November 2024
Welcome to the November issue of the Public Health Macomb newsletter – from the Macomb County Health Department. As winter approaches and we continue to move closer the end of 2024, here’s hoping that you, your family and loved ones have a safe, healthy holiday season.
This newsletter highlights timely public health services that are available to Macomb County residents through the Health Department. It is our hope that by sharing this information, you will take advantage of these offerings, and help make Macomb County a healthier place to live, work, and play.
Have a healthy, safe holiday season.
Important Things to Know
Baby Resource Network of Macomb – Did you know that the Macomb County Health Department leads a coalition called the Baby Resource Network of Macomb (BRNM)? BRNM’s mission is “to prevent infant deaths through collaboration with community partners by providing education and resources to support healthy pregnancies and healthy babies." The BRNM aims to empower pregnant people and caregivers with the knowledge they need to navigate the crucial phases of pregnancy and infancy. Through insightful workshops, accessible resources, and hands-on training, the network fosters informed decision-making that lays the foundation for healthy pregnancies and thriving babies. If you believe you or your organization/church/neighborhood would benefit from education, access to resources, or parenting strategies and support, please contact one of the coalition co-chairs. If you would like to partner and support the efforts of BRNM, we want to hear from you!
BRNM Coalition Co-Chairs:
- Tammy Baase - tammy.basse@macombgov.org
- Kathryn Naujokas - kathryn.naujokas@macombgov.org
Macomb County Health Department’s Family Planning Services – Our dedicated staff in Family Planning is here to help you with your family planning needs. We support individuals in deciding when and whether to start a family. Our Family Planning Program offers reproductive health exams, pregnancy testing, birth control, and education on healthy relationships.
We have appointments available at three locations with various hours. While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend scheduling an appointment. You can easily book an appointment online by clicking here: Family Planning Online Appointment. Please visit our website for details on hours and locations.
We accept Medicaid, Plan First, and some commercial insurance plans. For uninsured clients, we provide a sliding fee scale that offers reduced rates based on income and household size.
Learn more about family planning services available at the Macomb County Health Department.
Winter wellness: protect yourself from STIs – As winter approaches, taking care of your health is important. Our STI clinic offers free and private testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections for anyone ages 12 and older. Appointments are available at the Central Health Center in Mount Clemens on Thursdays, or at the Southwest Health Center in Warren on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The STI clinic can be reached Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 586-465-9217. Stay safe this winter by learning how to reduce the risk of STIs—check out the CDC’s website for more information.
Still planning on getting your fall/winter seasonal vaccinations? We are well into what is considered the fall/winter virus season, and if you have not been able to get your vaccinations – seasonal flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – we can help.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are currently available on a walk-in basis at three Health Department locations including the VerKuilen Building in Clinton Township, the Southwest Health Center in Warren, and the Southeast Family Resource Center in St. Clair Shores. We are accepting appointments for RSV vaccinations. You can get more information on our immunization services, including appointments, here.
Five minutes to help Macomb County improve access to healthcare - Where people live, work, or play has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of community members. Social determinants of health (SDOH) including economic stability, access to quality education, the neighborhood and environment an individual resides in, social and community factors including racism, and access to quality healthcare have a greater effect on individual health and well-being than genetic factors. The Macomb County Health Department and Healthy Macomb, a partnership of more than 25 community organizations working to improve the health and wellness of Macomb County residents, are seeking feedback from the community on their experiences with healthcare services. This five-minute survey collects anonymous feedback from community members on their barriers or challenges finding and getting quality primary care or behavioral health services. The access to healthcare survey is open until the end of the year and offers on-demand translation into Spanish or Arabic. Responses and feedback from the survey will help MCHD and Healthy Macomb develop targeted strategies that focus on addressing barriers to quality healthcare across the county.
The access to healthcare survey is one strategy in the 2024-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) that addresses three priorities: behavioral health and substance use, chronic disease and healthy lifestyle, and built environment and social determinants. You can learn more about Healthy Macomb and the 2024-2028 CHIP here.
Please take a moment to complete the survey.
Emergency preparedness tips for winter – As temperatures drop and winter weather gets dangerous, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your family ahead of time.
If your power goes out at home, it’s helpful to have a winter emergency kit ready. This kit should include a battery-powered flashlight, extra clothes, blankets, water, and non-perishable food. Make sure you know where your water shut-off valves are in case your pipes freeze. If you use a generator for heat, always keep it outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
To get your car ready for snow and ice, check that your tires have good tread and the right pressure starting in the fall. Make sure your car has antifreeze, working windshield wipers, good brakes, and a strong battery. Keep your gas tank at least half full so you don’t get stuck in slow traffic, or get stranded off-road. Your car should also have an emergency kit with items like a flashlight, windshield scraper, shovel, jumper cables, water, a first-aid kit, and flares.
To make sure you're prepared for any emergency, download this helpful resource.
For additional information, visit Winter Weather | Ready.gov.
