September 2006 News

Granholm Blueprint To Prevent Unintended Pregnancies Making Progress - September 27th

State Recognizes Value Of Older Workforce - September 25th

Michigan Surgeon General And Lakeview School District Announce Health-Focused Summit For High Schools - September 25th

HAPIS Awards $2 Million To HIV Prevention Programs - September 21st

MDCH, Altarum Partner To Enhance Michigan's Disease Surveillance Systems - September 20th

Michigan Debuts New Emergency Preparedness Web Site - September 19th

State Celebrates Drug Discount Card's Second Birthday - September 18th

State Issues Warning On Foodborne E.coli Outbreak - September 15th

MDCH Offers Identity Theft Protection To Study Participants After Data Apparently Stolen - September 15th

Marquette Social Worker Loses License - September 11th

State Honors Grandparents Day - September 8th

Granholm Awards $2.4 Million In Discretionary Grants To Support Anti Drug Efforts - September 7th

State Officials Warn Of Misleading Hand Washing Flyers - September 1st

Granholm Recognizes September As Prostate Cancer Awareness Month - September 1st

MDCH Recognizes National Alcohol And Drug Addiction Recovery Month - September 1st

Granholm Blueprint To Prevent Unintended Pregnancies Making Progress

LANSING – More than 50 community members and stakeholders joined Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom as the state recognized the progress made toward implementing Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s blueprint strategy to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies statewide.

“I am thrilled that we have made such progress toward addressing unintended pregnancies in a short period of time,” Wisdom said at the Lansing event. “The statistics we already have clearly indicate promising news for Michigan now – and in the future. The work thus far is an excellent example of the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that women have access to the care they need.”

Since tackling this important health care issue, Michigan has made the following crucial first steps toward seeing reductions in the state’s unintended pregnancy rates:

More than 11,500 women now have critical family planning services through the Plan First! program funded by a federal waiver the state applied for and received – over and above those who qualify for services under Medicaid. Michigan continues to add more than 250 women to the program each day, all of whom now have the ability to access critical family planning services. Plan First! extends family planning services to women at up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level.
More than 800 middle school parents have been trained with the skills necessary to talk with their children about abstinence and sexuality in 62 Talk Early & Talk Often (TETO) pilot sites. Requests for the TETO curriculum have come from all across the United States, from as far away as Alaska and the Cayman Islands. Almost three months after the TETO pilot concluded:

o 98 percent of parents reported the workshop increased their ability to “open the door” to talk with their middle schoolers.

o 98 percent of parents reported that the workshop increased their ability to respond to questions their middle schoolers may have.

o 99 percent of parents said they would recommend the workshop to other parents.

Wisdom also announced the formation of a new statewide Provider Task Force. This interdisciplinary group of 20 to 25 experts in women’s health will include physicians, social workers, nurses and nurse practitioners, health plans, state and local public health, universities and medical schools, school-based health centers, and Title X clinics. Participants will reach out to underserved populations and those working with cultural minorities, and develop broadly disseminated reference information to support providers in effectively counseling women on how to not become pregnant unless the pregnancy is planned.

In announcing the program in July 2005, Granholm said parents should be the primary sex educators of their children, and we want to lead the way by giving them the tools they need to talk frankly about issues involving abstinence and sexuality.

“If all pregnancies were intended, the state would see significant reductions in infant mortality, child abuse, child neglect, and abortion,” Granholm added. “When armed with information and the tools they need to communicate effectively, parents can be instrumental in providing critical messages to their children that can help them abstain from sexual intercourse. By doing so, they can help them avoid early and unintended pregnancy as well as the threat of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.”

The Michigan Department of Community Health’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 pregnancies were unintended.

The total cost to Medicaid for the delivery of a baby and first year of life is $11,528 – with the cost of delivery averaging $6,197 and the cost of first year of life services averaging $5,331. In FY 2000, the state Medicaid program paid for prenatal, delivery and post-natal care of roughly 26,000 unintended births. Each birth cost Medicaid $11,000, which translates to $286 million in costs for Michigan.

If Michigan can reduce the number of unintended pregnancies by 10 percent, it would save the state over $27 million in Medicaid expenditures annually.

