May 2007 News

Michigan Department Of Community Health Removes Precautionary Budd Lake Health Advisory - May 22nd

May 18 Recognized As HIV Vaccine Awareness Day In Michigan - May 17th

Michigan Department Of Community Health Releases 2007 Michigan Family Fish Consumption Guide - May 16th

Delta Dental Gives $250,000 To MDCH To Launch Fluoride Varnish Program For Low-Income Children - May 10th

State Prescription Drug Discount Card Saves Citizens Millions - May 4th

Michigan Surgeon General Honors Schools Promoting Student Health - May 3rd

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Michigan Department Of Community Health Removes Precautionary Budd Lake Health Advisory May 22, 2007 On May 17, 2007, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) discovered the presence of fish disease called Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in Budd Lake, a 175-acre lake in central Clare County. VHS cannot infect humans and is not a threat to human health. Recently, Budd Lake experienced a very large and initially unexplainable die-off of fish beginning April 30. As a precautionary measure while tests were being completed, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) coordinated with the Central Michigan District Health Department and the DNR, to put into place a public health advisory. Given the results of the recent tests, MDCH has removed this public health advisory. MDCH would like to remind people using any Michigan Lake to following these tips: Avoid eating fish that appear unhealthy (i.e., slow moving, bloated, floating). Use the 2007 Michigan Family Fish Consumption Guide (1-800-648-6942 or online at www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics). Thoroughly cook fish to kill germs before eating. Avoid scummy water, as it may be caused by blue-green algae that can make people sick. Back to Top

May 18 Recognized As HIV Vaccine Awareness Day In Michigan May 17, 2007 In honor of those working vigorously toward the development of an HIV vaccine, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has issued a proclamation recognizing May 18 as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day in Michigan. "It is imperative, now more than ever, to accelerate efforts in clinical research to develop a preventive HIV vaccine," said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). "A vaccine could save thousands of lives in Michigan alone." MDCH estimates that as of April 1, 2007, there are currently 17,000 people in Michigan living with HIV/AIDS. More than half of those reported have a diagnosis of AIDS. In recognition of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, organizers are asking people to recognize HIV vaccine research by wearing a red AIDS ribbon upside down on May 18. The upside-down AIDS ribbons forms a "V" for "vaccines" and symbolizes the urgent need to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Despite the availability and success of HIV treatment drugs, researchers continue to work together to find a safe and effective HIV vaccine. An HIV vaccine offers the best hope in controlling the global pandemic of HIV/AIDS by preventing new infections, as well as the possibility of delaying the onset of AIDS in those already infected. For more information on National Vaccine Awareness Day, please visit the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease website at www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/events/HVAD/. Back to Top

Michigan Department Of Community Health Releases 2007 Michigan Family Fish Consumption Guide May 16, 2007 Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director Janet Olszewski today announced that the 2007 Michigan Fish Advisory-which shows which sport fish are best for you and least contaminated to eat-is available online just in time for the heart of the 2007 fishing season. "This advisory is extremely important because women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and young children are sensitive to chemicals that build up in fish over time," Olszewski said. "Following the advice contained in the guide ensures that fish are consumed safely." The guide provides advice on consuming fish from Michigan rivers, inland lakes, and the surrounding Great Lakes. The updated guide contains 71 relaxed or rescinded advisories and 40 advisories expanded because of chemical contamination. Several carp advisories have been rescinded for the lower, middle, and main branches of the Rouge River in Detroit. The walleye advisory for the Saginaw Bay and the Tittabawassee River has also been relaxed for adult men and women beyond childbearing years to unlimited consumption of walleye under 22 inches or one meal per week (52 meals per year) of walleye over 22 inches. Revised advice is one meal per month of walleye under 22 inches or six meals per year of walleye over 22 inches from the Saginaw and Tittabawassee Rivers for women of childbearing age and children under 15 years of age, who are more sensitive to chemical pollution. Additionally, MDCH has released three new fish consumption information brochures: - A Family Guide to Eating Fish: Cooking and cleaning methods to remove chemicals other than mercury. - Avoid Mercury in Fish and Seafood: Shopping & Restaurant Guide: A list of purchased fish that contain mercury - Guide to Safe Fish and Wild Game Consumption in the Saginaw Bay Watershed: Identifying fish from waters in the Saginaw Bay Watershed that have had chemical testing and are safe to eat on a regular basis. To obtain any of these guides or for more information about Michigan's Fish Consumption Advisory, please call the MDCH toll free advisory line at 1-800-648-6942 or go to www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics. Back to Top

