Category Archives: Health

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, WKTV partnership begins new ‘Hands On Health’ informational program

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Karla Black, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at Kent County Health Department, was invited to Hands on Health to discuss COVID-19 and the vaccines with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services’ Nancy Piersma, Community Education Coordinator, and Rowan O’Dougherty, Board President. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kentwood non-profit Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is always looking for new ways to serve the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities. And WKTV Community Media is always looking for ways to work with groups in service of its Wyoming, Kentwood and West Michigan audience.

So the two this fall have partnered to begin a new multi-media project, Hands on Health, to provide health education in a format that is accessible to the Deaf, Deaf/Blind, Hard of Hearing — as well as other community members.

The first two episodes are now available on WKTV cable channels in Wyoming and Kentwood (check out the initial schedule below and WKTV cable schedule), on the WKTV Video Podcast page, and on the social media platforms of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) — YouTube and Facebook.

D&HHS, according to supplied material, has served the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (D/DB/HH) communities across West Michigan for more than 25 years. The agency began after a deaf man’s medical emergency turned nearly fatal due to the emergency services’ lack of accessibility.

“The situation shone a light on the lack of access and services for the D/DB/HH communities,” Deb Atwood, D&HHS executive director, said in printed material. “Today, our agency serves 27 counties across West Michigan, providing a wide range of services specifically for the D/DB/HH communities.

“Each day, we work toward our mission of providing equal communication access, education, and advocacy to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing in pursuit of all life’s opportunities.

The genesis of Hands On Health

A study published in 2016 by a group of University Medical Departments found that health literacy among the deaf is alarmingly low. When compared to their hearing counterparts, deaf participants were 6.9 times more likely to have inadequate health literacy.

These disparities are caused by several factors including communication barriers, fewer opportunities for incidental learning, and especially lack of accessible information. Many within the D/DB/HH communities are not given appropriate access to information that allows them to understand or practice autonomy over their own health.

“Our agency has recognized the of issue inadequate health literacy among the D/DB/HH in the Greater Grand Rapids area and throughout West Michigan,” Erica Chapin, D&HHS community and partnership manager, said in printed material. “These issues were made alarmingly clear throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited accessible information about COVID-19 and vaccines, D/DB/HH individuals have been susceptible to misinformation and unable to make informed decisions about their health and safety.

“This situation has brought to light the lack of information on general health and wellness topics. To combat this issue, our agency is starting the ‘Hands On Health’ video series that provides health education in a format that is accessible to the D/DB/HH and other communities.”

These first two episodes feature two deaf hosts — Nancy Piersma, Community Education Coordinator, and Rowan O’Dougherty, Board President — with guest Karla Black, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at Kent County Health Department, who was invited to discuss COVID-19 and the vaccines.

Hands on Health has premiered on WKTV Cable Channel 25 with Episode 1 continuing today, Oct. 21, at 5 p.m. Episode 2 will premiere Oct. 25 at 9 p.m., and continue Oct. 26 at 9:30 a.m., and Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. They may also run at different days and times; see the weekly schedule.

For more information and to donate to Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, visit  www.deafhhs.org/donate.

Suggestions for future topics can be sent to handsonhealth@deafhhs.org.

Hands on Health continues a discussion on COVID-19 and the vaccines, hosted by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services’ Nancy Piersma, Community Education Coordinator, and Rowan O’Dougherty, Board President. (WKTV)

Kentwood artists take part in exhibit bringing healing to veterans

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, ,
George Doornbos created this piece of a soldier kneeling in front of a grave. (Supplied)

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

George Doornbos and Dewey Heetderks, two veterans residing at Holland Home’s Breton Woods campus, both took up woodworking in their retirement years and found the art form greatly enriched their lives.

So when an opportunity arose to take part in a veterans-only exhibit designed to bring healing through art, they both signed on.

Doornbos and Heetderks each showed woodworking pieces in Has Heart, an ArtPrize venue at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids. ArtPrize 2021 ran Sept. 16 to Oct. 3. 

The 21 works in the Has Heart collection were all created by military veterans, many of whom struggle with homelessness, PTSD, military sexual trauma, and thoughts of suicide.

 

Doornbos said working with wood helps keep his mind off aging and other unpleasant things. He was eager to participate in the exhibit hoping other veterans might also find peace through making art.

Artist George Doornbos (Supplied)

“I am very glad I went through it,” Doornbos said. “We were hoping to inspire some veterans or older people like myself to see if we could interest them in art or some other hobby to keep their mind off their troubles.”

Doornbos was in the Army from 1953 to 1955, serving as a radio operator. He took up woodworking seven years ago, at the age of 80, in the Holland Home wood shop. He works in a process called intarsia, which involves coloring and combining pieces of wood to form an art piece.

 

Dewey Heetderks creates hand carved wooden bowls using the grains and natural defects found in the wood to create unique and expressive works. (Supplied)

He typically creates animals, scenery or lighthouses, he said, but for the ArtPrize exhibit he entered a piece depicting a soldier kneeling over the grave of a fallen comrade. It was an idea that came to him about a year and a half ago, after he took part in an Honor Flight.

Honor Flights, funded by a nonprofit organization, transport American veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials honoring those who have served and died for the country.

“We went to the cemetery and the various war monuments, and this impressed me – the number of people who have given their lives so we can live with the freedoms we have. I was moved by that whole experience that whole day,” Doornbos said.

Heetderks worked in the Army medical corps as a urologist from 1963 to 1965, after graduating from the University of Michigan. He began turning wood about 15 years ago, at the age of 75, while spending winters in Florida.

 

Heetderks hand carves wooden bowls, using the grains and natural defects found in wood to create unique and expressive works.

Artist Dewey Heetderks

“Wood is a beautiful product of our lord,” he said. “If it’s sanded and polished and given the opportunity with a beautiful finish, it’s lovely. I embellished every bowl I made. I made a special effort to create something unique, and that was a lot of fun.”

Neither of them had any plans to enter ArtPrize until a representative from the organization visited Holland Home to tell the residents about the veterans-only exhibit being created this year.

Both artists said the most important thing about the exhibit was giving veterans a creative outlet.

“For those that were involved, art for them was particularly important, particularly those that were suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome,” Heetderks said. “It was obviously a release for them. It’s wonderful.”

Allegan County lawmaker proposes mental health crisis line merger

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By Kyle Davidson
Capital News Service

LANSING — As the federal government works to roll out a 9-8-8 suicide hotline, one lawmaker is looking to expand crisis line services within Michigan.

Rep. Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Township, wants to  incorporate the Michigan Crisis and Access line and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline under the same three-digit phone number.

 

“It’s just to make it really simple. No matter where you live in Michigan, you have one number that you can call to find local help,” Whiteford said. 

Whiteford had introduced the Michigan Crisis and Access Line that was signed into law in January 2020. The 24/7 phone, text and chat line serves the Upper Peninsula and Oakland County and is rolling out statewide.

It can be accessed at 1-844-44 MICAL.

With the national designation of 9-8-8 as the new phone number for the National Suicide Hotline, Whiteford wants to designate the Michigan Crisis and Access Line as Michigan’s crisis hotline center. That would provide intervention services and care to anyone accessing the 9-8-8 hotline.

 

“We’ve always talked about aligning (the Michigan Crisis and Access Line) with 9-8-8, but that was the next step,” Whiteford said.

There are 46 community mental health centers in the state that operate local crisis lines.

 

The advantage of the Michigan Crisis and Access Line is you can advertise one number statewide and receive referral to local mental health resources and the local crisis line, said Robert Sheehan, the executive director of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan.

 

The Crisis and Access Line is also working to provide other resources, including referral to substance abuse recovery centers and the psychiatric bed registry.

“That’s not been available statewide, so that would be a real great cataloging of mental health resources on a statewide level,” Sheehan said.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Michigan residents age 10 to 34, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In 2020, 76.5% of Michigan communities did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents, the foundation reported.

In addition to incorporating the state’s crisis line under 9-8-8, Whiteford also introduced a companion bill to create a fund to support crisis services.

It would gather funds from a monthly 55-cent charge to the cell phone bills of all Michigan residents and a 2% charge per retail transaction for prepaid wireless calling services. That charge can be adjusted to fund program operations, expansions and maintenance.

 

“I really wanted to get that out there to have a conversation about something we could do to have sustainable funding for crisis services for the state,” Whiteford said.

The state Department of Health and Human Services would be responsible for managing the fund. It could be used to set up additional crisis stabilization units and to offer more services because the fund does not lapse into the state’s general fund at the end of the year, Whiteford said.

While Michigan has a very comprehensive mental health system, it receives about 95% of its funding from Medicaid, a public health insurance program for low-income people, making it inaccessible to most residents who do not qualify for Medicaid, Sheehan said.

 

By taking a public utility approach in providing a crisis response line and crisis response teams, anybody can call and get the care they need, he said.

While Whiteford is the sole sponsor of these bills, she said she expects they will receive broad, bipartisan support in the Committee on Health Policy. Both bills are pending committee review.

 

ABOUT KYLE DAVIDSON

Kyle Davidson is an MSU Junior working to complete his degree in Journalism. Kyle currently works with both The Spartan Newsroom and Capital News Service covering public safety, criminal justice, politics, and women’s issues in the political sphere.

Shatner’s reaction to space flight offers a fresh viewpoint on human reaction, according to GVSU researcher

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Dr. Deana Weibel (GVSU)

By Peg West
Grand Valley State University

Actor William Shatner’s emotional reaction to his brief ride into space on Oct. 13 was a fascinating, unfiltered response that gives new insight into how experiencing space affects humans, according to a Grand Valley State University cultural anthropologist.

Dr. Deana Weibel, who specializes in studying space exploration and religion, has conducted interviews with people who traveled to space to get their impressions on the experience.

The immediate, unfettered reaction from Shatner is a new element to observe, she said. His thoughts were not filtered through memory as they would be for an interview conducted later. And he also is not steeped in the cautious NASA culture, where those going to space are trained to communicate in a straightforward way.

“This is an outpouring of an instant reaction without time passing; it’s really fresh. I’m glad it’s recorded because it’s going to be influential,” Weibel said. “I know I’m going to make reference to this.”

The experiences of people traveling into space through private companies and as paying customers may present another channel of research on how people react to seeing space because they can be more open, Weibel said.

 

William Shatner (Super Festivals, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Weibel was struck by how profoundly the 90-year-old Shatner was affected, noting that while there was an air of celebration with those around him as he exited the capsule, Shatner appeared to want to reflect.

“William Shatner didn’t want to pop the champagne and jump up and down,” Weibel said. “He just had his mind blown.”

She said she has encountered the cautious NASA culture when she interviewed active astronauts as part of her research on religion and space. They were hesitant to go far afield, even knowing personal details would be omitted.

“People have to be really careful about what they say,” Weibel said. “There’s an awareness among active astronauts that they may lose their next flight if they say something questionable.”

 

But Shatner freely and emotionally encapsulated his experience, describing his awe. And his references to the life on the blue of Earth along with the black of space, pondering if the latter was death, had religious overtones even if he didn’t talk specifically about religion, Weibel said.

