November 2025
Welcome to the November issue of the Public Health Macomb newsletter – from the Macomb County Health Department. November is a time to reflect on gratitude, health, and preparation for the winter season. It’s also recognized as National Diabetes Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month — important reminders of how health impacts individuals and families alike. This issue offers tips and resources for all ages, aiming to help every everyone build healthy habits that support well-being at home, while we’re traveling, or in the community.
As the days grow shorter and the holidays approach, let’s make November a time to focus on wellness, support, and connection that lasts all year long.
Important Things to Know
Supporting healthy pregnancies and babies -- The Macomb County Health Department leads the Baby Resource Network of Macomb (BRNM), a team of local partners working to keep babies safe and healthy. Together, they provide education and resources to help prevent infant deaths and support healthy pregnancies.
This year, BRNM focused on two goals: safe sleep for babies and healthy, full-term births. With support from local grants, the group expanded its safe sleep campaign and gave Safe Sleep Survival Kits to families in home visiting programs.
BRNM also created new materials about preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Families in the Health Department’s home visiting programs received Cuff Kits from the Preeclampsia Foundation to help track blood pressure.
The Baby Resource Network of Macomb helps families create safe, healthy environments for their babies, giving every child the best possible start in life.
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, and
Kathryn Naujokas - kathryn.naujokas@macombgov.org
Learn more about the Baby Resource Network by clicking here.
Take care of your mental health during the holidays — a The holidays can be fun and full of family and celebration — a but they can also be stressful. Many people feel tired, worried, or sad during this time of year. Taking care of your mental health helps you enjoy the holidays and stay healthy.
Tips to manage holiday stress:
- Keep it simple. You don’t have to do it all. Focus on what really matters — spending time with people you care about.
- Stick to your routine. Try to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and move your body each day. Even a short walk can help.
- Watch your spending. Gifts don’t have to be expensive. Thoughtful, handmade, or low-cost gifts can mean just as much.
- Take breaks. When you feel stressed, take time to rest or do something that relaxes you — listen to music, read, or take deep breaths.
- Ask for help. If you feel sad or overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust. You can call Macomb County Community Mental Health Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, 24/7 support at (586) 307-9100. If you are in need of additional local mental health support and resources, visit Macomb Community Mental Health.
- Use support tools. In addition to crisis support and ongoing therapy services, there is a free app called My Strength, that is designed to support your personal emotional health.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Taking care of yourself helps you feel better and enjoy the season more.
What are family planning programs? — Family Planning programs offered by health departments play a vital role in ensuring that individuals and families have access to reproductive health services. These clinics offer affordable and confidential services to help individuals and families make informed decisions about birth control, pregnancy, and reproductive well-being. The Macomb County Health Department offers the following services through the Family Planning program:
- Reproductive health education and pelvic and breast exams.
- Pap smears and human papilloma virus (HPV) screenings.
- Birth control supplies and long-term birth control methods such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and Nexplanons.
- Pregnancy testing and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
- Preconception counseling.
The Family Planning program is available at all three of the Macomb County Health Department locations: Mount Clemens, St. Clair Shores, and Warren. We take commercial insurance, Medicaid, and have a sliding fee scale for those uninsured. To schedule an appointment call 586-469-5491 or visit our online appointment scheduler.
Macomb County Health Department is upgrading its Electronic Health Record system — After over 20 years with the same software, we are modernizing our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to better serve you!
Beginning Monday, December 8th, we will start using a new system called Patagonia Health. Patagonia Health is already used by many other health departments across the state. The upgrade will streamline documentation, improve data accuracy, and make it easier for staff to provide coordinated, high-quality care.
The update will impact ten Macomb County Health Department programs, including Immunizations, Family Planning, and home visiting programs. There will be no interruption to services. We appreciate your patience as staff get comfortable using the new EHR system.
The switch requires significant coordination between Macomb County's Information Technology Department and the Health Informatics team to securely transfer decades of data and train staff. “We’re very fortunate to have a Health Informatics program,” says Division Director, Maria Swiatkowski. “Not all Health Departments have this kind of support.”
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month — This November, we recognize National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes and encourage everyone to take proactive steps for their health. With millions of Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes, understanding this condition is more important than ever. The good news is that by taking charge of your health, you can make a significant impact. Here are some steps you can take:
- Eat a balanced diet. Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Limit sugary drinks and processed foods.
