Tag: County

Morgan County Health Department health inspector retiring

Linda Day is just more than 20 days away from retirement.

At least, according to others at Morgan County Health Department.

Her coworkers set up a sticky note calendar on the door of her office, counting down the days until she officially retires from her role as food program manager and environmental health inspector. In her 27 years in those roles, she inspected county restaurants and taught the food certification course for managers.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here,” she said. “It’s a wonderful place to work. Everybody seems to help each other and we’ve grown together.”

Day was hired by the health department after a 20-year career in the food service industry. Since then, she said, the department has grown and changed in several ways, ranging from a new administrator in Dale Bainter to a new, larger building on the former MacMurray College campus. The way she perform her inspections also has changed.

“Our forms … that we used to do an inspection (changed),” she said. “The way that we do an inspection changed. We now look more at high-risk areas in a restaurant or food establishment.”

Despite the changes, area restaurants have kept themselves as clean as they could during Day’s tenure as an inspector, she said. Though some might have had issues with the verdict their establishment received, they were willing to sit down and talk with her about what they could do better, she said.

“That’s always been my goal,” Day said. “My goal has never been, ‘How many violation can I write?’ My goal has always been, ‘How can I help them?'”

Her experiences also helped impress upon her the importance of food safety, whether at a restaurant or when cooking at home.

“Sometimes, when you go in and you see things at a food establishment,”

Architect for health department relocation biggest among new St. Clair County ARPA requests

The St. Clair County Health Department building, shown on May 23, 2023, is located at  3415 28th St. Officials are weighing using American Rescue Plan dollars to move the agency's operations from the aging facility to the downtown administration building.

Officials have packed agendas for St. Clair County’s board committee sessions on Thursday, including a few new requests for federal COVID stimulus funds.

And the biggest of those requests — drawing from the county’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds — would go toward an architecture firm to relocate the health department.

County administration is recommending the board of commissioners sign off a $557,485 contract with firm NORR to outfit the main administration building, 200 Grand River Ave., in downtown Port Huron once the health agency moves from its 28th Street facility, which Board Chairman Jeff Bohm last month called “by far the worst building the county has” among its aging properties.

“As you can see from the bid tabulation, three of the cost proposals were very close,” Jennifer Posey, administrative services manager, wrote in a memo to the board, citing NORR’s experience with medical facilities and ARPA projects.

“… Upon approval, NORR will work with county staff to prepare drawings, bid documents, and solicit bids for a general contractor for the health department renovation and relocation project.”

In August, county board members agreed to allocate $1 million in ARPA to each of their seven districts with the remaining $9.8 million of the roughly $31 million originally received by the county going toward health department facility needs.

In response to a request for proposals earlier this summer, NORR’s was one of four bids, and though not the cheapest, the highest came in approaching $750,000.

Those bids included the inventory of furnishings, as well as construction and engineering oversight. Under NORR’s bid, the timeline for construction documents was six months. According to Posey’s memo, four firms had attended a walk-through of the existing and new facilities as part of a mandatory step in the bid submission process.

Posey reported that further

Ottawa County board tells health department to advertise child vaccine waivers

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — In a meeting filled with impassioned public comments about whether vaccines are safe for children, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday, Aug. 22, that asks the county health department to advertise childhood vaccine waivers.

The resolution, passed in a 9-2 vote, recommends that all Ottawa County health department communications to the public about vaccines for schoolchildren include information about the availability of exemption waivers.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Don't forget to add vaccinations to your back-to-school checklist!...

Posted by OC Department of Public Health on Wednesday, August 16, 2023

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Where To Get Help | The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit

Local Support Services


Community Crisis Centre: Hôtel Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH)

HDGH’s Community Crisis Centre offers mental health services for individuals ages 16+ who are experiencing an acute mental illness and/or psychosocial crisis. The Community Crisis Centre offers intervention services 24/7 to individuals who require immediate assessment, psychosocial intervention, medical intervention or support. Services are provided at no cost upon presentation of a valid OHIP card. Available services include:

  • 24-Hour Crisis Telephone Line: 519-973-4435.
  • Walk-In Crisis Services: Community Crisis Centre within the Transitional Stability Centre
    744 Ouellette Avenue
    8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 7 days/week
  • Windsor Regional Hospital: Ouellette Campus, Emergency Department
    1030 Ouellette Avenue
    7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. 7 days/week

The Mental Health & Addictions Urgent Care Centre (MHAUCC)

The Mental Health & Addictions Urgent Care Centre (MHAUCC) was developed by CMHA-WECB and HDGH in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This service is intended to support individuals aged 16+ who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and cannot safely wait for community mental health and substance use support. It provides support to individuals who are experiencing an urgent mental health or substance use concern and require urgent care. It also serves individuals who are at risk of worsening mental health conditions during the pandemic and may require hospitalization.

