No cases in District Health Department #10 jurisdiction
March 11, 2020 – 12:30 PM - No cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed within District Health Department #10’s (DHD#10) ten-county jurisdiction, but two cases are now confirmed in Michigan – one each in Wayne and Oakland counties. Both cases are hospitalized. Testing is ongoing: 15 individuals have tested negative in Washtenaw, and 57 in Michigan as of today. To date, DHD#10 has given three COVID-19 tests, all coming back negative for the virus. DHD#10 has monitored two people at medium risk for COVID-19 in our jurisdiction; one individual is past the 14-day monitoring period, and one individual is currently being monitored. DHD#10 continues to recommend prevention strategies. Handwashing is critically important to reduce the spread of illness, as is staying away from others when sick and maintaining “social distancing.” Whenever possible in community settings or meetings, practice maintaining extra distance between people, up to 6 feet. We are not yet recommending widespread closures or cancellations. To date, there is no confirmation of a local case or possible community exposures within the DHD#10 jurisdiction. When or if this changes DHD#10 will issue additional recommendations or orders. The situation locally may change quickly. DHD#10 and your local County Officials are relying on our communities to work together to slow the potential spread of illness and refer to official sources of reliable information. Response Actions DHD#10 is working with health care providers to test individuals as needed. Individuals with concerns or symptoms should call their health care provider first with questions. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Remember that these symptoms may also be caused by other viruses, such as flu. Additionally, an individual without symptoms is very unlikely to test positive, even with possible exposure. DHD#10 continues to coordinate with federal, state, and local officials, as well as institutions, schools, and community organizations, to be ready for additional actions and communications should we have local cases. We know this possibility of local cases may cause concern, and we are working to share timely, accurate information without causing unnecessary alarm. Prevention There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is available in English, Chinese, and Spanish.
Clean and disinfect
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick. If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. View additional prevention steps from CDC for people at higher risk. Consult with your health care provider for more steps you may be able to take to protect yourself. REMEMBER: Discrimination harms public health. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get coronavirus than anyone else. Updates This situation may change quickly. Refer to these sites for current information:
0 Comments
Free downloadable posters and videos for businesses, churches, schools
GRAND RAPIDS – Spectrum Health today announced it has posted downloadable materials, travel tips, videos and other information on its website as a means to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Community members, churches, schools, businesses and others are encouraged to visit www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19 to access the resources. “The disease is now present in Michigan. We want to help ease fears and provide our community with the information people need to prevent this illness from spreading,” said Darryl Elmouchi, MD, MBA, chief medical officer, Spectrum Health System, and president, Spectrum Health Medical Group. The materials include information on COVID-19 symptoms, prevention tips from state and federal agencies, a hand-washing video, articles featuring Spectrum Health infectious disease experts and links to action plans and other important information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Everywhere you turn, someone is talking about COVID-19 so we understand that people are experiencing information overload,” Elmouchi said. “We hope these materials from Spectrum Health and other reputable sources will equip our communities with accurate information that will both ease anxiety and help prevent the spread of the disease.” In addition, Spectrum Health is offering free virtual COVID-19 screenings to those who have symptoms and may be concerned they have the virus. The purpose is to prevent the spread of illness by enabling people to seek the information they need from their homes, while making it easy and convenient for them. People in the state of Michigan who are experiencing symptoms can call the health system’s hotline 616.391.2380 to be scheduled for a free virtual screening. Anyone with severe or life-threatening symptoms should call 911. Michigan announces first presumptive positive cases of COVID-19
Lansing – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Oakland County Health Division and Wayne County Health Department announced today that two Michigan residents tested presumptive positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the first confirmed cases in the state. The governor has declared a state of emergency to maximize efforts and assist local governments and officials to slow the spread of the virus. “We are taking every step we can to mitigate the spread of the virus and keep Michiganders safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “I have declared a state of emergency to harness all of our resources across state government to slow the spread of the virus and protect families. It’s crucial that all Michiganders continue to take preventative measures to lower their risk, and to share this information with their friends, family, and co-workers.” One of the cases is an adult female from Oakland County with recent international travel and the other is an adult male from Wayne County with recent domestic travel. Clinical specimens were collected and sent to the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories where both tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. Specimens will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing. “We are taking the identification of COVID-19 in our state very seriously,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We continue to urge Michiganders to take precautions to prevent the spread of this virus in our state.” "This patient in Wayne County is currently under isolation. Our Public Health Division is working to identify individuals who may have come into close contact with the patient so we can take appropriate steps and monitor them closely,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “We are continuing to collaborate with the state health department and recommend residents continue to practice prevention measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.” “Oakland County and our Health Division will investigate the circumstances around this case so we understand if there are any potential close contacts," said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. "We must all as individuals and communities continue our prevention and preparedness strategies as we hope for a full recovery for this member of the community.” Local health departments will be working diligently to identify anyone who has come in close contact with these cases and recommend they be assessed for symptoms and monitored appropriately. There are steps residents can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold that will also help prevent coronavirus disease, including:
