by orionontv | Sep 6, 2023 | Regional News
County seeks community input at Opioid Listening Sessions to guide future prevention, treatment and recovery spending
Post Date:09/06/2023 3:06 PM
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County is hosting a series of community-based opioid listening sessions aimed at gathering input from Oakland County residents about the impacts of the opioid epidemic; resources needed to prevent opioid misuse and supports needed for people in treatment and recovery; and how to best use funding from opioid settlements.
Oakland County is estimated to receive approximately $35 million over the next 20 years as a result of settlements reached in class action lawsuits filed against opioid prescription drug manufacturers and pharmacies.
“The scourge of opioid addiction has been devastating for so many Oakland County and Michigan families and this settlement funding will help to provide some justice for those who have been impacted by prescription addiction with intervention, treatment, and other services,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “We will work with residents, local health care systems, community partners, and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to develop a plan to use these funds to address treatment and prevention of future addiction.”
Opioid Listening Sessions are open to people who live or work in Oakland County and are 18 years and older. Session locations, dates and times are listed below and are open-house style. Registration is recommended at oakgov.com/health or by calling Nurse on Call at 1-800-848-5533. Walk-ins are welcome.
• Waterford Town Hall, 5200 Civic Center Drive, Waterford, on Sept. 12, 11 a.m. – noon
• Affirmations, 290 West Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, on Sept. 13, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Pontiac Public Library, 60 East Pike Street, Pontiac, on Sept. 13, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield, on Sept. 18, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Costick Center, 28600 Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, on Sept. 19, 10 – 11 a.m.
• White Lake Public Library, 11005 Elizabeth Lake Road, White Lake, on Sept. 21, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Oakland University, 318 Meadow Brook Rd, Rochester, on Sept. 26, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
In 2021, more than 75% of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States involved an opioid. During that same year, Oakland County had 180 drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, which was a 119.5% increase in synthetic opioid-involved deaths over 2020.
EMS administered 1,156 units of Naloxone to patients in Oakland County from June 2022 to June 2023, while Oakland County’s Harm Reduction program distributed 2,670 Narcan kits resulting in 188 reported rescues to date in 2023.
“Comprehensive substance use prevention, treatment and recovery efforts are vital to the health and safety of our community,” said Oakland County Health and Human Services Director, Leigh-Anne Stafford. “Together with community input, key partnerships, and opioid settlement funds, we anticipate providing life-saving services for years to come.”
Oakland County has many substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery efforts underway, including free Narcan vending machines and ‘Save a Life’ stations highlighted on a new, interactive map; the first Harm Reduction and Syringe Service Program clinic in Oakland County; prescription drug disposal locations via Operation Medicine Cabinet; substance use prevention programs for schools and community organizations; and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for inmates at the Oakland County jail.
More information about opioids, harm reduction services, and substance use prevention programs can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. Nurse on Call is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X (formally known as Twitter).
For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.
by orionontv | Sep 6, 2023 | Regional News
Majority of Michiganders Support Paid Family and Medical Leave Proposal in What’s Next Address
Majority of Michiganders support paid family and medical leave so workers can spend time with their newborn, care for a sick parent, or get better after a serious medical procedure
LANSING, Mich. — A majority of Michiganders support the paid family and medical leave proposal in the ‘What’s Next Address,’ a speech Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered on August 30 to lay out top legislative priorities for the fall and beyond. Paid family and medical leave ensures workers can be there for their families. It helps people bond with their babies, care for an aging parent, or get better after a serious medical procedure.
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Too many Michiganders cannot be there for their families without sacrificing a paycheck. No one should have to choose between their health, their newborn, or a sick relative and paying the bills and putting food on the table.
- What’s next: Enact paid leave so people have breathing room to get better when they’re sick, bond with their newborn, or care for an aging or ill family member. Helps small businesses compete for talent with larger companies who can offer paid leave.
What do Michiganders think?
- A Pew Research survey from May 2023 found that 99% of Americans said spending time with family is one of the most important things (73%), very important (18%), or somewhat important (8%).
- Michiganders have been in support of paid leave for years. In 2015, a poll from Denno Research found 86% of Michiganders support paid sick time.
- Nationally, paid family and medical leave has strong, bipartisan support that has held steady for years.
- A Data for Progress poll in February 2023 found that 79% of American support paid family and medical leave, including 74% of Independents and 72% of Republicans.