Children’s Special Health Care Services expansion and improvements – Our program is growing! Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) recently expanded coverage from age 21 up to age 26. Macomb County’s program added over 500 new clients this year, for a total of 3,788 clients and families enrolled as of September 2024. To continue providing exceptional service, CSHCS hired a new Registered Nurse and an additional Client Representative. New and existing clients can check out the new staff assignments on the CSHCS staff webpage.
In addition to new staff, the CSHCS website is being updated to provide even more helpful information. Visit macombgov.org/cshcs to download forms, make payments, and read the latest newsletter. A new Frequently Asked Questions page is also available to help families navigate program requirements and take advantage of available services. CSHCS has plans to add new training and conference resources for families soon.
CSHCS covers specialty medical care for over 2,700 qualifying diagnoses. This includes specialist visits, medications, medical equipment, therapies, and mileage reimbursement or transportation assistance. Program eligibility is not income limited. Families with or without health insurance are eligible to join; we work with both Medicaid and commercial insurance.
For additional information, call the main CSHCS line at 586-466-6855, visit macombgov.org/cshcs, or email Program Supervisor, Karla Anderson, RN, at karla.anderson@macombgov.org.
Healthy schools, healthy community – This fall, the Healthy Communities Program is continuing our partnership with the Michigan Fitness Foundation for a second year to bring the Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities (HSHC) initiative to Macomb County school districts. HSHC helps kids make healthier choices by encouraging better nutrition and physical activity. Our most recent impact report shows that 89% of students ate more fruits, and 33% ate more vegetables. Many kids also tried new foods and enjoyed a wider variety of healthy choices. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and cannot wait to share our success with the community as we work together for a healthier future! For more information on Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities, reach out to Jennifer.Franz@macombgov.org.
Eating healthy for the holidays – Do you struggle to keep up with healthy habits this time of year?
“Believe it or not, it’s the perfect time to ditch restrictive diets and work on developing healthy attitudes towards food,” says Amy Ervin, a Registered Dietitian in the Healthy Communities Program.
Enjoy holiday favorites and good health with these tips.
- Give yourself permission to eat. Have as much as you are hungry for. Savor special foods.
- You also have permission to stop eating when you are full. Listen for your body’s signals to stop. It’s ok to not eat everything on your plate.
- Mind your plate! Try not to comment on your eating or anyone else’s. This helps everyone respect their own hunger and fullness signals.
- You might overeat and that’s ok. Some days we eat the right amount. Other days we eat too much or too little. It all balances out.
Plan ahead for success!
- Don’t skip meals before a holiday meal. Trying to “save up” calories can make you feel out of control later. Eating normally outside of celebration meals helps us stay level-headed.
- Serve yourself foods that taste good and foods that make you feel good. Start with holiday favorites and add a nutritious side or a glass of water.
- Include vegetables and fruit. They contain water and fiber to aid digestion.
- Sharing is caring. Send guests home with leftovers or bring a plate to neighbors.
The Healthy Communities Program works to prevent injuries and disease by empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Contact Program Supervisor, Jennifer Franz, at jennifer.franz@macombgov.org for a free handout with this information or to learn more about health education opportunities.
Partner Spotlight: MyCare Health Center – This month, we are proud to spotlight MyCare Health Center, a vital partner serving the Macomb County community. MyCare Health Center is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare services to ALL people. Their comprehensive care model ensures that every patient, regardless of age, income or insurance status, receives needed, quality medical attention.
Key services provided by MyCare Health Center:
- Primary and Preventive Care - Offering everything from routine check-ups to managing chronic conditions.
- Dental Services - Ensuring the community has access to comprehensive oral health care.
- Behavioral Health Support - Integrating mental health services and specialized treatment for substance use disorders.
MyCare Health Center’s commitment to accessible healthcare makes a profound impact in Macomb County. By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, MyCare plays a crucial role in strengthening the social safety net in Macomb County! They continue to be a cornerstone of health and wellness for individuals and families in need.
For more information, please visit Who We Are | MyCare Health Center | Michigan
Stay current. Get connected – Have you ever visited the Commonwealth events and resources website? Commonwealth provides information on upcoming events, workshops, and educational opportunities that are sponsored by local agencies, organizations and municipalities in Macomb County and southeast Michigan. Many of the activities posted on Commonwealth free. Check it out.
In the News
- More kids have pneumonia this year. Here’s what doctors are worried about - read more
- Michigan sounds alarm as syphilis spikes among women, infants – read more
- Winter weather and diabetes – read more
- Michigan is seeing more whooping cough, which can be dangerous for kids -- read more
About the Macomb County Health Department
The Macomb County Health Department provides a wide range of programs and services through five major divisions: The Environmental Health Services/Emergency Preparedness Division, which includes restaurant inspection, community health and safety, shelter, waste, water quality management, and emergency preparedness; the Family Health Services Division, which includes immunization, family planning, and other family and maternal/child health programs; the Community Health Planning and Promotion which includes health education, nutrition, and community-based chronic disease prevention, hearing and vision screening, Children's Special Health Care Services and WIC, the Disease Control Division which is responsible for disease surveillance and control programs; and the Medical Examiner's Office.