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Updates will be posted to Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus Senator Jon Bumstead will speak about environmental issues and the legislative process at the next CEWAC meeting on Thursday March 12, 6pm to 7:30pm at Brooks Township Hall, 490 Quarterline Street, Newaygo. Citizens Environmental Watch and Action Coalition (CEWAC) will share information on how to learn about pending environmental bills and votes, and how to respond to calls for action. Senator Bumstead will be on hand to discuss how best to reach representatives to learn what their stand is on an issue, and how community members can most effectively express their own opinions to their legislators. “We strive to be a non-partisan education and advocacy organization. We encourage people to use their passion and concern for the environment as their litmus test for politicians and candidates,” states Sally Wagoner, CEWAC Coordinator. “We are happy that Senator Bumstead will be with us this Thursday evening so we can ask him specific questions about legislation and our environment.” “With the 2020 elections coming up fast, now is the time for people to learn how to voice their votes for the environment,” added Sally Kane, CEWAC advocate. “Environmental concerns are not just for tree huggers. Issues such as local weather warming and extremes of drought and flooding are affecting Newaygo County farmers, healthy hunting habitats and game, viable fishing species, and clean water and soil. These issues impact our economy, our livelihoods, and the future health of our environment for our children and grandchildren.” Guests are urged to bring cell phones, tablets, and laptops to practice using apps and tools for contacting legislators. Paper, pens, envelopes, postcards and stamps will be available for old fashioned communication as well. Tips on how to submit succinct letters to the editor will also be given, as well as use of social media. “Please also bring your favorite environmental website and list serve that you use to keep on top of issues and calls to action. Sharing this type of information is what CEWAC is all about,” continued Ms. Wagoner. “No one person has all the answers on how to navigate through the weeds of environmental issues and our political process. So learning from each other is the best way to prepare ourselves in using our voices and our votes for our environment.” CEWAC meetings are free and open to the public. For more information contact Sally Wagoner: sallyw@3R-education.org, Spectrum Health Offers Free Virtual Screenings for Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 For Those with Symptoms
Screening available to anyone in Michigan GRAND RAPIDS– Spectrum Health is offering free screening for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 to those who have symptoms and may be concerned they have the virus. The purpose is to prevent the spread of illness by enabling people to seek the information they need from their homes, while making it easy and convenient for them. “We want to provide a community health service for people who may have symptoms and are concerned about the virus, while allowing them to stay at home and prevent the spread of illness,” said Darryl Elmouchi, MD, MBA, chief medical officer, Spectrum Health System, and president, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “The first step is to call to schedule a free virtual screening visit through our Spectrum Health Now service. The virtual screening visit will let people know if they need further evaluation.” Callers to the hotline will be scheduled for a virtual video visit and assisted with downloading the Spectrum Health Now app. During the virtual video visit, individuals will be asked a series of questions about their condition by a Spectrum Health provider who will advise whether they need to seek additional care. The patient may select the caregiver of their choice if they need further evaluation. It is not necessary to be a Spectrum Health patient to use the service and receive the free screening. Spectrum Health is offering this service to individuals in the state of Michigan. The health system is advising people in Michigan to take the following steps from home:
For more information about COVID-19, including information on symptoms and prevention, visit www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19. What is Spectrum Health Now? The Spectrum Health Now app gives consumers access to a health care provider directly from their smart device, allowing them to schedule and conduct a virtual visit all in one place. Telemedicine is typically used for low-acuity conditions such as rashes, sinus problems or the flu. The free COVID-19 virtual screening has been added to its offerings specifically for this public health situation. Stabbing victim pronounced dead at the scene
Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney, Worth Stay, announced that Max Wallace William Carle of Newaygo, was arrested during the course of an investigation into activities that allegedly occurred on March 8, 2020, at a residence in Croton Township. Deputies from the Newaygo County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of an assault of a 64-year-old male. The 64-year-old male was located with multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Carle has been charged with Homicide – Murder 1st Degree – Premeditated in violation of MCL 750.316. Mr. Carle is also charged as a Habitual Offender- Second Offense Notice. A probable cause conference is set for March 19, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. in the 78th District Court in White Cloud. Mr. Carle is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Gerber Memorial’s chief nursing officer leaves to take post at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital
