Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2022

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

Honorable Mention

• 5 Healthy Towns Foundation
• Benzie Bus
• Dienetics
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Perinatal & Infant Health Section
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Environmental Health

For more information on the DHEW suite of tools, including the Healthy Michigan Worksite Awards, visit MIhealthtools.org/work. 

To learn more about how to implement workplace well-being best practices, together with other business learners in the Healthy Michigan Worksite Learning Collaborative, email [email protected].

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 25, 2022

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

One year after legalized sports and online betting, Michigan
hosts symposium to address increase in problem gambling

LANSING, Mich. – One year after Michigan lawmakers legalized sports betting and online gambling, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting its 14^th Annual Gambling Disorder Symposium, “Gambling: The New Direction,” virtually on Thursday, March 3, through Friday, March 4.

For Michigan residents, the additional access to online gambling and sports betting opportunities presents an increased risk for gambling disorders to develop – particularly for younger participants who may be anxious, frustrated or isolated, and seeking a greater connection as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These platforms engage in a pay-to-play format, so by their nature they’re addicting and difficult to escape. This can lead to severe financial trouble, as well as strained personal and work relationships as people participate in these spaces more than ever before,” said Alia Lucas, MDHHS gambling disorder program manager. “Resources are available at the symposium to identify and learn about the steps you can take if you or a family member are struggling with a gambling disorder.”

In the first year since the legalization of sports betting and online gambling in Michigan, more than 4,400 calls were made to Michigan’s problem gambling helpline in 2021. This is nearly triple the number of calls received in 2020, the year before online gambling was approved. Referrals for people to receive gambling treatment also grew significantly, from 295 referrals in 2020 to 420 referrals last year – a 42% increase.

While social gambling isn’t a problem for most, for some it provides a sense of control and escape which, over time, can affect other areas of life. For youth, this risk is especially concerning with the rise of online gaming and virtual connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of problem gambling among high school students is twice that of adults, and someone gambling by age 12 will be four times more likely to develop a gambling addiction. Additionally, more than two years into a global pandemic, the impact of social distancing has left many with idle time, frustrations and anxiety.

There is no fee to attend the virtual symposium; however, registration is required, and attendee registration ends at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 1. The symposium will address the impact of online gambling and sports betting, participants will gain an understanding of adolescent gambling problems, learn the effective use of self-exclusion as a harm reduction strategy, and broaden awareness about diversity, inclusion and equity in community gambling wellness.

If you suspect that you or someone you love may be struggling with a gambling disorder, the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline, 800-270-7117, is open for crisis intervention and referral to treatment. Trained and experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate help to address issues related to gambling disorder, including screening services and referrals to treatment or support groups.

Hosted in partnership with the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, residents can learn more about the Gambling Disorder Symposium including how to register at Cmham.org/events/?EventId=6008.

To learn more about problem gambling in Michigan, visit  Michigan.gov/ProblemGambling.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 15, 2022

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

MDHHS celebrates Heart Health Awareness Month this February

LANSING, Mich. – Heart disease is the number one cause of death of women in the United States and in Michigan, causing about one in five deaths in 2020. In recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month and the American Heart Association’s Go Red™ for Women campaign, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) WISEWOMAN program and Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit are working together to raise awareness of this important health issue.

From 2019 to 2020, mortality rates due to heart disease increased nearly 2% among white non-Hispanic women, more than 8% among Hispanic women and nearly 10% among Black non-Hispanic women aged 25 and older nationwide. Although women are disproportionately impacted, heart disease can affect people of any age, gender, race and ethnicity.

Both the WISEWOMAN program and the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit work to identify and communicate risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and other chronic conditions such as diabetes specifically through the work of the Michigan Million Hearts® Network. Million Hearts^® 2022 is a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“It’s important for women and Michiganders to know their risk factors for heart disease,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Being aware of risk factors and also giving people tools they need to lead a healthier lifestyle will improve quality of life.”

Most heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases can be prevented with education and living a healthy lifestyle such as:

• Not smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Engaging in regular physical activity.
• Eating healthy.
• Managing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Women should talk with their health care providers about their health including any risk factors they may have for cardiovascular disease. For information on risk factors as well as signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease, visit Go Red for Women.

For more information about the WISEWOMAN program call 844-446-8727. Locate an enrollment site for the WISEWOMAN program online.

For more information about the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit, visit Michigan.gov/CVH.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 14, 2022

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

MDHHS pilots program that will clear the way for more families to receive
money-saving weatherization services

LANSING, Mich. – More low-income Michigan families will be able to now take advantage of a program that provides free home weatherization to reduce energy costs by an average of $283 per year.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has $5 million available from the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program to pay for home repairs that are sometimes needed before weatherization services can be provided.

Many homes in a state of disrepair cannot take advantage of weatherization funds. Those situations would often lead to a deferral – where an otherwise eligible home would not receive weatherization repairs or services because the materials installed could be compromised.

“Weatherizing homes is a great way to reduce energy costs for Michiganders and prevent low-income families from having to worry about affording their bills and staying warm and safe,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Many families have suffered financial hardships due to the pandemic and have put off maintenance that needs to be addressed before their homes can be weatherized. I urge these families to take advantage of these new services that will lower their costs and keep them warm. We will continue finding ways to put Michiganders first and help them have the resources they need to thrive.”

Gov. Whitmer has proclaimed February to be Keep Michigan Warm Month.

The MDHHS Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity administers the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program, which benefits approximately 1,300 low-income families annually in Michigan. Community Action Agencies and non-profit organizations provide weatherization services at the local level.

Services funded by the pre-weatherization deferral dollars may include construction, reconstruction, improvement or repair of single-family and multi-family residential buildings to correct health and safety conditions as identified by the weatherization assistance program’s energy audit. Typical housing conditions that can lead to deferrals include mold and moisture damage, knob and tube wiring issues, other electrical issues, grading issues, roof damage, structural issues, plumbing issues, pest issues, ventilation issues, asbestos issues and radon.

“MDHHS wants to help as many residents as possible weatherize their homes to save money and energy,” said MDHHS Director Elizbeth Hertel. “High energy costs can cause families to fall behind on their utility bills or be forced to pay their energy bills with money that could otherwise be spent on nutritious food or other needs. No one should be ineligible for cost-saving weatherization assistance due to costly needed repairs.”

In a weatherization job, trained professionals known as energy auditors use computerized software and advanced diagnostic equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to create a comprehensive energy analysis of the home. This analysis determines the most cost-effective measures to install in each home. The energy auditor creates a customized work order so trained contractors and crew members can install the identified energy-efficient and health and safety measures.

These measures include items such as insulation, blower-door-guided air sealing of key leakage junctures, and installations such as lighting and water saving measures.

Health and safety issues such as elevated levels of carbon monoxide, moisture problems, mold, ventilation needs, and heating systems safety and efficiency are also addressed. There is growing evidence that the program provides benefits beyond energy savings. Improved indoor air quality and appropriate ventilation strategies lead to healthier living conditions in weatherized homes, which often lead to reduced asthma triggers and fewer doctor visits.

Anyone interested in applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program, even if they may have a reason for deferral, can contact their local provider. Eligibility is based on household income and home condition.

Training for those working in the Weatherization Assistance Program is provided by the Michigan Training and Education Center. For more information about the training, visit www.MichiganTEC.org.