June 2006 News

Updated State Prescription Drug Pricing Web Site Now Available For Michigan Consumers - June 29th

Plan First! Enrollment Begins July 1. New program will expand services to more women - June 28th

MDCH Recognizes June 27 As National HIV Test Day - June 27th

McLaury Named MDCH Interim Chief Deputy Director - June 21st

MDCH Releases State Uninsured Project Recommendations - June 20th

MDCH Releases Saginaw Bay Watershed Preliminary Findings - June 19th

Senior Citizen Of The Year Nominations Being Accepted - June 19th

Head Named Director Of State's New Long Term Care Office - June 19th

Atlanta Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended - June 16th

Granholm Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15th

MDCH Receives National Award - June 15th

MDCH Finalizes Public Health Consultation For Saline High School - June 15th

Asthma Coalition Unveils Comprehensive Strategic Plan - June 14th

Michigan's First 2006 West Nile Virus Positive Bird Found - June 9th

Michigan Recognized For Ensuring Patient Safety In Prescription Drug Process - June 8th

Commerce Township Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended - June 7th

Weeks Named Director Of Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital - June 7th

Rudrik Named First Ever Recipient Of APHL Emerging Leader Award - June 6th

Granholm Announces Four Long Term Care Demo Sites - June 5th

Owosso Physician Has License Summarily Suspended - June 2nd

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Updated State Prescription Drug Pricing Web Site Now Available For Michigan Consumers Consumers now have online access to state pricing information for commonly prescribed prescription drugs searchable by pharmacy and region, making decision-making and shopping easier, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today. "The best available price for commonly prescribed prescription drugs are now just a click away for Michigan's consumers," Granholm said. "We are continually working to make prescription drugs and quality health care more accessible and affordable to everyone in Michigan. The new website is one more tool – along with the MIRx Prescription Drug Discount Card and the Michigan First Health Care Plan – to help consumers by bringing the high costs of health care down." Michigan's new web site – found at www.michigandrugprices.com - gives consumers the ability to search prescription drug prices by pharmacy name, or by zip code. Users can select the pharmacy closest to them, or look at pharmacy prices from as far as 100 miles away from their homes – within Michigan's borders. The site also makes pharmacy addresses and telephone numbers easily accessible, since prescription drug prices can vary daily, said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. "From Lipitor to Neurotin to Clartin, citizens across Michigan now have the latest information available to us to make the best decisions about their prescription drug costs,"Olszewski said. "We have expanded the capabilities of our existing web site to make the information much more useful for consumers who continue to grapple with prescription drug costs." As the state continues to build the site, more prescription drugs may be added to the state's list as information becomes available, she said. The web site also contains links to five commonly used discount programs for prescription drugs: the Michigan Prescription Drug Discount Card (MI-Rx), the national Together Rx Access Card, the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), RxAssist, and the Michigan Partnership for Prescription Assistance program. 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 36,000 uninsured Michigan citizens have taken advantage of the program. Back to Top

Plan First! Enrollment Begins July 1. New program will expand services to more women Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that enrollment for the state’s new Plan First! program will begin July 1, and will expand health services to an expected 200,000 more women. “Investing in more preventative health care for women will help reduce health care costs statewide,” Granholm said. “Through this innovative program, we will extend services to women across the state and help reduce infant mortality, child abuse, child neglect, and unintended pregnancies.” Granholm said if Michigan can reduce the number of unintended pregnancies by only 10 percent, it would save the state more than $27 million in Medicaid expenditures annually. Plan First! is a program to expand family planning to 200,000 low income women. The creation of the Plan First! program came after the federal government approved the Governor’s request for a Medicaid waiver to fund the program in March 2006. Michigan will kick off its official Plan First! marketing campaign on July 5, when television commercials debut throughout the state. Granholm first announced plans for Plan First! when she unveiled her Blueprint for Preventing Unintended Pregnancies in July 2005 that also includes two other initiatives: “Talk Early, Talk Often,” a pilot program that has already taught hundreds of middle school parents to talk to their children about sexuality and abstinence; and contraceptive equity for men and women. Through Plan First!, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) will now provide family planning services to women - ages 19 to 44 - who otherwise would not have medical coverage for these services. Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director, said 200,000 women at or below 185 percent of poverty who reside in Michigan and meet Medicaid eligibility are estimated to benefit from the extension of family planning services. “It is estimated that each public dollar spent to provide family planning services saves $3 that would otherwise be spent in Medicaid costs for pregnancy-related care and medical care for newborns, according to national Medicaid research,” Olszewski said. “These services provide cost-savings solutions for our Medicaid program, as well as prevent unintended pregnancies.” Olszewski said the program does not include coverage for abortions or treatment of infertility. Eighteen other states have similar programs for family planning services. MDCH’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS - a survey of maternal experiences and behaviors before and during a woman's pregnancy) data for the year 2001 shows that 40.6 percent of all pregnancies were unintended. Individuals that are interested in applying for Plan First! services can call 1-800-642-3195 to enroll in the program. Back to Top

