by Becky Andrus | Aug 26, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Proclaims August 26 as Women’s Equality Day
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer today proclaimed August 26 as Women’s Equality Day. August 26, 2021 commemorates the 101st anniversary of the addition of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote.
“I applaud the suffragists, activists, and civil rights leaders who fought tirelessly over centuries to secure women’s voting rights,” said Governor Whitmer. “Over the long arc of history, women have secured footholds in the halls of power, shattered ceilings, and broken down doors meant to keep us out. I am honored to serve as Michigan’s second woman governor and I am laser-focused on empowering women in Michigan by creating economic opportunity, expanding access to childcare, furthering paid parental leave, and achieving pay equity. This Women’s Equality Day, let’s commit ourselves to doing all that we can to ensure that women in Michigan can pursue their potential.”
“Voting is a fundamental right in our democracy,” said Cheryl Bergman, CEO of the Michigan Women’s Commission. “It is the first and most immediate means for women – and all citizens – to shape our governments. But we can’t stop there. We must ensure that voting rights and access to the ballot are protected. We must encourage women to use their voice and their vote in shaping the decisions of our governments by running for office ourselves, by engaging with our elected officials, and by spotlighting the issues that need attention to ensure our economic and social success.”
Since she took office, Gov. Whitmer has been committed to addressing issues that disproportionately affect women. The first month in her administration, the governor signed an executive directive to ensure pay equity for state employees. Earlier this year, the governor announced her proposal to invest $1.4 billion in federal child care funding to expand access to high-quality child care, make child care more affordable, and support child care professionals as part of the administration’s Economic Jumpstart Plan. The governor also recently proposed an investment to modernize Michigan Army National Guard facilities to address inequities that exist in the facilities provided to Michigan’s female service members.
Last year on Women’s Equality Day, Gov. Whitmer moved the Michigan’s Women’s Commission from the Department of Civil Rights to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to enhance the capacity of both entities to address the economic issues Michigan women face every day.
Michigan was one of the first three states to pass the 19th amendment, paving the way for other states to ratify the amendment. Michigan was once home to notable suffragettes including Sojourner Truth, Anna Howard Shaw, Clara Arthur, and Lucia Voorhees Grimes. Women’s Equality Day celebrates the monumental efforts of those who have fought and continue to fight to protect women’s constitutional right to vote.
View the full proclamation here.
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by Becky Andrus | Aug 25, 2021 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Readying the State’s Vaccine Response to Deliver Booster Shots, Prioritizing Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today, in preparation for the Biden Administration to begin offering booster shots to all vaccinated residents on September 20, issued an executive directive to state departments and agencies to begin preparing the state’s vaccine response to administer booster doses to Michiganders. The governor specifically directs the state of Michigan to prioritize booster doses beginning with residents in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and adult foster care.
“Last year, we built the largest vaccine program in our state’s history in record time to ensure that anyone who wanted a vaccine could get one,” said Governor Whitmer. “With booster doses on the horizon, we are reactivating our close partnerships with local health departments and pharmacies to get shots in arms as quickly as possible. We know that this virus still disproportionately affects older Michiganders, which is why I’m also prioritizing booster shots for residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Let’s continue to put the health and safety of Michiganders first, so we can keep our economic jumpstart moving full speed ahead.”
On August 18, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Surgeon General, and Food and Drug Administration announced their conclusion that booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will be needed to maximize the protection that the vaccines provide against the virus. The Biden Administration plans to begin offering booster shots beginning September 20, 2021 to all Americans whose second dose was at least 8 months prior.
“The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be incredibly effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and MDHHS chief deputy director for health. “Many vaccines, not just COVID vaccines, are associated with a reduction in protection over time, and the FDA, CDC and U.S. Surgeon General have determined that additional vaccine doses could be needed to provide long lasting protection against the virus. These booster doses are an opportunity to stay ahead of the virus and its variants, and protect Michiganders from COVID-19.”
Beginning September 20, the state will offer booster shots to residents who received their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at least eight months prior. Michigan has an ample supply of the COVID-19 vaccine to meet the projected demand.
