February 2006 News

Grand Rapids Physician Has License Summarily Suspended - February 22nd

Michigan Commission On Services To The Aging Convenes Seven Statewide Public Input Forums - February 21st

Gatekeeper Of The Year Awarded - February 21st

MDCH Anti-Smoking Commercial Wins "Best in Show" for Radio - February 15th

Michigan Encourages Consumers To Use Existing State Prescription Drug Pricing Web Site - February 14th

State Infant Mortality Rates For 2004 Lowest On Record - February 13th

Ada Social Worker/Psychologist Loses Licenses - February 13th

MDCH Recognizes February As Heart Health Awareness Month - February 6th

Education Key To Protecting Older Consumers From Scams & Fraud - February 6th

Detroit Physician Has License Summarily Suspended - February 1st

Olszewski Will Testify Before Joint Senate Committee On Michigan First Health Plan - February 1st

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Grand Rapids Physician Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the license to practice medicine of Rafael Mercado Combalecer, M.D. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public’s health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action. On January 27, 2006, Combalecer was convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct – Second Degree (State Prisoner), a felony, in the 14th Judicial Circuit Court, Muskegon County, Michigan. The conviction was the result of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a male prisoner while Combalecer was a contractual employee of the Department of Corrections. Sentencing in this matter is pending. On February 8, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Combalecer’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Combalecer’s license to practice medicine. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Michigan Commission On Services To The Aging Convenes Seven Statewide Public Input Forums State policy makers will go on the road to convene seven public input forums designed to form the state’s 3-year plan for services for older adults and caregivers in Michigan. “These local forums present Michigan citizens with a tremendous opportunity to share their concerns and ideas about services for older adults and caregivers,” said Sharon L. Gire, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA). “We want to hear directly from the people about what they think should drive the state’s upcoming 3-year plan for aging services.” The purpose of the forums is to obtain public input on the needs of older adults and caregivers. Information gleaned will have a direct effect on the development of the 2007-2009 State Plan for Aging Services. The State Plan is a requirement of the Older Americans Act and is the guiding force for the work of OSA. Upcoming Forum Date and Location: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 - Detroit 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Historic Trinity Lutheran Church 1345 Gratiot Detroit, MI 48207 Additional forums will be held throughout 2006. Directions are available at www.miseniors.net or call (517) 373-8230. Special accommodations can be provided for those in need interested in attending any of the forums listed above. Written comments may be submitted to the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, P.O. Box 30676, Lansing, MI 48909-8176 until May 20, 2006. Back to Top

Gatekeeper Of The Year Awarded In cooperation with Consumers Energy, Michigan's Commission on Services to the Aging has selected Dale Forsyth as the Gatekeeper of the Year. Working as a Customer Accounts Specialist in the Credit Department of Consumers Energy in Adrian, Forsyth continually goes above and beyond to serve elderly customers. In one instance, he went to an elderly customer’s home to disconnect the heat due to nonpayment. Upon arriving at the home, he found an elderly customer that lived alone, with no car and no phone service. Forsyth kept the heat on and referred the customer to the local area agency on aging. On another occasion, his concern for a recently widowed elderly customer resulted in another referral to the area agency on aging. Through the referral made by Forsyth, the customer agreed to participate in the senior nutrition program, Veterans services, and debt counseling. “Mr. Forsyth’s efforts to protect local seniors are extraordinary, he has helped connect seniors in need to the services of the aging network,” said Sharon L. Gire, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. “The Gatekeeper program shows the potential in all of us to look out for our elderly family and neighbors.” Consumers Energy initiated the Gatekeeper program in Michigan in 1987 as a way to identify elderly community members in need of assistance. Each month, employees of Consumers Energy are nominated for identifying and assisting an at-risk elder who is age 60 and older and in need of assistance. The Michigan Office of Services to the Aging honors one employee each month, and then a Gatekeeper of the Year is selected from the monthly winners. This is the second time that Mr. Forsyth was honored as Gatekeeper of the Year. He was also given the award in 2002. To commemorate the honor, Mr. Forsyth was presented with a plaque and a congratulatory letter from Governor Granholm at the February 17, 2006 meeting of the Michigan Commission of Services to the Aging. Back to Top