- A Navigator Research poll in September 2022 found that 80% of Americans support paid family and medical leave, including 76% of Independents and 70% of Republicans.
|
by orionontv | Sep 5, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Monday August 4th at 5:20 PM
West Bloomfield: The Lakers went to the air on Thursday night in Beverly Hills against Groves in a stunning 41-19 domination of the Falcons. Requan Nance played very well especially in the first half when he connected for two touchdowns to Elijah Durham and Marquis Morris. He went nine of 14 for 214 yards and three touchdown passes. Kamryn Flowers had 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns and Josh Tate added a rushing score. West Bloomfield is rolling right now. They have Stoney Creek next week.
Lake Orion: The Dragons made a statement going into Wayne County and shutting down a very talented Harper Woods team winning 28-6 on their new gray turf field. Lake Orion had a ton of balance offensively. Tristian Hill had two touchdowns while Raymond Payne and Billy Roberson added a touchdown each. Lake Orion was very impressive defensively forcing two interceptions and multiple fourth down stops. The Dragons have Oxford looming next week.
Clarkston: The Wolves defense played very well against the high octane Southfield Arts and Tech offense despite falling 20-17 on Friday night. Desman Stephens got a touchdown and his 10th career interception in the game. The offense is getting better which is a good sign for Coach Justin Pintar. Clarkston will be fine. They have Adams looming next week.
Adams: The Highlanders had no problem with Rochester winning 35-0 on Friday night. Adams has beaten Rochester 27 straight times and hasn’t lost to them since 1996. The Highlanders have a big game looming with Clarkston next week.
Oxford: The Wildcats got a good win at home against Oak Park 37-0 on Friday night. Oxford got some balance scoring on the night. They have Lake Orion looming next week.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars went and made a statement by blowing out Bloomfield Hills 57-7 on Thursday night. Stoney Creek fell 34-21 to Harper Woods last week but the Cougars made sure that didn’t happen twice. Coach Nick Merlo’s team has a tough one looming with West Bloomfield next week.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had to survive a tough Clarkston program winning 20-17 on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech’s defense has been clutch in key situations which is shocking considering they have a high octane offense. The Warriors have Harper Woods next week.
Harper Woods: It was a rough home opener for the Pioneers on Thursday night falling 28-6 to Lake Orion. Ramonty House had a punt return for a touchdown which was Harper Woods scoring for the night. The Dragons defense shut down the Pioneers high octane offense. Harper Woods needs to bounce back in a big way. They have Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.
Groves: The Falcons had a rough time with West Bloomfield’s passing attack on Thursday night in a 41-19 stunner in Beverly Hills. Cayden Hardy did have some moments in the game which included seven yard passing touchdown to Noah Woods but the Groves defense had a really tough time as mentioned with Requan Nance and the high octane Lakers offense. They have Farmington looming next week.
Farmington: It was going to be a tough matchup for the Falcons against Muskegon Reeths Puffer on Thursday night but they fought despite falling 34-18 at home. Farmington is going to be fine, no panic for Coach Jason Albright and his program. The Falcons have Groves looming next week.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had a rough one with Stoney Creek on Thursday night falling 57-7 to the Cougars. Bloomfield Hills has really struggled as of late which is very concerning for Coach Dan Loria. They have Rochester looming next week.
Rochester: The Falcons extended their losing streak to Adams to 27 games falling 35-0 to the Highlanders. Rochester has a big game looming with Bloomfield Hills next week.
Seaholm: The Maples had it rough on Thursday night in Hazel Park falling to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit 28-10. The Cubs were motivated for the Maples which it was going to make things very tough for Seaholm. The Maples should be fine going forward. They have North Farmington looming next week.
North Farmington: It was going to be tough for the Raiders against Caledonia on their home field. North Farmington fell 42-7 to the Scotts on Friday night. The Raiders need to win out if they want to think postseason. They have Seaholm looming next week.
Oak Park: The Knights were very disappointing on Friday night in Oxford falling 37-0. Oak Park is in deep trouble right now. They’ve played two tough games but they have only scored 14 points which is a concern. The Knights have Troy Athens looming next week.
Troy: The Colts had no problem with Detroit Mumford winning 39-0 at home on Thursday night. They had balance offensively and have outscored their two opponents by a combined 60-0. Troy hasn’t been battle tested. They have another familiar opponent in Royal Oak looming next week.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks bounced back after a really disappointing loss to Fraser by winning 35-0 at Hurley Field over Berkley. Troy Athens needed a bounce back game like this to get the bad taste out of their mouths. The Red Hawks have Oak Park looming next week.
