November 2006 News

Michigan Recognizes December 1 As World AIDS Day - Observances To Be Held Throughout State - November 30th

Michigan Recognizes Methamphetamine Awareness Day - State Honored For Its Continued Efforts - November 30th

Farmington Counselor Has License Summarily Suspended - November 20th

MDCH Reports First Influenza Case Of 2006-07 Season - November 17th

Granholm Announces $9 Million To Accelerate Training For Michigan Health Care Professionals - November 17th

Oxford Nurse Loses License - November 6th

Social Worker's License Summarily Suspended - November 6th

Detroit Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended - November 6th

Eastpointe Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended - November 2nd

State Celebrates Family Caregiver Month - November 2nd

Michigan Cancer Consortium Recognizes Exemplary Cancer Control Activities - November 1st

Michigan Recognizes December 1 As World AIDS Day - Observances To Be Held Throughout State

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is joining in the effort to raise HIV/AIDS awareness by recognizing December 1 as World AIDS Day in Michigan. The theme for this year is "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise: Focusing on Accountability."

"On this 25th anniversary of the first diagnosis of HIV, it is imperative, now more than ever, to remain committed to exemplary prevention strategies and to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to those living with HIV and AIDS," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director.

Nationally, it is estimated more than one million people are living with HIV, with one-third unaware of their infection. Approximately 40,000 new HIV infections occur each year in the United States, with roughly 70 percent of those men and 30 percent women, respectively.

As of October 1, 2006, a total of 12,972 persons were known to be living with HIV/AIDS in Michigan, with roughly 52 percent having AIDS. Further breakdown reveals that 57 percent of those infected are African-American, 37 percent are White, 4 percent are Hispanic, and 2 percent are other or unknown race. Almost 77 percent of those infected are males. In the Detroit Metro Area alone, 8,286 residents are currently living with HIV/AIDS.

To further raise awareness, a commemorative ceremony will take place tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. Dr. Michael Morgan, Deputy Director of Wayne County Department of Public Health, and Loretta Davis-Satterla, Director of the Division of Health, Wellness and Disease Control (DHWDC) within MDCH will discuss the impact of AIDS over the last 25 years. Presentations by people living with HIV/AIDS and entertainment will also be featured. Other various activities are planned throughout the state and include a presentation by Barbara Murray, Executive Director of AIDS Partnership Michigan, who will be distributing funds raised by statewide AIDS walks to AIDS service organizations, free and confidential HIV testing, STD screenings, and high blood pressure, glucose and TB screenings. Local health departments and community-based organizations may also have other commemoration activities planned.

The DHWDC division of MDCH continues to provide ongoing HIV prevention education, care services, and training to help support Michigan's HIV/AIDS service providers.

For a complete listing of events or for more information on HIV/AIDS, please visit www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on the Physical Health & Prevention tab, then Prevention, and then HIV/STD or call the Michigan AIDS Hotline at (800) 872-2427. For more information on World AIDS Day, please visit www.worldaidsday.org.

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Michigan Recognizes Methamphetamine Awareness Day - State Honored For Its Continued Efforts

State and national officials are recognizing November 30 as National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, citing Michigan as a national example of a state making progress toward slowing the spread of the deadly drug.

"Since 2002, Michigan has taken a proactive approach to dealing with this drug, and has attacked the problem from many different angles, including initiatives in prevention, enforcement, education, treatment, child welfare, retail and legislation," said Donald L. Allen, Director of the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy. "We have borrowed strategies from our neighboring states that have been proven successful and have also developed some of our own approaches that have worked quite well. We believe that the progress we have made in preventing the spread of methamphetamine across Michigan has only been successful because of the strong team we have in place."

