March 2006 News

Creating a Michigan Center for Safe Health Care, a freestanding, non-profit organization to coordinate efforts around the state to reduce patient harm. Several states have enacted legislation supporting the creation of such patient safety centers to address the problem of health care errors.
Establishing a statewide, confidential, and non-punitive voluntary error reporting system. The Michigan Center for Safe Health Care would design, implement, and manage the reporting system, which would be used to identify important areas.
Increasing outreach to patients, their families, and consumers in general to make them partners in patient safety.

In all, the report contains 13 major objectives regarding patient safety.

Granholm formed the Patient Safety Commission in 2005 after designating the Michigan Health and Safety Coalition to serve in that capacity. The Commission includes representatives from 15 organizations that includes health plans, major employers, professional associations, and hospital, physician, consumer, and labor organizations.

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Granholm Expands Dental Services To 40,000 More Children

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that a 22-county expansion of the state’s Healthy Kids Dental program in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula will ensure that 40,000 additional low-income children receive dental services.

“We are expanding health care for thousands of children by providing them with access to quality dental services,” Granholm said in the joint announcement with Dental Dental and the Michigan Dental Association. “We are proud that we have been able to partner with dentists around the state to extend this critical coverage to more children.”

“The expansion of Healthy Kids Dental reflects the state’s commitment to improving the oral health of Medicaid-eligible children throughout Michigan,” said Dr. Thomas J. Fleszar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delta Dental. “This dynamic public-private partnership demonstrates that by working together, we can provide needed care for thousands of children and, at the same time, help them establish good oral health habits that will last a lifetime.”

The partnership, which began through negotiations with Delta Dental and the Michigan Dental Association, does not require additional state funding. Dentists enrolled in Delta Dental have graciously agreed to accept the lower of two fee screens paid by Delta Dental, Granholm said.

“The 6,000 member Michigan Dental Association takes great pride in Michigan's expansion of this one-of-a-kind dental program, which serves as the best model in the entire nation,” said Kris Nicholoff, Assistant Executive Director of the Michigan Dental Association. “Governor Granholm clearly recognizes that oral health care is indeed primary care. We stand ready to continue our partnership to improve dental access in this great state."

Upper Peninsula counties included in the expansion are Baraga, Iron, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Schoolcraft, and Mackinac. This expansion ensures that every county in the Upper Peninsula now has Healthy Kids Dental coverage.

Lower Peninsula counties included in the expansion are Presque Isle, Alpena, Montmorency, Ostego, Antrim, Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, Kalkaska, Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona, Ogemaw, Missaukee, and Lake.

It is estimated that an additional 40,000 children will be eligible for dental services in the counties. In total, residents in 59 counties now have access to Healthy Kids Dental coverage. The expansion of the program will begin May 1.

In 2004, the American Dental Association named Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental program one of five national models for improving access to dental care for low-income populations.

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Jackson Social Worker Loses License

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed master’s social worker license of Judy Ann McNish, L.M.S.W., based on her felony convictions in the 4th Judicial Circuit Court, Jackson, Michigan.

On November 15, 2005, McNish was convicted of one felony count of Health Care Fraud-False Claim and one felony count of Controlled Substance-Possession Analogues (Amended). As a result, McNish was sentenced to 180 days in jail, placed on probation for 36 months with terms, and ordered to pay costs in the amount of $6,282 and a weekly recovery court fee of $10 for one year.

On March 8, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending McNish’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 or a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term of two years or a misdemeanor involving the illegal delivery, possession or use of a controlled substance. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of McNish’s master’s social worker 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.

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New Tool Helps Citizens Prepare For Public Health Emergencies

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is providing a public emergency handbook free of charge to citizens that outlines preparedness steps for public health emergencies, state officials announced today.

“Preparing For A Public Health Emergency – What You Need To Know” will be made available through local health departments and other community locations this week, said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. Federal preparedness dollars paid for the booklets, which have been shipped to local health departments throughout the state.

“It is important to remember that each of type of public health situation is very different and requires a unique response,” Olszewski said. “Just as families in Michigan must prepare for winter storms, tornados and power outages, we want citizens to have appropriate information to prepare them for possible biological, radiological, and other types of public health threats.”

The passport size booklet – created by MDCH’s Office of Public Health Preparedness – contains useful emergency preparedness tips and a fill-in-the-blank area to record personal health information necessary for receiving medical services during an emergency.

Recent emergencies have taught us how important it is for individuals and families to take time to plan and prepare for the unexpected, Olszewski said. “Preparing For A Public Health Emergency – What You Need To Know” – is available through your local health department. Check http://www.malph.org/page.cfm/108/ for your jurisdiction.