Ferndale: The Eagles are struggling defensively in their first two games. They allowed 68 points in two weeks including a stunning 37-20 loss to Holly on Thursday night. Ferndale needs to fix their defense and quick if they want to make a late run. They have Pontiac looming next week.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets time possession offense and their defense came up huge in Ortonville stunning Brandon 17-14 on Thursday night on Salute to Service night honoring Eric Overall and going 2-0 for the first time since 2018. The Avondale offense controlled the clock most of the game keeping the Blackhawks defense on the field all night and getting the winning field goal from Hunter Petras from 25 yards out with seven minutes to play. Myles Moore had 24 carries for 169 yards and a touchdown for the Yellow Jackets. This is a huge win for Coach Bob Meyer and his program. He has the Yellow Jackets heading in the right direction. Avondale has Berkley looming next week.
Berkley: The Bears had another rough week falling 35-0 to Troy Athens on their home field. Anytime you get outscored 77-0 in two weeks it’s not good. To make matters worse for Berkley they have Avondale looming next week. The Bears and Coach Sean Shields are going through some tough times right now.
Royal Oak: The Ravens needed a defensive stand to beat Taylor 7-6 on Thursday night. Royal Oak has found a formula for success with their defense. Besides the second half of the Holly game, the Ravens have only allowed 13 points. Coach Collin Campbell has to be pleased with his defense. The offense is getting there but a win over Taylor is a good start. They have a tough one looming with Troy next week.
Pontiac: The Phoenix earned their second win of the season on Thursday night in dramatic fashion on their home field winning in triple overtime 44-42 over Detroit Lincoln King Academy on their home field which is the first win on the new field. Kayne Donaldson was the story for Pontiac. He had another masterful performance. The defense needs some work allowing 64 points in two weeks. Bottom line is the Phoenix are 2-0. They have a tough one looming with Ferndale next week.
by orionontv | Sep 5, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Monday September 4th at 5:00 PM
AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN-Week Three
- West Bloomfield
- Southfield Arts and Tech
- Lake Orion
- Adams
- Avondale
- Harper Woods
- Oxford
- Pontiac
- Stoney Creek
- Clarkston
WEEK TWO RECAP.
SCORES
Muskegon Reeths Puffer 34, FARMINGTON 18.
PONTIAC 44, Detroit Lincoln King Academy 42 3 OT.
TROY ATHENS 35, BERKLEY 0.
ROYAL OAK 7, Taylor 6.
TROY 39, Detroit Mumford 0.
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit 28, SEAHOLM 10.
AVONDALE 17, Brandon 14.
Holly 37, FERNDALE 20.
STONEY CREEK 57, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7.
WEST BLOOMFIELD 41, GROVES 19.
LAKE ORION 28, HARPER WOODS 6.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 20, CLARKSTON 17.
OXFORD 37, OAK PARK 0.
ADAMS 35, ROCHESTER 0.
Caledonia 42, NORTH FARMINGTON 7.
BEST WIN: Avondale: The Yellow Jackets defense and time possession offense came to play in Ortonville on Thursday night in a stunning 17-14 win over Brandon. Avondale is 2-0 for the first time since 2018 which is a huge deal. The Yellow Jackets have Berkley looming next week.
TOUGH LOSS: Farmington: The Falcons fought tough with Muskegon Reeths Puffer falling 34-18 on Thursday night. Farmington battled and competed that’s all you can ask with them. The Falcons have a tough one looming with Groves next week.
TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks need a hug after getting blown out 57-7 by Stoney Creek on Thursday night. The Cougars were mad after falling 34-21 to Harper Woods the week prior. Bloomfield Hills has a big game looming with Rochester next week.
VALENTI RANT: Ferndale: The Eagles had a ton of high expectations coming into the season with a new coaching staff and new system but the defense has shown me some concerns allowing 68 points in two weeks which is not good. The offense is not the issue for Coach Eric Royal’s program, the defense is, they need to get it fixed quick especially with a red hot Pontiac looming next week.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Berkley: For the second straight week, the Bears were shut out but this time by Troy Athens 35-0. Berkley has been shut out 77-0 in the last two weeks, that’s not good. The Bears could be in some serious trouble going forward especially with Avondale looming next week.
by orionontv | Sep 5, 2023 | Regional News
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 5, 2023 |
|
AG Nessel Urges Congress to Study Artificial Intelligence and Its Harmful Effects on Children
|
|
LANSING – As part of a bipartisan 54-state and territory coalition, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a letter urging Congress to study how artificial intelligence (AI) can and is being used to exploit children through child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and to propose legislation to protect children from those abuses.
“Artificial Intelligence poses a serious threat to our children, and abusers are already taking advantage,” Nessel said. “Our laws and regulations must catch up to the technology being used by those who prey on our children. I stand with my colleagues in asking Congress to prioritize examining the dangers posed by AI-generated child sexual abuse material.”
