for baby, including babysitters and family members, how to keep baby safe while sleeping.
• Keep baby in a smoke-free environment.
• Support breastfeeding and immunizations.

From 2010 to 2019, 1,436 Michigan babies died due to sleeping in unsafe environments, such as on an adult bed, couch, sofa chair or other unsafe sleep place with toys, blankets or bumper pads, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Case Registry and the Michigan Public Health Institute.

MDHHS encourages caregivers to make sure their babies are sleeping in a safe product. Parents can use the checklist Is this Infant Safe Sleep? to determine if a product is safe for infant sleep. Parents can also make sure unsafe products get taken off the market by reporting them to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Anyone can report a concern, whether it’s an injury, death or a “near miss” at Saferproducts.gov.

To learn more about infant safe sleep, visit Michigan.gov/SafeSleep or contact the Infant Safe Sleep Program at MDHHS-InfantSafeSleep@michigan.gov. To view data related to sleep-related infant deaths, visit Keepingkidsalive.org/publications.