“Vaccine providers across the state are actively preparing to administer booster shots to Michiganders once once ACIP makes its recommendation,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Available data shows a decrease in protection over time and a booster dose may be needed to better fight the virus, especially as it continues to evolve into more aggressive variants. For those who have not received their first dose, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. The vaccine remains our best protection against the virus and it is the way we are going to end the pandemic together.”
Under an executive order signed by Governor Whitmer on August 13, the state of Michigan has been working to expedite delivery of third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to residents who have compromised immune systems. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who have received organ or stem cell transplants, have advanced or untreated HIV infection, or are in active treatment for cancer or taking high-dose corticosteroids. The state began administering third doses to eligible Michiganders on Saturday, August 14.
“We are pleased Michigan is putting an action plan in place to administer booster shots,” said Paula D. Cunningham, State Director of AARP Michigan. “It certainly makes sense to start in long term care facilities, where the most vulnerable Michiganders reside. With the increasing impact of the Delta variant, we need to do everything we can to prioritize and protect residents in nursing homes.”
“The MLTCOP appreciates the Governor prioritizing the nursing home population for the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot,” said Salli Pung, State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. “Residents should be given the choice to accept the booster as they did the initial COVID vaccine.”
“We greatly appreciate that the Whitmer Administration is prioritizing residents of long-term care facilities in planning for booster shots,” said Robert Stein, General Counsel, Michigan Assisted Living Association. “This decision reflects prudent public policy to support the health and well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Michigan.”
“We are grateful that the Governor is prioritizing the most vulnerable Michigan residents with this directive, and we encourage the state to also focus on patients receiving in-home care,” said John Grib, President, Michigan Home and Community Services Network.
Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
To view the full executive directive, click the link below:
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by Becky Andrus | Aug 25, 2021 | Regional News
Oakland County Issues Emergency Health Order Requiring Masks In Educational Settings
Oakland County, Michigan – The Oakland County Health Division issued an emergency health order today requiring masks in daycares and elementary, middle, high, and vocational schools regardless of vaccination status to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The order aligns with recent guidance from the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to ensure children, teachers, and staff are able to begin the school year safely.
This order comes on the heels of Oakland County returning to an indoor mask requirement for all employees last week regardless of vaccination status.
“Our top priority is keeping students in school for in-person learning. Masking is one of the best defenses against increased transmission of COVID and higher hospitalization rates among kids,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “This order allows teachers to get back to educating our students and focusing on their success.”
Oakland County Health Division issued Emergency Health Order 2021-1 through the authority of the county’s health officer after evaluating local, state, and national data and conditions.
COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are rising among children in the United States, with over 180,000 children testing positive the week of August 12-19, an increase from the prior week when 120,000 child COVID-19 cases were reported, according to a report from the AAP.
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have indicated Oakland County is at substantial risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially the Delta variant. Of the 2,740 new cases of COVID-19 in Oakland County from August 4-17, more than one in six were school age children. Over 52,000 Oakland County residents ages 12-19 years old remain unvaccinated as the 2021-2022 school year gets underway. Plus, students younger than 12 years are ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Oakland County’s seven-day case average is 178 new cases per day or about 1,250 new cases per week, many among the unvaccinated. The county’s seven-day test positivity rate has climbed to 6.6 percent.
The test positivity rate has been rising since the beginning of July and has exceeded 5.0 percent since early August.
Masks help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 by reducing the number of respiratory droplets containing the virus that may emanate from an infected individual who is asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. Studies of COVID-19 incidence in school districts during the 2020-2021 school year show that proper masking is the most effective mitigation strategy to prevent secondary transmission in schools. One study out of North Carolina indicated masking helped reduce COVID-19 transmission between 40 and 70 percent.
Masking is part of a multi-layered approach to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Other preventative measures include immunization, social distancing, good hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and avoiding high-risk activity.
Emergency Health Order 2021-1 does not apply to the following individuals:
- Those eating or drinking.
- Children under the age of four years (supervised masking is recommended for children who are at least two years old).