MDCH Recognizes June 27 As National HIV Test Day In an effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is recognizing June 27 as National HIV Test Day. "This year marks the 25th anniversary of HIV/AIDS," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "Early detection of HIV is vital in our fight against the spread of AIDS. Testing is anonymous, confidential, and offered throughout Michigan." The national public awareness campaign is designed to educate the public about HIV counseling, testing and referral, and to encourage more people to assess their risk of HIV infection. This year's National Test Day theme, “Take the Test, Take Control – Take pride in your life, get tested,” has been chosen to motivate individuals to be tested and by learning their test results, if positive, get treatment, and if negative, assess their risk and change behaviors that put them at risk. For the estimated quarter of a million Americans who are infected with HIV but don’t know it, knowing their status could save their lives. In MDCH funded testing sites throughout Michigan, more than 71,000 people are tested for HIV every year, and approximately 500 of those tests are positive for HIV. Traditional HIV testing involves drawing blood though a new oral method, a swab of the inside of your mouth, is used and is quick, accurate, and painless. Options also exist for rapid HIV tests at some MDCH testing sites in southeastern Detroit. Testing is widely offered throughout Michigan. National HIV Test Day is one day a year when local health departments and community-based organizations work in collaboration to provide HIV testing opportunities for at-risk populations. These opportunities are provided through mobile clinics, outreach at bars, parks and churches and community-wide events. For a testing site in your area, please call 1-800-872-AIDS or visit www.aidspartnership.org. You can also contact your county’s local health department by going to www.michigan.gov/mdch and clicking on the Local Health Department Map to the right under Quick Links. Back to Top

McLaury Named MDCH Interim Chief Deputy Director The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has named David J. McLaury as its new Interim Chief Deputy Director, officials announced today in Lansing. “Dave has served in numerous administrative positions within MDCH's Medicaid administration over the past seven years, and brings a wealth of knowledge to a challenging position,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “He is a veteran state level administrator who has the experience necessary to help achieve our department’s critical objectives.” McLaury has more than 32 years of administrative experience serving in various leadership roles within MDCH, utilizing strong management and analytical skills affecting positive changes within the state agencies he has worked. As Interim Chief Deputy Director for MDCH, McLaury will oversee day-to-day operations of the department, including its Medical Services Administration, which manages the state’s $7 billion Medicaid program; the Health Policy, Regulation, and Professions Administration, which manages health policy, health professionals and systems, regulatory and legislative affairs; the Public Health Administration, which manages the state’s efforts to improve and protect the public health; and the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Administration, which manages the state’s efforts to assist citizens that are mentally ill, along with MDCH’s overall business and financial operations. He reports directly to Olszewski. Previously, McLaury served as Director of the Bureau of Medicaid Financial Management and Administrative Services in MDCH's Medical Services Administration. Among other projects, McLaury served as project manager for HIPAA transaction and code set revision projects, and managed the implementation of MDCH’s data warehouse project and the revision of the state’s Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). Prior to his work in Medicaid, McLaury spent his first 25 years of state service in the former Michigan Department of Public Health and served in several capacities including substance abuse services, budget and finance, Chief Information Officer, and eventually became that agency’s Public Health Administrator. McLaury replaces A. Edwin Dore, who left MDCH earlier this month to become Ingham County Controller/Administrator. McLaury, 58, holds both bachelors and masters degrees from Rutgers University. He officially began work on June 5, 2006. Back to Top

