MDARD Reminds Michiganders to Think Food Safety this Memorial Day

Lansing, MI – Memorial Day is Michigan’s traditional kick-off to the picnic and barbeque season. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds Michiganders to think food safety as they get outside to enjoy the holiday weekend. Following a few simple food safety tips when preparing, holding, and serving foods in warmer weather can help prevent foodborne illness.

“This Memorial Day take extra care when it comes to the food you’re serving and play a major part in protecting your family and friends,” said Tim Slawinski, director of MDARD’s Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health. “Ensuring food safety is crucial for everyone, as it prevents foodborne illnesses and ensures everyone can enjoy their holiday gathering.”

Here are some food safety tips to help make outdoor eating fun and safe:

5. Safe food begins with proper hand washing: Everyone involved in the cooking or eating should wash their hands with soap and water. If water is not available, use disposable handwipes or hand sanitizer.
6. Keep food at the appropriate temperature: Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the “Danger Zone.” It’s especially important to keep cold foods cold when it’s hot outside. When transporting food to a picnic site, pack food on ice to keep it cold so bacteria can’t grow and spoil it. Don’t leave perishable foods out in the heat all day. Pack leftovers back in the cooler with plenty of ice to cool hot foods quickly and keep everything out of the danger zone.
7. Pack beverages in a separate cooler from perishable foods: The beverage cooler will be opened more often, letting in the hot air, while the food cooler will keep contents cooler longer.
8. Cook all meats at the proper temperature: Bring a meat thermometer and test your meats for doneness to assure they are properly cooked.
9. Pack clean soapy towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands: Use a table cover for picnic tables whenever possible. Picnic tables are usually exposed to weather and wildlife and may not be clean even if they look clean. Wipe down the picnic site before you go home as common courtesy for the next picnickers.

If you suspect you have eaten something that has made you ill, please seek medical attention and report your illness to your local health department. Your doctor can assist with this process, or you can contact your local health department directly.

For more food safety tips, visit www.foodsafety.gov.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2024

MDHHS CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

     MAAS CONTACT: Laura Biehl, 248-921-5008, [email protected]

Governor Whitmer honors EMS Heroes by
proclaiming May 19-25 as EMS Recognition Week
EMS personnel provide life-saving health care to Michiganders 24/7

LANSING, Mich. – As a thank you for the life-saving health care EMS practitioners provide every day, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May 19-25 as EMS Recognition Week in Michigan.

EMS practitioners stand ready day or night to help residents in need of help. They provide critical pre-hospital care to Michiganders in both emergencies and other health care situations including preventative medicine, follow-up care, other transportation needs and more. The efforts of EMS workers help improve the survival and recovery rates of people who experience sudden illness or injury.

“The work EMS personnel do is essential to the health and safety of our communities,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Paramedics and EMTs are there when we are at our worst and need them most, and we owe them so much gratitude during this week and all year round.”

Though Michigan is still dealing with an EMS staffing crisis, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services EMS workforce grants approved in the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget are helping alleviate this problem. So far, 432 Michigan EMTs have completed or are in the process of completing paramedic training programs throughout the state. Residents interested in a career in EMS can get involved or learn more at GotWhatItTakes.org.

“Michigan’s EMS heroes are proud to serve their communities and provide lifesaving pre-hospital care to residents in need,” said John Clayton, president of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services and EMS manager at MyMichigan Health in Midland. “Working in EMS is a tough but rewarding career and we encourage young people to consider serving their community and joining EMS.”

Michigan is home to 29,253 EMS providers, 798 life support agencies and 3,998 licensed life support vehicles, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of EMS and Trauma within the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, EMS and Systems of Care. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/ems.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS and The Salvation Army seeking applications for
$17 million in Emergency Shelter Program funding

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in partnership with The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division is seeking applications for $17 million in funding for its Emergency Shelter Program (ESP) to support emergency shelters and moteling.

The focus of this funding is to support the day-to-day operations of emergency shelters across the state of Michigan that serve the more than 30,000 people experiencing homelessness every year including single adults and families. To be eligible, applicant agencies must be a nonprofit organization, exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code or a federally recognized Michigan tribe or group of federally recognized Michigan tribes.

“Ensuring emergency shelters are able to provide a warm meal and safe place to sleep for the thousands of Michigan residents experiencing homelessness is a priority for the department,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “These vital community facilities also help support families as they move from a temporary shelter into stable housing as quickly as possible.”

The award period begins Oct. 1, 2024. Funding is available to existing and new ESP providers. Individual awards will be determined by application scoring and funding availability. Applications must be submitted electronically to usc.gld.espapplications.[email protected] by 11:59 p.m., Friday, May 31.

A webinar will be held at noon, Wednesday, May 8, to review the application process and to gather questions. Any questions concerning the content of this application must be sent via email to [email protected] by Friday, May 10. An FAQ will be issued following the webinar and will be available by emailing [email protected] .

For information or for links to the application, please email [email protected].

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Pam Posthumus Signature Auction to raise
critical funds for child abuse prevention
22^nd annual event set for May 14 at MSU’s Breslin Center

LANSING, Mich. – Every Michigan child deserves to live in a safe and nurturing environment. To help make that vision a reality, Children Trust Michigan (CTM) today announced its 22^nd Annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction, Tuesday, May 14, to raise critical funds for child abuse awareness and prevention initiatives across the state.

“Child abuse remains a pressing issue affecting countless families in Michigan,” said Suzanne Greenberg, CTM executive director. “The auction serves as a beacon of hope, channeling resources toward vital initiatives that protect our children and create safer communities.”

Supporters, advocates and community members will gather at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University to participate in this impactful event. With the theme “The Heart of the Matter,” the annual event kicks off at 5 p.m., showcasing a dynamic live auction as well as hundreds of silent auction items. Supporters can bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities, Michigan-made products and other distinctive experiences. The silent auction opens Tuesday, May 7, for early bidding.

The auction is in memory of Pam Posthumus, a tireless advocate for preventing child abuse who served as a past board chairperson of Children Trust Michigan and started the first signature auction event. She died Aug. 18, 2010, and the annual auction was renamed the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event in 2011.

This year, CTM looks to generate funds for life-enhancing initiatives including family resource centers across Michigan, parent support and education. A nonprofit housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), CTM serves as an unwavering voice for Michigan’s children and families.

“Children Trust Michigan exists solely to protect and enhance the health, safety and welfare of Michigan’s children and families. The Signature Auction is at the heart of our annual fundraising efforts, raising essential funds for community-based resources,” said Greenberg.

In addition to the renowned auction, the event honors CTM’s 2024 Champion for Children. This year, Dr. N. Debra Simms will receive recognition for her notable career as a child abuse pediatrician. Her contributions extend beyond medical practice as she actively seeks innovative solutions to protect children from abuse, making her a true champion for children.

The honorary co-chairs for the 2024 auction are Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, and Jason Griffin, vice president of state government relations, Hemlock Semiconductor, LLC. Joining them are Legislative Co-Chairs Senator Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, House Speaker Joe Tate, Senate Republic Leader Aric Nesbitt, House Republican Leader Matt Hall and House Republican Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus, son of the auction’s namesake.

For sponsor and ticket information, visit childrentrustmichigan.org/event-details.

Find out more about CTM’s child abuse awareness and prevention program as well as local resources at ChildrenTrustMichigan.org.