- Anyone living with developmental conditions for whom it has been demonstrated that the use of a face covering would inhibit the person’s access to education (those with Individualized Education Plan, Section 504 Plan, Individualized Healthcare Plan or equivalent).
- Vaccinated teachers working with children who are hard of hearing or students with developmental conditions who benefit from facial cues.
- Persons who have a medical reason confirmed in writing from a physician.
by Becky Andrus | Aug 23, 2021 | Local News
Brandon Kathman
District Executive
[email protected]
947-886-5736
Oakland County scouts are wrapping up the National Summer of Service, having helped dozens of local charities over the past few months.
An initiative introduced by Scouting’s national office, the Summer of Service program aims to engage youth in service for the benefit of their communities. Several prospective Eagle Scouts have used the opportunity to satisfy the service requirement to earn Scouting’s highest honor.
Casey Houlihan, 17, hopes to finish his project to clear an access road to the community chapel in Orion’s Camp Agawam within the next few weekends. Interviews and footage of the project can easily be arranged if requested.
“Providing cheerful service to one’s community and family is one of the foundation blocks that the Boy Scouts of America teaches and lives by,” Commissioner Lonny Johnson, who serves north Oakland County, said. “We include service in our rank requirements; we include service in our quality unit requirements.”
Later in August, Jeffrey Ellingsworth, 16, of Troop 185 will begin construction on a playground at Grace Center of Hope in Pontiac.
“Scouts will learn valuable skills such as civic responsibility, community awareness and project management, while also learning about the current needs of our fellow citizens,” Christopher Hopkins, chief information officer of Michigan Crossroads Council, said.
According to Hopkins, the initiative builds on Scouting’s legacy of serving others and strives to positively impact local neighborhoods and communities in the coming months.
“Participants can serve in a variety of ways, whether it be cleaning up their communities, organizing a food drive, or honoring fallen heroes,” Hopkins said.
The Summer of Service initiative will conclude on October 31. The Pontiac-Manito District, which consists of approximately 1,000 scouts in Oakland County, has requested additional ideas for much-needed projects in the community. Service opportunities should be forwarded to the district executive at [email protected].
by Becky Andrus | Aug 23, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer & Dr. Khaldun on Full FDA Approval of Michigan-Manufactured Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Dr. Joneigh Khaldun issued the following statements after the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. To date, over 5.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been administered in Michigan and 65% of Michiganders have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three safe, effective vaccines. From January to July of 2021, unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for a staggering 98% of COVID cases, 95% of hospitalizations, and 96% of deaths.
“Today, the FDA granted full approval to Pfizer’s safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured right here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine has already saved countless lives in Michigan and around the world, so if you have already gotten your shots, thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. If you still have not, I hope today’s announcement encourages you to get your FDA-approved vaccine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions and get your free shot soon. The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine can protect you against COVID-19 and keep you out of the hospital if you get sick. If we all do our part to protect ourselves and the people we love from COVID, we can continue our economic jumpstart and usher in a new era of prosperity for our great state.”
“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is an exciting milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Michiganders can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety and effectiveness as required of approved products by the FDA,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “While more than 5.2 million Michigan residents 16 and older have already received their first dose, we recognize that for some the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. We urge all eligible Michiganders to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Visit VaccineFinder.org to find a vaccine.”
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by Becky Andrus | Aug 23, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Lowers Flags for Identified MIA Korean War Soldier
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Monday, August 23 to honor the life and service of Corporal Dale W. Wright.
“I am lowering flags throughout the state to honor Cpl. Wright’s service and the sacrifices he made for our country,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. “I am grateful that his remains have finally returned home to Michigan. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.”
Cpl. Wright served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
He was reported missing in action along with Army Sgt. Jesse “Johnnie” D. Hill, after their unit was attacked near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea on Dec. 2, 1950. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered. After nearly 70 years, Cpl. Wright’s remains have been found and identified.
Cpl. Wright will be buried in Holly, Michigan.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Corporal Dale W. Wright 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 Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2021.
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