MDCH Releases State Uninsured Project Recommendations An Advisory Council report released today supports Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm’s Michigan First Health Care Plan, along with recommendations to increase access to health insurance coverage for Michigan’s uninsured residents, state officials said. “With these recommendations, the Council recognizes that the status quo from the last decade for the problems Michigan faces with its uninsured population is unacceptable,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “Concepts like Governor Granholm’s Michigan First Health Care Plan will provide affordable and accessible health insurance coverage for hundreds of thousands of Michigan citizens, and decrease health care costs for everyone.” The Michigan State Planning Project for the Uninsured Advisory Council, which includes representatives from large and small businesses, local chambers of commerce, unions, insurers, health care plans, providers, and consumers, supports the goal of all Michigan residents having access to affordable, quality health insurance. “These recommendations represent a significant step forward for concretely addressing the status of our state’s uninsured population,” said Kevin Seitz, co-chair of the Advisory Council and President/CEO of Blue Care Network. “We brought together a diverse group with different perspectives on this critical issue, and built consensus around a very realistic direction for Michigan to improve its overall health care coverage.” The 30-member Advisory Council reached consensus on recommendations, which if implemented, would secure access to health insurance coverage for the majority of those who are currently uninsured. Among its many recommendations, the Advisory Council recommends and supports the following: · Implementing the concept of the “Michigan First Health Care Plan”, which will eventually provide coverage for more than half of Michigan 1.1 million uninsured residents, beginning in April 2007; · Developing a public education initiative to inform residents and policy-makers of the nature, severity and impact of Michigan having 1.1 million of its residents without health insurance; · Maximizing enrollment of eligible individuals and dependents into group-sponsored health insurance; · Improving Michigan’s business climate by covering the uninsured, thereby reducing the cost burden of health insurance on Michigan employers. Expansion efforts, at least in the short-term, should seek to maintain or expand upon the employer-based health insurance system; · Addressing the adequacy of Medicaid payment rates for providers, hospitals, and managed care organizations; · Strengthening the health care safety net provider system to better address the health care needs of our most vulnerable populations; · Providing incentives and encouraging employers to offer dependent coverage (with or without employer contributions); · Maintaining the high levels of coverage for children in Michigan, and · Creating a non-governmental, bi-partisan successor council to focus on securing health insurance coverage for uninsured Michigan residents and to address the inextricably intertwined issues of cost containment, access, and quality of health care. The Advisory Council also encouraged Governor Granholm and the Michigan Legislature to take an active role and establish a high priority for implementing these recommendations. Reducing the uninsured in Michigan will greatly benefit all residents, both the insured and uninsured, as well as improve Michigan’s business and economic climate. The Advisory Council is comprised of a multitude of diverse organizations, including the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority, the Small Business Association of Michigan, the Economic Alliance of Michigan. Free Clinics of Michigan, Michigan League for Human Services, Michigan Health and Hospital Association, the Michigan State Medical Society, Alliance for Health, Michigan Universal Health Care Action Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, AARP, the Michigan Osteopathic Association, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Association For Local Public Health, Michigan Primary Care Association, Greater Flint Health Coalition, and the Michigan Association of Health Plans. Also, the Greater Detroit Area Health Council, the Michigan Teamsters Joint Council, the School- Community Health Alliance, the Michigan State University School of Medicine, the Michigan Consumer Health Care Coalition, the Michigan Association of Counties, Access To Care Community Coalition, and the SEIU Local #79. Back to Top

MDCH Releases Saginaw Bay Watershed Preliminary Findings The Michigan Department of Community Health has released preliminary findings from a fish consumption survey of people fishing and eating fish from the Saginaw Bay, Saginaw River, Tittabawassee River, and Shiawassee River. From March 2005 through March 2006, 1,088 people – who were fishing in the Saginaw Watershed – were asked to complete a survey about their fish consumption habits. Preliminary results were presented today at a stakeholder group meeting established by MDCH and the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, which provided funding for this study. While survey results suggest that there is a general awareness of the existence of the fish consumption advisory, many people are not using the advisory to the fullest extent. The fish advisory provides knowledge to Michigan citizens on which fish are safe to eat. Additional findings from this study show that many people are eating fish from the Saginaw River and, to a lesser extent, the Tittabawassee River. Findings show that many people are eating fish from these rivers that MDCH advises against eating. Many people reported eating catfish from the Tittabawassee and Saginaw Rivers, which flow into Saginaw Bay. These fish contain dioxins, furans, and PCBS at levels that could cause harmful health effects if eaten too often. The findings support the need for continued partnerships between MDCH and local community groups in the City of Saginaw to better inform people about the fish consumption advisory. MDCH and the First Ward Community Center, a non-profit, full service community center serving the physical and emotional needs of the people of Saginaw, will be collaborating this summer to better inform the urban minority fishing community about choosing safe sport-caught catfish and other species to eat from the Saginaw Bay Watershed. This collaboration is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The advisory for catfish and carp from these rivers is listed in the Michigan Family Fish Consumption Guide as “Do not eat these fish” at www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics. The MDCH Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology conducted the fish consumption survey. Questions concerning this work can be directed to Kory Groetsch or Linda Dykema toll free at 1-800-648-6942 Back to Top