“Ultimately, when we see the rate of unintended pregnancy in Michigan trend down, and gaps of health disparity around this issue begin to irrefutably close – that is when we will know that we also have begun to make a difference,” said Dr. Thomas Petroff, Chief Medical Officer of McLaren Health Plan/Health Advantage and chairperson of the Provider Task Force.

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State Recognizes Value Of Older Workforce

In honor of the contributions the older workforce, the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) encourages employers to observe National Employ Older Workers Week from September 24-30, 2006.

This is an important opportunity for elected officials, employers, and the general public to highlight the vital role of older workers in the current labor force and the continuing importance of the participation of older workers in meeting the employment needs of the 21st century.

“Older workers bring education, experience, and dedication to the workplace,” said Sharon Gire, OSA Director. “They are often well equipped to handle the mental and emotional demands of a career.”

By 2012, nearly 20% of the total U.S. workforce will be age 55 or older, up from just 13% in 2000. This growth reflects that the population as a whole is getting older due to several factors, including the aging of the large Baby Boom generation, lower birth rates, and longer life expectancies.

Unfortunately, many older workers face age bias. A recent study found that a young applicant is 40 percent more likely to be called back for an interview than their older counterpart.

Employers are encouraged to consider the benefits of hiring an older worker. Older workers are typically more willing to make large-scale changes to benefit the organization.

For more information on services to the aging, please contact OSA at (517) 373-8230 or www.miseniors.net.

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Michigan Surgeon General And Lakeview School District Announce Health-Focused Summit For High Schools

Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom and Lakeview School District invite high school students from all public and private schools in Michigan to the first-ever Michigan Steps Up Youth Leadership & Advocacy Summit on Saturday, October 28 at Lakeview High School in Battle Creek. The Summit is the newest component of the Michigan Steps Up healthy lifestyles initiative.

The event is designed to engage youth in making a personal commitment to a healthy lifestyle and to empower them to become advocates for environmental and policy change in their schools to support healthy lifestyles. Teams of up to four high school students and one adult mentor will create a school-wide action plan to implement throughout the 2006-2007 school year.

"Michigan’s youth deserve a say in decisions and actions that impact their health,” Wisdom said. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for high school students to play an important role in the statewide movement to create healthier schools and healthier communities."

Wisdom is optimistic that this pilot program will be replicated year after year in Michigan and perhaps nationally. She envisions long-term, youth-led efforts that result in grassroots action, healthier school environments, and policy change.

"Lakeview School District is honored to team up with the Surgeon General and open our doors to students who want strategies, skills, resources and time to think about, dialogue and develop a health-focused action plan for their school," said Cindy Ruble, Superintendent of Lakeview School District.

Event highlights include student presentations; a leadership, advocacy, grassroots action and health professions panel; and nationally renowned keynote speakers Dr. Ronald Davis, President-Elect of the American Medical Association, and Dr. David Katz, Director of the Yale Prevention Research Center and ABC News and O, The Oprah Magazine Contributor. City Year Detroit will lead exercise breaks and facilitate small group work sessions, and the event will conclude with a lock-in at Full Blast Entertainment Center courtesy of the City of Battle Creek. A nominal team registration fee will cover food, materials and activities for all team members. Additional expenses will be covered through private and public sponsorships.

Advanced registration is required. Registration materials and additional information are available at www.michiganstepsup.org (click on the "Healthy Schools" icon).

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HAPIS Awards $2 Million To HIV Prevention Programs

Based upon recently completed-and highly competitive-Request For Proposals (RFP), the HIV/AIDS Prevention & Intervention Section (HAPIS), within the Michigan Department of Community Health, has awarded $2 million to 16 community-based and non-governmental organizations to provide highly-targeted evidence-based HIV prevention services.

Programming supported through these awards is concentrated in those areas of the state determined to have the highest HIV prevalence rates. Awards were also given for services in Berrien County, Flint, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Saginaw, Traverse City, and Ypsilanti.

Funded services include HIV counseling, testing and referral, and behavioral interventions. These interventions are targeted to populations at increased risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV, including HIV-positive individuals, men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, and heterosexual individuals whose partners are HIV-infected or at high risk (e.g., injecting drug users). A majority of the funds awarded also support programming specifically targeting African Americans, who are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS in Michigan.