MDCH Anti-Smoking Commercial Wins "Best in Show" for Radio Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski today announced that the department had won the prestigious “Best in Show” for Radio Award from the Mobius Awards, an international forum that recognizes creative excellence in advertising and media. “We are honored that our efforts to raise awareness on the importance of quitting smoking have been recognized as the best in advertising,” Olszewski said. “This campaign has effectively communicated the danger of secondhand smoke to children and encouraged people to take advantage of the free information available to them to help them quit smoking.” The Mobius Awards, found at www.mobiusawards.com, attracted entries from 34 countries and is the oldest independent ad competition in the world. In addition to the prestigious “Best In Show” win for “It’s Like They’re Smoking,” the department took first place in the Public Service Announcement for Radio category. The award-winning commercial vividly depicts the reality of secondhand smoke and its effects on children. The radio version of the spot was previously awarded a 2005 Radio-Mercury Award, a Gold Caddy Award from the Detroit Creative Directors Council, a New York Festivals Finalist Certificate, a 2005 Global Award finalist, and a Silver Award from the Health Information Resource Center. The television version of the spot was previously awarded two Emmy awards from the Michigan Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, a Silver Caddy Award from the Detroit Creative Directors Council and a 2005 Global Award. “It’s Like They’re Smoking” uses children to deliver the important message that secondhand smoke has serious and damaging effects on children. Brogan and Partners Convergence Marketing in Detroit created the spot. The New York State Health Department is airing both the radio and television commercials and North Carolina has shown interest in airing them as well. To obtain a free Smoker’s Quit Kit, please call 1-800-537-5666. Expectant Mother’s Quit Kits are also available to women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and want to learn the benefits of quitting smoking. Quit Kits are available online at www.michigan.gov/tobacco and by clicking on “Free Smoker’s Quit Kit” or “Expectant Mother’s Quit Kit.” For free help in quitting, please call toll free 1-800-480-7848 for counseling assistance. Back to Top

Michigan Encourages Consumers To Use Existing State Prescription Drug Pricing Web Site Consumers continue to have online access to state pricing information for commonly prescribed prescription drugs, making decision-making and shopping easier via the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Common Retail Drug Pricing in Michigan web page. Through the web page, found at www.michigan.gov/mdch, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) provides consumers with the average prices for the top 25 most commonly used prescription drugs in Michigan, as reported to the state by First Health Services Corporation. The prices featured on the site represent the usual and customary costs for a one month supply of the prescription drugs, and are comparable to what a cash-paying customer without insurance would pay. The web site also contains links to three commonly used discount programs for prescription drugs: the Michigan Prescription Drug Discount Card (MI-Rx), the national Together Rx Access Card, and the Michigan Partnership for Prescription Assistance program. “Information has been presented to Michigan consumers on this web site since May 2005 in a very useful format and in a responsible – and ultimately safe – way,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “We want the citizens of Michigan to have access to this information so they can make informed decisions about the much-needed prescription drugs they require.” Olszewski said prescription drug prices change daily. The website provides a way for consumers to compare the retail price from that of their frequently used pharmacy to others that may offer cheaper prescription drugs. It is always a good practice for consumers to buy all of their medications from the same pharmacy so that a pharmacist can keep track of the medications they are taking in order to avoid potentially harmful interactions, she said. If you do decide to shop at more than one pharmacy, be sure that you tell the pharmacists all of the drugs you are taking. Michigan continues to be a leader in providing assistance with the cost of prescription drugs. Since the state’s MI-Rx card debuted in September 2004, more than 33,000 uninsured Michigan citizens have taken advantage of the program. Back to Top

