Dear Neighbor,
As your State Senator, I am continuously honored to serve the communities of Northwest Detroit, Redford Township, Livonia, Farmington, and Farmington Hills, in part by connecting you with resources available to you as well as with upcoming events in our community.
As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if I may ever be of assistance to you. You can email us at senmcavanagh@senate.michigan.govor by calling 517-373-7748.
In service,
Mary Cavanagh
State Senator
District 6
Resources
Wayne County Cooling Centers
As temperatures rise throughout the summer season, the need for cooling centers also grows. Many Wayne County cooling centers provide services like cold air, water bottles, and charging stations for electronic devices.
Here is a link to the official Wayne County website and list of currently open cooling centers.
To stay healthy when it is hot, residents are encouraged to:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors in air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
DHHS SCAM ALERT
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is aware of an instance in which a scammer is spoofing the phone number to an MDHHS office to try to sell people health insurance coverage. There was a report of a call that was spoofing the phone number of the MDHHS Gratiot/7 Mile Road office in Wayne County.
To seem more official, scammers often use a process known as “spoofing” – when a call appears to be coming from a legitimate government phone number. The caller may also sound professional and be very persuasive.
Anyone who receives a phone call they suspect to be a scam should hang up the phone. No one should give out personal information to an unsolicited caller. Those who wish to make a report about potential scams, price-gouging and any other violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act can do so with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team by filing a complaint online or by calling 877-765-8388.
MDHHS, MSP remind Michigan families about availability of free gun locks as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Month
As part of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan State Police (MSP) are reminding Michigan families about the availability of free gun locks at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments.
Cable-style gun locks from Project ChildSafe are being offered as part of an effort to protect children from unsecured firearms. Purchased using $500,000 in state funding in the FY24 MSP budget, 75,000 gun locks have been made available while supplies last.
In 2020, firearms injuries became the number one cause of death for children in the United States and Michigan, surpassing motor vehicle deaths and those caused by other injuries.
Public Act 17 of 2023, which took effect Feb. 13, 2024, generally requires individuals to keep stored or unattended firearms unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is known or reasonably should be known that a minor is, or is likely to be, present on the premises.
Michigan residents can visit their local MDHHS office to request one of the free gun locks while supplies last, and they can also check with their local health department, some of which will have gun locks available. MDHHS staff who make home visits will also be able to access gun locks if a client has a need or wants to request one.
Free gun locks can also be obtained through Project ChildSafe police partners across the state.
Gun lock installation instructions are included within the product’s packaging and available on the Project ChildSafe website.
Storm Damage Resources
Many have been affected by the storms that swept across Michigan recently. Below are hyperlinked resources from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) that you may find useful as you work with your insurance company to file a claim and repair damages
Additional information regarding severe weather preparedness is available on the DIFS website. Consumers having issues with their insurer or claims process may file a complaint with DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Consumer Services toll free at 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with any questions you or your constituents may have. DIFS can help answer questions regarding what an insurer must do and help explain policy language.
DIFS Consumer Counselor: Insurance Policies and How to Claim What is Yours
DIFS Guide to Resolving Insurance Problems/Complaint Form
DIFS Consumer Counselor: Homeownership vs. Repair Cost Policies
InsuranceClaims Tracking Sheet
More Storm Resources from EGLE:
With the tragic devastation caused by the tornadoes that recently ripped through southwest Michigan, the realities of storm season are fresh on our minds. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) encourages Michiganders to prepare as much as possible for severe storm events prior to them occurring. Here are some resources they recommend starting with:
The MIReady Webpage provides ample resources to help residents prepare for emergencies like natural disasters, homeland security threats, and power outages.
The EGLE Storm Recovery Webpage page provides resources that help local officials, emergency responders, recycling and disposal vendors, and residents respond to storm emergencies. It provides details on managing storm debris, how to stay informed during an emergency, and how to get an emergency disposal permit in the aftermath of a storm.
Local officials, disposal and recycling vendors, and emergency responders are encouraged to use EGLE’s NEW Storm Debris Planning Tool before a storm occurs, to troubleshoot how to remove excess waste during an emergency, preventing a nuance, public health threat, or environmental threat.
Explore High-Wage, In-Demand Careers
Businesses across Michigan need highly skilled workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, education, energy, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing, mobility and outdoor recreation. Many of these high-demand, high-wage careers do not require a four-year degree and have pathways that focus on credentials, certificates, on-the-job training and Registered Apprenticeships.
To learn more about high-wage, in-demand career opportunities in the professional trades, Michiganders can explore the following resources:
Going PRO Talent Fund, which helps individuals secure employment, industry-recognized credentials and strong wages by providing training grants to Michigan businesses to support employees in high-demand, professional trades industries
Pathfinder, which is the State of Michigan’s official career exploration resource that allows users to explore careers and identify educational opportunities throughout the state
Pure Michigan Talent Connect, which is the state’s online platform for connecting job seekers and employers
Upcoming Events
Coffee and Conversation
Please join me for my upcoming Coffee and Conversation on Friday, July 19 from 11 a.m. to noon at Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee Shop & Cafe. It is a great opportunity for us to discuss what is happening in the district and how I can best serve you in Lansing.