"It is my great honor and privilege to officially observe the first-ever National Methamphetamine Awareness Day here in Lansing, Michigan. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy appreciates the dedication of the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy, the Michigan State Police, and the hard work of the Michigan HIDTA in combating the deadly scourge of methamphetamine," said Mary Ann Solberg, Deputy Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. "Meth is a serious and highly toxic drug that adversely affects countless American lives and communities and Michigan has remained a key player in the 30 percent decrease in meth lab incidents we have seen recently at the national level."

Since 2002, the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP), within the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), has served as the coordinating agency for a statewide methamphetamine strategy-which includes the State Meth Task Force and eight multi-disciplinary committees on Media/Public Awareness, Law Enforcement, Environmental, Prevention, Treatment and Education, Child Welfare, Prosecution/Judicial and Retail.

"Since methamphetamine emerged on the West Coast almost a decade ago, and well before it hit the shores of Michigan, officials here in our state were taking measures to stem the tide of this toxic drug through prevention, education and enforcement," said Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the Michigan State Police. "By working together with law enforcement, human services, health care, business and environmental experts, we are gaining ground in this fight."

In 2004, ODCP applied for and received a $1.05 million three-year grant from SAMHSA-the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)-to further meth prevention efforts around methamphetamine. In 2006, two more regional substance abuse coordinating agencies were added, resulting in a total of twenty counties being covered through this project.

"National Meth Awareness Day serves as a statement and a commitment to all Americans that DEA and our State and Local Law enforcement partners are dedicated to the prevention and education regarding the ill effects of this horrible drug," said Robert Corso, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Field Division. "Cooperation is the key. Working together we can prevent this epidemic and enhance the quality of life for all Michiganians."

Michigan also has taken action through its statewide "MethWatch" retail and community education campaign. Implemented in May 2005, this community-based program has worked with various retailers across the State of Michigan by training their employees to recognize and identify individuals who are attempting to obtain the necessary precursors for the illegal production of meth.

"In response to the dangers of meth, our office's district-wide anti-meth strategy has achieved results, both in significant prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences, and in providing broad-based community education and outreach programs," said Stephen J. Murphy, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Michigan. "I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners in local, state and federal law enforcement. Without this kind of terrific cooperation, we would not be able to achieve the success we have seen."

The MethWatch program also incorporates an aggressive awareness campaign by placing "MethWatch" stickers near these components on the shelves at stores, thereby notifying meth dealers that the facility is knowledgeable and has an increased level of awareness.

"The United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who are involved in the importation, manufacture, distribution, or sale of methamphetamine," said Margaret M. Chiara, United States Attorney, Western District of Michigan. "The effect of methamphetamine use reaches beyond the abuser, to innocent children who become the victims of the danger, violence, and aggression associated with the drug."

In July 2006, additional meth prevention legislation in Michigan went into effect which:

� Adds exposure to methamphetamine to the definition of child abuse and requires officials to conduct an investigation if exposure is suspected;

� Allows local law enforcement officers to seek medical treatment for children exposed to methamphetamine without a court order;

� Creates a Methamphetamine Reporting Act to better enable law enforcement officials to track methamphetamine production and use;

� Requires sites of lab locations to be posted on the internet, along with their clean-up status;

� Requires the Department of Community Health and the Department of Environmental Quality to develop new procedures for clean-up of household and environmental contamination resulting from methamphetamine production; and

� Prohibits the use of the Internet or other electronic methods to publish information regarding production of methamphetamine or to sell ephedrine or pseudoephedrine-based products that can be used in its production.

Since 2000 to 2005, the number of discovered meth labs increased from 40 to 261, but so far in 2006, Michigan has seen a significant decline to 100 labs as of November 18, and only 105 meth-related incidents.

"The mission of the HIDTA Program is to support federal, state and local law enforcement in their collective efforts to address and contain criminal issues which plaque our State. Methamphetamine abuse and small toxic labs are one of these issues," said Abraham L. Azzam, Director, Michigan HIDTA. "HIDTA is pleased to know our support has made a material difference in the Methamphetamine struggle in Michigan."