Senior Citizen Of The Year Nominations Being Accepted The Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging are accepting nominations for the 2006 Senior Citizen of the Year Award. “The Senior Citizen of the Year Award provides an opportunity to recognize Michigan seniors who go above and beyond to improve the quality of life for others,” said Sharon L. Gire, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. “This award is our way of honoring two of those extraordinary seniors and their contributions to our great state.” The Award is given in two categories – leadership in the community and service provided to others. Winners will be invited to attend an award ceremony at the Michigan State Fair Seniors’ Day on Monday, August 28, 2006. Nominations must be submitted by an organization and must be postmarked by Friday, July 7, 2006. Nominees must be age 60 or older. Selections will be made with particular attention to the nominee’s service or leadership rendered in the past year. Nomination forms are available by contacting the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging at 517-373-8230 or by visiting www.miseniors.net. Back to Top

Head Named Director Of State's New Long Term Care Office Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director Janet Olszewski has named Michael J. Head as the new director of the Office of Long Term Care Supports and Services. "Mike brings a wealth of experience to this newly created position in state government," Olszewski said. "Under Mike’s direction, the Office of Long Term Care Supports and Services will help to ensure that seniors and our most vulnerable citizens are protected and cared for throughout Michigan." In June 2005, Granholm accepted recommendations from her 21-member Medicaid Long Term Care Task Force that called for the creation of the office. On the same day she accepted those recommendations, Granholm also signed an Executive Order that created the Long Term Care Supports and Services Office – which will assist in the development and implementation of policy and strategies for the task force recommendations. The office will coordinate Michigan’s state-supported long term care supports and services efforts. The office will be part of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), which is responsible for reviewing and implementing the task force recommendations. Since 2003, Head has led the MDCH Office of Consumer-Directed Home and Community-Based Services, which has served as MDCH’s Olmstead coordinator and manages several federal Real Choice Systems Change grant projects important to achieving a transformation in long-term care. Head has more than 30 years of experience in the public mental health and human services field. He has served as a clinician, an administrator, a legislative specialist and as a leader in public policy and systems change at the state and local agency levels. He holds a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Social Work from Michigan State University. Head began his career in state government as a mental health consultant to the Michigan Legislature in the 1970s and subsequently for former Michigan Governor William Milliken. He served as Executive Director for two Michigan community mental health programs, and was extensively involved in shaping policy for Michigan’s community placement programs and with the design and financing of Michigan’s community mental health system. Beginning in 1997, he led Michigan’s Self-Determination Initiative, an option allowing opportunity for consumer/family control over services for persons with developmental disabilities, funded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This effort culminated in the 2004 adoption of a system-wide requirement supporting consumer access to arrangements that support self-determination as a matter of state policy in the Michigan community mental health system. Head, 59, is a resident of Pinckney. The executive order also created a Long Term Care Supports and Services Advisory Commission that will provide guidance and advice to the Long Term Care Supports and Services Office. More than 50 percent of the commission will be consumers of long term care supports or services. Over the last four years, Michigan – under the Granholm Administration – has made considerable progress related to long term care issues. In 2003, Granholm – with strong bi-partisan support – initiated a Freedom to Work “Medicaid buy in” program that allows the disabled on Medicaid to have a job without fear of losing their health insurance. In 2004, MDCH – in full partnership with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – applied for and received a $5 million grant to strengthen and improve Michigan’s long term care criminal background check laws and to provide $1.5 million in additional abuse and neglect training to thousands of Michigan long term care workers. In 2005, Granholm also announced a Jobs Today initiative to modernize 75 of Michigan's oldest nursing homes and replace them with new models that permit more privacy, dignity, and family friendly designs. Granholm also created the Elder Abuse and Neglect Task Force to make recommendations to ensure that elder abuse and neglect – as well as financial exploitation – is dealt with in a forceful and effective manner. In June 2006, keeping true to her promise of improving the state’s long term care system, Granholm announced four groundbreaking awards worth $34.83 million over two years for Long Term Care Single Point of Entry (SPE) demonstration sites in Michigan. The establishment of long term care SPEs also was a key recommendation presented to the Governor and the Legislature in the final report of the Medicaid Long Term Care Task Force. Back to Top

Atlanta Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed practical nurse license of Gerald G. F. Cumper, L.P.N. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public’s health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action. Cumper's license was suspended based on his engaging in the sexual abuse of two minor males who were residents of Cumper's unlicensed adult foster care facility (Cumper Farms). Additionally, Cumper was renting out trailers to three adult foster care residents who were forced to live in unsafe and inhumane living conditions including the lack of running water, no heat, and the use of small buckets to urinate and defecate. On June 8, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Camper's licensed practical nurse license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Cumper'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