Date: Friday, July 19
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Venue: Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee Shop & Cafe (19215 Merriman Rd, Livonia, MI 48152)
I hope to see you there!
Northwest Detroit Farmers Market
18445 Scarsdale Detroit, MI 48223 (North Rosedale Park Community House)
Dates & Times: Every Thursday | June 6th-October 10th | 4-8pm
Grandmont Garden Tour
Longacre Street Party
Saturday, August 3, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Posted by the Grandmont Community Association: “Mark your calendars for the Longacre Street Party happening on August 3rd from 2 – 6 p.m.! It’s sure to be a blast with plenty of food, fun, and dancing. The event will take place on Longacre Street from Schoolcraft to Grand River. This is a great opportunity to mingle with your neighbors and have a fantastic time. We can’t wait to see you there!”
MDHHS Virtual Baby Fairs
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting two virtual baby fairs for new or expecting parents in July. At the events, families will have opportunities to learn about available resources, important health and safety information and ask questions directly to program experts.
The events are free of charge and occurring on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, July 10, from 9 to 11 a.m.
- Tuesday, July 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The following MDHHS programs are participating in this event:
- Care for MiWell
- Newborn Screening
- Michigan BioTrust for Health
- Infant Safe Sleep
- Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
- Immunizations
- Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
- Birth Defects Education and Outreach
- Breastfeeding Support
- Childhood Lead Prevention Education
- Vital Records
- Michigan Home Visiting Initiative
- Maternal Infant Health Program
- Children’s Special Health Care Services
- Eat Safe Fish
- Unintentional Injury Prevention
- Oral Health Program
- PFAS Education
- Michigan Maternal Mortality Surveillance, Hear Her Michigan Campaign
- MDHHS Doula Initiative
Participants can register for one of these sessions online. For questions related to this event or to request baby fair resource materials as a printed document, please email MDHHS-VirtualBabyFair@michigan.gov or visit Michigan.gov/VirtualBabyFair.
Recurring Community Meetings:
- Grandmont Community Association Board Meeting:
-
- Saturday, July 13 @12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Grandmont Rosedale Development Center, 19800 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48223
- Farmington City Council Meeting:
-
- 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month @ 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Farmington City Hall, 23600 Liberty St, Farmington, MI 48335, USA
- College Park Neighborhood Meeting:
-
- 1st Monday of the Month @ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Detroit Police 8th Precinct, 21555 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48219, USA
- Charter Township of Redford Board Meeting:
-
- 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month @ 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Redford Township Board Room – Township Hall, 15145 Beech Daly Road, Redford, MI 48239
- Livonia City Council Meeting
-
- Monday, July 1st @ 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Dr, Livonia, MI 48154, USA
- Detroit Chapter Families Against Narcotics Monthly Meeting:
-
- 2nd Monday of the Month @ 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Sheffield Center Complex, 12000 W. Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48204
- 2nd Monday of the Month @ 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Additional Helplines and Resources
Crisis Lines
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline that provides confidential and compassionate care for anyone struggling with behavioral health issues, emotional distress or substance use crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit their Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis line provides veterans and their family members with 24/7, confidential support. To connect, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838-255. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.
- Trevor Lifeline: The Trevor Project has trained counselors who understand the challenges young people in the LGBTQ community face and are available for support 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or click here to speak with a crisis counselor.
Call Michigan 2-1-1
- Michigan 2-1-1 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 2-1-1 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.
- Though based in Lansing, MI, Michigan 2-1-1 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email or call for help. For more information, click here.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Visit FindTreatment.gov, a confidential and anonymous resource, to locate treatment facilities for mental and substance use disorders near you.
Michigan Community Mental Health Services Programs
- CMHSPs provide a comprehensive range of services and support to children, adolescents and adults with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders in all 83 Michigan counties. Find your local program here.
City of Detroit Health Department Resources:
- A list of programs offered by the City of Detroit Health Department can be found here or call (313)-876-4000.
Elder Abuse and Fraud:
- Office of the Attorney General at (800) 242-2873
- Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Adult Protective Services: (855) 444-3911
Food Pantries:
- CARES Food Pantry:
- 27835 Shiawassee Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336, Mon and Fri 10:00 a.m. – 4:00pm, Tue-Thur 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Redford Interfaith Relief:
- 18499 Beech Daly Road, Redford, Michigan 48240-1804, Wed-Fri 10:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m.
Redford Township Public Services Department:
- Redfordtwp.com or (313)-387-2670
Medicare Assistance:
- (800) 633-4227 or Medicare.gov
Medicare Scams:
- Contact DIFs at Michigan.gov/DIFSComplaints or (877) 999-6442
Student Advocacy Center of Michigan Student Helpline:
- No-cost support and education helpline, 734-482-0489
Wayne State Mobile Health Unit:
- waynehealthcares.org/Mobile-Health-Unit or (877) 929-6342
Wayne County Public Health Community Response Updated Hotline:
- The new hotline will be: 734-858-1922
- The previous number, 866-610-3885, will no longer be in service after March 10th
Michigan Medicaid Assistance Program Counseling Sites:
Neighborhood Wellness Centers