The dangers of AI as it relates to CSAM consist of three main categories: a real child who has not been physically abused, but whose likeness is being digitally altered in a depiction of abuse; a real child who has been physically abused and whose likeness is being digitally recreated in other depictions of abuse; and a child who does not exist, but is being digitally created in a depiction of abuse that feeds the market for CSAM.
The letter states that AI can, “rapidly and easily create ‘deepfakes’ by studying real photographs of abused children to generate new images showing those children in sexual positions. This involves overlaying the face of one person on the body of another. Deepfakes can also be generated by overlaying photographs of otherwise unvictimized children on the internet with photographs of abused children to create new CSAM involving the previously unharmed children.”
Attorney General Nessel and the rest of the coalition ask Congress to form a commission specifically to study how AI can be used to exploit children and to “act to deter and address child exploitation, such as by expanding existing restrictions on CSAM to explicitly cover AI-generated CSAM.”
The letter continues, “We are engaged in a race against time to protect the children of our country from the dangers of AI. Indeed, the proverbial walls of the city have already been breached. Now is the time to act.”
Besides Michigan, the letter, which was co-led by South Carolina, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Oregon in a bipartisan effort, was joined by Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
|
|
|
|
LANSING – As part of a bipartisan 54-state and territory coalition, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a letter urging Congress to study how artificial intelligence (AI) can and is being used to exploit children through child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and to propose legislation to protect children from those abuses.
“Artificial Intelligence poses a serious threat to our children, and abusers are already taking advantage,” Nessel said. “Our laws and regulations must catch up to the technology being used by those who prey on our children. I stand with my colleagues in asking Congress to prioritize examining the dangers posed by AI-generated child sexual abuse material.”
The dangers of AI as it relates to CSAM consist of three main categories: a real child who has not been physically abused, but whose likeness is being digitally altered in a depiction of abuse; a real child who has been physically abused and whose likeness is being digitally recreated in other depictions of abuse; and a child who does not exist, but is being digitally created in a depiction of abuse that feeds the market for CSAM.
The letter states that AI can, “rapidly and easily create ‘deepfakes’ by studying real photographs of abused children to generate new images showing those children in sexual positions. This involves overlaying the face of one person on the body of another. Deepfakes can also be generated by overlaying photographs of otherwise unvictimized children on the internet with photographs of abused children to create new CSAM involving the previously unharmed children.”
Attorney General Nessel and the rest of the coalition ask Congress to form a commission specifically to study how AI can be used to exploit children and to “act to deter and address child exploitation, such as by expanding existing restrictions on CSAM to explicitly cover AI-generated CSAM.”
The letter continues, “We are engaged in a race against time to protect the children of our country from the dangers of AI. Indeed, the proverbial walls of the city have already been breached. Now is the time to act.”
Besides Michigan, the letter, which was co-led by South Carolina, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Oregon in a bipartisan effort, was joined by Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
|
|
by orionontv | Aug 31, 2023 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Announces Orange Barrels Will Be Moved and Lanes Reopened to Ease Labor Day Weekend Travel
“Labor Day weekend is a time to soak up the last few days of our Pure Michigan summer sunshine,” said Governor Whitmer. “To ensure Michiganders can get to their destinations safely and on time, we’re moving construction barrels and lifting traffic restrictions wherever we can. But next Tuesday, you better believe that we will be right back to fixing the damn roads. Since I took office, Michigan has fixed nearly 20,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges, supporting over 118,000 jobs. I hope you all have a great, safe weekend!”
Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 93 out of 166 projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most MDOT work zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures.
Travelers are also reminded that, for safety and security, the Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic on Labor Day from 6:30 a.m. to noon during the Annual Bridge Walk. Southbound I-75 and US-2 traffic will be stopped at Exit 344 on the north side of the bridge; northbound I-75 traffic will be stopped at Exit 337 on the south end. For more information, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) website at www.MackinacBridge.org/Walk or call the MBA at 906-643-7600.
“Another summer of significant investment in our roads and bridges is drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean the work is finished for the year,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “Projects will continue on past the Labor Day holiday through the fall, including those projects made possible thanks to Gov. Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program. We ask all drivers to keep driving safely through work zones and follow all posted signs for their safety, their family’s safety, and for road workers’ safety. Slow down, stay alert and avoid distractions in all work zones. Everyone deserves to make it home each and every night.”
MDOT oversees I, M, and US routes and is responsible for nearly 10,000 miles of state highways, which carry more than 50 percent of all traffic and approximately 70 percent of commercial traffic in Michigan.
The following is a list of work zones that will remain active or have lane restrictions during Labor Day weekend. If necessary, detour routes will be posted at the project location. All closures are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on MDOT projects, go to the Mi Drive website at www.Michigan.gov/Drive.
|