She also noted that his words immediately after the flight indicated he experienced what author Frank White coined as the “overview effect.” She described it as a profound emotional response to seeing Earth from space and realizing its fragility; some astronauts have experienced it, while others haven’t.

“It’s recognizing the reality of living on this sphere suspended in space that hits you in a way that was so abstract before,” Weibel said.

University of Michigan Health-West first state health system to utilize AI-powered documentation

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University of Michigan Health – West Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. Lance M. Owens discusses patient care while the Dragon Ambient eXperience program takes notes. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

University of Michigan Health-West (formerly Metro Health – University of Michigan Health) is the first system in the state to pilot automated documentation in the exam room, allowing health providers to focus on the patient rather than the computer.

 

The AI-powered Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) is an ambient clinical intelligence solution that captures and contextualizes every word of the patient encounter and automatically creates clinical documentation.

 

The pilot at University of Michigan Health-West began earlier this year with 13 providers, throughout primary and specialty care settings.

 

“We have already discovered multiple advantages to suggest that Nuance DAX could become a transformative innovation for our organization,” said Dr. Lance M. Owens, Chief Medical Information Officer, who is leading the pilot. “This technology captures documentation automatically and removes the computer as a barrier between providers and their patients and enables better patient- provider engagement. It is yet another way we are relentlessly pursuing our vision to deliver innovations that change care and care that changes lives.”

University of Michigan Health – West Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. Lance M. Owens has been leading the pilot on ai-powered documentation. (Supplied)

“University of Michigan Health-West is a model for the deep partnerships needed to transform healthcare delivery and empower physicians with the advanced technology they need to provide personalized patient care,” said Diana Nole, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Nuance Healthcare. “Nuance DAX works seamlessly in the background unlocking the physician from the burden of administrative tasks and enables them to focus solely on the patient. This was our vision when introducing Nuance DAX, and now, together with our customers like the University of Michigan Health-West, we are bringing that vision to life by delivering an enhanced patient-provider experience.”

 

In initial surveys at pilot sites, when asked to compare their visit to previous healthcare encounters, patients overwhelmingly agreed with several performance indicators, stating:

  • “My visit felt more like a personable conversation.”
  • “The provider seemed to be more focused on me during the visit.”
  • “The provider spent less time typing on their computer.”

“The benefit to patients is becoming readily apparent,” Owen said. “By reducing the documentation burden, we allow providers to focus on delivering the best care for their patients and stronger patient-provider relationship.”

 

After using Nuance DAX, one University of Michigan Health-West provider saw a decrease in 31 minutes per day in documentation. Another provider saw an average reduction of 5 minutes of documentation time per appointment. One particularly efficient provider decreased time per note from two minutes to 1.9 minutes, totaling a significant decrease in documentation time overall. In addition to helping providers stay on schedule and spend more time with patients, the system improves accuracy and thoroughness of documentation because providers don’t have to divide their attention between patient and computer.

“As we continue to track key metrics during the pilot, we plan to roll out the system for all primary care physicians over the next year,” Owens said. “We see potential to expand for specialty use, in the Emergency Department and nursing settings in the near future.”

 

For more about University of Michigan Health-West and its innovation initiatives, please visit www.uofmhealthwest.org. 

In Love and Health: The Great Pumpkin

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By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love and Health Chiropractic

With Halloween right around the corner, kids are thinking trick-or-treat and adults are stocking up on bags of candy. As if that won’t be enough sugar, every grocery store has Halloween-theme decorated cupcakes and cookies. The pumpkin spice must flow. No wonder kids come down with colds and flu in early November. Sugar can impair the body’s natural immune response and leave us more vulnerable to germs and viruses. (Since we are still in the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic, this is pretty important information.)

It’s a shame that all eyes (and tastebuds) are focused on sweets when another Halloween celebrity offers a host of health benefits. Pumpkins! 

One of the first cultivated foods of the Americas, pumpkins were a staple food in Oaxaca (Mexico) as early as 8750 BC—long before corn or beans. By 2700 BC, they had spread to the eastern United States. The Pueblo, Apaches, Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Papago, Pima and Yuman all counted on the pumpkin’s flesh and seeds as a staple food. They roasted the seeds and ate them with chili powder or mixed with fruits and nuts. As for the flesh, they roasted, dried or boiled it. Mashed boiled pumpkin was mixed with batter or syrup or used to thicken soup. Dried pumpkin was sliced into rings and hung in storerooms for winter.

Pumpkin flesh is low in fat and rich in nutrients. One cup of cooked pumpkin provides three grams of fiber, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A, C and E—200% of your daily requirement of vitamin A (for healthy eyes). It also provides carotenoids, which can help lower your risk for cancer.

Pumpkin seeds have anti‐microbial benefits, including anti‐fungal and antiviral properties. So, they are a great snack during the cold and flu season. Studies on laboratory animals have shown pumpkin seeds may improve insulin regulation and help kidney function. Because they are an excellent source of the mineral zinc, the World Health Organization recommends eating them. Eating whole, roasted unshelled pumpkin seeds gives you the most zinc.

You can roast the pumpkin seeds you remove from your Jack O’Lantern. And you can buy pumpkins seeds at most grocery stores. They are also called pepitas. Pepitas are a very popular snack in the Latinx culture, perhaps because some of their ancestors were among the first in the world to discover and cultivate pumpkins.

If your Jack O’Lantern goes bad before you have a chance to roast it, look for “pie pumpkins” in your store’s produce department or at the U-M Health West Farm Market—and try a recipe besides pie!

Another way to boo-ooo-oost your immune system is to come in for a chiropractic adjustment. Keeping your spine aligned helps your brain, gut, immune system, and other body organs to work better with each other and keep you healthy naturally.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW. 

Snowmobile helmet exemption proposal proposed just in time for winter

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Through series of bills, those with off-road vehicles and snowmobiles would only need a doctor’s note to be released from wearing a helmet.

By Barbara Bellinger
Capital News Service

LANSING — Off-road vehicle and snowmobile riders who are claustrophobic would not have to wear a helmet if a series of bills are passed by the Legislature.

A doctor’s note would give a get-out-of-jail-free card to Michigan outdoor enthusiasts who have certain medical conditions and use off-road vehicles (commonly known as ORVs) and snowmobiles for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation.

An Upper Peninsula senator sponsored the bills after a constituent asked why he couldn’t get a doctor’s excuse to not wear a helmet when people could get them for not wearing seatbelts.

“He himself has a number of special needs, including body shape development of his head, that are not typical, and it makes it impossible or very painful for him to wear a helmet,” Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, said at a hearing that resulted in the bills being passed in the Senate this spring.

Doctor’s notes could also include nonphysical conditions.

“There’s also the reality that some of the individuals I’ve talked to, as I’ve worked on this piece of legislation, their medical condition that impairs their wearing a helmet is not necessarily physical,” McBroom said. “Claustrophobia is a particular ailment, and I talked to an individual who has panic attacks.”

Allowances may need to be made in these types of circumstances, said Karen Middendorf, the executive director of the Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association.

“We all know helmets are worn for safety, and it is safest to have one on while riding. However, if you have an incapacitating condition that does not allow you to cover your head, this becomes a very personal decision. An exception may be needed,” she said.

McBroom said the bills are not linked to what others consider the main issue: that motorcyclists aren’t required by law to wear helmets, yet snowmobile and ORV riders are.

“In this bill package, we are not dealing with that larger issue of is mandating helmets for everybody right or wrong in the first place,” he said.

But some snowmobile and ORV riders say the larger issue is personal choice.

 

“The doctor’s note should not be part of anything like this — that is truly ridiculous,” said Chris Bovee, a longtime snowmobile rider and resident of Harbor Springs.

“While I would always ride a motorcycle or snowmobile on trail with a helmet, it being a law isn’t right,” Bovee wrote in an email. “At the very least, if I am on private property, piss off. The decision to wear a helmet or not is something I am very capable of making… Don’t need a law for it.”

Paul Anderson, the owner of Sled Solutions in Acme and a longtime snowmobile rider, agreed it should be the choice of the rider, not the government.

But the government is involved, and helmet-wearing exemptions are presenting as partisan issues. The bills passed the Senate mainly along party lines.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer administration are against it, McBroom said.

“Frequently the party that is the same as the administration decides to support the governor and departments and divisions, those kinds of things,” he said. The bill would have attracted more Senate Democrats, McBroom said, but the department and current administration opposed it.

John Pepin, the Department of Natural Resources deputy public information officer, said the agency had no comment.

McBroom said he hopes to gain support from both sides of the aisle before the bills come up for a vote in the House.

“I certainly have some good connections with Democrats and Republicans in the House that I hope I’ll be able to utilize to get bipartisan support,” he said.

Dr. Alistair Chapman, a Spectrum Health trauma surgeon and director of the Spectrum Health Trauma Research Institute in Grand Rapids, said the bill should neither be partisan nor an issue in the first place.

 

“I am disappointed that legislators are again exploring helmet exemptions. A helmet is a common-sense safety mechanism. Wearing one is smart and safe,” he said.
|

Anderson said he plans to continue on as he has been: “I wear a helmet on my snowmobile not because I’m required to but because I want to.”

Getting rid of the ORV/snowmobile helmet law as a whole wouldn’t make that much of a difference in people’s behavior, he said.

“If you took a poll of how many people would opt out of wearing a helmet on a snowmobile if the law didn’t require it, you’d find most would still wear it,” Anderson wrote in an email.

 “Why? Because it’s cold without one!”

ABOUT BARBARA BELLINGER

Barbara Bellinger

Barbara Bellinger is a master’s student in journalism at Michigan State University. Her journalistic interests include undocumented immigration, international journalism and the criminal justice system. She hopes to become a reporter for CNN, NPR or a local Michigan news outlet.

Harvest of Justice luncheon to honor clinic that vaccinated 500 migrant workers

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A member of the Migrant Legal Aid staff gets a vaccine. (Supplied)

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

A Sparta health clinic that went above and beyond the call of duty to vaccinate West Michigan farm workers will be honored at Migrant Legal Aid’s annual Harvest of Justice Luncheon this month.

The event, designed to share client success stories with donors and the community, will be held at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the Eberhard Center on GVSU’s downtown campus.

Clinics held at the Mercy Health Physician Partners office in Sparta last March vaccinated more than 500 migrant workers against COVID-19, according to Mary Bennett, CFO Of Migrant Legal Aid.

The clinic did an exemplary job organizing its vaccination site so farm workers could get in and out quickly without standing around waiting, according to Teresa Hendricks, executive director of the organization. 

“It was an incredible logistical feat,” she said.

Migrant Legal Aid, a nonprofit that advocates for migrant workers’ rights, has assisted at several vaccination clinics in hopes of getting as many of the workers vaccinated as possible. The state doesn’t keep numbers on how many farm workers have been vaccinated for the virus, Hendricks said, but Migrant Legal Aid has assisted with vaccinating 625 people so far.

They’re not done with the work yet, and they hope to persuade more migrant workers to get the vaccine through a video recently produced by WKTV. In both English and Spanish, the video dispels common myths surrounding the vaccine and presents the facts. Appearing on the video are Spanish-speaking doctors who have gotten the vaccine themselves.

“We realized a peer-to-peer video speaking about the importance of it was going to be key,” Hendricks said.