Grantees, services, and amounts granted are as follows:

AIDS Partnership Michigan (APM)

·CTR for MSM and African American women HRH;

·“Prevention Options for Positives” for HIV+ MSM

$198,419

Alternatives for Girls (AFG)

·4-session skills-building workshops; recruitment to CTR for commercial sex workers;

·6-session skills-building workshops; recruitment to CTR for commercial sex workers who are also IDU

$90,000

Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS)

·CTR for Arab American MSM;

·Single-session skills-building workshops; individual-level prevention counseling for Arab American MSM

$91,739

Community AIDS Resources and Education Services (CARES)

·CTR for African American MSM, IDU (Berrien County);

·Individual-level prevention counseling for African American MSM, IDU (Berrien County)

·CTR for MSM, IDU, HRH;

·“Mpowerment” for MSM;

·“Prevention Options for Positives” for HIV+ MSM

$217,204

Community Health Awareness Group (CHAG)

·CTR for African American IDU, MSM

·“Many Men, Many Voices” for African American MSM

$300,000

Community Health Clinic

·CTR for MSM, IDU, HRH

$35,000

Grand Traverse County Health Department

·Outreach, skills-building sessions for MSM

·Multi-session skills-building workshops; individual-level prevention counseling for HIV-infected MSM

$30,000

Hearth Home

·CTR for MSM;

·“Hot, Health and Keeping it Up” (single-session SBW) for MSM

$98,605

HIV/AIDS Resource Center (HARC)

·CTR for MSM

·“Prevention Options for Positives” for HIV+ MSM

$135,000

Horizon's Project/Children’s Hospital

·CTR for young African American MSM, HRH (women);

·“Brothers Saving Brothers” (3-session SBW) for young African American MSM

·“SISTA” for young African American women

$121,471

Lansing Area AIDS Network (LAAN)

·CTR for MSM;

·“Sizzling Safely” (single-session SBW) for MSM;

·“Prevention Options for Positives” for HIV+ MSM

$84,969

Midwest AIDS Prevention Project (MAPP)

·CTR for MSM;

·“Many Men, Many Voices” for African American MSM

$250,391

Planned Parenthood of Mid-Michigan

·SISTA for young African American women

$40,384

St. Mary's McAuley Health Services

·CTR for MSM;

·“Hot, Health and Keeping it Up” (single-session SBW) for MSM:

·“VOICES” for HRH:

·“Partnerships for Health” for HIV-infected persons

$93,000

Wellness HIV/AIDS Services

·CTR for MSM, IDU, HRH women;

·“SISTA” for African American women;

·Prevention case management for HIV-infected persons

$173,144

Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University

·CTR for African American MSM, IDU, HRH;

·“Partnerships for Health” for HIV-infected persons

$112,974

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MDCH, Altarum Partner To Enhance Michigan's Disease Surveillance Systems

ANN ARBOR – Altarum Institute has been awarded a $750,000, three-year program to enhance and maintain the web-based Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) housed within the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).

The MDSS system has more than 700 users across Michigan, including state and local public health officials, health care providers, and laboratories. The system provides a web-based disease surveillance tool that allows for the electronic gathering and geographic mapping of disease data, disease reports, and care assignments.

“Michigan takes great pride and comfort in knowing that we have one of the most advanced disease tracking tools in the nation,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “The spread of infectious disease is a threat that commands the attention of policy makers and health professionals across America. Since 2004, MDSS has given Michigan capabilities to track emerging infections. Armed with that information, we can make much more rapid and effective decisions on how to respond, provide care to the sick, and protect the healthy.”

Altarum Institute, a nonprofit research institution, has provided technical support and program management services to the MDSS since it was first piloted in 2002.

“In partnership with the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michigan Department of Information Technology, we will be making the MDSS an even more potent tool for Michigan decision makers and health providers,” said Jim Lee, Altarum’s Program Manager for the MDSS. “Among several initiatives we will undertake is programming the system to track the introduction and potential spread of tuberculosis. We also will make it possible for hospital and commercial laboratories to securely and electronically report disease data, which improves health and saves money.”

The potential impact of a strong surveillance system is significant when considering diseases for which early identification and prevention measures may eliminate deaths, such as bacterial meningitis.