Michigan also has developed a drug endangered children (DEC) protocol, which includes both a response protocol and a specific medical protocol. Booklets were produced which include both protocols, and will be handed out during DEC trainings scheduled for 2007. State agencies are also working with Native American tribes to develop DEC protocols for their use.

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Farmington Counselor Has License Summarily Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed professional counselor license of Mark Alan Matthews, L.P.C., L.B.S.W., based on his felony convictions in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Oakland County.

On April 18, 2006, Matthews was convicted of two felony counts of Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material, both felonies. As a result, Matthews was placed on probation for five years with terms and ordered to comply with sex offender registration requirements. In addition, Matthews was ordered to pay $2,280 in court costs and fees. Matthews failed to report his convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On November 2, 2006, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Matthews' 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 Matthews' licensed professional counselor 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 Reports First Influenza Case Of 2006-07 Season

LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has confirmed a case of influenza in the state, the first of the 2006-2007 Michigan flu season.

The case of influenza - in an 18-month old toddler from Oakland County - has been confirmed as Influenza B, according to officials at the state's public health laboratory in Lansing. The child was not hospitalized as a result of the illness.

"Each year, we expect to see influenza cases appear at this time of year, and 2006 is certainly no different," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "We continue to encourage citizens to seek out the influenza vaccine - as it is the best way to prevent contracting seasonal influenza."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta is expected to upgrade Michigan flu activity to "sporadic" for next week's report, the lowest level of influenza activity the federal government tracks.

MDCH has several systems in place to detect influenza, including a network of clinicians and hospital emergency departments throughout the state which report persons with flu-like illness, laboratories that report positive test results for influenza, and school-based absenteeism reports.

Sporadic flu cases are often seen in Michigan during November and activity often begins to increase thereafter. Activity typically peaks in late January through February, but can sometimes peak earlier or later, depending on the strain of flu and severity of the season.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Every year in the United States, on average:

� 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;

� More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;

� About 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

So far this year, state officials estimate that nearly 2.4 million doses of flu vaccine have been shipped to Michigan. Health care providers should have ample supplies of vaccine by Thanksgiving and should continue to vaccinate citizens throughout the entire flu season.

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Granholm Announces $9 Million To Accelerate Training For Michigan Health Care Professionals

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today awarded $9 million in Accelerated Health Professional Training grants to 11 community colleges and universities for fast-track training to help meet Michigan's demand for nurses and other health care professionals.

The grants will be used over the next decade to train more than 400 health professionals across the state and to build facilities to increase the capacity for educating more students interested in becoming RNs, LPNs, clinical nursing faculty, and other health professionals.

"As the state's economy continues to transition, we must ensure that accelerated training programs are available in fields like health care, where we know there is high demand," Granholm said. "These grants will help provide the programs necessary to ensure our health care system has the staff they need while providing great job opportunities for Michigan citizens."

The funding initiative is part of the Governor's MI Opportunity Partnership, first unveiled in her 2005 State of the State message to train workers for career fields-such as health care-where there is current and future demand for workers. With today's announcement, the initiative has made more than $29 million available to 17 Michigan universities and community colleges for accelerated health professional training.

Community colleges and public universities affiliated with Michigan Regional Skills Alliances (MiRSAs), along with partner community hospitals, were invited to submit grant proposals, which were reviewed by a panel from the departments of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) and Community Health (DCH). MiRSAs, another component of the Governor's economic development plan, are regionally and industry-based partnerships comprised of employers, educational institutions, training providers, economic development organizations, and public workforce system agencies.

"Many nursing students have completed their course work, but are unable to get the clinical experience they need to complete the program. Thanks to this partnership, we are addressing this issue so we can put these students into the workforce more quickly," MDCH Director Janet Olszewski said.

According to a 2006 report issued by the Partnership for Health, health care employment provides $22.6 billion per year in wages and benefits in Michigan. Health care employees earn an average of $34,300 per year (2001) and contribute $55,000 annually to the local economy.