Granholm Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed a proclamation today recognizing June 15, 2006 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. "The well-being of Michigan families is dependent on the safety and protection of vulnerable adults," said OSA Director Sharon L. Gire. "Elder abuse is a serious social problem that the State is addressing head-on. Through the Task Force on Elder Abuse, we are working to elevate the issue so that all Michiganians are informed about the signs and risks of elder abuse and report suspected cases to the authorities." It is estimated that 80,000 Michigan citizens aged 60 and older are victims of elder abuse. By the year 2010, Michigan could be faced with over 100,000 cases of elder abuse given the current increases within the aging population. Governor Granholm appointed a 17-member Task Force on Elder Abuse in May 2005. The Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) was charged with implementation of the Task Force, which was directed with assisting the state in identifying new resources, best practices, and necessary changes in law, policies, and practices to assist in preventing elder abuse. They are in the final phase of refining recommendations, which will be forwarded to the Governor. The Michigan Department of Human Services houses the state’s Adult Protective Services (APS) program. More than 14,640 referrals were received in calendar year 2005 by the state’s APS program, and the APS average caseload nearly doubled from fiscal year 1993 to fiscal year 2005. APS caseworkers are dedicated to ensuring adults in need of protection are living in a safe and stable situation including legal intervention, when required, in the least intrusive or restrictive manner possible. A toll-free, 24-hour Vulnerable Adult HelpLine is available to report abuse by calling 1-800-996-6228. "Our APS caseworkers arrange services to reduce or eliminate the abusive or neglectful situation," said Marianne Udow, Director of the Michigan Department of Human Services. "It is important that we make sure all people who are elderly or have disabilities are valued and protected. I urge you to report the suspected abuse or neglect of an older adult or person with a disability by calling the hotline." For more information about elder abuse or the Governor’s Task Force on Elder Abuse, contact the Office of Services to the Aging at (517) 373-8230 or visit www.miseniors.net. For more information about Adult Protective Services, visit the Department of Human Services Web site at www.michigan.gov/dhs. Back to Top

MDCH Receives National Award The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) recently received the Bronze Telly Award, honoring a short film, "A Better Choice." The film is the result of a multi-year federal grant project conducted by MDCH to demonstrate the benefits of diverting individuals out of nursing facilities into alternative living and care arrangements, state officials said. "It is a great honor to be recognized nationally for our work," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "We are extremely pleased to have received the Bronze Telly Award and will continue to strive to divert individuals out of nursing facilities into alternative living and care arrangements." A national competition, the Telly Awards honor outstanding local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. With over 12,000 applicants a year, the Telly Award is one of the most sought after awards. Entries are judged against a high standard of merit. Judges, who are comprised of top advertising and production professionals and past Telly Award winners, score and evaluate entries based on a performance scale to recognize distinction in creative work. Created in 1978 by David Carter, a past Emmy and Clio winner, the Telly Awards were created to honor excellence in local, regional, and cable television commercials. Back to Top

MDCH Finalizes Public Health Consultation For Saline High School The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has released a final Public Health Consultation detailing an investigation conducted at the Saline High School and has found no apparent public health hazard. The consultation – conducted following a series of mystery ailments and evacuations in the final week of September 2005 – discusses the epidemiologic investigation and analytical results of air and water sampling conducted at the high school throughout September and October. As part of a multidisciplinary team that included medical experts, school officials, clean-up contractors, engineering and construction experts, and local, federal and state agencies, MDCH examined the data to determine if there was a chemical agent responsible for the reported health effects. The overall conclusion of the multidisciplinary team was that an “outbreak” of mass psychogenic illness was the most likely explanation for the signs and symptoms reported by the students. Saline High School is a new high school located near the town of Saline in Washtenaw County, approximately 10 miles south of Ann Arbor. The high school found itself the center of national news stories following the events of September 2005. Print or digital copies (CDs) of the report and an executive summary are available from MDCH. The report is also available on the Department website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics under the Health Assessments and Related Documents link. If you have questions or concerns about this Public Health Consultation, please contact Erik Janus at 517-335-9084 or at januse@michigan.gov. The MDCH Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology conducted the Public Health Consultation for Saline High School under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Information concerning the human health effects of exposure to environmental contaminants can be found on the ATSDR web page at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html. Back to Top