Since bacterial meningitis occurs most frequently among children and young adults, the cost-per-life lost has been estimated at between $1.2 million and $4.8 million. The cost-per-case of meningitis associated with long-term consequences and treatment has been estimated at $1,298 to $14,600. While the occurrence of bacterial meningitis is relatively low (68 cases per year, on average, in Michigan), the ability to prevent even one case has enormous human and economic implications.

“When it comes to preventing the spread of infectious diseases, knowledge truly is power,” said Altarum CEO Ken Baker. “Day in and day out, this system is giving Michigan’s public health leaders the upper hand in understanding both the health risks we face and the best ways to keep our citizens healthy. Altarum is proud to play a part in this important effort.”

For more information on the Altarum Institute, please visit www.altarum.org. The MDSS can also be accessed by visiting www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

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Michigan Debuts New Emergency Preparedness Web Site

LANSING – A new state web site specifically designed to provide proactive emergency planning information for individuals, families, and businesses made its electronic debut today, marking a critical point in the state’s effort to educate the public on what to do during a potential crisis.

“Effective planning and preparation can help ensure Michigan citizens are safe in a time of emergency,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “Our state’s new web site can help in that preparation.”

The web site – www.michigan.gov/prepare - offers citizens the latest available information on family preparedness, chemical, biological, and radiological emergencies, natural disasters, and severe weather. The site features state resources, as well as links to other federal assets that are considered the last word for family emergency preparedness. The site is a compilation of resources from multiple state agencies – all of whom have contributed content for emergency preparedness – including the Michigan State Police and its Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, and the Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH), Agriculture (MDA), Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Natural Resources (DNR).

"The debut of this web site is especially timely given that September is National Preparedness Month," stated Col. Peter C. Munoz, Director of the Michigan State Police and State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "During this month, I encourage all citizens to take a few moments to review the valuable resources available on this site."

“Through www.michigan.gov/prepare, individuals can access a wide range of health information,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “We want this web site to be the first place citizens around the state visit to protect themselves both before and during a potential crisis.”

Olszewski said Michigan also is undertaking a marketing campaign with television, radio, and print advertising to make citizens aware that the new web site exists. Television and radio commercials for the new web site began today around the state.

"It is important for all of us to be prepared for accidents that can jeopardize the health of our families," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "By better understanding how to respond to an emergency situation, we can all help to keep Michigan safe."

"Utilizing the food safety guidelines found on this web site will help protect Michigan families from farm to fork," said Mitch Irwin, MDA director. "Preserving the viability of the state's food supply is MDA's top priority as evidenced by the recent E.coli outbreak."

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State Celebrates Drug Discount Card's Second Birthday

LANSING – Almost 40,000 citizens are currently using Michigan’s two-year old prescription drug discount card, a testament to the program’s continued value for low income citizens, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today as the MI-Rx card celebrates its second birthday.

“When I first took office in 2003, I promised to do whatever I could to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and the MI-Rx card represents tangible evidence of that continued commitment,” Granholm said. “For individuals who currently have no prescription drug coverage, the MI-Rx card in an invaluable tool that can be utilized to save an average of 20 percent off the cost of prescription drugs.”

Today, thanks to the MI-Rx card, more than 38,000 citizens receive an average savings of 20 percent of the cost of their prescription drugs. In July, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) unveiled a new campaign to promote the state’s official prescription drug discount card. Granholm has pledged to enroll 50,000 citizens in the program by January 1, 2007.

The card – available to low income, working residents who do not have prescription drug coverage and are not enrolled in other government-sponsored prescription drug programs – was first debuted by Granholm in September 2004. Today, more than 37,000 citizens currently benefit from the Mi-Rx Card.

“The Michigan prescription drug discount card provides much needed assistance for the low income working men, women and families who struggle with the high cost of prescription drugs,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “With more than one million uninsured residents in Michigan, the card fills a critical gap in our health care system by making prescription drugs more affordable for those who have nowhere else to turn.”

Individuals who qualify for the card use it at more than 2,300 pharmacies across the state, including all major chain stores. There is no age limit to participate in Michigan’s program. To qualify, family members must only be Michigan residents, have no other prescription drug coverage, and have an income level at or below the state’s median income level. For a single individual, the median income level is $27,930. For a family of four that income level is $56,550.