The booklet outlines many things individuals can do to be prepared for public health emergencies. Some of the guidance includes:

· Discuss with your family the types of disasters most likely to happen and what each family member should do.

· Your family may not be together when disaster strikes. Plan how you will contact one another.

· Keep some essential supplies on hand for emergencies: drinking water, dry or canned food, a battery-powered radio, first aid supplies, a flashlight and batteries, prescription medication, and special items for babies and family members with special needs.

Other sources of family preparedness information are available at the federal Department of Homeland Security web site - www.ready.gov. Telephone operators are also available to answer preparedness questions are by calling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Response Hotline, 800-CDC-INFO, 888-232-6348 (TTY).

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Wisdom Joins CNN's Gupta At Fit Nation Event

Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom joined CNN’s senior medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Thursday to discuss the nation’s obesity epidemic with University of Michigan students in Ann Arbor. The town hall meeting was the second stop on Gupta’s six-week Fit Nation tour.

“I am pleased to join Dr. Gupta and the distinguished group of panelists today to address an issue that is hurting our state both physically and fiscally,” said Wisdom. “I encourage University of Michigan students to share your ideas about how to combat obesity with your State government.”

Wisdom also encouraged students to get involved in campus and state healthy lifestyle initiatives, such as the Michigan Steps Up healthy lifestyles campaign. She also praised Governor Jennifer Granholm for setting an example for Michigan citizens by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Wisdom was joined by panelists representing the University of Michigan School of Public Health and the American Heart Association.

Gupta, who started the Fit Nation program to become a part of the solution for America’s obesity epidemic, encouraged students to not just talk about solutions but actually put them into action. To inspire students, Gupta announced a CNN contest in which students start a new program in their community and produce a news report highlighting the success of their project.

The town hall discussion also included a candid look at obesity facts and myths, an overview of the epidemic, its relevance to the students and how change starts with them as future leaders. Students presented their ideas for how they can get involved, including peer groups to encourage healthy lifestyles among dormitory residents, physical activity mentoring programs pairing up college and elementary students, and programs encouraging children to appreciate nature while being physically active outdoors.

Since her appointment in 2003, Wisdom has focused on issues central to the state of Michigan’s health such as obesity, tobacco use, and childhood lead poisoning. In 2004, Wisdom released the Healthy Michigan 2010: Surgeon General’s Health Status Report and the Michigan Surgeon General’s Prescription for a Healthier Michigan. In February 2005, she launched Michigan Steps Up, a statewide healthy lifestyles campaign designed to improve the health of Michigan citizens by encouraging everyone to move more, eat better and avoid tobacco use.

To learn more about Michigan Steps Up, visit www.michiganstepsup.org. For more information about Fit Nation, visit www.cnn.com/fitnation.

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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 three-year plan for services for older adults and caregivers in Michigan.

“These local forums present Michigan citizens with a tremendous opportunity to share their 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 three-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 Dates and Locations:

Friday, March 17, 2006 – Dearborn ACCESS 6451 Schaefer Dearborn, MI 48126

Tuesday, March 21, 2006 – Kalamazoo Senior Services, Inc. 918 Jasper Street Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 – Flint University of Michigan Flint, Harding Mott University Center 303 E. Kearsley Street Flint, MI 48502

All forums run from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. Future forums will be announced.

Directions are available at www.miseniors.net or by calling the OSA office at (517) 373-8230. Please also contact the OSA office if special accommodations are needed to attend 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.

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MDCH Recognizes March As National Nutrition Month

The Michigan Department of Community Health is recognizing March as National Nutrition Month, a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored by the American Dietetic Association.

“Making healthier lifestyle choices now will improve your life for years to come,” said Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan’s Surgeon General. “Small steps equal big rewards.”

Through Michigan Surgeon General’s Step Up initiative, citizens are given guidance on how to lead healthier lifestyles. The following are some of the recommendations:

· Make smart choices Give your body the balanced nutrition it needs by eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods every day while remembering to stay within your daily calorie recommendations.

· Get fit. Maintain a daily physical fitness regime that focuses on cardiovascular health. Physical activity can also be used to help sustain a healthy body weight.

· Stay hydrated. Ideally, the average person should consume 64 ounces of water per day.

· Play it safe with foods. Prepare, handle, and store food properly to keep you and your family safe.

Individuals are strongly encouraged to evaluate their current eating habits and devise a plan to add more nutrients into their diet. Ceasing bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking will also help as their negative affects veto the positive changes made in other areas.

For those having trouble making adjustments on their own, Registered Dieticians (R.D.) are available and can be located in your area at http://www.eatrightmich.org.

