How drug shortages continue to impact Michiganders

How drug shortages continue to impact Michiganders

by | Apr 12, 2023 | Regional News

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Friend ­­––

Hospitals and health care systems in Michigan and across the nation have been impacted by drug shortages, and that problem is only continuing to grow. No one should have to worry about accessing critical drugs like cancer treatments or common over-the-counter medications, yet shortages are forcing health care providers to substitute less-effective medications or limit doses to treat patients.

Drug shortages have real life impacts on patients and health care providers, and Congress must do more to address the problem. We need to encourage more domestic and diversified production of important medications where possible, expand the number of suppliers of critical materials for drugs, and ensure the federal government has up-to-date information that will help them prevent shortages before they reach a crisis point.

As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I recently released a report that shows how these shortages affect patients’ health and safety and present a significant national security risk. I also held a hearing with health care and supply chain experts to discuss my report and highlight how drug shortages are impacting the health and safety of our communities.

 

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Click here to watch more.

My report looked into the causes of drug shortages and what we can do to address this problem. Here are some of the report’s key findings and recommendations:

  • Drug shortages can lead to treatment delays, medication errors, and have life threatening impacts on patients.
  • Nearly 90% of FDA-registered manufacturing sites that produce ingredients to make generic drugs are located overseas. If the U.S. is unable to get the ingredients and raw materials needed to make these medications from these countries it could result in catastrophic consequences for patients.
  • We must invest in domestic advanced manufacturing capabilities for generic drug products that are regularly in shortage to reduce our dependence on foreign and geographically concentrated sources and suppliers.
  • The federal government and drug companies lack full visibility into where key ingredients for generic drugs are coming from. We must take steps to collect data on the supply chain to ensure agencies are not in the dark and can predict and work to prevent shortages.

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Click here to read the full report. 

 

My report and hearing showed that while drug shortages impact every part of our health care system – they tend to hit smaller, rural hospitals and health care providers the hardest because they often lack the resources needed to monitor and find alternative drug supplies. Shortages are made worse by our over-dependence on foreign suppliers, mostly in India and China, for the key raw materials that make many medications, as well as the limited number and clustered locations of facilities both in the U.S. and overseas that produce critical drugs. If one of these countries stops exporting a certain drug or a facility closes, it could lead to devastating shortages.

I’ll continue working toward bipartisan solutions that will help us take action to address this threat and protect the health and safety of Michiganders.

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan
Enrollment Sheet is Out

Enrollment Sheet is Out

by | Apr 11, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Enrollment Sheet is Out.

Written Friday April 7th at 6:45 PM

The enrollment sheet for all sports is out for 2023-2024.

The MHSAA released the sheet on Wednesday afternoon.

Class A is listed as 807 and above and Class B is 806 to 380 students.

Most of the schools in the OAA are in Class A however Harper Woods, Ferndale, and Ferndale University are in Class B.

The football list is very interesting.

Ferndale (672) and Ferndale University (642) Co-Op which means they will have a combined 1144 students and are in Division Two for the playoffs. When they are separate they both are in Class B.

Division One will have Troy (2298), Lake Orion (2254), Clarkston (2206), Oxford (2049), Troy Athens (2030), West Bloomfield (1903), Rochester (1768), Bloomfield Hills (1739), Stoney Creek (1566), Adams (1564), and Southfield Arts and Tech (1517)

Division Two will have Royal Oak (1443), Farmington (1416), Seaholm (1279), North Farmington (1269), Berkley (1228), Groves (1159) Ferndale Co-Op (1144), and Oak Park (1135)

Division Three will have Avondale (1015) and Pontiac (938)

Division Four will have Harper Woods (775)

Troy is the ninth enrolled school in the State followed by Lake Orion (11th), Clarkston (13th), Oxford (18th), and Troy Athens (19th) round out the top 20 most enrolled in the State.

Several schools do unify in other sports like Lacrosse and Hockey. Groves with Seaholm (Birmingham United-2338), Troy and Troy Athens (Troy Unified-4328), Berkley and Royal Oak (M-1-2674), Rochester and Adams (Rochester United-3332), and Farmington and North Farmington (Farmington United-2485.)

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Here is the enrollment sheet

https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Enrollment%20and%20Classification/2324enroll.pdf

Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen U.S Army Solider

Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen U.S Army Solider

by | Apr 10, 2023 | Regional News

Office of the Governor header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Fallen U.S Army Solider Braden Robert Peltier

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and across all public buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, April 11 to honor and remember Bay City native and fallen U.S Army solider Braden Robert Peltier, who passed away at the age of 23 last week. The flag lowering will coincide with the date of Peltier’s funeral.

 

“Braden represented the best of our state as he served our nation in uniform,” said Governor Whitmer. “A Bay City native and proud husband, dad, brother, and son, Braden leaves behind a legacy of service that we should all strive to live up to. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.”

 

Braden Robert Peltier was born in Bay City in 1999. Peltier loved spending time with his family and outdoors. Brandon was an outdoorsman, he spent time fishing, camping, hunting, trail riding and working out. Peltier leaves behind his wife, Pagge Peltier, and son, Caycee Peltier.