"The demand for health care workers will continue to grow with the aging of Michigan's baby-boom generation and an overall increase in longevity," DLEG Director Robert W. Swanson said. "The Governor's economic development plan is making sure Michigan is better able to meet the growing labor demands of the health care industry while ensuring quality health care for all citizens."

Grant recipients are as follows:

Oxford Nurse Loses License

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the registered nurse license of Kimberly Sue Middler, R.N., based on her convictions in Oakland County.

On May 23, 2001, Middler was convicted of one count of Operating While Impaired and one count of Disorderly Conduct, both misdemeanors. As a result, Middler was sentenced to eight days in jail, ordered to pay costs, restitution, and fees totaling $1,832.45, and was placed on probation.

On October 18, 2005, Middler was convicted of Operating Under the Influence of Liquor-2nd Offense, a misdemeanor. As a result, Middler was sentenced to 30 days in jail, ordered to pay costs, restitution, and fees totaling $2,728, and placed on probation for a period of 24 months with terms.

On May 25, 2006, Middler was convicted of one count of Operating Under the Influence of Liquor-3rd Offense, a felony, and one count of Driving While License Suspended, a misdemeanor. As a result, Middler was sentenced to 90 days in jail, placed on probation for 24 months with terms, and ordered to pay a fine and costs totaling $2,225.

On October 24, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Middler's nursing 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 Middler's registered nurse 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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Social Worker's License Summarily Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the master's limited social work license of Debra Denise Gibbons, L.M.S.W., based on her felony convictions in the 37th Judicial Circuit Court of Calhoun County.

On June 20, 2006, Gibbons was convicted of Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manufacture (Narcotic or Cocaine) Less than 50 Grams and one count of Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manufacture (Schedules 1, 2, and 3 except Marijuana and Cocaine), both felonies. As a result, Gibbons was sentenced to seven months in jail, had her driver license suspended for 365 days, and was ordered to pay costs and fees totaling $180. Gibbons failed to report her convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On October 24, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Gibbons' 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 Gibbons' master's limited social work 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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Detroit Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed practical nurse license of Naomi Diana Taylor, L.P.N., based on her felony convictions in the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Wayne County.

On May 22, 2006, Taylor was convicted of two counts of Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder, both felonies. As a result, Taylor was sentenced to eight years in prison, and ordered to pay costs, restitution and fees totaling $1,391.91. Taylor failed to report her convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On October 30, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Taylor'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 Taylor's licensed practical nurse 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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Eastpointe Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed practical nurse license of Jeffery P. Lockwood, 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.

Lockwood was terminated from two healthcare facilities between June 2006 and September 2006. Pursuant to the Public Health Code, the facilities reported Lockwood's termination to the Department. In an interview conducted by the Department, Lockwood admitted that he diverted, for his own use, Duragesic patches (a schedule 2 controlled substance), and Vicodin (a schedule 3 controlled substance) from the facilities he had been employed at.

On October 23, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Lockwood's nursing license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Lockwood's licensed practical nurse 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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State Celebrates Family Caregiver Month

To raise awareness on the complex role of the increasing number of family caregivers in Michigan and the needs and issues faced by them, the Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) urges all Michiganians to celebrate November as Family Caregiver Month.

According to the 2000 census, Michigan has nearly 1.6 million people over the age of 60, representing 16 percent of the total population. As this population increases, the number of people needing care will also rise. In addition, grandparents represent a large population of caregivers. The census also reported 2.4 million of the 5.8 million grandparents living with their grandchildren are the primary caretakers of grandchildren under the age of 18.

"Family Caregiver Month is a time to give thanks to the valuable contributions to the estimated one million family caregivers throughout Michigan," said Sharon L. Gire, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. "For caregivers, the responsibility of caregiving means re-evaluating personal finances, re-evaluating job opportunities and making compromises. We want caregivers to be aware that Michigan's aging network has support and service programs to alleviate the stress of their daily caregiving duties."

