March 2026
Welcome to the March issue of the Public Health Macomb newsletter – from the Macomb County Health Department. It’s been a challenging winter, and we’re grateful for the many resources and services that help keep our community safe and supported. We hope this newsletter has been one of those helpful tools. As spring begins, we’re proud to continue to provide you with information and services that strengthen the health of our community.
Important Things to Know
National Nutrition Month: helping students build healthy habits
March is National Nutrition Month, a time to learn how healthy food helps children grow, focus, and stay active. Good nutrition supports learning in the classroom and healthy habits at home.
Free nutrition education for schools
Through the Macomb County Healthy Communities Program, schools can host a free 8-week nutrition education program for fourth grade students. The Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities™ program is a whole-school approach that helps upper elementary students build healthy habits. Lessons teach students about healthy eating in a simple and fun way and encourage them to practice these habits both at school and at home.
Schools interested in hosting the Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities™ program are encouraged to reach out by filling out the Community Outreach Form.
Visit the Healthy Communities page to explore additional resources.
Our Family Planning program has partnered with Helping Women Period to provide free period products
Family Planning is proud to announce a new partnership with Helping Women Period to provide feminine hygiene products at no cost to their patients in Macomb County.
For many women, purchasing period supplies is not always a simple or affordable expense. Many women and families are forced to choose between essential household necessities and basic menstrual products. No one should have to make that choice.
Through this partnership, the Family Planning program aims to help break down barriers that impact the health and well-being of the women they serve. By offering free period products to their patients, they are working to ease financial strain and ensure that menstrual care is accessible to those who need it most.
Access to period supplies is a basic health necessity, not a luxury. Together with Helping Women Period, the Family Planning program is committed to supporting women in the community and promoting health equity across Macomb County.
To schedule an appointment with the Family Planning program, visit our Family Planning page or call 586-469-5491.
Have you heard about the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR)?
The Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) website provides resources for healthcare providers, schools, childcare centers, and the general public to access and manage immunization records in Michigan. It includes tools for providers to track vaccinations, training materials, and access to immunization records for individuals 18 and older.
If you are 18 years of age or older, save time and look up your immunization record online. You may be able to download using a government-issued photo ID. Visit the MCIR website here.
If you need a copy of a record that cannot be accessed online, please call one of our Immunization Clinics at 586-465-8537 (Warren location) or 586-469-5372 (Clinton Township location). If immunizations are needed, schedule an appointment online by visiting our Immunization Clinics webpage.
Spring thaw and your septic system
As winter winds down and the ground begins to thaw, it’s important to pay attention to your septic system. Melting snow, frozen soil, and excess water can strain your system and lead to backups, odors, or costly repairs. Taking a few simple steps in early spring can help keep things running smoothly.
What you can do:
- Spread out water use, such as laundry and dishwashing
- Avoid driving or placing heavy equipment on the drain field
- Check tank lids and risers for cracks or loose fittings
- Direct downspouts away from your home and drain field
- Keep chemicals, paints, and cleaners out of drains
- Schedule routine maintenance to extend system life
Warning signs of septic trouble include:
- Standing water or soggy soil over the drain field
- Sewage odors
- Unusually green grass in one area
- Slow drains or gurgling pipes inside the home
For more information or help locating your septic system, contact Macomb County Health Department Environmental Health Services at 586-469-5236 or visit the onsite sewage disposal systems page.
Supporting strong families and healthy babies
The Macomb County Health Department’s Baby Resource Network of Macomb (BRNM) works to prevent infant deaths and support healthy pregnancies and babies. A key focus of the 2024–2028 work plan is improving mental, behavioral, and emotional well-being by respectfully engaging partners, fathers, and other trusted support people. When fathers and partners are involved, families are stronger and babies are healthier. BRNM helps make sure families feel supported and connected to resources when they need them.
One of the network’s partners, Compassion Pregnancy Center, offers free services that support and mentor men (and women) during pregnancy and for at least 24 months after birth. They provide fatherhood education, one-on-one mentoring, and practical support to help men feel confident and prepared. Support includes material goods for baby such as clothing, diapers, formula, and even larger items like cribs and car seats. Evening appointments are available as well. Their programs encourage fathers to stay involved and build strong relationships with their children.
We encourage families to explore the free services available through Compassion Pregnancy Center. If your church or organization offers programs that support fathers or partners, we would love to connect with you. Together, we can help every baby get a healthy start.
For more information, visit the website for the BRNM and Compassion Pregnancy:
Understanding food service licensing in Macomb County
Macomb County residents: Food service licensing helps make sure the food you buy is safe to eat. State law requires restaurants, food trucks, school kitchens, and food stands at events to have a license before serving the public. The Macomb County Health Department (MCHD) regularly inspects these places to ensure food is stored, cooked, and served properly. These requirements reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and promote safe dining experiences throughout the community. Licensing and inspections work together to maintain public health standards.
Food handlers and business owners: A food license must be obtained before operating. An application must be submitted, and a plan review may be required before construction, remodeling, or opening. The type of license depends on the operations, such as fixed, mobile, special transitory, or temporary. Required fees must be paid and inspections must be completed before serving food to the public.
For more information, application forms, fee schedules, and guidance documents, please contact the Environmental Health Services Division at 586-469-5236 or environmental.health@macombgov.org, or visit the food safety program page.
Partner Spotlight: Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families
The Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families is a collaborative network committed to strengthening young people and the families who support them across the Chippewa Valley region. Since 1994, the coalition has brought together schools, public health professionals, law enforcement, faith partners, community organizations, parents, and youth leaders to create environments where young people can thrive. Their focus includes prevention and education surrounding topics such as substance use, mental health awareness, youth suicide prevention, and positive youth development.
Some examples of initiatives include:
- Coalition Teen Councils (Over 300 youth members of the Coalition)
- Peer to Peer Prevention efforts
- Awareness campaigns
- Community events such as Be Aware 5k for Youth Suicide Prevention and the Critical Issues of Youth Conference
In addition to prevention work, the coalition helps connect families with vital resources such as referrals to counseling, parent support groups, after school activities, and community events that foster positive relationships. By fostering collaboration and shared accountability, The Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families continues to build a stronger, healthier foundation for the next generation.
Learn more about the Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families.
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 are free.
In the News
- Pets can help older adults’ health and well being, but may strain budgets too
- Measles cases ramping up, doctors recommend vaccines
- Social media can be addictive even for adults, but there are ways to cut back
- What’s going around in Metro Detroit: RSV, flu, COVID, slip-and-falls
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, and our Disease Control Division which is responsible for disease surveillance and control programs; and the Medical Examiner's Office.