Asthma Coalition Unveils Comprehensive Strategic Plan LANSING – A new strategic plan unveiled by a public/private coalition outlines proactive steps that state agencies and public health organizations will take over the next five years to reduce asthma throughout Michigan. The Asthma Initiative of Michigan (AIM) introduced the state’s new strategic plan to concretely address asthma and asthma-related issues at an event today in Lansing, state officials said. “We are pleased that this comprehensive plan has such widespread support from a conglomerate of health advocates,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). “We intend to use this strategic plan as a roadmap to guide Michigan’s asthma activities over the course of the next five years.” AIM’s new strategic plan – endorsed by MDCH – is designed to meet the Healthy People 2010 asthma targets, and focuses on making system-level changes and addressing groups that are disparately affected by asthma. Asthma in Michigan 2010: A Blueprint for Action incorporates lessons learned from the implementation of AIM’s original strategic plan – created in 2001 – and includes the following framework of six goals: · Identify and eliminate asthma disparities in Michigan · Assess Michigan’s asthma burden to identify disparities, high-risk populations and trends · Support awareness of and partnerships to address asthma in Michigan · Improve systems of asthma care in Michigan · Reduce barriers to self-management for people with asthma in Michigan · Reduce exposure to environmental factors that cause and/or exacerbate asthma in Michigan "The true strength of AIM comes from its member partners, including 12 local asthma coalitions, the Michigan Consortium of Asthma Coalitions, and the Michigan Asthma Advisory Committee and its work groups," said Carol Christner, Chief Operating Officer of the American Lung Association, which also endorses the plan. “It is because of their hard work that this comprehensive strategic plan is today a reality." Asthma – a chronic disease of the lungs, where an irritant, or trigger, causes the lungs to tighten, swell and produce too much mucus – causes a person to cough, wheeze or feel short of breath. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with proper medications and avoidance strategies, Christner said. In Michigan, asthma affects more than 863,000 people, including more than 230,000 children and 630,000 adults. Throughout the state, asthma exacts a huge toll, costing approximately $460 million per year. There are about 150 deaths due to asthma in Michigan each year. For more information regarding the disease, please visit www.GetAsthmaHelp.org. Back to Top

Michigan's First 2006 West Nile Virus Positive Bird Found Researchers have positively identified the state’s first bird infected with the West Nile Virus (WNV) this year. The crow – found in Muskegon County – was collected earlier this month and tested positive for WNV today at Michigan State University’s Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. “Citizens need to be aware of the potential risk of WNV infection in Michigan, and communities should use surveillance information to target intervention and prevention strategies in areas where WNV activity has been detected,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). “Because we cannot predict the impact WNV will have on Michigan again this year, it is crucial that we continue our efforts with virus surveillance, mosquito control activities, and public education.” Late spring typically signals the beginning of the season for mosquito-borne diseases, such as WNV in Michigan. Surveillance activities for WNV continue this year as a cooperative partnership involving the Michigan Departments of Agriculture, Community Health, Environmental Quality and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, and local health departments throughout the state. All agencies are integral parts of Michigan’s WNV surveillance, prevention, and response strategies. Mosquitoes most likely to transmit WNV to humans lay eggs in small collections of stagnant water. In 2005, Michigan experienced a higher than average WNV year, with 62 reported cases and four deaths. Last year, a total of 131 birds statewide tested positive for WNV, and 13 horses across the state also tested positive for the illness. Michigan can expect to experience WNV infection in birds, mosquitoes, horses, other animals, and humans in 2006, but the magnitude of the impact cannot be predicted. “Since West Nile virus is spread to humans and horses almost exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito, people need to take measures that reduce the chance of receiving mosquito bites,” said Dr. Dean Sienko, acting state Chief Medical Executive. “Preventing exposure to mosquitoes in the months ahead will be important.” Most people bitten by a WNV infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. Persons aged 55 and older are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms. Physicians are urged to test patients for WNV if they present with fever and signs of meningitis or encephalitis, or sudden painless paralysis in the absence of stroke in the summer months. Blood donor screening for WNV is expected to continue in 2006. Adult mosquitoes can hatch in as short as 10 days time in the warmest months of the summer. Mosquitoes become infected with WNV after feeding on sick birds carrying the virus. Within 10 to 14 days, the mosquito can transmit the virus to humans. Michigan residents are encouraged to: · Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes out of buildings. · Drain puddles in the yard, emptying water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, troughs, barrels, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs. · Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk) · Wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. · Apply insect repellants that contain the active ingredient DEET to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer’s directions for use. (Avoid applying repellent to children less than 2 years of age, and to the hands of older children because repellents may be transferred to the eyes or mouth potentially causing irritation or adverse health effects). Collection of information on the sightings of sick and dead wild birds and mammals is necessary for monitoring the risk of WNV to humans, wildlife and domestic animals. For rapid reporting of a sighting, please use the web-based reporting form by visiting the state's web site www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases. For those without Internet access, you may use your local library to access the Internet or call the statewide toll-free number at: 1-888-668-0869 for updated information about WNV. Back to Top