(Right) Mirgrant Legal Aid Executive Director Teresa Hendricks shows off her vaccine shot with a staff member. (Supplied)

The video will be shared on Migrant Legal Aid’s website and YouTube channel along with other social media sites. It will also go out to listservs (a mailing list) for other migrant providers, Hendricks said.

The video can also be used at migrant camps, where Migrant Legal Aid staff can show it on an iPad when they’re visiting, Hendricks said. At future vaccination clinics, they can have it playing on a loop while people wait to get their shots.

The Harvest of Justice luncheon is an important event to spread the word about what Migrant Legal Aid does, Bennett said. In addition to the award presentation, the luncheon will feature highlights of the work the organization has done over the past year.

“We have table hosts we ask to bring guests who might not be familiar with our program and what we do. That grows the community awareness as well as our donor base. Most of them, after they hear what we do, are eager to help,” she said.

Last year’s luncheon was held online at the WKTV studio due to the pandemic. The online version got a wide audience and raised the interest of people who are excited to come in person this year, Bennett said.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Charlie LeDuff, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and investigative journalist.

 

In his research for articles about farm workers, LeDuff has embedded himself with migrants crossing the border and working in the fields in California to see what they go through. He nearly died while crossing the border during his investigative reporting, Hendricks said.

Tickets to the luncheon are free, but there will be an “ask” for donations, Bennett said. For tickets, go to www.migrantlegalaid.org.

Drinking water filters eyed as better option to testing in schools and day care centers

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Drinking water filters would be cheaper than the current “test and tell” method. (pxhere.com)

By Vlaislava Sukhanovskaya 
Capital News Service

LANSING — Children’s health advocates are pushing to install drinking water filters in Michigan schools and child care centers to protect them from lead poisoning.

The project, named Filter First, would provide schools with filtration stations that reduce lead in drinking water instead of requiring the costlier periodical testing of water for lead.

The move could cost about $55 million in the first year, said Charlotte Jameson, a water policy program director for the Michigan Environmental Council.

That’s still cheaper than the “test and tell” method that includes testing of all drinking water fixtures and then replacing those that test positive for lead above a set action level, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council and Safe Water Engineering.

Estimating the cost of two approaches to protecting children from water contaminated by lead. Chart by Natural Resources Defense Council and Safe Water Engineering.

The testing strategy costs about $81 million a year and doesn’t guarantee clean water because lead releases from time to time, Jameson said.

“One school did the testing regime just on their own.” she said. “They got a sample from the water fountain that didn’t contain any lead. Then they went back a month later and tested that same water fountain and it had a very high lead release.”

Other states following the testing approach spend a lot of money going out to test the water in schools, Jameson said.

“We have seen other states doing tests and we learned from them,” she said.

Test and tell is used in 24 states, according to Governing,  a publication that reports on and analyzes state policy.

It is expensive and doesn’t guarantee clean water, Jameson said. Filtration is cheaper and provides water free from lead.

The “test and tell” method requires constant testing and money for sampling, analyzing and replacement fixtures with high levels of lead.

Test and tell is a technique that would cost $497 million for Michigan in the first 10 years. That’s much more than the $166 million for filtration strategy even though it requires ongoing costs that include replacing the unit’s filters and sampling water to verify performance, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council and Safe Water Engineering.

“Schools and day cares are meant to be places for children to thrive,” said Becca Maher, the director of strategic campaigns at the Michigan Environmental Council. “But when lead, a harmful neurotoxin, gets into the drinking water of these institutions leached from plumbing, fixtures, and fittings, it presents a grave risk to the development of young bodies and minds.”

It’s unclear how many schools have a lead problem, Maher said. “But given the age of our school building stock and the fact that even fixtures labeled “lead free” still have lead in them, we expect all Michigan schools are at risk of lead leaching into drinking water.”

And the threat is significant, experts say.

“There is no acceptable level of lead for children,” said Larissa Miller, the associate executive director of Nursing and Government Affairs for the Michigan Nurses Association. “Any level of lead exposure is unsafe. Any exposure to lead can cause hearing loss, slow development of teeth and bones.

“Also, it can cause anemia and that’s a lack of adequate hemoglobin,” she said. “That means that kids may not have the oxygen they need to physically run or play or participate in childhood activities. With lead exposure the impacts are permanent and they are lifelong and can’t be reversed.”

The Senate Appropriations Committee is considering appropriating $85 million next year for grants to install filters. A package of bills was introduced in the Senate to regulate drinking water standards and filter use in schools and day cares.

If bills pass the legislative process next year, schools will have filtration stations installed by the 2025 school year, Jameson said.

Kentwood Glow in the Park returns with fun run, Glow Dance Party and other themed activities

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The City of Kentwood will host a Glow in the Park event Saturday, Oct. 16. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

In 2019 the City of Kentwood hosted its initial Glow in the Park 5K and the community liked it so much the upcoming Glow in the Park event, set for Saturday, Oct. 16, will feature more activities in addition to a fun run/walk, including games, crafts, music, food and dancing.

As always, however, community members are invited to “illuminate the night” — participants and supporters are encouraged to wear brightly colored and glow-in-the-dark clothes and accessories — for the event, taking place 7-9 p.m., at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE.

Among the glow-themed activities planned are light-up playground games and crafts, music, food — and, of course, the self-timed fun run/walk.
 

Proceeds will help keep Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s youth programs affordable for all children to participate, have fun and learn with their peers, according to a city announcement. Donations also will be accepted during the event.

The City of Kentwood will host a Glow in the Park event Saturday, Oct. 16. (City of Kentwood)

“Ever since the great turnout we had for our first after-dark running event in 2019, we have been looking forward to offering another Glow in the Park night in Kentwood,” Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “This time, we’re including a variety of additional activities to encourage all ages to dress up and join us outside with friends, neighbors and loved ones.

“In addition to being a fun way to soak up the fall weather before winter comes, our Glow in the Park event is also for a good cause — helping more families be able to participate in our youth programs.”

The “lighthearted” — pun intended — run/walk will start at 7:30 p.m., with on-site packet pickup beginning at 7 p.m. Participants can choose to do either a 0.3- or 1-mile run/walk along a park path that will be lit with glow sticks and other colorful lights. Volunteers in glow wear will also help light the way. A water station will be provided at the course start/finish line.

Light-up playground games and crafts, music and snacks will be available throughout the event. The fun run will be followed by an after-party with dancing. The evening will conclude at 9 p.m.

Two levels of registration are available online at kentwood.us/GlowInThePark. For entry to the event with a goody bag full of glow supplies, registration costs $5. For those who also want to take part in the fun run/walk, registration costs $20 and includes a goody bag, T-shirt and race medal.

The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, which may require changes to events.

For more information on City of Kentwood event’s visit kentwood.us.

Group pushes for teacher training to recognize epilepsy seizures

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The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, would make seizure action plans for students with epilepsy accessible for employees in contact with them. (pxhere.com)

By Emerson Wigand
Capital News Service

LANSING — Advocates for children with epilepsy are pushing to train Michigan school employees to recognize seizures and provide necessary first aid.

The legislation would mandate education for all of the state’s school districts to help the 13,600 Michigan children with epilepsy and their families.

 

Elizabeth Stout, an Albion College student and youth consultant with Children’s Special Health Care Services of Michigan, said thebill is a great step.

“Every patient is different when it comes to their epilepsy and how you treat it,” said Stout, who has had epilepsy for the past 12 years. ”It’s hard when people assume things about a health condition, and it would be a lot easier if there was more education.”

The bill would require that all school employees be educated in seizure first aid and recognition. This one-hour training would be provided online for free, with in-person options as well. (pxhere.com)

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, would make seizure action plans for students with epilepsy accessible for employees in contact with them. Using information from parents, the plans are specific to each student’s needs, including information on medication or first aid.

The legislation would also mean each school would need have a full-time employee trained to administer emergency rescue medication in potentially life-threatening situations. Eleven other states have already passed seizure safe schools legislation.

“Most individuals we meet with, certainly on the legislative side, are surprised to know this training isn’t already in the repertoire for teachers,” said Brianna Romines, the president of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.

 

The bill would require that all school employees be educated in seizure first aid and recognition. This one-hour training would be provided online for free, with in-person options as well.

The training is also offered by the National Epilepsy Foundation, which allows broader access than the state’s chapter can provide, said Russ Derry, the Michigan Epilepsy Foundation’s director of education.

Romines said epilepsy training is as important as other safety training teachers receive. One school counselor, who was trained yearly in the use of fire extinguishers, said she has never had to use one in over 15 years But the counselor has responded to between about five and 15 seizure emergencies each year.

 

The lack of education is a problem because it stigmatizes epilepsy, said Sierra Cameron, the CEO of the Michigan chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“If a child goes into a seizure, it might not be as clinically bad as folks think it is,” Cameron said. “If you don’t have any familiarity with seizures, it might really daunt you.”

One of the consequences is that school employees call 911 and have children diagnosed with epilepsy taken from class to the emergency room, Romines said. This leads to trauma for the children and needless costs for families from hospitals, ambulance rides and lost wages for those who leave work.

“So, there are economic and emotional impacts to this,” Romines said. “But all of that could’ve been simply addressed with training.”

Another challenge is that school employees may be uncomfortable administering invasive rescue medication, Derry said. While nasal medication options are increasingly available, the primary rescue treatment for youth suffering seizures is administered rectally.

 

Derry empathizes with these employees, but he said rescue medication training is just as important as learning to use epipens for students with serious allergies. While a school nurse would ideally be administering the medication, all employees allowed to administer medication would receive training.

 

Derry said everyone should understand the needs of students with epilepsy as seizures can happen any time.

“In Michigan, we have one of the worst ratios of school nurses to students in the country,” Derry said. “We have about 4,200 students per school nurse.”

Stout said it’s also important to remember epilepsy is not just seizures with uncontrollable movements. Epilepsy can prompt staring spells that lead to students being disciplined for not paying attention, or to an assumption that they have attention deficit disorder, Romines said. Many effects of epilepsy and its medications are difficult to distinguish.

“That’s why we’re hopeful for this training,” Romines said. “Not only does it teach you seizure first aid, it teaches seizure recognition.”

The foundation says it hopes the House will hold hearings on the proposed Seizure Safety Act in October.

 

Stout said repeatedly explaining your condition is exhausting. While she was lucky to have teachers that were open to that conversation, that’s not always the case.

“If teachers and others within the education system understand epilepsy, then it’s easier for students to be honest about it, and share it,” Stout said.For youth diagnosed with epilepsy, and their families, in need of more support she recommends the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s Call and Connect Network.

Fresh produce more accessible for low-income Michiganders

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More fresh produce will be available to low-income Michigan residents. (supplied)

By Barbara Bellinger
Capital News Service

LANSING — A program that gives low-income Michigan residents fresh fruit and vegetables and a path to healthier nutrition recently got a $2 million boost from state lawmakers.

That’s up from the $900,000 they allocated last year for the Double Up Food Program. The program gives participants a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh fruits and vegetables. Families receive twice the quantity of produce for half the price.

“It feels as if when this program was started, it was just a crazy idea,” said Alex Canepa, the policy manager for the Fair Food Network, which manages the program. “Now it’s time has come. Both Lansing and D.C. (legislators) are talking about the importance of nutrition security.”

