Friends, With summer rapidly approaching and heat waves upon us, please remember to stay hydrated, wear appropriate summer clothing to stay cool, and try not to overexert yourself outside. Featured in this newsletter:
If you have any questions, want to comment on pending legislation, or resolve any issues in state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov. Warmest regards, |
MDHHS OFFERS TIPS AND TRICKS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING HEAT WAVES As summer approaches later this month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michigan residents to take steps to protect themselves from risks related to hot weather. As daily temperatures rise above 80 degrees, emergency department visits for heat-related illness tend to increase. This is often more likely early in the summer season as people are not yet used to high temperatures and are not taking the necessary precautions. To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to:
For those without access to air conditioning, text or call Michigan 2-1-1 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a cooling center nearby. You can also spend some time at an air-conditioned store, shopping mall or other public building — even a few hours spent in an air-conditioned environment can help. In addition to staying hydrated and out of the sun, residents are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a car even with windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside. Because a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult, they are more susceptible to heatstroke. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both forms of heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fainting, extremely high body temperature (above 103°F), and/or tiredness. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 9-1-1 for immediate medical help and try to cool the person down. For more information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness, see the MDHHS Heat Awareness and Safety Fact Sheet, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $15,000 PREPAID TUITION PRIZE FOR NEWBORNS AND CHILDREN UP TO 5 YEARS OF AGE The Michigan Education Trust (MET) announced that more than 36,000 Michiganders have signed up so far for the MET 35th Anniversary $1.5 Million Giveaway, a random, statewide drawing that families and friends can enter on behalf of a child for a chance to win one of 100 $15,000 prepaid tuition prizes. Under MET’s giveaway, Michigan residents ages birth to 5 years old, by Aug. 31, 2022, are eligible to be entered for a chance to win $15,000 in prepaid tuition. A name may be entered by multiple adults on behalf of the same child. The prepaid tuition prize may be used to pay for future tuition and mandatory fees at a community college, college, university or technical school in accordance with MET terms and conditions. Giveaway entry began May 26 and ends on Aug. 31, 2022. Winners will be announced in a series of drawings beginning Sept. 12. Michiganders can enter the giveaway and review rules and eligibility criteria at METgiveaway.com. MDHHS HOSTING VIRTUAL BABY FAIRS The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have been hosting virtual baby fairs for new or expecting parents this month free of charge. At the virtual events, families will have an opportunity to learn about available resources, important health and safety information and ask questions directly to program experts. The events are free of charge and the next one will take place on the following date and time:
Some of the many MDHHS programs participating in these baby fairs will be:
>> Participants can register for this session online by clicking here MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES COVERED BY MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers that mental health care services are covered by many health insurance plans, enabling Michiganders to get the help, support, and care they need. Michiganders are encouraged to check with their health insurer to confirm that they have coverage for mental health services and to make sure they understand their out-of-pocket expenses before seeking the mental health care they need. Mental health and substance use disorder coverage offered by a health plan must be similar to coverage provided for medical surgical services. Out-of-pocket expenses, such as copays and prior authorization requirements must also be similar to those for medical surgical services. DIFS stands ready to help Michiganders get the most out of their health insurance and reduce barriers that may discourage them from seeking mental health care. If consumers ha ve concerns about mental health-related insurance claims that cannot be resolved directly with the insurer, contact DIFS by calling 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by filing a complaint at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints. DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Special Enrollment Period that is currently open for households with incomes lower than 150% of the federal poverty level. Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance. REPORT: MICHIGAN A TOP STATE FOR SMALL BUSINESS REVENUE GROWTH Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted new small business data indicating Michigan’s continued economic growth. According to Opportunity Insight’s Track the Recovery, January 2022 saw small business revenue in Michigan increase by 24% compared to January 2020, while the nation experienced a 6.9% increase over the same period. According to the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Michigan ranks tenth in small business revenue growth over the last two years. This latest positive data closely follows the recent announcement that Michigan had the fastest small business job growth in 23 years and that 150,000 new small business applications were filed in 2021 — 59% more than in 2019. Further, the governor’s MI New Economy plan is setting a bold goal for Michigan’s small businesses to build on this momentum and have Top 10 growth during the next five years. The initiative is a $2.1 billion proposal to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities. |
As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office. |