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Dear Friends, I hope you all have had a safe, healthy, and restful holiday season and new year! Now more than ever, we must remain thankful for the heartwarming moments that this time of year provides us. Please continue to remain vigilant against infection from COVID-19 and the flu while taking proactive steps for you and your loved ones, like getting vaccinated and wearing masks when you’re outside or around others. Included in this newsletter is recent update from MDHHS about expanded health coverage for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease. Also, a reminder that COVID-19 testing sites are available near you if you should start to feel sick, information about an opportunity for student artists to create a design for the 2022 State of the State program cover, and resources for water shut-off protections this winter. Lastly, if you, or someone you know, need a warm place to go as the temperatures continue to drop, information on who to contact as well as shelter locations are available below. Please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-0990 or reply to this email if you have any questions or need assistance. Working for you, |
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CHILDREN’S SPECIAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES EXPANDS COVERAGE TO ADULTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE Michigan adults over age 21 are now eligible for health care coverage for sickle cell disease through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Under the fiscal year 2022 budget signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Children’s Special Health Care Services program has expanded to include sickle cell disease coverage for adults — with $6.7 million to cover treatment for a projected 400 adults with sickle cell who were not previously covered. The program now covers services directly related to sickle cell disease, including copays, deductibles, transportation, care coordination, access to Children’s Special Health Care Services clinics, and case management. MDHHS encourages residents with sickle cell disease to apply for coverage by contacting their local health department for assistance. Eligibility is based on medical circumstances and not on income. Anyone who wants more information on the program, or the enrollment process can contact their local health department or call the Children’s Special Health Care Services Family Phone line, 1-800-359-3722.
FEELING SICK? GET A COVID-19 TEST NEAR YOU AND HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD! Please remain conscious of your personal health as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads through our community. The virus can affect individuals differently, so if you or someone in your family begins experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19, please isolate yourself according to CDC guidelines and seek out a COVID-19 testing site near you to confirm your health status. Getting tested and following the proper procedure after receiving your results is the best way to protect your family, friends, and community from the continued spread of COVID-19.
MICHIGANDERS URGED TO GET VACCINATED, BOOSTED The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding Michiganders to get their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Booster doses are available six months after the primary Pfizer or Moderna series, and two months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The COVID-19 booster dose may be given with other vaccines, including the flu vaccine, at the same time. Michiganders should bring their COVID-19 vaccine card or immunization record with them when getting their booster dose, which are available at any vaccine provider. Downloadable immunization records are accessible free of charge at the Michigan Immunization Portal. If you do not have records in the portal, contact your health care provider or local health department. Find a booster at VaccineFinder.org.
SHUT-OFF PROTECTIONS, RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO STAY WARM THIS WINTER Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Michigan Public Service Commission, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and other state agencies are working to save people money and help keep the heat on this winter as temperatures drop by reminding Michigan families worried about paying for home heating that there are shut-off protections, financial assistance, and other resources available this season. Need help? Here are ways to get help staying warm:
This brochure and others on important utility issues are also available on the MPSC’s website, Michigan.gov/MPSC. In addition, a variety of energy resources and information is available at Michigan.gov/BeWinterWise. For more information, check out the MPSC’s tip sheet on home energy assistance and shut-off protections.
GOVERNOR WHITMER ANNOUNCES ART CONTEST FOR STATE OF THE STATE PROGRAM On Monday, Jan. 3, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced an art contest for the 2022 State of the State program cover. The governor is challenging Michigan’s K-12 students to come up with a creative design for the 2022 State of the State program cover following the theme “Why do you believe in Michigan?” During her State of the State address, Governor Whitmer will share her vision for Michigan and plan to address key issues to put Michigan first, including jobs, education, infrastructure, and Michigan’s strong economic progress. Students should be as creative as possible and are welcome to use crayons, markers, paint, or any other materials. To submit your design, please click here and follow the instructions on the webpage. Submissions will be accepted exclusively through the online system and must be received no later than 11:59 PM on Sunday, Jan. 16. The student artist of the winning design will receive a prize.
WINTER IS HERE! DETROIT WARMING CENTERS ARE HERE TO HELP KEEP YOU WARM Winter is upon us here in Michigan, and with that comes harsh weather and freezing temperatures. Luckily, Detroit has three warming locations, open until March 31, to provide temporary refuge for homeless folks when year-round shelters are at full capacity. The city has partnered with Cass Community Social Services and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries to open these locations and provide warmth. For more information about the warming and respite centers, click here or call the Detroit Health Department at (313) 876-4000. |