Michigan’s Double Up program launched in 2009 as the first state in what is now a 29-state program run by the Fair Food Network based in Ann Arbor. The program has grown from five Detroit-area farmers markets to around 250 farmers markets, mobile markets, food stands and independent grocers.

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the food network a four-year, $12.5 million grant in 2019 for program expansion. But to get the money, the program needs a 50% match, Canepa said.

“The state money allows us to draw down the full remaining balance,” Canepa said.

This added benefit is necessary for a state that has 1.9 million people who are food insecure, according to a Food Security Council report. 

“One administrative change the state made early in the pandemic was to eliminate the $20-per-day limit for Double Up Food Bucks,” Julie Cassidy, the senior policy analyst for the Michigan League for Public Policy, wrote in an email. “This helped families stretch their food assistance dollars as far as possible when so many were suddenly struggling, food prices were skyrocketing, and local pantries were pushed to the limit.”

“It gives customers really good options,” said Courtney King, the manager of King Orchards in Kewadin and Central Lake in northern Michigan. “I love that it’s just for like fresh produce, which really helps us and them.”

Michigan farmer markets and farm stands are part of the Double Up Food Bucks program. (Supplied)

Becoming a Double Up Food Bucks retailer requires a lot of accounting, but it’s a great way to provide fresh produce to people who might otherwise think it is too expensive, King said.

“It’s a multi-pronged process,” said Joe Lesausky, food access director for the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

Farmers markets and farm stands first apply to be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a vendor for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Then they must contact the Michigan Farmers Market Association to apply to become a Double Up Bucks retailer.

The program is in 67 of Michigan’s 83 counties and adds about 10 new sites a year, Lesausky said. Officials say they hope to reach all of the state’s counties in the next three years. 

“We saw an increase of Double Up spending before the pandemic in even middle and upper-middle class communities,” Canepa said.

“Nutrition insecurity isn’t always where you expect it to be.”

ABOUT BARBARA BELLINGER

Barbara Bellinger

Barbara Bellinger is a master’s student in journalism at Michigan State University. Her journalistic interests include undocumented immigration, international journalism and the criminal justice system. She hopes to become a reporter for CNN, NPR or a local Michigan news outlet.

Kent County Health Department now offering COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots

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A Kent County Health Department nurse gives a COVID-19 vaccination shot. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department announced this week that it will begin making Pfizer BioNtech COVID-19 booster shots available to eligible individuals on Tuesday, Sept. 28, at all three health department clinic locations.

County clinic locations and hours can be found here. Appointments can be made by calling 616-632-7200; persons may also use this number to schedule a first dose of vaccine for those who have not already had it.

“Note that these boosters are only for people who have received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. We expect other boosters from other manufacturers to be coming soon,” according to the announcement. “In the meantime KCHD continues to strongly encourage anyone who has not yet received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to do so as soon as possible.”

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) action follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommending a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in certain populations and for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings. This recommendation only applies to people who originally received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago.

The CDC recommends the following groups should receive a booster: people 65 years and older, residents in long-term care settings aged 18 years or older, and people aged 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions.

Additionally, the CDC recommends that the following groups “may” receive a booster based on their individual benefits and risks: people aged 18-49 years with underlying medical conditions, people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional (residential) setting. (This groups includes adults aged 18-64 years who work or reside in settings such as health care, schools, congregant care facilities, correctional facilities, or homeless shelters. This group also includes front line essential workers such as first responders — firefighters, police, and EMS — as well as food and agriculture workers, manufacturing workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, public transit workers, and grocery store workers.)

The county health announcement also states that after reviewing data in the coming weeks, the CDC is expected to make recommendations about the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.

Booster vice ‘third dose’ difference explained

In the meantime, there have been reports about a “third dose” of the COVID vaccine that is now available. The third dose is different than a booster and has been approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC specifically and exclusively for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. These individuals have a medical condition or are on a medication that limits the strength of their immune systems and, therefore, they may not receive the same level of protection from a regular course of vaccination.

People who are immunocompromised may receive a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer vaccine as soon as 28 days after the second dose. There is no additional dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine currently recommended.

“Again, the third dose should not be confused with a booster,” according to the county announcement. “A vaccine booster is an additional shot that is given to previously vaccinated people as the immunity provided by the original dose(s) has started to decrease over time. A booster is administered to help maintain the level of immunity in the future.”

Fall is best time to get your flu shot before the season begins

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Now is the time to get a flu shot. (pxhere.com)

By Vladislava Sukhanovskaya
Capital News Service

LANSING — Michigan health officials expecting a heavier flu season than last year hope to vaccinate more than 40% of the population.

Last flu season Michigan’s vaccination rate was about 34%, according to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. That was the highest state flu vaccination rate of all time, according to state health officials.

In the 2019-20 flu season 31.6% of people were vaccinated, according to state numbers.

The best time for flu shots is in September and October so people are protected before the flu starts to circulate, said Terri Adams, the section manager of immunizations at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. 

The new flu season may be worse than last year when COVID-19 precautions helped keep it from spreading.

“Last year we had a low number of flu cases, but we were mitigated at home, socially separated, schools closed and sports were canceled,” Adams said.

Rates of viral infections are already rising, said Dr. Rebecca Schein, a Michigan State University assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development.

“Last winter was odd in that there was very little influenza due to the infection prevention measures that were in place,” she said. “This year, we are already seeing rising rates of other viruses and we anticipate a typical flu season with high rates of infection.”

The flu vaccination rate reported by Michigan in the 2019-20 flu season is 31.6%. That is less than the 49.7% the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that year.

The gap is caused by differences in collecting data, state officials say.

The state figures count people from 6 months to 20 years and part of the population above 20. The federal data is based on the National Health Interview Survey, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to estimate the number of vaccinated people according to the health officials.

Michigan’s federal 2019-20 flu vaccination rate ranks 38th in the nation and is just below the national average rate of 51.8%.

Among the reasons people refuse to get a flu shot is that they don’t think that they’ll get sick or they are afraid of vaccine side effects, according to research scientists at the CDC.

Flu season pops up in different months every year, and it’s hard to say when the next season starts, Adams said. She said peopleshould receive the shot at least two weeks prior to the flu beginning to circulate for maximum protection.

But since the influenza season peaks in February, Adams said, it’s still worth getting a vaccine after the winter holidays and even into the spring or summer.

“Persons can receive an influenza vaccine as long as they are available until the vaccine expires, which for most of the inventory is June 30, 2022,” said Jackie Anderson, the personal health supervisor at Barry-Eaton District Health Department.

“People can get a COVID-19 and a flu vaccination at the same time, Schein said. “I have to say we don’t have direct data of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine together. But from what we know from other vaccines given in groups, the CDC is not concerned about them giving at the same time. They have said that it is fine to get them together.”

Dr. Annette Mercatante, the medical health officer at the St. Clair County Health Department, agreed.

“In general, we like to vaccinate simultaneously because people don’t tend to come back,” Mercatante said. “So, you have them in front of you (and) you want to get them all vaccines that they are eligible for.”

It is official: Wyoming is now the home of University of Michigan Health-West

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Staff are getting new lab coats with the University of Michigan-West on them. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Today’s the day that Metro Health — University of Michigan Health’s name officially changes to University of Michigan Health – West.

The new name, announced earlier this year, serves two purpose. It describes the organization’s role as part of the state’s top-ranked health system, University of Michigan Health. And it emphasizes a focus on West Michigan, where the organization had been working to advance healthcare for eight decades.

Peter Hahn, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health (Supplied)

Visible changes will be gradual as physicians and staff receive new lab coats and uniforms, and correspondence and signage are updated for multiple sites across West Michigan. The transition is expected to continue into 2022. Throughout the process, the experience for patients will be seamless. Patients will not need to change anything in the way they connect with services.

“University of Michigan Health-West will have the same progressive, patient-focused culture as when we were known as Metro Health or Metropolitan Hospital or Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital,” said Dr. Peter Hahn, president and CEO, University of Michigan Health-West. “Our founding physicians would be proud of our identity today, as part of one of the world’s greatest health systems.”

Metro Health was found in 1942 as the Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital with a home on Lake Drive converted to serve the new facility. In 1957, the hospital moved to Boston Street in Grand Rapids. In 1985, the hospital’s name was changed to Metropolitan Hospital.

In 2003, construction began on the the Metro Health Village in Wyoming and in 2005 the hospital changed its name to Metro Health.In 2007, the Metro Health Village was open and two years later, the hospital began relationships with the University of Michigan Health in several areas: cancer, neurosciences, pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology, pediatric cardiology and pediatric endocrinology.

The former Metro Health became the premier affiliate of University Michigan Health on Dec. 15, 2016.

“As we approach the fifth anniversary of the affiliation, the name change reminds us of what our relationship with University of Michigan Health has made possible,” said Hahn. “Sept. 27 will become another important milestone of our long, proud legacy of innovation, compassion and excellence.”

Gradual changes will take place with new signage and other details. (Supplied)

Recent years have see the addition of multiple services and capabilities, including more outpatient care sites, certification as a comprehensive stroke center, and groundbreaking regional partnerships to advance cancer and cardiovascular care. Earlier this year, the state grand approval to launch Michigan’s first new open-heart surgery program in nearly 20 years.

 

“These accomplishment are bringing world-class care close to home for the patients we serve across West Michigan,” Hahn said. “This really is a testament to the dedicated staff across our organization, as well as visionary leadership through the years that made us who we are today. Together, they have set the stage for an even brighter future as University of Michigan Health-West.”

The 208-bed acute-care osteopathic teaching hospital serves 250,000 patients and 61,500 emergency patients a year, with more than 500 physicians on staff. UM Health-West operates 30 neighborhood outpatient centers and offices in West Michigan. 

Kentwood’s The Vibe offered inspiration, information about unique adaptive recreation

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Kentwood resident Brad Dion talks to the crowd at the City of Kentwood’s The Vibe event recently. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kentwood and West Michigan community, both those involved in and those who support the city’s Adaptive Recreation Programs, turned out as the city’s Parks and Recreation Department put on its “The Vibe” event recently.

The annual celebration and fundraiser, held Sept. 16 at the city’s Kent District Library branch, was a night of inspiration — especially the story of guest speaker Brad Dion — as well as a chance to mix with like-minded people supporting the goals and continuation of local adaptive recreation programs such as waterskiing and indoor rock climbing.

(WKTV informational videos on the various programs, produced with the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department for TheVibe event, are linked at the bottom of this story.)

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department team supporting the Adaptive Recreation at September’s The Vibe event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Adaptive Recreation Program coordinator Ann Przybysz talked to WKTV at the event about the importance and uniqueness of the program — “The program serves those typically underserved in other recreation programs. We appreciate offering very inclusive programs.”

However, the highlight of the event, other than the money raised for a special need for the adaptive recreation water skiing program, was clearly Dion talking about his life, his efforts to overcome disability, and his passion for helping others to overcome — to thrive — however disabled.

“I like to call it a different ability,” Dion told the gathering from his wheelchair. “I don’t know what the future will hold, but I do know I will continue to be involved with these programs. Continue to teach wheelchair tennis to Kentwood parks and rec kids. To be involved.”

