Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2021

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

MDHHS issues RFP for youth suicide prevention programming

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide services aimed at reducing suicides among young adults.

The purpose of the Transforming Youth Suicide Prevention program is to decrease the rates of suicide in young adults aged 18–24 years old, not in a traditional college/university setting, by carrying out identification and early intervention projects, particularly for areas where the 2015-2019 suicide rate for the designated age group exceeds the national rate of 15.66 per 100,000 people.

The RFP seeks competitive plans for local projects that will expand services, prioritizing proposals that focus on suicide prevention among young adults, service counties that exceed the national rate of suicide, serve high-risk populations and incorporate health equity into their approach and outreach.

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

The award period begins Oct. 1, 2021 and ends Sept. 30, 2022.  MDHHS expects to award approximately $180,000 to up to three applicants, with a maximum of $60,000 per applicant.

Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m. on May 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 “Public Health Administration” link and selecting the “TYSP-2022” grant program.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2021

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

MDHHS issues RFP for emergency shelter program

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide emergency shelter or lodging for eligible households experiencing homelessness and administer the program.

The purpose of the Emergency Shelter Program (ESP) is to provide emergency shelter or lodging for eligible households experiencing homelessness in a safe, clean, secure facility. The funded agency will function as the statewide administrator of the program.

The RFP seeks competitive plans for projects that will expand deliver services, in accordance with the ESP manual, and in alignment with the State Plan to End Homelessness.

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

The award period begins Oct. 1, 2021 and ends Sept. 30, 2022.  MDHHS expects to award more than $17 million to the successful applicant. Administration costs are limited to 5% of the grant amount.

Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m. on May 5, 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 “Bureau of Community Services” link and selecting the “ESP-2022” grant program.

 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2021 

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

Michigan overdose deaths decrease again in 2019, with a greater decline than in 2018

Opioid overdose deaths also decrease as state efforts pay off 

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is reporting its second consecutive year of decreasing opioid overdose deaths and drug overdose deaths overall – showing the progress that has been made under the state’s comprehensive efforts to combat the national epidemic.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today that in 2019 there were 2,354 overdose deaths in Michigan, 1,768 of which were opioid-related.

Overall overdose deaths declined by 9.4% from the 2,599 in 2018 – a number that is now below what was seen in 2016.

Opioid-related overdose deaths decreased by 13.2% from the 2018 total of 2,036 – a greater decline than the more modest gain the previous year.

However, preliminary data for January-June 2020 show 1,340 overdose deaths – up from 1,155 in those same months in 2019, an increase of 16%. Similarly, opioid-related overdose deaths increased from 874 in the first half of 2019 to 1,045 in the same period in 2020, an increase of 20%. The 2020 deaths are likely to be underreported due to incomplete data.

“Our efforts to prevent opioid misuse, provide high-quality recovery treatment and reduce the harm caused by opioids to individuals and their communities are paying off,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “We have made significant progress, however, our preliminary 2020 data is showing there may have been an uptick in deaths last year. This illustrates that there is much more work to do and we will not rest until we have made further progress in addressing an issue that has devastated far too many families.”

Michigan has a plan in place that calls for cutting opioid-related overdose deaths by half in five years by 2024.       

In 2019, the age-adjusted opioid overdose death rate decreased from 21.2 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2018 to 18.2 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2019.

However, Michigan had an increase in deaths due to psychostimulants with abuse potential including methamphetamine. More than 200 Michiganders died from an overdose involving psychostimulants with abuse potential in 2019, which was a 21% increase from the previous year.

The decline in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019 was largely driven by decreases in the number of deaths due to poisoning by heroin and commonly prescribed natural and semisynthetic drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone and oxymorphone. Drug poisoning deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl declined slightly.

Despite overall progress in decreasing overdose deaths in 2019, the data show troubling disparities across racial groups. “MDHHS is firmly committed to ensuring equitable access to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction, and is taking targeted steps to address racial disparities,” Khaldun said.

Michigan’s 2019 data shows:

• Overall overdose mortality rates among white residents decreased by 12.9 percent, while rates among Black residents increased by 2.7 percent.
• Opioid overdose mortality rates among white residents decreased by 16.9 percent, while rates among Black residents increased by 0.8 percent in 2019.
• Michigan residents of races other than Black or white experienced a 22.1 percent decrease in overall overdose mortality and a 20.2 percent decrease in opioid overdose mortality.
  