- Get moving. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Find an activity you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or dancing.
- Prioritize regular check-ups. Regular visits with your healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring your health and checking your blood sugar levels.
- Know your numbers. A simple blood test can determine if you have prediabetes or diabetes. The American Diabetes Association now recommends screening for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes starting at age 35 for adults with risk factors.
The Health Department offers resources, programs, and referrals to support diabetes awareness, nutrition education and healthy living in Macomb County. If a group is interested in having a presentation on nutrition and healthy living, simply complete this form and a member of the Macomb County Healthy Department's Health Communities group will follow-up and make appropriate arrangements. Together, we can help in the fight against diabetes.
Stay healthy while traveling this holiday season — The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and travel. Whether you're visiting loved ones or exploring new destinations, it’s important to prioritize your health along the way. A few simple steps can help keep you and your family healthy during holiday travel.
- Plan Ahead: Check travel advisories and health alerts for your destination. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date, including flu and COVID-19 shots.
- Stay Clean: Keep hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes handy for use in airports, hotels, and public spaces. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or touching your face.
- Eat and Sleep Well: It’s easy to skip meals or lose sleep during travel, but maintaining healthy habits can strengthen your immune system. Stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, and try to get good sleep each night.
Safe travels and happy holidays!
Immunization clinics help protect our communities — Immunization clinics play a vital role in protecting our communities. The Macomb County Health Department’s immunization clinics offer all vaccines that are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Vaccines are important because they provide protection against serious diseases and outbreaks for people of all ages.
During the cold weather season, the community needs protection from viruses like a common cold, flu, respiratory viruses, and COVID-19. An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. The Macomb County Health Department offers vaccines at three locations, including St. Clair Shores, Warren, and Clinton Township.
Appointments for most vaccines can be made online. However, COVID-19 and Flu vaccines do not require appointments and are offered on a walk-in only basis.
To make an appointment visit our online appointment scheduler or call 586-469-5372. More information on our immunization clinics can be found here.
Be winter-ready: emergency preparedness tips for the season — As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, it's important to be prepared for seasonal emergencies. Snowstorms, freezing rain, and power outages can happen with little warning, so taking time now to prepare can keep you safe.
Stock Your Emergency Kit: Create an emergency kit for your home and car. Include essentials like flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, and a battery-powered radio. For your car, add jumper cables, an ice scraper, a shovel, and sand or kitty litter for traction.
Prepare Your Home: Insulate pipes to prevent freezing and know how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts. Check that your heating system is working properly and clean out chimneys and vents if you use a fireplace or wood stove.
Stay Informed: Monitor local weather alerts and emergency broadcasts. Know the difference between a winter storm watch and a warning and be ready to act if conditions worsen.
Make a Plan: Talk with your family about what to do in a winter emergency. Identify a safe location to shelter and ensure everyone knows how to contact each other.
Take action now to stay safe all winter long. For more information about Emergency Preparedness in the winter, visit our online resources page.
Partner Spotlight: Alzheimer's Association — The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter serves the entire state of Michigan, including Macomb County, providing vital programs and resources for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer's and other dementia.
Locally the Michigan Chapter offers:
- Support groups
- In-person and virtual educational programs for those in early stages of dementia and their caregivers
- Care consultation and financial support for caregivers
- Social engagement programs
- Targeted outreach to underserved communities
- Resources for professionals, including on-site educational programs for the workplace
Their 24/7 helpline offers free, confidential assistance in more than 200 languages. The Michigan Chapter plays a crucial role in raising awareness and building community support through initiatives such as the Walk to End Alzheimer's and Do What You Love to End ALZ, helping ensure no one faces dementia alone. More information on the Alzheimer’s Association’s Michigan Chapter can be found here.
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
- Macomb County heightening treatment, recovery programs with opioid settlement funds — read more
- Michigan cuts off weight-loss drugs for most Medicaid patients, saving $240M — read more
- Public health alert: FDA says more cinnamon products linked to dangerous lead levels — read more
- Michigan agencies remind residents of carbon monoxide dangers in the home — read more
- Macomb County opens 24/7 substance use engagement center to help people avoid jail, hospitals — 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 Division 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.