(See his complete talk, recorded by WKTV, above. And you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.)

 

Dion, a longtime Grand Rapids resident and East Kentwood High School graduate, shared his life experiences of living with cerebral palsy, accomplishing goals and giving back to his community.

As a wheelchair athlete, Dion enjoys competing in wheelchair tennis. He also loves to mentor and coach wheelchair sports to kids with disabilities. While he spends his days inside the classroom teaching fifth- and sixth-grade general education as well as supporting special education. He has learned to use his life story, living with a “different ability,” to show others that “the sky’s truly the limit when it comes to what someone can do if they set their mind to it.”

Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward purchasing new jet skis for Kentwood’s adaptive water ski program — essential safety equipment as staff must be able to get to participants very quickly if necessary. The program includes various adaptive water ski clinics offered by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with community partners.

Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department program coordinator Katelyn Bush and one of her Adaptive Recreation participants at September’s The Vibe event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming, according to supplied material, and does so in partnership with community partners such as Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Hope Network and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and dozens of volunteers.

Adaptive programs available include archery, bike club, boccia league, bowling, canoeing, downhill skiing, golf league, leisure club, kayaking, rock climbing, track and field clinics, pickleball, wake boarding and water skiing, along with dances and other social events.

Open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond, the programs enable participants to enjoy the benefits that come with any athletic or recreational activity, such as a sense of camaraderie, improved confidence and new skills.

To learn about current offerings, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.

Videos of various programs

Adaptive Archery

Adaptive Kayaking

Adaptive Snow Skiing

Adaptive Rock Climbing

Adaptive Water Skiing

GR YMCA’s Veggie Vans bring fresh food, healthy ideas to Kentwood, West Michigan residents

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The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ Veggie Vans offer up not only fresh farmers market food but also heathy advice and information. (YMCA GR)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Most people think of the YMCA as being focused on healthy bodies through exercise, programs and classes. Yes, but healthy eating is also a key part of promoting healthy bodies.

On Monday, Sept. 27, residents of Kentwood’s Tamarisk Apartments will gain the opportunity for both healthy food and healthy ideas when they get a visit from one of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ Veggie Vans as part of its ongoing regional tour of Y’s new community program.

On board the van will not only be fresh, healthy food but also information on other YMCA efforts, and available social programs, designed to help underserved residents live a more health lifestyle.

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ new Veggie Vans offer up fresh produce and other healthy foods. (YMCA GR)

“Eating healthy is a critical part to having a healthy body,” Belisa Melton, GR YMCA community collaborations director, said to WKTV. “That is why the Veggie Van also promotes the YMCA’s Healthy Corner Stores initiative, which connects small-scale growers and distributors with urban corner stores to increase the fresh fruits and vegetables to households across West Michigan.

“The goal is to bring healthier and more affordable food options to communities that often have limited fresh options by making local produce more readily available at neighborhood markets.”

And the is just part of the YMCA’s offerings.

“The Veggie Van also provides visitors with opportunities to learn about and engage with the YMCA’s free community fitness programs and nutrition education classes,” Melton said.

The Veggie Van will also serve up conversation and education about how to use the produce or benefits such as Double Up Food Bucks or SNAP.

“The knowledge of these programs and the opportunity to learn more from a trusted resource is important,” according to a recent YMCA announcement.

The Veggie Van’s September schedule for Kentwood-Wyoming includes a stop at Tamarisk Apartments, 4520 Bowen Blvd. SE, Kentwood, from 10-11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 27.

Goal: fresh veggies; fresh ideas

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, knowing farmers markets are a summer favorite for many West Michigan residents but not everyone has access to one, developed the Veggie Van as the region’s first mobile farmers market.

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ new Veggie Vans offer up fresh produce and other healthy foods. (YMCA GR)

The YMCA Veggie Van delivers locally grown, top-quality fruits and vegetables at cost directly to apartment complexes, senior living facilities and other locations in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, according to the recent announcement. The Veggie Van’s two vehicles run year-round, making stops in neighborhoods to provide “vulnerable communities with access to locally sourced produce when in season or sourced from local grocers.”

 

On a weekly basis, the YMCA supplements local produce suppliers to stock the vans by growing its own produce in a greenhouse and in raised beds at the Mary Free Bed YMCA branch.

Access to healthy, fresh food continues to be a significant issue for community members across the region, according to the announcement. While the pandemic has heightened awareness for the food deserts in our communities, the critical need for food security existed prior and continues now. Access to quality food can lead to improved work and school performance, healthy bodies and minds and stronger communities all while preventing chronic disease.

“The Veggie Van is a physical representation of health, wellness and community building,” Nicole Hansen, district executive director of community engagement and youth development, said in supplied material. “Through the availability of nutritious food, our teams help create access and success for those seeking to improve healthy habits.
 

“We believe strongly in building positive experiences with fruits and vegetables that lead to the consistent consumption of healthy meals by individuals and families throughout all neighborhoods in West Michigan.”
 

The YMCA Veggie Van is sponsored by the David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation, Spectrum Health, Nelson Neighborhood Association and The Mart Dock.

For more information on the YMCA’s Healthy Corner Stores program visit grymca.org/healthy-corner-stores.

For more information on the YMCA’s community fitness and nutrition education classes visit grymca.org/community-group-fitness and grymca.org/community-programs.

Running for a cause: Runway 5K returns to Ford airport Saturday, Sept. 25

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Making a return is the Runway 5K at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Ever wanted to se if you can outrun a jet airplane? Probably not. But you can run with the jets and support a local non-profit as, after a pandemic pause in 2020, the popular Runway 5K will return to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 25.

And the Ford airport’s two commercial aviation runways will still be operational during the race.

Register is still available to be one of the 1,200 walkers and runners given the rare opportunity to compete on an actual airport runway. For more information and to register, visit triviumracing.com/event/grr5k2021/.

The course will begin north of the economy parking lot, looping on taxiway Juliet and runway 8L/26R, the Airport’s general aviation runway, before ending back at the parking lot.

A runner during the 2019 Runway 5K. (Supplied)

Race-day registration and packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m. A one-mile fun run will begin at 9:05 a.m. Awards for the top three overall males and females, as well as age groups, will be presented at 10:15 a.m.

The race is being hosted by Trivium Racing, with this year’s charity partner being the Family Hope Foundation — a Jenison nonprofit which provides resources, activities, support and funding for therapies to families of children with special needs in West Michigan.

“The true impact of 2020 is beginning to come to light,” Jane Eppard, executive director of the Family Hope Foundation, said in supplied material. “Many children with special needs lost ground due to disruptions in school and routine in the past year. This was clearly evident in the 25 percent increase in scholarship requests we received this spring.

“The opportunity to be the charity partner for this year’s Runway 5K and the support it will bring to families in our community is deeply appreciated and gives the organization hope.”
 

In 2019, the Runway 5K raised nearly $14,600 for charity.

“We are delighted to welcome West Michigan back to the Airport for this year’s Runway 5K,” Torrance A. Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, said in supplied material.

“We are also honored to support the good work of Family Hope Foundation, which provides therapy scholarships, family fun, advocacy, education and resources to families of children with special needs. We encourage runners and walkers of all abilities to come out and see the Airport from a perspective you will only get once a year.”

Registration includes a T-shirt, post-race snacks and beverages, awards for top finishers and other giveaways.

Disability Advocates’ new headquarters to include first-of-its kind occupational therapy home center

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Construction for the Disabilities Advocates of Kent County’s future home is now underway. Move-in date is set for April 22. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Katie Pew Wolters admitted she thought raising $40,000 was a monumental task for the dream of having a model apartment that showcased how people with disabilities can live independently.

“Now they are raising $2.5 million,” said the former executive director of the Grand Rapids Center For Independent Living which became Disability Advocates of Kent County.
 

The $2.5 million is for the Disability Advocates’ new expanded headquarters which the organization celebrated the start of construction on Sept. 14. The 8,600-square-foot facility, located in the future Special Olympics Michigan facility, 160 68th St. SW., will including a new Occupational Therapy home accessibility center.

Kate Pew Wolters, the first executive director for Disability Advocates, said she remember the challenges of raising $40,000 for the organization’s first model apartment. (WKTV)

“The $40,00 we raised was for a model apartment which was a corner of our office,” Wolters said. “It is nothing like what is being planned now. It had a bed and a very small kitchen but it was designed so people with disabilities would learn about being independent.”

The new Occupational Therapy home accessibility center builds on the initial concept that Wolters and her staff had in the early 1980s. (Diability Advocates was founded in 1981). The center will be a place where people with disabilities explore ways to renovated and retrofit their homes so they can be more independent. It will serve as a “test space” showroom where persons with disabilities, their families healthcare, and design professional and building contractors can explore options for a safer home, including models and adaptive equipment, something that is not offered anywhere in the region.

Disabilities Advocates Executive Director David Bulkowski said the center will be a national model where people can come “hang out and try new things to make themselves more independent.”

“The Home Accessibility Center is a response to a demonstrated need,” said Disabilities Advocates Development Director Peggy Helsel. “Often people ask, ‘What does that mean?’ When we talk about universal design and home, we are giving people a real-life model home to experience what a universally-accessible space can look.”

Through corporate sponsors and private fundraising, Disability Advocates have raised $1.75 million of the $2.5 million for the project. The organization launched its public campaign for the remaining $750,000 on Sept. 14. Bulkowski noted that they have received a matching challenge grant of up to $50,000 from the Frey Foundation to help get things rolling.

Disability Advocates of Kent County’s new headquarters will inline the Occupational Therapy home center. (WKTV)

“Dreams can come true even from 36 years ago,” Wolters said. “I am very excited about this opportunity. We knew we needed to keep going until we got it done.”

Disability Advocates will be one of nine disability organizations occupying the former South Christian High School, which is currently being transformed into the largest Special Olympics trading and inclusion center in the world. Special Olympics launched its own public phase of capital campaign in July to raise $20 million for the retrofitting and construction of the 127,000-square-foot facility that was once the South Christian High School.

Wolverine Building Group is the general contractor with Disabilities Advocates allocating 40-percent of its construction budget on engaging with local minority-owned contractors which include DHE Plumbing, Monte Christo Electric, and Grand Rapids Fire Suppression. Mathison l Mathison Architects is the architect. A move-in date has been set for April 22.

Exploring the possibilities: GR Ballet School expands program for children with disabilities

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A scene from the Grand Rapids Ballet School Explorer Dance Program’s adaptive dance class. (Supplied/GRBS)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Ballet School, the educational branch of Grand Rapids Ballet, recently announced an expansion of its Explorer Dance Program, a 45-minute beginning-level ballet class that emphasizes balance, coordination, and creative expression for children with disabilities.

The ballet school’s Explorer Dance Program continues at the Meijer Royce Center for Dance in downtown Grand Rapids, but will now return to Holland community with classes held at Hope College’s DeVos Fieldhouse after a 16-month hiatus due to the pandemic.

“I feel fortunate that we can once again offer the Explorer Dance classes,” school director Attila Mosolygo said in supplied material. “There’s a need for this type of class and we take great pride in being able to fill that need because these kids benefit from it.”

