Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 17, 2021

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

First influenza A outbreak in state serves as reminder to get flu vaccine
Michiganders asked to take steps to prevent influenza and COVID-19

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is asking Michiganders to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, wear masks in indoor settings, social distance when possible and stay home when they are ill to prevent additional outbreaks of the flu and COVID-19.

“As we head into respiratory virus season, it is important to take every mitigation measure we can to prevent outbreaks of the flu, RSV and COVID-19,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing and getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19 will help prevent the spread of illness. COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines can be administered at the same time, and we encourage all eligible Michiganders to get theirs as soon as possible.”

A recent outbreak involving more than 525 cases of influenza A (H3N2) among University of Michigan students is currently being investigated by public health officials. This outbreak comes at a time when COVID-19 infections are again surging in Michigan, with case rates, positivity rates, hospitalizations and deaths all increasing. State and local public health officials are concerned with the potential for increased strain on health systems if COVID-19 and influenza cases surge at the same time this winter.

Data from MDHHS’s flu vaccine dashboard show that influenza vaccine administrations are down versus previous seasons. As of Nov. 6, a little over 2 million doses of flu vaccine have been administered, about a 26% decrease from this time last year. Last flu season, approximately 3.5 million people in Michigan received a flu vaccine as reported to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. The state has set a goal of vaccinating 4 million Michiganders for the 2021-2022 flu season.

Despite its comparison to the common cold, the flu is a very serious and potentially deadly disease, especially for children, older people and people with chronic health conditions.

During a typical flu season like the 2019-2020 flu season, the nation recorded 39 to 56 million estimated cases of the flu, 18 to 26 million medical visits due to the flu and nearly half a million flu hospitalizations. The flu vaccine is the best way to reduce risk from the seasonal flu and its potential serious complications. Each year flu vaccination reduces the burden of influenza significantly in the United States preventing millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths.

The 2020-2021 flu season was unique in many ways, resulting in historically low flu activity for the entire season. Public health professionals indicate that community mitigation measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as masking and social distancing and influenza vaccination could have contributed to the below average amount of influenza cases last season.

Both COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state. Visit Vaccine Finder to find a location near you.

To learn more about influenza, visit Michigan.gov/flu. For more information about COVID-19, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 16, 2021

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

More fruits and vegetables are available for WIC families

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clients are being reminded about additional Cash Value Benefits (CVB) they are receiving to purchase fruits and vegetables at the grocery store through the end of the year.

On Sept. 30, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act of 2022 into law, thus authorizing State WIC Agencies to significantly increase the program’s vegetable and fruit benefit through Dec. 31, 2021.

“Michigan is excited to offer this great increase in benefits to the women, infants and children that we serve,” said Christina Herring-Johnson, Michigan WIC director. “This increase in fresh fruits and vegetables, will continue to promote and support healthier eating patterns and overall great nutrition.”

“With far too many families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic to afford the healthy foods that help grow healthy children, this temporary boost to the WIC benefit is an investment in our nation’s future,” said Rev. Douglas Greenaway, President & CEO of the National WIC Association. “Increased access to vegetables and fruits is a critical step toward ensuring that children have access to vital nutrients, curbing childhood obesity rates while strengthening our local farm economies. In communities across the country, WIC is ready to help as parents continue to navigate the COVID-19 crisis.”

The monthly cash value benefit for fruits and vegetables has been increased to the following amounts:

• $24 for children.
• $43 for pregnant and postpartum people.
• $47 for breastfeeding people.

WIC’s CVB vegetable and fruit benefit was first introduced in 2007 and is credited with improving the dietary quality of WIC participants and reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity among WIC toddlers.

Michigan residents can learn more about what the Michigan WIC program has to offer, by visiting Michigan.gov/WIC. To apply for WIC, visit Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 15, 2021

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

89 Michigan water systems awarded national fluoridation quality award

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today that 89 water systems have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. It has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and inexpensive method of preventing decay. According to the CDC, savings for communities ranged from $1.10 to $135 for every $1 invested.

The award recognizes those communities that maintained a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water throughout calendar year 2020. A total of 1,292 water systems in 28 states received the award including the following Michigan systems:

“Michigan consistently exceeds the Healthy People 2030 target of 77.1% of the population on a fluoridated public water supply,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, senior deputy director for MDHHS Public Health Administration. “These awards from the CDC recognize Michigan’s commitment to community water fluoridation, which is the most cost effective and efficient way of preventing tooth decay throughout one’s lifetime and benefits all residents.”

For more information about community water fluorination, visit the CDC website.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 15, 2021

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

MDHHS issues RFP for opioid recovery support services

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for registered Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) to provide recovery support services.

The purpose of the Recovery Support Services competitive 2022 program is to expand recovery support center services or recovery community center services at RCOs for individuals seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders. RCOs are independent, non-profit organizations led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery. To be eligible to apply for this funding, applicant agencies must be registered with the Association of Recovery Community Organizations at Faces and Voices of Recovery.

The RFP seeks competitive plans for local projects that will expand services as described above — prioritizing recovery support navigation, recovery outreach education and recovery activities and events.

Funded applicants will receive ongoing technical assistance from the MDHHS project coordinator which include help with program start-up, reporting requirements and barriers to program implementation.

The eight-month award period begins Feb. 1, 2022, and ends Sept. 30, 2022. MDHHS expects to award approximately $1,200,000, with a maximum of $150,000 for a single applicant.

Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m. on Dec. 12, 2021.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Behavioral Hlth and Dev Dis Adm Standard” link and selecting the “RSSC-2022” grant program.