Delta Dental Gives $250,000 To MDCH To Launch Fluoride Varnish Program For Low-Income Children May 10, 2007 Delta Dental of Michigan (Delta Dental) has given the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) a grant of $250,000 to launch Varnish! Michigan, a program that will provide applications of fluoride varnish on the teeth of up to 22,000 children enrolled in Early Head Start and Head Start programs around the state. The goal of Varnish! Michigan is to provide early intervention to prevent or reduce dental disease among low-income children aged birth to five. Varnish! Michigan is expected to reduce decay between 48 and 60 percent in this group of children. Thomas J. Fleszar, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental, said regular applications of fluoride varnish have proven to be one of the most effective measures to prevent or reduce dental decay. "Fluoride varnish is safe, simple to apply, and an ideal treatment to offer in community-based programs like Head Start," he said. "Our mission at Delta Dental is to improve oral health. I cannot think of a more appropriate initiative to support than Varnish! Michigan, which will help thousands of young children get off to a healthy start by preventing tooth decay." "Many of these children in this group have little to no access to dental care, and the unfortunate result is that by the time they reach third grade, one in four Michigan children have untreated dental disease," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "We know that most dental disease can be prevented, and we are grateful to Delta Dental for stepping forward with this generous contribution to make sure at-risk children throughout the state get the protection they need." According to the National Institutes of Health, tooth decay is the single most common chronic disease among children - five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. In Michigan, 20 percent of children bear 80 percent of the disease burden; these are the children with little to no access to dental care. Nearly one in 10 third grade children in the state have immediate dental care needs with signs or symptoms of pain, infection, or swelling. MDCH will administer the program through the use of competitive grants, with priority given to Early Head Start programs because intervention at the youngest ages is considered most beneficial. Grantees will be selected from non-profit agencies, local public health departments, and federally qualified health centers. Grants are expected to be awarded this summer. In addition to the fluoride treatment, the program will include caregiver oral health education and assistance to families in helping them find a dental home. Delta Dental of Michigan, with its affiliates in Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee, is one of the largest dental plan administrators in the nation. In 2006, the enterprise paid out more than $1.7 billion for dental care for more than 6.2 million enrollees. Offices are located in Okemos, Farmington Hills, and Grand Rapids, Michigan; Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis, Tennessee. Back to Top

State Prescription Drug Discount Card Saves Citizens Millions May 4, 2007 A recent review conducted by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) indicates that citizens enrolled in the state's prescription drug discount card program save a cumulative total of $2 million annually, thanks to the card's wide acceptance at pharmacies across Michigan. Introduced by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in October 2004, the MiRx card is designed to benefit residents who do not have any prescription drug coverage. Currently, the state's MiRx card has more than 41,000 citizens enrolled, with combined savings of more than $130,000 per month-at no cost to the state. In 2006, those citizens saved two million dollars last year, thanks to the free discount card, Granholm said. "With more than one million uninsured citizens in Michigan, connecting more than 41,000 citizens to this worthwhile program is one of the best ways to ensure that low income residents get their prescription drugs at reduced prices," Granholm said. "No one in Michigan should have to make the painful decision between groceries or life-saving prescription drugs. The MiRx card helps thousands ease budgetary pressures in households all over the state." The program-the largest of its kind in the nation-is unique because it does not target a specific age group. Any citizen that meets the following criteria is eligible to save money on prescription drugs in the MiRx program: Must be a resident of the State of Michigan Have no other prescription drug coverage Have an income level at or below the state's median income level (example: Median Income Level for a family size of four is $56,550, family of two is $37,470) "Governor Granholm remains committed-now more than ever-to making health care more accessible and affordable to all of Michigan's citizens. The MiRx card is another example of the Governor keeping her promises and improving the quality of living in Michigan," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "I strongly encourage anyone who might be eligible to call or go online to be a part of this program." Citizens can save up to 25 percent off of their prescription drug bills, and there is no fee to enroll or use the MiRx discount card. Plan members can use their discount prescription card at more than 2,300 pharmacies statewide, including all major chains and some mail order pharmacies. To ask questions, get answers, and sign-up to be a part of the MiRx card, please call the toll-free hotline at 1-866-755-6479 and have an application mailed to your home. The MDCH web site can also be visited at www.michigan.gov/mdch. Back to Top