A scene from the Grand Rapids Ballet School Explorer Dance Program’s adaptive dance class. (Supplied/GRBS)

The Explorer Dance is part of the Grand Rapids Ballet School (GRBS) Adaptive Dance Program, which is focused on “the therapeutic power of dance for participants of all abilities to experience the joy of dance,” according to the announcement.

Among the many benefits of participation in Explorer Dance, students will interact with other children in their class, and build a sense of community and belonging. Mosolygo added that in addition to the camaraderie students feel, ballet also offers many therapeutic qualities.

“It’s great for people to recognize that dance can be part of everyday life. It’s very calming,” he said. “Our students feel great coming out of the class.”

The Explorer Dance program in Grand Rapids is returning to in-person classes for the fall semester following a year of virtual learning the previous school year. The Holland Explorer Dance classes are re-launching after more than a one-year break.

“There has always been overwhelming positivity in the Explorer Dance class,” Taryn Streasick, GRBS faculty member, said in supplied material. “All they wanted was to be back in person and see each other again.”

The Explorer Dance classes at both locations offer students the chance to interact one-on-one with the teacher in a hands-on environment that provides an opportunity to focus on learning. Students are able to discover their abilities and strengths while working to improve balance and hand-eye coordination.

“The students love being able to move and dance together,” Streasick said. “They build each other up and they help each other by encouraging one another.”

The fall semester runs through Jan. 22, 2022. Classes take place Monday evenings in Grand Rapids and Tuesday evenings in Holland.

For more information about the Grand Rapids Ballet School visit grballet.com.

For more information and to enroll in a Grand Rapids Ballet Schools’ Adaptive Dance program, visit grballet.com.

Decriminalization of magic mushrooms introduced in State senate

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State law makers are considering a bill that would decriminalize psychedelic plants and fungi. (pxfuel.com)

By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service

As Ann Arbor readies for a one-year anniversary celebration of  its decriminalization of psychedelic plants and fungi, state lawmakers are considering a similar move that would apply to the entire state.

It would drop the punishment for possessing and using entheogenic plants and fungi that contain  naturally occurring psilocybin, mescaline, ibogaine, psilocyn, dimethyltryptamine and other hallucinogenic compounds. 

Sens. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, and Adam Hollier, D-Detroit, recently introduced the legislation. The bill would be the first step in encouraging research and understanding about these controversial substances that have medicinal and religious value and a low propensity for abuse, Irwin said. 

“To me, it makes a lot of sense to focus on these substances and decriminalize them because locking people up and spending police time and resources trying to ruin people’s lives over use of these substances makes zero sense,” he said. “We need to end the war on drugs.”

Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville (Supplied)

In 2016, Michigan spent $860.3 million to enforce drug control, according to the Cato Institute. Irwin said he wants to refocus this effort on helping people with programs and therapy, a strategy for drug control that a handful of other cities, states and countries have followed.

 

Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, who chairs the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, has not scheduled it for a hearing.

 

“It’s not on my radar screen,” he said. “There’s a lot to consider.”

 

There is more research and clinical testing to do, said Victory, who wants to review scientific studies before taking it up. 

  

Michael Williams, the co-director of Decriminalize Nature Michigan, an advocacy group that lobbied Ann Arbor to decriminalize entheogenic plants, said that any substance carries a risk. 

These substances are largely non-addictive and safe, said Williams, who credits them with helping end his drug addiction.

“You just need to weigh the risk with the benefit,” he said.

Psychedelic drugs have been used with therapy to help patients suffering from depression, anxiety and substance abuse, according to Decriminalize Nature.

Especially helpful are psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin, which binds with several serotonin receptors, according to a study in the Mental Health Clinician.

With these substances being illegal, people are “constantly having to make that choice about whether or not to take a product that helps relieve their pain or their stress and breaking the law,” Irwin said.

 

But critics worry about the impact on impaired driving.

 

As there is no set chemical test to give someone suspected of being under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug, a certified drug recognition expert is required to make an arrest, said Robert Stevenson, the executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

 

There are only 100 certified drug recognition experts in Michigan, and certifying more is a lengthy process, Stevenson said. Drivers suspected to be under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug also require a blood test, which requires a search warrant.

After the legalization of recreational marijuana, there were similar concerns about an increase of drug driving.

“We haven’t seen the surge they had expected,” said Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt. “Originally, everyone thought the sky was going to fall in, and we haven’t seen that.” 

Advocates of decriminalization argue it’s unlikely that impaired driving rates will increase, as it’s unlikely that recreational use will increase.

 

“If someone is impaired and they are unsafe to be on the road, that’s going to come out in the examination on the roadside,” Irwin said. “There’s a relatively small number of users, and people who do use usually use much less frequently.”

 

As Michigan is looking to decriminalize only entheogenic plants, Irwin said “part of the beauty of decriminalization, for its limitations, is that it doesn’t require any enforcement.”

Decriminalizing psychedelics has been on ballots around the country several times with varying success. Advocates are looking for a way to end former President Richard Nixon’s 1971 war on drugs.

 

“We need to end the war on drugs. The war on drugs is the granddaddy of all big government failures,” Irwin said.

An effort to make 988 for suicide prevention means West Michigan will be dialing 10-digit phone numbers

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In preparation for the new 988 phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, starting Oct. 24, West Michigan residents will need to dial the full 10-digit number to make a local call. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

When phone numbers were first established in the late 1880s, they were just a series of three numbers. As the population grew, the number system expanded to seven digits locally with a three-digit area code for long distance.

Starting Oct. 24, in many areas of Michigan, it will not matter if you are making a local or long distance phone call, you will be required to dial 10-digits — one plus the area code plus the number.

The reason? The Federal Communications Commission has designated 988 as the abbreviated dialing code that can be used to reach the suicide prevention hotline. Officials expect the 988 dialing code to be active by July of 2022.

“In many area codes across the country, 988 is already used as a prefix, or first three digits after the area code of customer telephone numbers,” the Michigan Public Service Commission announced in a press release earlier this year. “In order for 988 to dial directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, any area code that includes 988 prefix must transition from seven-digit dialing (dialing without the area code) to 10-digit dialing (1 plus the area code with the telephone number.”

Residents with the 616, 810, 906, and 989 area codes will have to make the switch to 10-digits for all local calls. As of Oct. 24, if a resident with that area code dials with only seven digits, the call may not be completed and a recording may inform the caller that the call cannot be completed as dialed. The caller will have to hangup and redial the 10-digit number.

Phone numbers will not change, residents only need to add the area code to the existing number. It is recommended that residents check contacts to make sure that the complete 10-digit number is stored in their devices. It is also recommend that businesses review devices that rely on numbers to assure all contacts’ 10-digit numbers have been stored.

Other three-digit numbers such as 911 for emergency and 221 for community services will not be impacted.

 

The new 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline goes into effect on July 16, 2022. Until then, residents can cal the hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net or texting 838255.

According to the FFC, since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Americans in 2018, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes. An FCC staff report to Congress in 2019 proposed establishing 988 as an easy to remember three-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Staff analyzed various options and determined 988 was the best option for increasing access to crisis resources and ensuring the fastest possible transition. Establishing the easy-to-remember 988 as the “911” for suicide prevention and mental health services will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues, state FCC officials in a release about the new three-digit number.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of approximately 170 crisis centers. The centers are supported by local and state, and public and private sources, as well as by Congressional appropriations through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

At this point, it is probably a good idea for residents start using 10-digit numbers as some areas in the country have been forced to add second area codes due to running out of phone numbers. The FCC estimates there are more people than phone numbers. 

‘Adopt-a-Forest’ program encourages citizens to clean up public land

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Nature enthusiasts surpassed the goal set by the 2020 challenge by cleaning 151 forest sites, as well as removing 459 cubic yards of trash. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By McKoy Scribner
Capital News Service

Every year, tons of trash is illegally dumped in Michigan’s public lands, but a state program has been running for three decades to mitigate the problem.

The Adopt-a-Forest program is volunteer-driven and helps people engage with the outdoors and encourages them to keep public lands clean, the state Department of Natural Resources says.

The DNR conducts outreach to find volunteers and then connects them with a site in need of a cleanup.

Rachel Coale is a communications representative for the DNR. She says the work done in the past year has been fantastic and she’s eager to see what’s to come.

“So, last year we conducted a ‘100 cleanups in 100 days’ campaign, which despite the pandemic, we blew past our goal, which was really exciting,” she said. “So, this year we haven’t run any specific campaigns, but we’re definitely seeing more and more people get out in the woods.”

Nature enthusiasts surpassed the goal set by the 2020 challenge by cleaning 151 forest sites, as well as removing 459 cubic yards of trash.

The challenge was also a part of celebrating 100 years of the National Association of State Foresters and its effort to promote thriving forests.

Individuals or groups that volunteer are recognized with a certificate. If they adopt and clean over 640 acres of land, they can request a sign in recognition of their work.

 

Coale says volunteers have found everything from paper waste to mattresses in the woods.

“It really helps to have those eyes in the woods because we can’t have a conservation officer everywhere, all the time. But you know, we have a great group of volunteers who can say what’s happening out there and let people know.”

Through the program, half of the trash taken off public lands has been successfully recycled.

McKoy Scribner reports for WKAR and Great Lakes Echo.

This week’s theme is get active, especially on your work commute

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Get active by walking or riding a bike to work this week. (pxhere.com)

BY WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Active Commute Week – a movement to promote more eco-friendly modes of transportation – is underway and runs through Friday.

“Active Commute Week is a great collaboration between individuals, organizations, and employers to promote healthy, sustainable modes of transportation around our region,” said Bill Kirk, spokesperson for The Rapid, and former participant in ACW. The Rapid and its commuter transportation program, West Michigan Rideshare, administer the technology utilized for Active Commute Week.

“Whether participants elect to ride The Rapid, hop on their own bike, take a walk, or utilize a scooter or bikeshare bike, that choice benefits our entire community by reducing emissions and improving public health outcomes,” said Kirk.

Kirk emphasized that the challenge is not just for work commute – participants can log a trip to the grocery store, restaurant, or library.

“Personally, I will be riding my bike or taking Route 5 to work and trying to make all my trips around my neighborhood by foot,” said Kirk.

The event will feature an employer challenge, designed to encourage friendly competition among organizations. Currently there are 25 Grand Rapids employers participating in the challenge.

 

Active Commute Week was postponed in 2020, but the event in 2019 was the largest yet. In a five-day period in June of 2019, a total of 393 individuals logged more than 4,000 green trips. The actions of those participating in the challenge reduced vehicle miles traveled by 19,293 miles, reducing pollutants by nearly 20,000 lbs, and saving commuters more than 900 gallons of gas. This year the event will take place across a seven-day period, in order to encourage participation on the weekend.

 

The Happy Hour recap event will take place on September 17 at Garfield Park. There will be an awards ceremony, and challenge participants will have a chance to win prize packages. It is not too late to sign up – Details on the event can be found at wmrideshare.org/acwgr

Crimes committed by human trafficking victims would be forgiven under bill package

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When a victim steals a car to get away from human trafficking, should they be charged with theft? that is a question a bill in the state legislature would answer. (pxhere.com)

By Barbara Bellinger
Capital News Service

LANSING — Police have made arrests this year for human trafficking in Oakland County and more recently in Mecosta County.