For more information on the Michigan Steps Up program, please visit www.michiganstepsup.org. To obtain information on the government’s dietary guidelines and to view the food pyramid, please visit http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines and http://mypyramid.gov/.

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Lake Orion Pharmacist Has License Summarily Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the pharmacy license of Charmaine S. Moon, R.Ph., based on her convictions in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court, Oakland County, Michigan. Moon failed to report her convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On August 4, 2005, Moon was convicted of three felony counts of Insurance – Fraudulent Acts and three misdemeanor counts of Controlled Substances Drugs – False Prescription. As a result, Moon was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service and pay $8,255 in fines, restitution, and costs.

On February 14, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Moon’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 or a misdemeanor involving the illegal delivery, possession or use of a controlled substance. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Moon’s pharmacy 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.

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MDCH Announces Problem Gambling Awareness Week As March 5-11

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is partnering with communities across the country this week as it proclaims March 5-11 as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week.

During this week-long campaign, the primary goal will be for communities in Michigan to raise awareness of the symptoms and consequences of problem gambling.

“The issue of problem gambling severely affects the lives and health of thousands of Michigan citizens,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “The awareness generated from this designated week will lead to healthier lives for those affected by problem gambling.”

Michigan allocates approximately $3 million each year – primarily from casino licensing fees – for treatment, prevention, education, training, research and the evaluation of pathological gamblers and their families.

These funds are mainly used for:

· A toll-free, confidential number (800-270-7177) for information and assistance is available statewide. The number is published on the back of lottery tickets, available in Detroit casinos, phone books, and through various public service announcements.

· Confidential, no-cost treatment services, accessed through the toll-free number, are available statewide through a network of trained counselors.

· A gambling awareness curriculum is available for schools to use as part of their prevention curriculum.

· Prevention activities, through public service announcements and brochures

As part of the awareness campaign, problem gambling screening information and referral services will be available at the following Universities:

· Davenport University, Dearborn March 7, 2006

· Spring Arbor University, Dearborn March 7, 2006

· Wayne State University, Detroit March 7, 2006

· Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant March 16, 2006

Northern Michigan University and University of Detroit held screenings in February.

If you or someone you love has a gambling addiction, please call the 24-hour help line at 800-270-7177 for confidential assistance.

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Granholm Recognizes March As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed a proclamation today announcing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. March 2006 marks the continuation of a national effort to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer – a serious disease that affects many Michigan citizens.

“When it comes to colorectal cancer, screening saves lives,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “Screening not only detects the disease at an early, curable stage, but it can also prevent it by finding and removing polyps – or precancerous growths – that might become colorectal cancer.”

The Michigan Cancer Consortium recommends colorectal cancer screening for men and women starting at age 50. Yet, only 53 percent of Michigan adults age 50 and older report being screened for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Michigan, with only lung cancer taking the lives of more men and women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1,830 Michigan men and women will die of colorectal cancer in 2006, and that 4,930 new cases will be diagnosed in this state. Michigan ranks 33rd in the nation for colorectal cancer deaths.

Everyone is at risk of developing colorectal cancer – all men, all women, all races. The primary risk factor for colorectal cancer is increasing age.

How can you stop colorectal cancer before it begins? Prevention begins with these two steps:

· Step 1: Get Screened. Screening tests can find polyps and removing polyps early can prevent cancer. Early diagnosis can also result in more successful treatment.

· Step 2: Live healthy. Eat right and be active. Eat high fiber, low fat diets. Quit smoking because smokers are at a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Walk your 10,000 steps a day. Being active is being healthy. For more information about colorectal cancer, please visit the Michigan Cancer Consortium website at www.michigancancer.org.

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Granholm Recognizes March As Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed a proclamation today announcing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Michigan residents are asked to recognize the contributions and commitments of people with developmental disabilities and celebrate the diversity they bring to the community.

“Many of us know someone with a developmental disability and can understand the challenges they face on a daily basis,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “By working together, we can help elevate awareness.”

Developmental disabilities inflict nearly two percent of the state’s population. Those with disabilities can struggle to maintain a steady job, reliable transportation, adequate housing, and social and recreational activities.

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council, within the Michigan Department of Community Health, is comprised of 21 Michigan citizens and serves as an advocate for those with developmental disabilities through federal grants and a network of local grassroots organizations.

Advocacy organizations and agencies around the state will be hosting numerous special events that will include roundtable discussions, a 5k walk/run, and an employer-awareness evening.

For more information on Michigan’s DD Council, or the events taking place this month, please contact Vendella Collins at (517) 334-6123.

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