Michigan Surgeon General Honors Schools Promoting Student Health Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom will recognize 57 schools tomorrow at Lansing Community College (LCC) for making significant improvements in their environment related to healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco-free lifestyles. The recognition program is part of the Surgeon General's Michigan Steps Up statewide healthy lifestyles campaign. "A healthy school environment gives students clear and consistent messages, accurate health information, and ample opportunity to apply it," Wisdom said. "It helps students be fit, healthy and ready to learn." More than 100 schools applied for the Healthy School Environment Recognition Program. Thirteen schools, triple the amount from last year, earned the 1st Place "Outstanding Achievement" award. The ceremony will be held in LCC's West Campus Conference Center with Dr. Wisdom presenting awards at 1 p.m. "In the past year, the number of schools qualifying for the highest awards has doubled," Wisdom said. "We are tremendously excited that our educators are taking the lead in improving the health of our most treasured resources - our children." The recognition program developed by the Michigan Steps Up School Group in collaboration with Michigan Action For Healthy Kids begins with an online application consisting of six sections that complement the components of Michigan Steps Up. Schools are eligible for four recognition levels and are encouraged to increase their level of recognition each year. Schools earning First Place recognition have formed Coordinated School Health Teams, completed the Healthy School Action Tool, and made noteworthy improvements such as increasing physical activity time and options, increasing access to healthy food and beverage choices, teaching about sun safety at outdoor events, and more. "Michigan schools, in partnership with parents, have the best opportunity to influence the health behaviors of young people," said Barb Flis, Parent Action for Healthy Kids and Michigan Steps Up School Group Chair. "We are so fortunate in Michigan to have educators dedicated to supporting our children in developing healthy habits that will last a lifetime." To learn more about the Healthy School Environment Recognition Program and other resources available for schools, please visit www.mihealthtools.org/healthyschools.asp. For more information about Michigan Steps Up, please visit www.michiganstepsup.org. 2007 Healthy School Environment Recognition Awards 1st Place Outstanding Achievement Atwood Elementary School Bahweting Anishnabe PSA Clague Middle School Hudson Area High School Hunt Elementary School Keith Elementary School Kent Education Center?Mayfield Krause Elementary School Lincoln Elementary School Monroe County Youth Center Saugatuck Middle School St. Gerard Catholic School Traverse City West High School 2nd Place School of Excellence Alma Senior High School Ashley Elementary School Bendle Middle School Bendle Senior High School Bingham Academy Buchanan School Burton Middle School Clifford H. Smart Middle School Dean A. Naldrett School Engadine High School Fern Persons Elementary School Forsythe Middle School Galesburg-Augusta High School Galesburg-Augusta Primary School Gull Lake Middle School Harrison Park Elementary School Hudson Middle School Interlochen Elementary School Lakeview High School Meridian Junior High School New Buffalo Middle School Onsted Community High School Onsted Middle School Patterson Elementary School Reed City High School Saugatuck High School Schavey Road Elementary School Slauson Middle School South Bendle Elementary School St. Mary Catholic School St. Robert Catholic School Sugarbush Elementary School Washington School West Bendle Elementary School Williamston Discovery Elementary School Williamston Explorer Elementary School 3rd Place School of Distinction Central Montcalm Upper Elem. School Luce Road Elementary School Mid Peninsula School North Central Elementary School Scarlett Middle School Scott Elementary School Tappan Middle School Honorable Mention Scottville Elementary School Back to Top