Yet legislation that would keep victims of human trafficking from being arrested, charged and jailed when they are coerced to commit crimes has not moved since legislative hearings were held in early March and the end of April. 

 

“It’s discouraging to see the lack of progress for these bills thus far, and it’s my hope legislators will give them the priority they deserve,” Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote in an email to Capital News Service.

Michigan ranked in the top 10 states for human trafficking in 2019 with 364 cases, according to the Polaris Project, which operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. The Michigan Abolitionist Project, which works to end trafficking, estimates that the actual numbers are closer to 1,100-1,400 individuals.

A sting operation in Mecosta County in August resulted in arrests of six men who came to the area to have sex with children. They could serve up to four to 40 years in prison if convicted.

But at issue is when children and adult victims of human trafficking commit crimes as a result of being trafficked or when they try to escape. Some lawmakers hope to keep them out of jail. 

“When a victim steals a car to get away from human trafficking, should they be charged with theft?” asked Rep. Graham Filler, R-DeWitt, and chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “These victims need more grace.”

Trafficking doesn’t exist only in the larger cities such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing, Filler said. “This happens in rural Michigan. Even in my hometown of DeWitt, it’s easy for (the traffickers) to hide people in those communities.”

The human trafficking package of 26 bills that sits in the House Judiciary Committee  would strengthen existing laws to protect the victims of human trafficking who commit crimes because of their situation.

A bill sponsored by Rep. Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Township, would erase any crime committed by a human trafficking victim as a direct result of being trafficked. That applies only to crimes of prostitution now.

Another bill, sponsored by Filler, would give the victims the right to present evidence that the crimes they committed occurred because they were trafficked.

Another, sponsored by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian, would require the courts to stop moving forward cases where children commit a crime because they are human trafficking victims.

 

“Every child needs a champion,” Whiteford said in a Zoom interview. Whiteford said that the bills would provide just that to both juvenile and adult victims of human trafficking.

Hearings on the bills have been held in the Judiciary Committee, and Nessel testified about her strong support for the package and said victims of human trafficking needed encouragement to break the “cycle of silence.”

 

Whiteford said she is frustrated by the lack of action since then. The bills have taken a back seat in the past few months, she said. “The chair of the Judiciary Committee has other priorities.”

When asked about the hold up, Filler said that although the bills had broad support, concerns were raised at the most recent hearing that the laws as written would allow traffickers to force victims to commit multiple crimes knowing that they would get off.

 

Filler said he doesn’t want to give a free pass to all criminals. “I want to narrow them so they apply instead to real victims.” When asked whether this work has begun, Filler said his staff will review the issues.

Whiteford said the bills have enough flexibility already and should stand as proposed. “The bills give the judges the discretion to expunge on a case-by-case basis,” she said.

The Michigan Coalition to end Sexual and Domestic Violence welcomed the bills’ additional “safeguards to victims who have engaged in criminal activity in connection with their victimization.” The group pointed out that traffickers commonly coerce their victims to commit crimes as a method of control.

“No statistics exist for victims of human trafficking who have committed crimes because of their situation,” said Jane White, the executive director of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force at Michigan State University.

“Do we know that this exists?” White wrote in an email. “Absolutely. Survivors tell us this often. It’s part of what human trafficking is.”

Whiteford’s goal is to get the bills out of committee before the end of the year.

“People are exploited,” she said. “Children are exploited. The average age of the juvenile human trafficking victim is 15 years old. We should all look out for the children in our lives.”

Kentwood’s adaptive recreation celebration (and support) night to have more ‘casual vibe’ this year

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The City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs, part of the city’s Park and Recreation Department programing, includes summertime water skiing. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

There are many reasons to attend “The Vibe,” the City of Kentwood’s community event this week to raise awareness and funds for the city’s Adaptive Recreation Programs.

Yes, it is a fundraiser — this year with the proceeds going to keep its adaptive waterskiing program even more participant-safety focused. But, also, it is a chance for the general public and program participants to mix and learn about the program and its importance to the community.

But this years event — on Thursday, Sept. 16, at the city’s Kent District Library branch — will have a much more “casual vibe” than in some past years.

“This years Vibe has a totally different feel than in years past,” Katelyn Bush, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator, said to WKTV. “It’s going to be more like a backyard barbecue. It is more informal … and is also going to be outside. It is like just hanging out with your friends. … It is going to have more of a casual vibe.”

And there will be some great new friends to be made at the “backyard barbecue,” for community members who want to support the programs and for program participants.

The City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs includes summertime water skiing for all ages. (WKTV)

“The vibe is a fundraiser but it is also a celebration of what our department does for our community, specifically our adaptive recreation population,” Bush said. “We invite many of our participants that are involved with the programs and their families, so many of our athletes can come and be ambassadors for the program. They can answer questions and share their experiences.”

The Vibe will be held 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will include food and cocktails, live music by Main Street Dueling Pianos, a silent auction, adaptive equipment displays and yard games.

The evening also will feature guest speaker Brad Dion, a longtime Grand Rapids resident and East Kentwood High School graduate, who will “share his life experiences of living with cerebral palsy, accomplishing goals and giving back to his community,” according to supplied material.

As a wheelchair athlete, Dion enjoys competing in wheelchair tennis. He also loves to mentor and coach wheelchair sports to kids with disabilities. He spends his days inside the classroom teaching fifth and sixth grade general education as well as supporting special education.

“We are grateful to have Brad Dion share his story at this year’s event,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We welcome the community to join us to hear his journey and learn more about the value of inclusive recreational opportunities.”

Tickets for the casual-attire event are $40 per person, and tickets are still available. They can be purchased online at KentwoodVibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270.

(The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, which may require changes to events. Residents are encouraged to follow current public health guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.)

Water skiing is fundraising focus this year

Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward the city’s adaptive water ski program. The program includes various adaptive water ski clinics offered by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with community partners. Kentwood also offers its own “Sibs Clinic” once a year, where friends and family members are encouraged to ski with their loved one with a disability.

The City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs includes summertime water skiing, which requires extensive safety support. (WKTV)

The clinics give youth and adults of all abilities an opportunity to experience water skiing “in a positive and safe environment with the help of trained staff and volunteers,” and equipment designed for individuals with cognitive or physical challenges.

That “safe environment” is, as always, a focus of the adaptive recreation staff and the programs they offer.

“The funds raised at this year’s event will go to purchase two new jet skis for our adaptive water ski program,” Bush said to WKTV, “These two watercraft are essential to the program. … They trail the skiers and many of our skiers have pretty severe physical limitations. So once they are in the water, their safety is really our responsibility and our top priority.”

If the skiers hit a wave or they fall off, those two jet skies have a trained person riding on the back to get to the skiers “in just a matter of seconds.” … We have to have that ability or we cannot run the program safety.”

Many adaptive recreation programs offered

“We offer a variety of adaptive recreation programs to meet the interests of all individuals — from those who enjoy relaxing leisure opportunities all the way to the biggest thrill seekers,” Bush said in supplied material.

Katelyn Bush, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. (WKTV)

“Because water sports are high-adrenaline activities, they are a great way for people to get out of their comfort zone, enjoy the rush of going fast and feel the wind in their hair. It’s no surprise we have a waiting list each summer.”

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming in partnership with community partners such as Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Hope Network and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and dozens of volunteers, according to supplied material.

Adaptive programs include archery, bike club, boccia league, bowling, canoeing, downhill skiing, golf league, leisure club, kayaking, rock climbing, track and field clinics, pickleball, wake boarding and water skiing, along with dances and other social events.

The Vibe event will have stations where some of our adaptive equipment will be displayed, where educational information will be available — “Who might use it, why they might use it,” Bush said. “This is an opportunity for conversation and curiosity, and support for these programs. It’s a party. It’s an educational opportunity. It is just a unique way to connect to the community.”
 

Open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond, the programs enable participants to enjoy the benefits that come with any athletic or recreational activity, such as a sense of camaraderie, improved confidence and new skills.

To learn about current offerings of the Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation Programs, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.

In Love and Health: Tune-up your immune system!

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, ,

By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love and Health Chiropractic

Now is the time to do what you can to boost your and your family’s immune systems. Cases of COVID-19/Delta variant are on the rise. Kids are back in school. And the fall flu season is just around the corner. In addition to heeding the good advice of the Kent County Health Department, you can take five easy steps to make yourself less vulnerable to colds, flu, and COVID. 1. Eat. 2. Drink. 3. Move. 4. Sleep. 5. Align!

1. Eat healthy foods. When fall activities take a bite out of your time, avoid falling into the fast-food trap. The time you spend cooking healthy foods from scratch today may well save you time and money spent on illness tomorrow. Nutritious local fruits and veggies are still in season so make them most of your plate. On its website, the Mayo Clinic talks about the importance of good foods to the immune system, sharing that recent studies have identified a few key nutrients as being critical to immune cell growth and function: Iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, and E.

2. Stay hydrated. I suggest drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day — if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water. According to Johns Hopkins Health Library, your body needs water to power the lymph fluid, which helps your immune system fight off sickness. Water also helps you to maintain a normal body temperature.

3. Exercise. Though they may seem like opposites, both exercise and sleep provide huge boosts to your immune system. According to WebMD, people who don’t exercise regularly get more colds than people who do. WebMD advises, “Try to get regular, moderate exercise, like a daily 30-minute walk. It can help your immune system fight infection.” Exercise also relieves stress that also puts a damper on immune function.

4. Sleep. This is just as important. Adults usually require at least eight hours a night, children and teens more than that. People who don’t get enough sleep are more apt to catch colds or other infections.

5. Align your spine. Published studies have established that the nervous system controls the immune system — a compromised nervous system can cause the immune system to function less than optimally. Other studies show that a single chiropractic adjustment stimulates increased immune system activity for hours after an adjustment Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal subluxations and can help restore this communication link.

Regular chiropractic wellness care keeps your body, and your immune system, functioning the best they possibly can for a lifetime!

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

After official ribbon cutting, new administrator takes leadership of Michigan Veteran Homes GR

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, center, was among the “ribbon cutting” team at the grand opening of the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, (Michigan Veteran Homes)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

There was a long list of dignitaries, led by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, on hand at the official ribbon-cutting opening of the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, once known as the Grand Rapids Veterans Home, last week.

But maybe the most important person when it comes to the operation of the facility and the care of its veteran residents did not handle one of the scissors cutting the ribbon.

 

Carly MacDonald, who has been hired to serve as the new administrator of Michigan Veteran Homes GR, was present at the Sept. 2 event but did not officially take the position until this week. MacDonald took over from Tracey Nelson, the previous administrator, who successfully led the facility for more than three years through a significant transition in anticipation of the new building opening and its COVID-19 response efforts.

Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH) provides day-to-day operational oversight of the state’s veteran homes on behalf of the Michigan Veterans Facility Authority (MVFA) and is a branch of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The MVH operates the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR), along with homes in Marquette and Chesterfield Township. For more information, visit michigan.gov/mvh.