The state is using every available tool to combat the opioid epidemic. The collaborative efforts of state agencies are amplifying Michigan’s efforts related to prevention and treatment of patients, education of health professionals and enforcement of over-prescribers.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, MDHHS and other members of the Michigan Opioids Task Force recently announced a slate of steps the state is taking to combat the opioid epidemic. At the end of 2020, the task force reviewed and revamped to produce the 2021 Opioids Strategy that maintains focus on 2020 priorities while increasing focus on reducing racial disparities. The strategy has outlined seven strategic pillars: 1) prevention, 2) expanding access to treatment, 3) harm reduction, 4) data and 5) equity, along with efforts targeted to population at heightened risk of overdose, 6) pregnant women and new mothers, and 7) criminal justice-involved populations.

Efforts include:

• Launching public media campaigns to educate Michiganders on opioid risks, reduce stigma, and increase awareness of harm reduction services.
• Expanding funding of emergency-department based Medication-Assisted Treatment programs in hospitals across the state.
• Launching a statewide naloxone portal to allow local organizations to obtain the life-saving drug in bulk at no cost to the organization.
• Beginning Medication-Assisted Treatment programs in four state prisons and in several jails with the goal of expanding treatment to all facilities across the state.
• Expanding syringe service programs across the state to help reduce the amount of harm caused by opioid use disorder to individuals and their communities to 65 sites at 26 agencies.
• Rolling out Emergency Medical Services Naloxone Leave Behind protocol to allow EMS agencies to leave behind naloxone kits with family and friends after a nonfatal overdose.
• Supporting the implementation of Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (programs in Muskegon and Washtenaw counties and the City of Detroit to divert people with opioid use disorder and other behavioral health issues to treatment and other resources.

In addition, the Michigan Opioids Task Force hosted six townhalls across the state in 2020 to seek public input on Michigan’s opioid strategy.

For more information about opioids and the additional steps residents can take to protect themselves and loved ones, visit Michigan.gov/Opioids.

If you or someone you know needs help with a substance use disorder, call the National Hotline, a 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year treatment referral hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2021 

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

Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission report makes lowering suicide rate a priority, offers recommendations

Someone dies by suicide every six hours in the state

LANSING, Mich. – With someone dying by suicide every six hours in the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is releasing a report that makes recommendations on how to reduce the suicide rate.

The Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission Initial Report is from a group appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in March 2020.

“In Michigan, anyone who needs help should be able to get it,” said Gov. Whitmer. “This task force will do critical work to collect data, expand resources, and implement best practices so we can save lives. We must work together to reduce suicide rates in Michigan and make sure that everyone knows that it’s OK to not be OK and help is always here.”

The recommendations address the commission priorities of:

• Minimizing risk for suicidal behavior by promoting safe environments, resiliency and connectedness.
• Increasing and expanding access to care to support Michiganders who are at-risk.
• Improving suicide prevention training and education.
• Implementing best practices in suicide prevention for health care systems.
• Enhancing suicide-specific data collection and systems.

“Suicide is preventable, and Michigan’s current suicide rates are unacceptable,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and MDHHS chief deputy director for health. “However, through our plans and intentional actions, we can provide the help and resources necessary to save lives. Together, we can make Michigan a model state for suicide prevention, and a place where everyone gets the help they need, when they need it.”

The first section in the report highlights in-depth data regarding the burden of suicide within the state, identified risk factors and populations at greater risk for death by suicide. The second section includes the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission initial priorities and recommendations as a comprehensive approach to reduce suicide attempts and deaths.

The commission has been charged to work with state departments, nonprofit organizations and universities to research the causes and possible underlying factors of suicide in the state.

Provisional 2020 data for Michigan shows 1,282 suicide deaths. That number is expected to increase as more suicide reports are finalized. In 2019 there were 1,471 suicides in Michigan. Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in Michigan.

In 2017 more than four times as many people died by suicide in Michigan than by alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents.

Many suicide prevention practices are relatively new and evaluation data is evolving. Lowering the state suicide rate will require long-term investment, groundbreaking policy and strong community work. The report represents another step in that direction.

Suicidal thoughts by themselves are not dangerous, but the response to them can make all the difference, MDHHS officials said. Support is available.

The report notes that MDHHS has taken steps to address mental health issues that could be worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has included providing mental health and substance use services, as well as emotional support resources. These resources can be found at michigan.gov/StayWell.

More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of how the pandemic is affecting mental health, who is at greater risk and how emerging risks can be counteracted, the report says.