State Infant Mortality Rates For 2004 Lowest On Record The number of infant deaths in Michigan for 2004 were the lowest level on record, state officials said today. Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski said that 128 fewer infants died in Michigan in 2004 than in 2003. The number of infant deaths declined from 1,112 in 2003 to 984 in 2004. “After many years of collaborative efforts to decrease infant mortality, Michigan recorded in 2004 its lowest rate ever of 7.6 per 1,000 live births, a testament to the hard work going on at both the state and local levels,” Olszewski said. Although the overall news is encouraging, Olszewski emphasized that it must be examined more closely, especially the disparities between deaths of African American and white infants. Data also reveals that while the white infant mortality rate decreased from 6.7 per 1,000 live births in 2003 to 5.2 per 1,000 live births in 2004, the African American infant mortality rate only decreased from 17.5 per 1,000 live births in 2003 to 17.3 per 1,000 live births in 2004. “We are making progress at reducing our rate of infant death in the African American community, but certainly, more work needs to be done to combat disparities,” Olszewski said. “I am hopeful and confident that we can seriously address this critical issue through our many efforts designed to address improving birth outcomes, particularly for African American families.” Michigan’s infant mortality rate for 2004 was 7.6 per 1,000 live births, compared to 8.5 per 1,000 live births in 2003. The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births, and is a worldwide standard used to measure health status. An important state initiative designed to improve African American infant mortality is focused on the communities in Michigan with the highest infant mortality rates. MDCH is providing funding to support community coalitions that bring together key stakeholders in each of these communities who work together to develop a community-based plan for improving African American birth outcomes. These coalitions are beginning to leverage other resources and private funding as part of their work to expand the implementation impact of their activities. African American women in each community are a critical part of the input and evaluation process. MDCH provides technical support to each community, as well as to the networking of each of these coalitions to each other so that shared ideas and problem solving occurs effectively. This activity is intended as a multi-year project, and communities are already very pleased with what is occurring. Other activities underway through MDCH to reduce infant mortality rates include: • Information collected from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring system, which interviews mothers of live infants about their prenatal and postnatal behaviors, is being analyzed to look at changes in the past 10 years. • Fetal Infant Mortality Review teams are organized in communities with the highest infant mortality rates. These review teams are panels of experts that review each individual fetal and infant death, to determine possible causes and to determine if the death was in any way preventable or if changes in behavior, environment, medical practice or procedure could have influenced the outcome. • Partnerships are in place with Medicaid Health Plans and Local Health Departments to ensure that potentially at-risk pregnant women are screened for enrollment into the newly redesigned Maternal and Infant Health Program which provides targeted evidence-based interventions, support and care coordination relative to identified areas of risk. • Implementation of the Nurse Family Partnership program, a proven program relative to improving birth outcomes, in four of the highest African American infant mortality rated communities in Michigan. • Many programs, educational activities, and resources are in place for addressing specific health issues that adversely affect birth outcomes (such as smoking, diabetes, asthma and other chronic diseases). • Testing and follow-up for women with STD/HIV is available, particularly for women who are pregnant. Additional infant mortality data for Michigan with more detailed information, including birth weight, maternal age, prenatal care adequacy, smoking, and data for specific local health department districts, counties, and major cities and townships, can be found on the MDCH web site at www.michigan.gov/mdch. Click on “Health Statistics” and then “Infant Mortality.” Back to Top

Ada Social Worker/Psychologist Loses Licenses The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the license to practice as a licensed bachelor’s social worker and the limited psychology license of Robert Gerard Eardley, L.L.P., L.B.S.W. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public’s health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action. On August 11, 2005, Eardley was charged by the Kent County Prosecutor with three counts of Sexual Penetration/Unethical Medical Treatment, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, for engaging in sexual penetration with a mental health patient. Eardley was also charged with two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct-4th Degree, a two year high court misdemeanor, for having sexual contact with his mental health patient. On January 27, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Eardley’s limited license to practice psychology. On January 31, 2006, DCH issued an order immediately suspending his social work license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Eardley’s licenses. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

MDCH Recognizes February As Heart Health Awareness Month As the leading cause of death in Michigan and the leading killer of women, MDCH recognizes February as Heart Health Awareness Month to bring attention to this critical health issue. Heart disease kills more women than the next six causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. A 2003 survey showed that only 13 percent of women said heart disease is their greatest health problem, confirming most women do not recognize the seriousness of the disease. Most of the women surveyed identified breast cancer as the largest health threat. Though aging, family health history, and race are all considered uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease, risks such as cigarette smoking, inactivity, and obesity are considered avoidable. Roughly 22 percent of women smoke. Further, most women in Michigan do not get the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week, nor do they eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Regular physical activity and a heart healthy diet are important ways to lower your risk. Regular checkups with your family physician are also very important. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol also increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Recognizing the symptoms of heart disease can save lives. The American Heart Association identifies the following warning signs of a heart attack and emphasizes that many heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort: · Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. · Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest. · Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. · Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. · Other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. If you or someone you are with experiences chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the above signs or symptoms, call 9-1-1 or get to a hospital immediately. For more information on heart health and The American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign, please visit www.heart.org. To learn more about small steps you can take towards better health, please visit the Michigan Surgeon General’s website, Michigan Steps Up, at www.michiganstepsup.org. Back to Top