Michigan Recognized For Ensuring Patient Safety In Prescription Drug Process Michigan has been recognized for its commitment to improving patient safety and efficiency in the drug prescription process with the first-annual SafeRx Award, presented by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and SureScripts. "We are extremely honored to receive this recognition," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "It is an honor for the state of Michigan to be recognized for not only its dedication to the citizens of Michigan but also for its commitment to improving patient safety and the efficiency of the prescribing process." Promoting the use of health information technology – such as e-prescribing – as a means to improve health care quality and to ultimately reduce health care costs is a top priority for Governor Granholm and is part of the Governor's plan to revolutionize Michigan's health care system. The state of Michigan was one of the top 10 e-prescribing states in the nation who demonstrated outstanding leadership through their use of electronic prescribing technology. SafeRx recognizes how e-prescribing enhances patient safety by providing a more secure and accurate prescribing process. Results were based on an analysis of data from new prescriptions and refill responses electronically transmitted over the SureScripts Electronic Prescription Network. States were ranked based on the number of prescriptions routed electronically in 2005 as a percentage of the total number of prescriptions eligible for electronic routing. Factors contributing to Michigan's Top 10 finish included the following efforts: · Henry Ford Health System & Health Alliance Plan - Piloted the first implementation of the Southeast Michigan e-Prescribing Initiative (SEMI) to cut prescription costs and improve quality; now a system-wide initiative engaging 300 primary care physicians in 24 Henry Ford medical centers. · Southeast Michigan E-Prescribing Initiative (SEMI) – A collaborative effort between the Big Three Automakers (General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and DaimlerChrysler Corp), Michigan health plans and Medco Health Solutions aimed at addressing medication errors and the subsequent effect on health care quality and costs. For more information on the SafeRx Award, please go to http://www.surescripts.com/saferx_faqs.htm. To learn more about e-prescribing in Michigan, go to www.GetRxConnected.com/MI/patients. Back to Top

Commerce Township Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed practical nurse license of Elizabeth J. Forbes, L.P.N., based on her felony conviction in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Oakland County, Michigan. Forbes failed to report her conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On February 10, 2006, Forbes was convicted of one felony count of Marine Safety-Operating Under the Influence Causing Death. As a result, Forbes was sentenced from two years to 15 years in prison with two days credit and ordered to pay assessment, cost, and restitution in the amount of $1,754. On June 1, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Forbes’ license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Forbes’ nursing 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

Weeks Named Director Of Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital Mr. Rosettus Weeks, an administrator within the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), has been named Director of the Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital. "We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Mr. Weeks' experience, in the field of psychiatric medicine, leading one of our critical psychiatric care facilities," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "His understanding of mental health issues is vital as we work to ensure that Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital continues to deliver the best in mental health services to the people of Michigan." Previously, Weeks served both as a hospital director and an administrative officer at the Huron Valley Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He has also worked as an acting administrative officer and finance officer at the Clinton Valley Center in Pontiac, a finance officer for the Ypsilanti Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and as an accounting supervisor for M.E.S.C. in Detroit, Michigan. Through his work, Weeks has led a psychiatric hospital accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO) through two 3-year accreditation cycles, achieving high scores. He has also developed and implemented a strategic plan that resulted in reducing costs of operation, while improving the number and quality of programs offered. "Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital has a long history of providing quality care to persons with mental illness. While I intend to build on that history, I am aware that there are many challenges that lie ahead. It is important to me, as well as to MDCH, to do everything we can to ensure that persons with mental illness are provided with the services and supports that they need," Weeks said. Weeks holds a B.B.A. from the University of Liberia in Monrovia, Liberia, a M.B.A. from Wayne State University in Detroit, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Michigan. Back to Top

Rudrik Named First Ever Recipient Of APHL Emerging Leader Award The Association of Public Health Laboratories has awarded Dr. James Rudrik, a five-year veteran of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), with the Association of Public Health Laboratory's Emerging Leader Award. "We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Dr. Rudrik’s caliber serving as our Microbiology Section Manager," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "Dr. Rudrik’s commitment to excellence is evident to all, and we at MDCH are very proud of his success." Dr. Rudrik is the first recipient of the APHL’s Emerging Leader Award. The Association of Public Health Laboratories awarded Dr. Rudrik with the Emerging Leader Award based upon his leadership in the laboratory as well as his instrumentation in one or more advances in laboratory science, practice, management, policy or education. Through the work of Dr. Rudrik, MDCH has expanded the Regional Laboratory system, a network of seven regional laboratories statewide. Dr. Rudrik has actively participated in the Bio Watch Program and has been involved in the designing of the laboratory portion of the project to pilot rapid HIV testing in Michigan. Dr. Rudrik holds a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Journalism, along with a M.S. in Microbiology, and a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology with a minor in Biochemistry, all from Wayne State University in Detroit. He also has completed an ABMM post-doctoral fellowship in Medical Microbiology from Wayne State University. In his short time with MDCH, Dr. Rudrik has demonstrated outstanding guidance to public health laboratory medicine. Back to Top

