March 2024
Welcome to the March issue of the Public Health Macomb newsletter – from the Macomb County Health Department. This newsletter highlights 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 make Macomb County a healthier place to live, work, and play.
Take care and stay safe.
Important Things to Know
Septic systems and the Macomb County Health Department – Septic systems are the method of disposal of sewage in areas where community sewage disposal (sanitary sewer system) is unavailable. Septic systems are used for waste disposal by many Macomb County residents. If you currently rely on septic disposal or are looking to have onsite disposal installed, design and maintenance are very important. Improper maintenance of your septic system results in faster system failure which may be costly and may pose a health hazard. One important maintenance item to extend the life of your system is to have your septic tank pumped out at least every 3-5 years by a licensed professional. Macomb County Health Department provides the following services:
- Issue septic system permits
- Conduct inspections of septic systems
- Investigate complaints of failing systems or improper sewage disposal
- Evaluation of proposed building sites
- Conduct soil evaluations ("perc" tests)
For questions about your system or for more information on these services visit Environmental Health Services’ onsite sewage disposal systems web page or call 586-469-5236.
If you are interested in learning more about septic system programs visit Michigan State University Extension Program or the SepticSmart program (offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
Helping you create a safe haven for your family – Did you know that we spend over 90% of our time indoors? Our homes, where we seek comfort, should be promoting health and safety. However, many housing health issues can compromise our well-being. From lead-based paint to mold growth, these issues pose serious risks to our health and safety, especially for children. To ensure your home promotes well-being, consider these principles:
- Keep it dry: Prevent water leakage and mold growth.
- Keep it clean: Regularly clean and dust to reduce allergens and pollutants.
- Keep it safe: Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and store chemicals properly.
- Keep it ventilated: Ensure good airflow to reduce indoor pollutants.
- Keep it pest-free: Address pest issues promptly to prevent health issues.
- Keep it contaminant-free: Test for toxins like lead and radon.
- Keep it maintained: Regularly inspect and maintain your home's systems and structure.
We’re here to support you in creating a healthier living environment. Here’s how we can help:
- Fluorescent bulb recycling
- Household hazardous waste collection
- Lead investigation
- Medication disposal
- Provide free radon test kits
For additional guidance, check out resources like the Healthy Homes Maintenance Checklist and the CDC's Guide on Healthy Homes for Everyone.
For more information on Healthy Homes services available from Environmental Health, please visit our Healthy homes webpage.
Contact information:
586-469-5236 | Email: environmental.health@macombgov.org
Baby Resource Network of Macomb: We need your help – The Baby Resource Network of Macomb is a local Community Action Team (CAT) with a diverse group of community partners and health professionals who are working together to decrease infant mortality in Macomb County. Led by the Macomb County Health Department, the team develops action plans for community outreach, education, and support to promote healthy pregnancies and infant safety and health.
We need your help.
We are currently conducting a very brief (1-2 minute) survey on how mothers and other individuals get information about mother, infant, and child health. Survey responses will help provide valuable guidance on how we can improve our interaction with the clients we serve. We would love to have your feedback.You can access the brief survey here. Learn more about the Baby Resource Network of Macomb here. We hope you can help.
World TB Day: fighting tuberculosis in Macomb County – World TB Day on March 24th raises awareness about the issue of TB in both the United States and Macomb County. It mostly affects the lungs but can also harm other parts of the body. Sometimes TB can stay quiet in the body without any signs, but if it becomes active, it can make people sick and spread to others, so it's important to treat it quickly to stop it from spreading. The Tuberculosis Control Program at the Macomb County Health Department (MCHD) investigates cases and implements measures to control TB spread. This includes testing, treating both latent and active cases, contact tracing, and providing education on disease transmission and prevention. MCHD depends on prompt mandatory reporting of active cases by healthcare providers and conducts screenings for employment, immigration, and other purposes. The TB Control Program's efforts are vital for protecting individuals and our community.
Partner Spotlight: Macomb Community Action (MCA) - Macomb Community Action is a caring organization dedicated to assisting families and individuals in need within the community. They provide essential support such as food assistance, housing assistance, and help with energy bills to ensure everyone can live comfortably and securely. Their mission is to “diminish the effects of poverty by supporting and empowering individuals with inclusive and effective services that preserve dignity and promote independence.”
Macomb Community Action is made up of people who want to make our community a better place for everyone. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities please contact Macomb Community Action at 586-469-7769. Your time and effort can brighten futures and nourish communities!
More information on Macomb Community Action can be found here.
Children’s Special Health Care Services sensory items in immunization clinics - MCHD immunization clinics now have sensory items for children and young adults with special healthcare needs. Sensory items engage sight, touch or sound through play to reduce anxiety around vaccines. They include stress balls, fidget spinners, chew sticks and more.
Sensory items are available to children and young adults enrolled in Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS), or any child or young adult with a special healthcare need. There is no cost to families.
These items are provided through a supplemental COVID-19 funding opportunity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many adults and children fell behind on scheduled immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding helps children and young adults with special healthcare needs get caught up on vaccines.
All three MCHD immunization clinics have sensory items: Clinton Twp., Warren or St. Clair Shores. Clinics have extended hours on Wednesdays in Clinton Twp. and Thursdays in Warren. Call 586-469-5372 for more information or to make an appointment.
Healthy Communities Program brings nutrition education to local 4th graders – The Macomb County Health Department’s Healthy Communities Program (HCP) kicked off the Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities (HSHC) curriculum this month at two local schools. Fourth graders at Dort Elementary in Roseville and Seminole Academy in Mount Clemens are the first to receive this new SNAP-Ed programming. HSHC engages kids in physical activity, food tastings and healthy habits like handwashing.
SNAP-Ed provides evidence-based nutrition education for people with limited resources. Later this year, HCP plans to launch ‘Fork in the Road,’ a SNAP-Ed program for older adults. HCP secured funding for these programs from the Michigan Fitness Foundation.
“Being back in the community is a great step for our program coming out of COVID-19,” says Jenny Franz, HCP Program Supervisor. “SNAP-Ed funding allows health educators to provide free programming and education for our most vulnerable populations. Engaging with the community will also help us learn more about what residents need to improve their health.”
To learn more about SNAP-Ed programs at MCHD, contact HCP Program Supervisor, Jenny Franz, at jennifer.franz@macombgov.org.
Help make an impact in your community – The Macomb Community Action Advisory Board is looking to add a consumer representative to represent the economically disadvantaged in committee meetings. It is a great opportunity to collaborate with community leaders to help shape responses to local needs. Committee meetings are held every other month with alternating full board meetings. For more information, send an email to mca@macombgov.org, or call 586-466-6988. You can find more information on Macomb Community Action here. Help make a difference.
COVID-19 testing: is my test really expired? – If you have an expired COVID-19 test kit, don’t throw it away. Your test kit may have a U.S. FDA–approved extended expiration date. Use the FDA's table to find out if your home test kit can still be used past the original expiration date. Home COVID-19 test kits are designed to detect all variants of COVID-19.
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
- Measles cases send Michigan health authorities scrambling to avoid bigger outbreak read more
- Second round of samples from Bear Creek release confirm elevated levels of some contaminants, but no risk to human health read more
- A sexually transmitted infection has officials urging testing read more
- Burnout rate high among Michigan nurses 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.