Services are available at the Crisis and Mental Wellness Centre (TSC), which is located at 744 Ouellette Avenue. For more information about the services and programs available, please contact at 519-257-5111 ext. 77968.

Hours of operation for the MHAUCC are Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Self-referral, physician and healthcare provider referrals are accepted. Walk-in services are offered during all hours of operation.


Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB)

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County Branch offers a variety

Cayuga County Health Department: Summer safety tips

Summer is here and there is fun to be had! During these months, time is spent cooling off in the water, going for hikes and having backyard barbecues. While you enjoy your summer fun, remember these important summer safety tips to keep you, your family and your pets safe:

Car temperature safety

In the summer months, temperatures inside a car can reach well over 100 degrees, with most getting much hotter. Regardless of being in the shade or not, the interior of a car can reach fatal temperatures in just an hour! Never leave children, individuals with disabilities or pets unattended in a car. Heat stroke begins when the body reaches a temperature of 104 degrees. Remember: “Beat the heat, check the backseat.” Always check the backseat before you leave your vehicle. Teach children that a car is not a play space. If you see an individual or pet in a hot car, call 911 immediately and follow emergency personnel instructions.

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Water safety

Whether you are boating on one of the beautiful lakes in the region or swimming at your local pool, water safety is critical. It is important to take water safety seriously to prevent drowning and other injuries. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children. Children should never swim or be left unsupervised near open water. Always swim with a buddy and do not use alcohol or drugs while swimming or operating a watercraft. Children, inexperienced swimmers and all boaters should wear Coast Guard-approved, appropriately sized lifejackets. If operating watercraft, do not overload the boat and follow wake zone, shallow water and docking procedures in the area you are boating. Always stay alert and aware!

Sun safety

It may seem small and insignificant, but sunscreen is

Huron County beaches tested for E.coli during the summer for safety

The Huron County Health Department has started its routine sampling of bathing beach waters for this year.

The sampling looks for dangerous levels of E. coli in the water and monitors the bacteria. If needed the health department will close beaches until they are deemed safe. A press release stated that sampling was scheduled to be collected once a week beginning on June 5 and going through Aug. 29. 

Thirteen beaches from White Rock to Sebewaing are sampled with three samples collected each time at around 3 to 6 feet deep of water. 

“(E. coli levels) can fluctuate a lot depending on rainfall, runoff, and wind direction and speed,” said Tip MacGuire, health officer and environmental health director for the Huron County Health Department. “Last year we had a total of 10 closures at five different beaches during the whole bathing season.” 

The level that they are searching for is 300 E. coli colonies in 100 ml of water (around half a cup of water). Any sample of water with that level or higher would cause a beach to be closed down until levels are back to a safe standard, which is set by the state.

“E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria indicate that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes,” said MacGuire “Drinking water with these wastes can cause short-term illness, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.”

E. coli enters the water several ways, whether it is through industrial discharge, agricultural/urban/stormwater runoff, watercraft activities, and eroded soil just to name a few. The press release notes that most strands of E. coli are not dangerous, however it can indicate the presence of other disease-causing bacteria.

The health department says that residents can help by monitoring their sewage disposal systems, properly disposing of pet

Board names Boulder County Public Health executive director

Interim Director Dr. Alexis Nolen takes on permanent position leading health department

Dr. Alexis Nolen has been named the new executive director of Boulder County Public Health.

Nolen has served as the health department’s deputy director since September 2020, including 13 months as interim director. She has worked in public health for over 25 years.

“The board is thrilled to appoint Dr. Lexi Nolen as Executive Director for Boulder County Public Health,” said Morgan McMillan, president of Boulder County Board of Health, in a release. “We are confident that Lexi’s exceptional leadership will continue to create positive change in our communities, enhance our public health programs and empower public health staff to address the complex social, economic and environmental conditions that affect the health of everyone in Boulder County.”

Nolen took over as interim director for the health department last July, having previously served as acting executive director during the previous search for a director. Since joining BCPH, the county said Nolen has provided exceptional leadership to staff and partners during the response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and Marshall fire, as well as setting a future course for the agency’s vision and priorities.

“I continue to be excited about the future of public health in Boulder County and the important work we do to support our communities on various challenging fronts,” Nolen said. “Boulder County Public Health is known for its innovation, commitment to best in service, and championing of health and racial equity, and I’m proud to work with our staff and regional leadership partners.”

She holds a Doctorate in Health Policy and Ethics focusing on health equity from the University of Texas Medical Branch and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas.

Nolen’s previous experience includes:

  • Founding vice president for Impact at

Amid controversy, Ottawa County health department wins national, state awards

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Amid public backlash and lawsuits, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health has won both national and state awards for its public health emergency and disaster response planning.