Education Key To Protecting Older Consumers From Scams & Fraud To raise awareness of existing consumer protections and to empower older adults in the fight against fraud, the Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) and the Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) have joined forces with federal, state, and local government agencies and national consumer advocacy organizations to launch the eighth annual National Consumer Protection Week February 5-11, 2006. “The protection of vulnerable adults is a high priority,” said Sharon L. Gire, Director of OSA. “Older consumers need to be aware that they are targets for scam artists and that most victims are contacted at home during the day. Those that have built substantial assets may be more easily swayed by fears of losing their financial independence. If a get rich scheme sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.” “Issues surrounding financial fraud and exploitation remain high on our radar screen,” said OFIS Commissioner Linda A. Watters. "Consumers, especially seniors, remain the target of scam artists promoting get-rich-quick and other schemes that end up being just too good to be true. I support National Consumer Protection Week because it heightens consumer awareness and shines a bright light on the problems of our most vulnerable citizens who are at risk of losing their life savings. I encourage all consumers to heed the warning signs and take the time to educate themselves.” According to a survey by the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 25 million Americans – 11.2 percent of the adult population – experience consumer fraud each year. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the country's oldest federal law enforcement agency, is a leader in the fight against consumer fraud. Detroit Postal Inspector Fred Van de Putte says, "Older Americans are disproportionately targeted by telemarketing & mail fraud. Fraud is one of the few crimes where victims can choose not to be victimized. A well informed public is one of the best weapons we have." OSA, OFIS, and the Detroit Office of the U.S Postal Inspection Service are members of a state-level effort called Senior Exploitation and Abuse Quick Response Team (SEAQRT). SEAQRT’s goals include bringing a greater awareness to the abuses and exploitations facing our elderly, expanding elder abuse prevention programs and policy, and offering legislative and administrative and systemic remedies. SEAQRT has been instrumental in developing training for human services workers, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and the general public. If you are concerned that a loved one may be a victim of fraud, please contact your local law enforcement authority. Additional information about National Consumer Protection Week can be found at http://www.consumer.gov/ncpw/. To learn more about the efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, visit http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/. Information about SEAQRT can be provided by the OSA at 517-373-8230. Back to Top

Detroit Physician Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the license to practice medicine of Elena Victoria Perry-Thornton, M.D. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public’s health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action. On September 29, 2005, a twenty-count indictment for the Distribution of Controlled Substances by Prescribing Controlled Substances for other than Legitimate Medical Reasons was issued against Perry-Thornton. A pretrial conference was scheduled for January 10, 2006, in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District. On January 18, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Perry-Thornton’s medical license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Perry-Thornton’s license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Olszewski Will Testify Before Joint Senate Committee On Michigan First Health Plan Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski will testify before a Senate hearing today regarding Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s creative strategy to dramatically expand access to quality, affordable health insurance in Michigan. The Michigan First Health Plan will give more than 500,000 Michigan citizens access to affordable private health care plans without increasing state spending or increasing taxes, Olszewski told a joint meeting of the Senate’s Department of Community Health Appropriations Subcommittee and its Health Policy Committee. “This plan will help small business employees, the self-employed, and working poor citizens – most of whom do not have access to health insurance through their place of work and do not qualify for government programs like Medicaid,” she said. Olszewski said Michigan First will be guided by principles of fairness and ability to pay, and individuals with incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level ($19,350 for a family of four) will pay minimal out of pocket costs. “Everyone will pay something – and people enrolled in the program are expected to increase their contribution as their incomes rise,” she said. “Further, everyone enrolled in this program is expected to take personal responsibility for healthy behaviors. Private insurers that will partner with us in this endeavor will be expected to offer plans that encourage this activity.” The Governor’s plan will harness state, federal, and private resources in a managed environment to create quality, affordable private health insurance for more uninsured individuals. Olszewski also said that families that participate in this program will eventually be able to select private health insurance options that will include basic preventative and primary care coverage, emergency room services, hospitalization, mental health care, and prescription drug coverage. Olszewski said conversations with the federal government, health care providers, and private insurers will continue this year as MDCH finalizes the details of the plan, which is scheduled to be implemented by April 2007. Back to Top