Dear Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter reaches you and your family safe and healthy. The past weeks of poor air quality due to the forest fires in northern Michigan and Canada have been concerning, which is why I’ve included resources below to help you monitor air quality in our area and stay safe while burning campfires outside this summer.
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,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
Wayne Health Mobile Unit Health Fair and Rummage Sale
WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 10 am – 2 pm
WHERE: Greater Saint Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, 3952 Dickerson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215
Wayne Health Mobile Unit Health Fair will include resources to help educate all residents, from youths to seniors. Presentations and services will include:
- The Affordable Connectivity Program: how to qualify for free Wi-Fi and cellphone services,
- Greendoor Initiative Environmental: training opportunities for environmental-related jobs,
- My Virtual Academy: tuition free online academy,
- Blood Pressure Screening,
- Diabetes, cholesterol, kidney function screening,
- Qualified healthcare professional will provide all medical services,
- Vaccine education will be provided on-site.
The event will also feature a rummage sale. Click here for more information.
Celebrating Juneteenth in Michigan
On Monday, June 19, we celebrated Juneteenth, the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and marks the day slavery was ended in all parts of the United States.
This year, the Michigan Senate voted to officially establish Juneteenth as a state holiday. I was proud to co-sponsor Senate Bill 50, introduced by Senator Sylvia Santana, demonstrating a commitment to the ongoing effort to racial justice and equity and recognizing when slavery was truly abolished in our country.
With the celebration of Juneteenth comes a stark reminder that there is much more work to be done to ensure everyone in Michigan and the United States have equal rights and equitable opportunities.
EGLE Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded way for residents to see what the levels of some types of air pollution are in their area. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality is and the more cause for concern. Due to the recent fires in northern Michigan and Canada the past couple weeks, the AQI for particulate matter (PM) is high in many parts of Michigan and the eastern US. EPA’s Smoke and Fire map can be helpful in locating fires near you and seeing how smoke is moving.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has advised:
- For current health and safety information, follow social media at:
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services | Facebook
- Michigan HHS Dept (@MichiganHHS) / Twitter
- For people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens it is suggested to take the following steps to reduce exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities;
- Keep outdoor activities short;
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
- For everyone else:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard;
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors;
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
Air Quality Alerts are issued through the EnviroFlash system, sign up here to receive them. EnviroFlash is a free subscription service.
Fire Danger is High across Michigan; Practice Fire Safety Outside
The heat, humidity, and windy weather have pushed fire danger to high levels across the Lower Peninsula. Below are some tips for keeping fires under control this summer.
Safety tips to keep fires under control:
When you’re working with fire or equipment outdoors, keep in mind that the remains of a fire can smolder for some time and that fires can take off very fast. Here are some tips to keep it safe out there:
- Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
- Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
- Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
- Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
- It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
- You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves, and natural materials.
Additional fire tips and information about the DNR’s fire programs here.