When enrollees present a MI-Rx card at a participating pharmacy, they can expect to save approximately 20 percent off the retail price of common prescription drugs. Savings will depend on the kinds of medicines used, and if they are generic or brand name drugs. Currently, more than one million Michigan citizens do not have access to prescription drug coverage.

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State Issues Warning On Foodborne E.coli Outbreak

LANSING – The Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture (MDA) are alerting consumers and the food industry about a current outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states associated with the consumption of fresh produce.

At this time, preliminary information suggests that fresh-bagged spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak.

Consumers are advised to not eat any fresh-bagged spinach and food establishments are advised to pull these products from their shelves and not include in any uncooked menu items. If the bagged spinach is contaminated, washing it has not been proven to make it safe. If dining out, consumers should inquire as to the source of any fresh spinach before ordering.

Michigan has three of the 50 known cases currently associated with this outbreak, said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. The individuals affected by the illness reside in Lapeer, Ingham, and Macomb Counties. Two of the cases were hospitalized, and all are recovering. Surveillance for additional cases in other counties is currently underway, she said.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to eat bagged fresh spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider.

E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

MDCH will continue to keep the public updated as more information about the investigation becomes available. FDA recall information can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html.

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MDCH Offers Identity Theft Protection To Study Participants After Data Apparently Stolen

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the limited licensed master’s social work license of Hilary Edith Wright, L.L.M.S.W., based on her misdemeanor convictions in the 96th Judicial District Circuit Court of Marquette County, Michigan, and her substance abuse issues. Wright failed to report her convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On February 27, 2006, Wright was convicted of one misdemeanor count of Escape from Lawful Custody. As a result, Wright was sentenced placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to pay fine, costs and fees totaling $765.

On March 14, 2006, Wright was convicted of one misdemeanor count of Driving While Impaired and Larceny less than $200. As a result, Wright was placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to pay fine, costs and fees in totaling $695.

On August 23, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Wright’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the summary suspension of a health professional’s license when the Department concludes that public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Wright’s limited licensed master’s 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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Marquette Social Worker Loses License

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the limited licensed master’s social work license of Hilary Edith Wright, L.L.M.S.W., based on her misdemeanor convictions in the 96th Judicial District Circuit Court of Marquette County, Michigan, and her substance abuse issues. Wright failed to report her convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On February 27, 2006, Wright was convicted of one misdemeanor count of Escape from Lawful Custody. As a result, Wright was sentenced placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to pay fine, costs and fees totaling $765.

On March 14, 2006, Wright was convicted of one misdemeanor count of Driving While Impaired and Larceny less than $200. As a result, Wright was placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to pay fine, costs and fees in totaling $695.

On August 23, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Wright’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the summary suspension of a health professional’s license when the Department concludes that public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Wright’s limited licensed master’s 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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State Honors Grandparents Day

Sunday, September 10, 2006 is National Grandparents Day and the Office of Services to the Aging encourages all Michiganians to honor grandparents on this day. Grandparents Day is a family day, a day when grandchildren can give special recognition to their grandparents and other older adults in their lives.

"Grandparents play a special role in our lives and Grandparents Day gives us a chance to let them know how much they mean to our families," said Sharon L. Gire, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. “As life expectancy increases, we are fortunate to be able to spend more years with grandparents and it’s a perfect time to enhance communication between the generations."

Grandparents Day is also a time to honor the increasing numbers of grandparents that have taken on the non-traditional role of raising their grandchildren often without the parent of the child being in the home. U.S. Census 2000 data tell us that 2.4 million grandparents are taking on primary responsibility for their grandchildren's basic needs. In Michigan, over 70,000 grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren living with them.

Some suggested activities for Grandparents Day:

o Construct a family tree or spend time looking at old family photos

o Preserve particular ethnic or religious beliefs through sharing foods or stories from their childhood

o Invite the family together for a gathering in honor of the grandparents

o Take a moment to spend time with elderly friends and neighbors or residents of a local long-term care facility who don’t have family nearby and ‘adopt’ them as grandparents

o Give grandparents raising their grandchildren special recognition with ‘a day off’ or sponsor a picnic in their honor

In 1978, the US Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The month of September was chosen for the holiday to signify the ‘autumn years’ of life. For more information contact the Office of Services to the Aging at (517) 373-8230 or www.miseniors.net. 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.