Granholm Announces Four Long Term Care Demo Sites LANSING – Keeping true to her promise of improving the state’s long term care system, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced four groundbreaking awards worth $34.83 million for Long Term Care Single Point of Entry (SPE) demonstration sites in Michigan. The establishment of long term care SPEs was a key recommendation presented to the Governor and the Legislature in the final report of the Medicaid Long Term Care Task Force, issued in June 2005. “I am thrilled that numerous groups, individuals, and agencies have worked tirelessly to put forward strong proposals for establishing these demonstration projects for Single Points of Entry around the state,” Granholm said. “It is only through their broad, collaborative efforts that Michigan residents can have a single entry point for information that permits individual consumer choices. These awards help move Michigan toward offering an improved system that supports dignified, person centered, and quality lifestyles when there is a need for long term care.” The four demonstration sites were selected after undergoing a three part broad-based review process that included representatives from community groups and agencies, health facilities, advocacy groups, and state agencies. The selected demonstration awards were made to the independently governed bodies as follows: · Detroit – Submitted by Detroit Area Agency on the Aging (AAA) $13.1 million · Southwest Michigan – Submitted by Region IV AAA $7.18 million · Upper Peninsula – Submitted by U.P. Commission for Area Progress $5.4 million · Western Michigan – Submitted by HHS Health Options and AAA of Western Michigan $9.15 million In addition to these initial SPE awards, regional areas that could not be funded at this time will be provided SPE planning grants for independent collaborative efforts that bring all stakeholders in the region together for the purpose of submitting a proposal for a subsequent SPE request for proposals. The twenty-seven month demonstration projects will be administered by the Department of Community Health (MDCH), said MDCH Director Janet Olszewski. “Single Points of Entry will help ensure that families are not forced to navigate a complex maze of agencies or services when they may be in crisis, or at their most vulnerable, and in need of long term care supports,” she said. Currently, Michigan expenditures exceed $2 billion in public and private funds for the state’s 1.2 million of the state’s aging population, and an additional number of people with disabilities who need long term supports and services. Michigan’s initial investment in single points of entry will help ensure cost effectiveness by controlling the growth of high cost services, and by coordinating the delivery of high quality services that people want to use, Olszewski said. Single Points of Entry address a lack of consolidated and independent sources of information, supports, and assistance for long term care needs for Michigan residents. The demonstration projects will provide the opportunity to carefully evaluate SPE models, and to identify solid performance measures, as Michigan moves forward in implementing SPEs on a statewide basis. SPEs will operate based upon a basic principle of ensuring that individuals are provided with timely, unbiased and appropriate information to enable informed consumer choice in planning for, and utilizing, long term care services. The selected sites for the demonstration projects encompass an estimated 47.5 percent of the state’s current Long Term Care Medicaid population and incorporate 36 of the state’s 83 counties. The demonstration projects, which are subject to approval by the State Administrative Board, are designed to implement proposed models for a locally/regionally based statewide system of Single Points of Entry. The SPE demonstration sites are expected to begin implementing their work plan in July 2006. MDCH will immediately begin working with the four grantees to develop state contracts authorizing the start of the demonstration projects. Projects are expected to continue for period of 27 months, and will be monitored for progress on an ongoing basis. Single Points of Entry will ensure that people seeking long term care information, services or supports have access to one primary contact point that provides assistance to individuals in planning for their long term care needs. The designated agency will function as an independent entity, and cannot be a provider of direct services to assure that there is no real, or perceived, conflict of interest in serving the needs of the consumer. For more information about Michigan’s continued long term care improvement efforts, please visit www.michigan.gov/ltc. The site also includes information regarding the state’s Office of Long Term Care Support and Services, the LTC Supports and Services Advisory Commission, and the Michigan Medicaid Long Term Care Task Force. Back to Top

Owosso Physician Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the osteopathic medicine and surgery license of Michael Jay Brazil, D.O., based on his felony conviction in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Brazil failed to report his conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On September 28, 2005, Brazil was convicted of one count of Health Care Fraud, a felony. As a result, Brazil was sentenced to five months in prison; placed on probation for two years with terms, and ordered to pay an assessment in the amount of $100.00 and $119, 970.80 in restitution. On May 18, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Brazil's license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional's license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Brazil's osteopathic medicine and surgery 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