June 2024

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has expanded its farmworker hotline, 833-SIAYUDA (833-742-9832), to include information and resources for those affected by influenza A (H5N1). This toll-free service, launched in February 2023, provides assistance in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole. Two-thirds of Michigan’s seasonal farmworker population speak only Spanish. The […]

The MDHHS COVID-19 hotline will end on June 30, 2024. Although the hotline at (888) 535-6316 will be discontinued, the phone number will stay active for an additional month with a pre-recorded message directing callers to other COVID-related resources. After this period, the phone number will be fully deactivated. Over the past four years, numerous

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is alerting residents about the emergence of medetomidine in the illicit drug supply, contributing to overdose deaths. Medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer, poses significant health risks including slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and central nervous system depression. Since March, three overdose deaths in Ingham, Berrien, and

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel urges Ascension patients and associates to consider free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services following a recent ransomware attack. Ascension Healthcare detected unusual network activity on May 8 and is offering 12 months of complimentary services to potentially affected individuals. The Department of Attorney General’s Data Breaches: What to do

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announces immediate financial aid for Michigan dairy farms affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This support aims to help farms recover and advance critical HPAI research. Eligible farms can receive up to $28,000 each, with funding available for up to 20 farms,

With rising temperatures, it’s important to stay safe and cool. Here are cooling centers in Cass and Van Buren Counties to help you beat the heat: Cass County: Van Buren County: Stay hydrated and take advantage of these cooling centers to remain safe during the heat!

As temperatures rise into the 90s across Michigan, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds pet owners to protect their animals from the heat. Here are six essential tips: For more detailed information and to report concerns, visit the MDARD website. Stay cool and keep your pets safe!

Lt. Governor Gilchrist highlighted 22 Neighborhood Wellness Centers offering free preventive health screenings to address racial health disparities, including a site in Van Buren County located in Niles. Funded by a $17 million FY24 budget investment, these centers provide blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol screenings, COVID-19 and flu testing, and crisis support. Seven centers are

The CDC, FDA, and America’s Poison Centers are investigating severe acute illnesses potentially linked to Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars, cones, and gummies, which are marketed as containing a proprietary mushroom blend. As of June 11, 2024, 12 cases and 10 hospitalizations have been reported across eight states. The cause is currently unknown. Individuals are advised

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd from Clinton County, marking the 25th affected dairy herd in Michigan. The initial detection was made by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, with samples sent to the USDA’s National