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Granholm Awards $2.4 Million In Discretionary Grants To Support Anti Drug Efforts

Governor Jennifer Granholm has awarded $2,436,234 in Governor's Discretionary Grant Funds to 46 agencies in Michigan for one-year contracts, beginning October 1, 2006. The Governor’s Discretionary Grants are administered through the Michigan Department of Community Health, Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP).

“These grants will fund worthwhile programs to protect our children from the dangers of drug abuse,” said Donald L. Allen, OCDP Director. “We are so pleased that our communities have continued to work tirelessly to foster safe and drug-free environments for children.”

The purpose of the federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act grant program is to solicit proposals from communities for evidence-based programs and activities that:

· Prevent youth drug use and violence

· Involve parents and communities

· Coordinate with related state, school and community efforts and resources to foster a safe and drug-free learning environment that promotes student academic achievement

Eligible applicants for the competitive grants are nonprofit community organizations, parent groups, anti-drug coalitions, juvenile and probate courts, local educational agencies, faith-based organizations and other public and private nonprofit entities with a 501c3 status targeting youth not normally served by local educational agencies and community organizations.

To receive information pertaining to the Governor’s Discretionary Grant, access the Office of Drug Control Policy’s website at www.michigan.gov/odcp, then click on ‘Education’. Updated information on the application process will be available on the ODCP website in January 2007.

Governor’s Discretionary Grant awards include:

· 53rd Circuit Court, Cheboygan ($80,000)

· Berrien County Health Department, Benton Harbor ($40,000)

· Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Flint ($56,000)

· Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Negaunee ($30,000)

· Boys & Girls Club, Alpena ($68,000)

· Boys & Girls Club, Benton Harbor ($80,000)

· Boys & Girls Club, Kalamazoo ($49,786)

· County of Branch, Coldwater ($34,000)

· Catholic Social Services of Oakland County, Pontiac ($64,000)

· Catholic Social Services of Wayne County, Detroit ($50,000)

· Catholic Social Services, Muskegon ($39,600)

· Center for Occupational & Personalized Education, Ann Arbor ($57,600)

· Chaldean-American Ladies of Charity, Southfield ($80,000)

· Child & Family Resource Council, Grand Rapids ($32,000)

· Child and Family Services of the Upper Peninsula, Marquette ($70,000)

· City of Wayne ($40,000)

· Cristo Rey Community Center, Lansing ($80,000)

· Delta Menominee District Health Department, Escanaba ($26,584)

· Detroit Association of Black Organizations, Detroit ($48,160)

· Development Centers, Inc., Detroit ($39,788)

· Dial Help, Inc., Houghton ($56,000)

· Every Womens Place, Muskegon ($76,000)

· Family and Children’s Services, Midland ($36,000)

· Family Services and Children’s Aid, Jackson ($65,000)

· First Ward Community Services, Saginaw ($69,000)

· Gateway Community Services, East Lansing ($32,000)

· Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health, Manistee ($18,688)

· MI Assoc. for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Lansing ($64,000)

· Michigan Department of Military Affairs, Battle Creek ($100,000)

· Mt. Zion, Clarkston ($40,000)

· Muskegon County PRIDE, Muskegon ($72,000)

· Oakwood Health Care Inc., Taylor Teen, Dearborn ($28,000)

· Omankane: The Collective, Detroit ($48,000)

· Prevention Works, Kalamazoo ($50,000)

· Rochester/Auburn Hills Community Coalition, Rochester ($6,920)

· Saginaw County Department of Public Health, Saginaw ($65,314)

· Save Our Neighborhood and Streets, Port Huron ($64,000)

· County of St. Clair Sheriff’s Office, Port Huron ($24,800)

· Substance Abuse Council, Battle Creek ($55,994)

· Temple United Methodist Church, Muskegon Heights ($76,000)

· Van Buren/Cass District Health Dept., Hartford ($24,000)

· Volunteers In Prevention, Probation & Prisons, Inc., Detroit ($56,000)

· Wedgwood Christian Services, Grand Rapids ($45,000)

· West Midland Family Center, Shepherd ($68,000)

· Western U.P. Substance Abuse Agency, Houghton ($50,000)

· Winning Inc. of America, Benton Harbor ($80,000)

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State Officials Warn Of Misleading Hand Washing Flyers

The Michigan departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture are warning Michigan businesses to be aware of misleading flyers being distributed by two companies that claim to encourage compliance with a “new hand washing posting advisory.” The mailings, which could be mistaken for official notification, have the potential of intimidating businesses into purchasing the companies’ signs rather than risk being fined or closed.