Fremont – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s Chef Nursing Officer Meleah Mariani has been named chief nursing officer at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. At Gerber Memorial, in addition to overseeing more than 175 members of the nursing staff, Mariani was also an executive leader who spearheaded numerous initiatives at Gerber Memorial in addition to serving as an ambassador throughout the Newaygo County community. “I will deeply miss working with my friends at Gerber Memorial, who’ve become more than colleagues — they are truly family to me,” Mariani said. “I’m honored to have served with them every day to provide care and compassion to the patients and families we’ve touched at Gerber Memorial. I leave knowing that Gerber Memorial’s future is in good hands and that everyone there will continue living Spectrum Health’s values of compassion, courage, curiosity and caring.” Mariani had been Ludington Hospital’s interim CNO since December 2019 as that hospital recruited candidates for that position. Mariani begins as Ludington Hospital’s CNO effective immediately. For nearly six years, Mariani has served as CNO at Gerber Memorial in Fremont, providing oversight of all nursing related departments and leadership of nursing initiatives. Before joining Gerber Memorial in 2014, Mariani served in nursing leadership roles at Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan, and St. Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Caroline Ring, DNP, will serve as interim CNO at Gerber Memorial, in addition to her role as CNO at Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals. Ring will provide executive nursing leadership at Gerber Memorial until a permanent CNO is announced. In her new role at Ludington Hospital, Mariani has oversight of all nursing operations and programs and associated supportive services. She will report to chief operating officer and interim president of Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, Helen Johnson, MSN. Mariani earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Eastern Michigan University, her master’s degree in nursing administration from University of Phoenix and is currently enrolled in a nursing doctoral program at Baylor University. She is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and earned Nursing Executive Advanced Board Certification through the American Nursing Credentialing Center. The White Cloud Rotary welcomed in a pair of special guests to their meeting on February 26th. Eric Hipple who stood under center for the Lions during much of the 1980’s and Jeffrey Leighton of SPESA Research Institute. The two spoke to a research study that will be conducted through Newaygo County Community Mental Health involving the use of EEG monitoring in the retraining of the brain. The initiative’s goal is to impact addiction to drugs, primarily heroin and methamphetamine. While Jeff covered much of the technical aspects of the proposed research, Eric shared his personal story of depression and addiction and his journey from trauma to triumph. The twosome were guests of Carol Mills of NC CMH. Want to weigh in with an opinion or two about the Newaygo Police Department? A few years back the NPD conducted a similar survey and according to Chief Georgia Andres it helped create significant improvements. “The 2015 survey told us the community wanted a school officer, a K9 unit to combat drugs, and a community outreach officer,” she stated. “Its has changed our department's direction and in five years we've really made a community impact.“ The new survey is designed so that any city or community resident can participate, so... https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JRCMTBJ?fbclid=IwAR1VnrUMf0I-Hy_qOLfCZs1pMLYMD9dDmclfyxI-Q_HgPtvWxVmuLV70QFs One of the truly amazing annual exhibitions has arrived delivering a world of wonder and the promise of spring. Yes, Butterflies are Blooming, the festival of Lepidopteran love, has landed at Meijer Gardens the multi faceted facility whose grounds grace the environs of our Metro neighbor to the south. If this is one of those things you have always thought about going to but never found the time and then suddenly it’s over and you pledge to hit it the following year... This is the following year. The only way to ensure you don’t miss it once again is to plan on a date to go, slap it on your calendar and not allow it to be displaced by something that seems to have more importance at the time. Why? Because it is a very very cool experience and the atmosphere feels absolutely tropical which we can all use this time of year. And bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. Watching the magic of this exhibit come alive for young folks is an added bonus to the experience. Since N3 World Headquarters takes on the added role of Butterfly Hatchery each summer under the guidance of Ms. Lil (a.k.a.Madam Butterfly) we will be making our annual trek to B.a.B. to commune with the distant relatives of her winged waifs. Here’s the skinny. https://www.meijergardens.org/calendar/butterflies-are-blooming/ Grief is a painful process and anyone who has experienced loss knows the heartache it can bring. Not everyone in your circle may understand what you’re going through and sometimes one needs to go outside of the usual supports to work through the emotions associated with the loss. GriefShare has been operating through the First Christian Reformed Church in Fremont for a number of years and the Christian based program has helped countless folks navigate this difficult road. There is a new class starting Tuesday March 3rd. It takes courage and perseverance to get through grief. It also takes support and the kindness that comes with the support. Do yourself a favor and give it a try. https://www.firstcrcfremont.org/grief-share Election Year, right? Every year is an election year of some type of course but this is the big tamale, the quadrennial event when people pour into the polls to decide who will assume elected seats from the White House to township halls and nearly everything in between. NC Clerk Jason Vanderstelt is looking to get some younger citizens involved in the process as Election Inspectors and to recruit these potential officials he is holding an Election Inspector training this Friday from 4:30-7:30pm at the county administration building in White Cloud. Pizza, pop and a chance to get teens with an interest in politics some hands on knowledge of how elections work. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/students-wanted-for-election-help How important is nutrition for little ones? Way important. And getting info on how to maximize the health and wellness benefits of good dietary choices should be easily accessible. In this spirit Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is hosting a series of free classes to empower new moms, moms-to-be, dads and caregivers with information. This Friday from 10am-12pm the class is aimed at pregnant moms and parents and caregivers with newborn to 6-month-old children. It’s being held at Tamarac, 1401 W. Main Street. And the best way to make this free offering accessible? Free Child Watch at the Treehouse at Tamarac. Yup, free child watch. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/giving-children-a-strong-start5483996 . And for pity’s sake people, virus or no virus, please wash your hands will you? You know who you are and we know who you are from seeing you exit public bathrooms without a stop at the sink. As Bob Marley once said... “Before you start pointing fingers make sure your hands are clean.” There you go. Talk soon. Keep in touch. Ken and the staff of N3 World Headquarters |
CategoriesArchives
April 2024
|