Efforts will continue to establish resources and streamline access to services and supports, with an understanding that they will need to be sustained throughout the pandemic and beyond, the report says.

Anyone who needs help can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-273-TALK. Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Anyone under age 21 can ask to talk to a peer at Teen Link, 1-866-833-6546.

TTY users can use their preferred relay services or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2021

MDHHS CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDARD CONTACT: Jessy Sielski, 517-331-1151, [email protected]

MDHHS and MDARD remind parents spring chicks may carry Salmonella

LANSING, Mich. – Health experts at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are warning parents about the potential for baby poultry to carry Salmonella. Salmonella is a common bacteria found in the droppings of poultry and can cause illness in people. Salmonella germs may contaminate feathers, feet and beaks of birds, as well as cages, coops, and the environment where the birds live and roam.

“Washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling chicks and other poultry protects both you and your family from the risk of Salmonella, and also helps keep the birds healthy,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “Even birds appearing cute, healthy and clean can carry bacteria that can make people sick.”

In 2020, there were 17 nationwide outbreaks of Salmonella illness linked to contact with live poultry, causing illness in 1,722 people in 50 states. Of these illnesses, 24% were children younger than 5 years of age. Michigan reported 73 cases, and 18 cases (25%) were in children under the age of 18 years.

During spring, live baby poultry can be ordered from hatcheries or available at stores in a way that children may be able to reach and touch the birds or areas where the birds are contained. This is one way people become exposed to harmful bacteria that leads to illness. Salmonella can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever and/or abdominal cramps lasting four to seven days or more and infections can be especially serious for the very young, the very old and those with weakened immune systems.

Baby poultry have special requirements for warmth and protection. Backyard flock owners may not be aware of the risk of Salmonella from baby poultry and consequently, may keep the birds inside their home. Potential poultry owners should plan ahead to provide a proper space that is safe for the birds and for the people in the household by giving live poultry their own shelter outside of the home.

“In order to keep birds healthy, it is important to plan ahead,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM. “Before bringing them home, it is essential to create a suitable safe space for them to grow that can adapt to their needs as they continue to develop. Also, to ensure their continued health, make sure to identify a veterinarian that can assist in their care.” Follow these recommendations to protect your household:

• Children under 5, elderly adults and those with weakened immune systems should not touch or handle chicks.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling the birds or anything in their environment. Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
• If handwashing is unavailable, use hand sanitizer until you can wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Always keep poultry away from areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored.
• Do not kiss the chicks.
• Avoid touching your mouth, eating, or drinking if you have not washed your hands after handling poultry.
• Do not keep live poultry inside the house where people live, eat or sleep.
• Do not give live baby poultry as gifts to young children.

It is also recommended to remain outdoors when cleaning any equipment associated with raising or caring for poultry, such as cages, feed, water containers and other materials. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 22, 2021

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

Benefits of having a family physician recognized during Family Medicine Week 

LANSING, Mich. – The week of March 21-27, 2021, is being recognized by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, and Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians as Family Medicine Week in Michigan.

The weeklong observance highlights family physicians’ dedication to providing comprehensive primary care to Michiganders across the state to help them maintain health and wellness, and to reduce costs to the healthcare system. Research shows that adults and children with a family physician as their regular source of care have lower annual costs of care, visit the doctor less, are prescribed fewer medications, and report less difficulty accessing care.

“Primary care is the foundation of our healthcare system and so critical to promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities. Family medicine providers understand the importance of prevention and how to best approach health from a holistic viewpoint,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “Visiting your family physician for regular check-ups can help you stay healthy and prevent illness. I am proud of how our family medicine physicians have stepped up during this pandemic to take care of their patients.”

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, eight out of 10 people are likely to rely on the advice of their personal primary care physician when deciding to get immunized. This makes family physicians key partners in helping the State of Michigan reach its goal of vaccinating 70% or more of its residents aged 16 and older against COVID-19.

Michigan Academy of Family Physicians and Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians collectively represent more than 5,000 family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students statewide. Together they are hosting Michigan Family Medicine Advocacy Day on March 23 to provide an opportunity for family medicine advocates to discuss legislative and policy issues impacting healthcare access and delivery in the state.

Contact your local healthcare system if you need a family physician.

To learn more about Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, visit mafp.com. To learn more about Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians, visit maofp.org.

You can view Governor Whitmer’s Family Medicine Week proclamation at https://www.mafp.com/michigan-family-medicine-week.