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Whitmer on Loss of U.S. Service Members in Afghanistan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer on Loss of U.S. Service Members in Afghanistan
LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the loss of American troops in a deadly bombing attack in Kabul, Afghanistan.
“Earlier today, terrorists killed 12 American service members, at least 60 Afghans, and injured hundre
“Our men and women in uniform represent the best of us. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe and help those in danger. This devastating lo
“We are praying for the safety of those still on the ground in Afghanistan continuing the mission.” |
Whitmer Applauds School Districts Implementing Masks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Applauds School Districts Implementing Smart Mask Polici A majority of Michigan students now covered by a mask requirement, ensuring safe, in-person learning
LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after Wayne County announced a mask requirement for schools,
“After 19 months of COVID, the science is clear: vaccines and masks keep kids safe and help them continue learning in person.
“On vaccines, the message is simple: every eligible Michigander 12 and older should get their safe, effective, and FDA-approved, v
“On masks, both the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC have strongly recommended that districts require masks for students, teachers, and staff in schools regardless of vaccination status because it will allow them everyone to stay safe while continuing to learn and grow in-person. I agree with our top health experts.
“As of today, 179 districts totaling over 53% of Michigan students, are covered by mask requirements implemented by their school district or local county health department. That number has increased substantially over the last few weeks, and we expect to see that trend continue as the first day of school approaches.
“Districts and local public health leaders should keep working together to implement mask guidelines and create buy
“Together, we can protect ourselves from COVID and ensure kids keep learning in-person.” |
Whitmer Secures $13 Million Grant for Rural Hospitals
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Secures $13 Million Gr
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) secured a $13 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration for 51 small, rural hospitals in Michigan to support COVID-19 testing and mitigation.
“Our top priority is supporting the brave professionals on the frontlines of our health care industry in every corner of our state to ensure that they have what they need to protect themselves, their family, and their neighbors,” said Governor Whitmer. “This funding will help rural hospitals continue serving their communities by expanding their COVID-19 testing capacity and mitigation efforts. I want to thank the nurses, doctors, and all medical professionals who continue to go above and beyond to keep people safe each and every day.”
“The state’s rural hospitals have saved countless lives throughout the pandemic,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are pleased they will be able to use this funding to further help in the fight against COVID-19 as we all work together to end the pandemic.”
Rural hospitals with less than 50 staff will be able to use the funds for testing equipment, personnel, temporary structures or education. Mitigation strategies must be part of the CDC community mitigation framework, including education, contact tracing, communication and outreach. Each hospital will receive about $257,000, which must be used within 18 months of receipt.
The Michigan Center for Rural Health, which serves as the Michigan State Office of Rural Health, will distribute the funding to the hospitals.
“As the State Office of Rural Health, MCRH is dedicated to improving the health of rural Michigan residents and we are pleased to be able to distribute this funding to Michigan’s rural hospitals,” said John Barnas, MCRH executive director. “Rural hospitals have long been the cornerstone of rural communities and have been vital and steadfast in their response to COVID-19. This funding will benefit the communities greatly, allowing the hospitals to continue their diligent work in the battle against COVID-19 by increasing testing capacity and implementing mitigation strategies to reduce the effects of COVID-19.”
Hospitals receiving funding include:
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Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Certificate of Need Commission, Elevator Safety Board, Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators, and the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council.
Certificate of Need Commission
Eric C. Ferguson, M.D., an Independent of Dexter, is the president and CEO of Huron Valley Radiology, P.C. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan. Dr. Ferguson is appointed to represent physicians licensed under part 170 to engage in the practice of medicine, for a term commencing August 26, 2021 and expiring April 9, 2024. He succeeds Melisa Oca whose term expired April 9, 2021.
Donald A. Haney, a Republican of Middleville, is an administrator for Thornapple Manor in Hastings. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University and Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Mr. Haney is appointed to represent nursing homes for a term commencing August 26, 2021 and expiring April 9, 2024. He succeeds John Lindsey Dood whose term expired April 9, 2021.
The Certificate of Need (CON) Commission has the responsibility to develop, approve, disapprove, or revise CON Review Standards that are used by the CON Program Section to issue decisions on CON applications. The Commission evaluates the Review Standards for modification on a three-year rotating schedule as identified in the Commission Workplan. The Commission also has the authority to make recommendations to revise the list of covered clinical services subject to CON review.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Elevator Safety Board
Sean K. Walker, of Commerce Township, is the business agent and recording secretary for the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 36. He earned a certification from the National Elevator Industry Education Program. Mr. Walker is appointed to represent the elevator constructors’ union for a term commencing August 26, 2021 and expiring July 22, 2025. He succeeds Michael Vandervennet
The Elevator Safety Board promulgates rules and prepares examinations in relation to contractor licenses. The Board also conducts hearings to determine whether an elevator contractor license or certificate of competency or commission should be suspended or revoked.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators
Cheryl Q. Bray, of Norway, is an administrator for ManorCare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kingsford. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Michigan University. Mrs. Bray is reappointed to represent nursing home administrators for a term commencing August 26, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025.
Dana Prince, Ph.D., of Byron Center, is the executive director for St. Ann’s Home in Grand Rapids. She earned her Master of Health Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Florida Atlantic University and Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from Western Michigan University. Dr. Prince is appointed to represent nursing home administrators for a term commencing August 26, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Ricky Ackerman whose term expired June 30, 2021.
The Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators was created to license nursing home administrators who plan, organize, direct, and control the total operation of nursing homes on behalf of the governing board or owner of a nursing home. The Board promotes and protects the public’s health, safety, and welfare by ascertaining minimal entry-level competency of nursing home administrators.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Governor’s Educator Advisory Council
Leah J. Porter, of Lansing, is a teacher with Holt Public Schools and the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. She earned her Master of Arts in Literacy Education and Bachelor of Arts in Education from Michigan State University. Mrs. Porter is appointed to represent the Teacher of the Year for a term commencing September 1, 2021 and expiring August 31, 2022. She succeeds Owen Bondono whose term expires August 31, 2021.
The Governor’s Educator Advisory Council was created by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2019-9. The Council will review and make recommendations regarding legislation relevant to this state’s public education system, identify and analyze issues impacting the effectiveness of Michigan’s public education system, identify best practices in public education and recommend corresponding changes and improvements to Michigan’s public education system, and provide other information or advice relevant to public education.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. |
Veterans get connected with service dogs
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| Greetings,
A piece of legislation I led in the House that will help more veterans get connected with service dogs was just signed into law by President Biden, and yesterday I had the chance to join him at the White House as it officially was signed into law.
I’ve had the chance to visit with veterans and their service dogs in the district, at places such as Blue Star Service Dogs, where it was clear to see what a difference these dogs can make in the lives of our veterans. If you’ve ever been around a service dog or even just had a dog as a pet — you probably can imagine just how impactful these pups can be. Service dogs offer such a wide range of benefits to veterans. Research conducted by Kaiser Permanente and Purdue University has shown that working with service dogs alleviates the symptoms of PTSD, leading to better relationships, a lower risk of substance abuse, and overall better mental health. Getting bipartisan legislation passed in Congress isn’t always easy. But I’m proud to say that the PAWS Act passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. When it comes to dogs and supporting our country’s veterans — working together to get this passed was just common sense. Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