 

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of fallen U.S Army solider Braden Robert Peltier by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full staff on Wednesday, April 12.
Insurers to Protect Coverage for No-Cost Preventive Healthcare

Insurers to Protect Coverage for No-Cost Preventive Healthcare

by | Apr 6, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 6, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Secures Commitments from Insurers to Protect Coverage for No-Cost Preventive Healthcare for Michiganders

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that insurers representing 100% of the fully insured health insurance market in Michigan have agreed to maintain no-cost preventive healthcare services despite a Texas federal judge’s decision in Braidwood Management. Inc. v. Becerra that struck down that requirement under the Affordable Care Act. While the court’s decision is being appealed, 2.1 million Michiganders will maintain their current preventive healthcare coverage until the end of the case’s legal process.

 

“Preventive healthcare saves lives and that’s why we are taking immediate action to ensure this critical coverage is continued,” said Governor Whitmer. “No one should have to wait for a court decision to decide whether they can afford to go see a doctor. As the legal process moves forward, we will continue to take proactive steps to protect people’s healthcare.”

 

“These agreements provide certainty to consumers and ensure that coverage for no-cost preventive healthcare services is maintained despite the Texas court decision until the issues are finally and fully resolved during the appeals in this legal proceeding,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “Preventive healthcare services improve health outcomes and lower costs, and we will continue to work to ensure that Michigan families continue to have access to the no-cost lifesaving preventative care that they had before this decision.”

 

“It is important for our members to know that their care and coverage does not change because of the court’s decision,” said James D. Grant, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Access to no-cost screenings, counseling services and preventive medications is critical to early detection, breaking down barriers to care and improving overall health. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan supports maintaining these preventive services in place without cost sharing until all appeals to the court’s decision are finalized.”

 

“We know preventive services save lives and lower the cost of care for our members,” said Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Health. “It is part of our mission and vision at Priority Health to improve health and make care more affordable and equitable. We are committed to supporting our members at every stage of their health and wellness journey and that includes helping our members stay healthy through coverage of preventive services, not only treating them when they are sick.”

 

The insurers who have agreed to continue covering no-cost preventive services in fully insured plans are:

 

  • Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health of Michigan Inc.
  • Blue Care Network of Michigan
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
  • Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
  • Health Alliance Plan, Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company
  • Humana Insurance Company
  • Humana Medical Plan of Michigan
  • McLaren Health Plan Community
  • Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc.
  • Molina Healthcare of Michigan
  • Nippon Life Insurance Company of America
  • Oscar Insurance Company
  • Physicians Health Plan
  • Priority Health
  • UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company Inc. and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Inc.
  • US Health and Life Insurance Company
  • Wellfleet Insurance Company

 

The agreements apply to fully insured Michigan health insurance plans in the individual, small group, and large group markets, which includes plans sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Michiganders with self-funded group health plans offered by some large private employers should contact their insurer or employer to understand any potential changes to their insurance coverage. If you are scheduling preventive healthcare services and have questions, contact your insurer or employer. For further assistance, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS at 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 
Alert Advising Caution, Patience When Purchasing Used Cars

Alert Advising Caution, Patience When Purchasing Used Cars

by | Apr 6, 2023 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 6, 2023

Media Contact:
AG Press
consumer alert

AG Nessel Issues Alert Advising Caution, Patience When Purchasing Used Cars

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, through her Consumer Protection Team, is cautioning patience and thorough review of vehicle and sales terms to Michigan residents shopping for used cars in a new consumer alert.

Purchasing a used vehicle is an experience often marked by high-pressure sales tactics, few or missing vehicle history details, ‘as-is’ terms of sale, and most often the transaction is finalized in a legally binding purchase agreement or contract.

“Purchasing a used vehicle is often an anxious, uneasy experience for buyers who only engage in this type of transaction every few years and aren’t often making purchases with such large price tags,” said Nessel. “Following several key tips on vehicle inspection and taking your time to thoroughly review any agreements you are signing can give buyers confidence in the process and the purchase.”

Among the recommendations in the alert are:

  • Examine the vehicle using an inspection checklist;
  • Find out if the vehicle was involved in an accident or incurred other damage;
  • Ask for maintenance records;
  • Check for open recalls at safercar.gov; and
  • Determine the value of the vehicle before you negotiate.

For more information, visit Michigan Attorney General alerts:

You can file a consumer complaint here. More information about the complaint process is available on our website.

For more information about popular consumer scams, or if you believe you’ve been a victim, residents can contact the Consumer Protection Team Monday-Friday at 877-765-8388 or complete our online complaint form.
RCOC LOOKING TO HIRE SEASONAL SUMMER LABORERS

RCOC LOOKING TO HIRE SEASONAL SUMMER LABORERS

by | Apr 6, 2023 | Regional News

RCOC LOOKING TO HIRE APPROXIMATELY 29 SEASONAL SUMMER LABORERS

RCOC hiring seasonal laborers image with pothole patching and QR code images

 

The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is looking to hire approximately 29 seasonal summer laborers.

The position pays $17.50 per hour, with a five-day work-week schedule. Workers are expected to report in early June. The positions will last 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the need.

Applicants must be 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED by the first day, have a valid driver’s license, be legally eligible to work in the United States and be available to work Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This position entails working outside and standing for most of the work shift. The job requires the applicant be able to lift 25 pounds.

“Seasonal employees are a great asset to the Road Commission,” RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar said. “This allows the Road Commission to expand our workforce and maximize productivity during the road-construction season.”

Those interested should go to www.rcocweb.org and click the “Careers” button. On the “Current Job Openings” page, find the posting for “Seasonal Summer Laborer.”

The posting provides additional job information and the option to apply.

 

RCOC Careers Page