Family caregivers provide support daily or occasionally, and assist with services such as bathing, banking, shopping, food preparation and medical care. Caregiving places tremendous stress and burden on the caregiver and as a result, it has the potential to impact the health, work, family, personal relationships, and finances of the caregiver. OSA helps provide relief to caregivers through respite and related services to help them cope and continue providing valuable care.

It is estimated that more than 60 percent of today's adult population either is or expects to be a family caregiver. Caregivers such as spouses and adult children provide the overwhelming majority of homecare services in this country. Approximately one million of Michigan's citizens provide 1 billion hours of unpaid care annually to adults with illnesses or disabilities in the state with an approximate economic value of more than $9 billion per year.

The Michigan Office of Services to the Aging is the focal point of Michigan's aging network providing leadership, innovation, advocacy, and supportive services on behalf of Michigan's older adults and caregivers. For more information, please contact the Office of Services to the Aging at (517) 373-8230 or www.miseniors.net.

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Michigan Cancer Consortium Recognizes Exemplary Cancer Control Activities

Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski today announced that the Michigan Cancer Consortium (MCC) will present its prestigious Spirit of Collaboration Awards to five organizations that have engaged in exemplary cancer control collaborations.

"These awards are given to organizations that exude the true spirit of the Michigan Cancer Consortium," said Olszewski. "These organizations are working together to conquer cancer in Michigan."

The awards will be presented Friday, November 3, 2006 at Noon at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe, Grand Rapids. Ray Demers, MD, MPH, MCC Co-Chair and CEO of the Great Lakes Cancer Institute at Michigan State University, will present the awards. Recipients include:

� Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Pilot Program. Collaborating partners are District Health Department #10 and Spectrum Health - Reed City Campus.

� Digital Mammography Position Papers for Providers and Consumers. Collaborating partners include Gerald Aben, MD (Michigan State University), Ray Demers, MD, MPH (Great Lakes Cancer Institute at Michigan State University), Sharolyn Gonzalez, OCN, RN (Sparrow Regional Cancer Center), Nancy Gregory, MD (William Beaumont Hospital), Mark Helvie, MD (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center), Bruce Matkovich (Michigan Department of Community Health - Radiation Safety Section), Stephanie Patterson, MD (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center), Murray Rebner, MD (Michigan Radiological Society, William Beaumont Hospital), Frank Vicini, MD (William Beaumont Hospital), and Max Wicha, MD (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center).

� MI SmokeFree Apartment Initiative. Collaborating partners include the Center for Social Gerontology: Smoke-Free Environments Law Project, Chippewa County Health Department, Dickinson-Iron District Health Department, Genesee County Health Department, Genesee County Health Department, Ingham County Health Department, LMAS District Health Department, Marquette County Health Department, Michigan Department of Community Health - Tobacco Section, Ogemaw County Health Department, Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties, Washtenaw County Health Department, and Western UP District Health Department.

� Network-Wide Colorectal Cancer Screening and Education in Mid-Michigan. Collaborating partners include the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Inc. (Lansing and Flint areas), Bay Regional Medical Center, Beckman Coulter Inc., Great Lakes Cancer Institute, Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lapeer Regional Medical Center, and McLaren Regional Medical Center.

� Patient Notification of Abnormal Pap Test Results. Collaborating partners include Carl Christensen, MD, PhD (Detroit Medical Center), Samuel Hirsch, MD (St. Joseph Mercy Health System), Mutjaba Husain, MD (Detroit Medical Center), Carolyn Johnston, MD (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center), Rachel Nosowsky, JD (University of Michigan Health System), Maureen O'Higgins, MS, RN (American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Inc.), Frances Pouch Downes, PhD (Michigan Department of Community Health), Emily Volk, MD (William Beaumont Hospital), and Lauren Zoschnick, MD (University of Michigan Health System).

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