The health department announced last week it was the recipient of the Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion Award from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. OCDPH also received recognition for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies by the National Association of County and City Health Officials and Project Public Health Ready.

This is the second consecutive time the county’s health department was recognized by Project Public Health Ready and is one of just eight local health departments recognized in the country for its emergency preparedness in 2022. The OCDPH was also recognized from 2017-2021 for its preparedness, including for the COVID-19 pandemic.

To be recognized by the national organization, the health department had to prove it has a coordinated emergency response plan in place, along with the appropriate staff training needed to protect community health.

Related: Health officer asks judge for longer protection from Ottawa County firing her

“This honor is exceedingly well-deserved because it reflects tremendous effort, dedication, creativity and cooperation on the part of our entire team of experts,” Adeline Hambley, Ottawa County administrative health officer, said in a prepared statement. “I am very proud our team has been recognized for the second time by PPHR for our high level of preparedness. We will continue to improve our ability to quickly and effectively respond to future public health emergencies.”

During 2022, the OCDPH responded to a multistate E. coli outbreak, an Ebola outbreak and Avian influenza. In recent years, the health department also responded to Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a Legionnaire’s disease investigation at an Ottawa County hotel,

Amid lawsuit, Ottawa County health department recognized for emergency response

OTTAWA COUNTY — The Ottawa County Department of Public Health recently received a national honor for its ability to plan for, respond to and recover from public health emergencies and disasters. 

More:Michigan officials are seeing how far they can push local health departments

Project Public Health Ready recognized OCDPH. The honor is a partnership between the National Association of County and City Health Offices and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health recently received national and state recognition for preparedness for, response to and recovery from public health emergencies.

“This honor is exceedingly well-deserved because it reflects tremendous effort, dedication, creativity and cooperation on the part of our entire team of experts,” OCDPH Administrative Health Officer Adeline Hambley wrote in a statement.

“I am very proud our team has been recognized for the second time by PPHR for our high level of preparedness. We will continue to improve our ability to quickly and effectively respond to future public health emergencies.”

OCDPH is one of eight local health departments nationwide to earn the recognition for its preparedness capabilities in 2022. The honor comes during a period of controversy for the department, as Hambley continues an ongoing lawsuit against the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, as a whole, and several commissioners as individuals.

Hambley claims board members are interfering with her ability to do her job and “constructively terminated” her earlier this year.

Hambley was hired by the former board in December — before eight new members took office in January, many backed or associated with Ottawa Impact PAC, an upstart far-right political group borne from clashes over the county’s COVID-19 mitigation mandates in 2020.

Its founders, Joe Moss and Sylvia Rhodea, were unsuccessful in suing the previous board of commissioners and the county’s former health officer, Lisa Stefanovsky.

More:Lawsuit: Health officer says Ottawa Impact commissioners targeted her

In response, they targeted seats on the board in

Marion County Wellbeing Section to host cost-free dental clinics for children in February

The clinics are free for Marion County residents ages 1 through 18.  Dental services will include exams, X-rays, cleanings, sealants and fluoride applications.  - Pixabay

The clinics are cost-free for Marion County citizens ages 1 through 18. Dental products and services will consist of examinations, X-rays, cleanings, sealants and fluoride applications.

Pixabay

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The Marion County Public Overall health Division will host dental clinics for children and youth all over February. 

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The clinics are free of charge for Marion County inhabitants ages 1 by 18.  Dental solutions will include things like tests, X-rays, cleanings, sealants and fluoride apps. Products and services are available by appointment and urgent stroll-ins are welcome before 10 a.m.  

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The clinics will be available at 4 distinctive places in the next months: 

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Saturday, Feb. 11

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1650 Dental Clinic

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8 a.m.-Midday

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1650 N. Higher education Ave.

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317-880-0888

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Monday, Feb. 20

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Forest Manor Dental

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8 a.m.-Noon

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3840 N. Sherman Generate

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317-221-3013

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Monday, Feb. 20

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Cottage Corner Dental

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8 a.m.-Midday

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1434 Shelby Avenue

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317-221-7397

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Saturday, Feb. 25

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Blackburn Dental Clinic

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8 a.m.-Midday

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2700 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street

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317-931-4301

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The purpose of the clinics is to boost the benefits of superior oral health to youngsters and their caregivers, stated Dr. Tonya Stewart, director of dental overall health at the Marion County Public Wellness Division, in a information launch. 

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“Good dental health and fitness starts at a younger age, and we want youngsters to study the great importance of brushing and flossing as lifelong habits for balanced enamel,” Stewart stated. 

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Stewart reported tooth decay is popular in young children and is preventable. 

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“Children should

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