Companies calling themselves the Michigan Center for Disease Education (MCDE) and the Food Service Compliance Center (FSCC) have mailed flyers to businesses to promote the sale of “approved hand washing posters.” It should be noted that the MCDE and FSCC are NOT state agencies, and not affiliated with the state of Michigan.

The flyers incorrectly quote sections of the Michigan Food Code and Food Law, as well as US Code of Federal Regulations, and imply that an operator may be closed down or fined up to $2,500 if they fail to have signs that meet "exact specifications.” Signs are then offered for sale for $19.95 each plus shipping.

While hand-washing signs are required for food establishments, they are not required at other businesses. For food establishments, the Michigan Food Code specifies only that the signs be legible and in the correct place.

The Michigan Department of Community Health strongly encourages routine hand hygiene to promote good health in all settings. Hand washing signs suitable for a variety of settings are available, free of charge, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov/cleanhands, or by contacting your local health department.

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Granholm Recognizes September As Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Per a proclamation signed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in 2005, September is being recognized as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Prostate cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Michigan men. In 2004, 967 men in the state died of the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, 800 Michigan men will die of the disease and 7,370 new cases will be diagnosed.

The causes of prostate cancer are unknown at this time; though, genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors are being investigated. The following are known risk factors for prostate cancer:

· Age: Prostate cancer is found most often in men older than age 50; 64 percent of Michigan men diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 and 94 percent of deaths from prostate cancer in 2002 were in men 65 years of age or older.

· African Ancestry: African-American men are affected disproportionately by prostate cancer. The diagnosis of prostate cancer in African-American men in Michigan is 1.5 times that of white men, and the death rate is 2 times greater in African-American men than in white men.

· Family history of prostate cancer on either maternal or paternal side increases the likelihood of getting prostate cancer.

There may be no symptoms of prostate cancer. Today, early prostate cancer is most often found with a blood test, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), before the cancer has caused symptoms.

Prostate cancer is different from other cancers in that most cases are of the slow growing type that would never have caused problems. Therefore, each man must decide whether or not to get tested for prostate cancer, and if it is found, which treatment option to select based on the risk and benefits as informed by his values and preferences.

The Michigan Cancer Consortium has developed a decision aid to help men make informed decisions regarding treatment of early prostate cancer. Making the Choice: Deciding What to Do About Early Stage Prostate Cancer is available in booklet, audio, and web-based formats. To order the decision aids, free of charge to Michigan residents, please call1-800-249-0314 or visit www.prostatecancerdecision.org.

For more information about prostate cancer, please visit the prostate cancer information section on the MDCH website, www.michigan.gov/cancer.

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MDCH Recognizes National Alcohol And Drug Addiction Recovery Month

As part of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is promoting awareness of substance abuse prevention and encourages the support of those in recovery.

“As the state agency charged with administering state substance abuse services, it is our responsibility to educate others that addiction is a disease, and should be treated as one,” said Don Allen, Director of the Office of Drug Control Policy within MDCH. “We will continue to make positive strides toward drug and alcohol abuse recovery.”

People in recovery from this disease come from all walks of life and should be treated with respect for continuing to fight a difficult battle. MDCH supports efforts to protect the health and well-being of every Michigan citizen, which includes addressing the problems of drug and alcohol abuse that continue to affect the lives of many across the state.

This year’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Build a Stronger Healthier Community.” The theme celebrates those individuals in recovery and their families. It also salutes the health care providers who continue to help citizens obtain treatment and educate the community about the benefits of treatment.

Throughout September, Recovery Month events are taking place nationwide to encourage communities to properly assess the need for assistance to overcome addiction so that all Michigan citizens can lead happier, healthier lives.

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