“As a granddaughter and daughter of veterans, I learned at an early age the importance of serving others and our country,” MacDonald said in supplied material. “It’s an exciting time for our team at Grand Rapids as we transition to our new Home and I look forward to meeting and getting to know our veteran members, volunteers and staff.”


The importance of MacDonald’s job and the work she will lead at the new “Home” was echoed by many of the dignitaries at the Sept. 2 grand opening.


U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, addressed the crowd at the grand opening of the Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids. (Michigan Veterans Homes)

“The state has been serving veterans right here on this campus since the conclusion of the Civil War,” U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said at the opening and  provided in supplied material. “As we embark on this new chapter, we can confidently say that our legacy of serving those who have served will continue for many years to come.”


In addition to remarks by Gov. Whitmer and Maj. Gen. Rogers, others addressing the gathered crowd included Anne Zerbe, executive director of MVH; Dave Henry, chairman of the board for the MVFA; and Robert Troost, a veteran and resident member at the Home.


“I have been anxiously awaiting the completion of the new Home,” Troost, a veteran and resident member at the Home, said in supplied material. “I am very excited to join my friends for a fresh start in a place that truly feels like a home instead of an institution.”


The ceremony included a posting of the colors led by the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids Member Color Guard and music by the Belmont Armory 126th Army Band.


At a total project cost of $62.9 million, with $40.9 million provided through a federal grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Construction Grant Program, construction of the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids began in April 2019 and occupies 20 acres and totals 152,784 square feet.


Military members and veterans were in the crowd at the grand opening of the Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids. (Michigan Veterans Homes)

“This new home is the result of a years-long, bipartisan effort to uphold our commitment to our veterans and their families in Michigan,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “The new Grand Rapids Home was designed to provide comfort and well-deserved peace of mind for the men and women who put their lives on the line for all of us.”


The “Home” consists of four “neighborhood” buildings and a community center. The neighborhood buildings collectively house 128 private resident rooms with ensuite baths and feature shared living and dining spaces, according to supplied material.


The adjacent community center is the centerpiece of the Home and features therapeutic facilities for behavioral, occupational, physical and group therapy, an exam room, chapel, barbershop and salon, café bistro and gift shop. Residents will also have access to an adjacent outdoor courtyard and memorial garden to observe the natural surroundings the campus has to offer.

New administrator’s background

MacDonald has worked in long-term care for over 20 years, according to supplied material. She joined HCR Manorcare, now known as ProMedica Senior Care, in 2001 as human resources director. Shortly thereafter she “had a desire to expand her professional capabilities” and became licensed as a nursing home administrator.


Carly MacDonald, administrator of Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids. (Supplied)

This then allowed her to have a greater impact on clinical and administrative affairs, expansion of specialized care and member safety. She most recently has served as the administrator at Ascension Living Borgess Place in Kalamazoo for the past four years.


Throughout the pandemic, MacDonald “has been essential in leading her team in understanding and implementing all CDC, CMS and State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 infection control requirements,” according to a MVH statement. While serving as administrator of Ascension Living Borgess Place, the home had less than ten cases of COVID-19 and no deaths attributed to the virus. 


“We are elated for Carly to join our growing team at MVHGR and are confident she will continue to support our culture of providing exceptional care to those that deserve it most — our veterans and their eligible dependents,” Steve Rolston, MVH chief operations officer, said in supplied material.


Born and raised in Flint, MacDonald received a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Michigan State University and is “an avid alumnus who is devoted to watching
every season of football and basketball,” according to the MVH statement.

She is married to Ryan, a Navy veteran, and they currently reside in Kalamazoo. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in June and have two children, Jora, 17, and Logan 21. Carly is also a mom to Maybel, a 4-month-old English Bulldog; Cali, a 4-year-old golden retriever; and a couple rescue cats.

She is active in a women’s golf league and enjoys spending time at the family cottage at Lake George which was passed down to her family from her grandfather. Her grandfather served in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps and her father is a Vietnam veteran.

Local health departments in Michigan acknowledge threat of climate change to public health

3-bottom, Environment, Health, Weather, , ,
Climate change could be the next impact on public health. (pxhere.com)

By Elaine Mallon
Capital News Service

More than three-quarters — 77% — of local health department officials surveyed across Michigan agree that climate change will impact their jurisdiction in the next 20 years, according to a recent study in the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences.

The study examined local health departments’ readiness and perception of climate change on public health.

 

An undergrad at the University of Michigan, Julie Carter, led the research for her honors thesis project. Carter said the discrepancy between health officials’ view on the impact of climate change and how they prioritize climate change was the most interesting take away from the study.

 

Only 35% of the officials said that climate change was a priority in their department, even though over three quarters said it will be a problem in the future.

The state Department of Health and Human Services has identified five adverse health effects of climate change. They are heat illness, respiratory diseases due to change in air quality, waterborne diseases, vector- borne diseases, and injury and carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

Patricia Koman is a research investigator in environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan and a co-author of the study.

 

According to Koman, health departments can’t direct policies centered around climate change without the support of community leaders. She said it’s crucial for people like elected officials and business leaders to also be knowledgeable about health effects related to climate change.

 

“If these groups have little or no knowledge, or if the local public health department doesn’t know what’s going on with these leaders, that means that they’re not having the necessary conversations about climate change,” Koman said.

“It means that they aren’t doing everything they can to prepare. As we saw in the (Covid-19) pandemic, when we’re not prepared, people suffer.”

Each negative health effect was recognized as a current issue for local departments.

 

However, 56% of those surveyed said vector-borne illness is a problem. Health and Human Services reports that as winters become milder and summers become hotter, mosquitoes and ticks will survive in larger numbers, leading to greater risk of Lyme and West Nile diseases.

The Michigan Environmental Public Health Tracking reports that 334 ticks were collected in 1999. The population has fluctuated each year, but a record number of 1,412 ticks were collected in 2019. In 2020, the number fell to 650.

In line with the rise in ticks is the rise in Lyme disease cases. The department found 66 Lyme disease cases in 2011. Eight years later, 370 cases were recorded.

Kalamazoo County reported the most cases: 53.

 

The survey, conducted in 2019 but not published until earlier this year, went to officials from all 45 local health departments in the state. There were 35 responses from both urban and rural areas, representing 60% of the agencies.

Koman said the attitudes of health department officials on climate-related health issues may have changed since 2019.

 

“The public health implications of climate change are becoming more and more apparent,” Koman said.

According to Koman, recent flooding in the Detroit area, which prompted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency, and the severe drought at one point across over a third of the state indicate that not only are these effects happening now, but they’re expected to increase.

 

Since 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Climate and Health Program has worked with states in implementing policies and procedures oriented around climate change. The nationwide program receives $10 million in funding, but the Biden administration budget blueprint allocates an increase to $110 million.

At the state level, the climate health program has received $200,000 each year for the past 10 years, according to Aaron Ferguson of the state Department of Health and Human Services.

“At least from our program’s perspective, that doesn’t leave a lot to provide direct funding for local health departments,” Ferguson said.

The state agency focuses on training local health department leaders by integrating environmental health impacts in assessments of a community’s needs, and also helps track climate data.

Both Carter and Koman said that one reason local departments may not prioritize climate health effects is because they are underfunded. However, Ferguson said it doesn’t necessarily require extra work to integrate climate health planning into what officials are already doing.

“We just have to reshape with climate effects in mind,” Ferguson said. “Climate change is a risk multiplier, so the things that are already impacting communities, climate change has the potential to make it worse.”

 As the manager of the state agency’s climate and tracking unit, he said that while each community may differ in the severity of climate health effects, increased precipitation is the most pressing issue at hand for everyone.

 

“Mid-Michigan overall has gotten wetter,” he said. “Precipitation is heavier. And just a couple of weekends ago, we saw that the 100-year or 500-year rain and flood events are occurring much more frequently than that. We’ve probably seen four or five of these types of events in the seven years since I’ve been with the department.”

In addition to putting a strain on farmers, increased precipitation has led to flooding in peoples’ basements and potential exposures to sewage and other contaminants.

 

After a 2014 flood event, Macomb County did a health impact assessment and found an increase in negative mental health effects from the disaster — particularly in low-income and minority areas of the county.

“Mental health in these sorts of recurring events is a big issue, especially when you’re already in the middle of coming out of a pandemic,” Ferguson said.

 

Along with proponents integrating climate change into the conversation of public health, he said that it must transcend all facets of public life.

“There’s a lot of room for infrastructure design for the climate that we have now,” Ferguson said. “It goes back to bringing the health perspective to infrastructure planners. We need to help them understand that there’s a real health impact, and a lot of it is from climate change, but a lot of it’s because our communities aren’t prepared for that kind of stuff.”

Holland Home expands with third assisted living building at Breton campus

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Health, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,
Recently, Holland Homes expanded its Breton Woods campus, located in Kentwood, to add a new 15-bed assisted living unit. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Demand for senior living services drove Holland Home to undergo a $5.5 million expansion project at its Breton Woods campus on 44th Street near Breton Avenue in Kentwood. Completed recently, the new facility will provide an innovative 19,000 SF, 15-bed assisted living unit and a 5,400-square-foot activity center with a gym and exercise area.

The privately funded single-story assisted living unit will be a much-needed addition to the two existing assisted living buildings on the Breton Campus. Each of the existing structures, built in 2015 and 2017 respectively, contain 15-bed units.

“The growth of our assisted living services at Breton Woods is part of Holland Home’s overall strategy to meet the needs of our aging population,” said Holland Home President & CEO Mina Breuker. 

The facility was designed by Post Architects with Erhardt Construction as the builder.

“We are thrilled to partner with Holland Home on their most recent addition to the Breton Woods Campus,” said Taggart Town, vice president, Erhardt Construction. “For over three decades, Erhardt Construction has been privileged to work with Holland Home as they provide independent living and continuum of care to the West Michigan senior community. The new expansion is another example of the top-notch senior living and care that Holland Home is known for.”

It’s expected that 10 to 15 new positions will be created to accommodate the increased capacity.

A peek into one of the living spaces at the new facility. (Supplied)

“We are excited to offer the additional assisted living building to our Breton Woods property, adding to our full continuum of care,” said Breton Woods Campus Executive Director Sara Heethuis, R.N., B.S.N.

The new assisted living building is a deinstitutionalized version of the typical assisted living facility and will afford residents the feeling of living in a real home with spacious private rooms and private bathrooms arranged around a communal dining and living area and a residential style kitchen.  The building will also house a den, a salon (staffed by professionals) a spa (with a ceiling lift to assist individuals), nurses’ station, staff office and clean and soiled linen rooms.

The new 15-bed unit is named “Water View” as the interior design offers various art pieces centered on serene water setting. Various photographs of water-based concepts by West Michigan photographer and artist Steven Huyser-Honig line the halls and rooms. Many of the rooms either face woods or ponds or an outside patio and walking path surrounded by wildlife.

The new building will be staffed by universalworkers along with nursing and social work support. 

 

“Staff will handle any necessary tasks whether it is dealing with personal care, doing laundry, or making the resident a snack,” adds Heethuis. “It has been shown that universal workers experience less job stress and spend more time engaging with residents.”

A study by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has shown that the small, assisted living model results in significantly improved quality of life and does not compromise care.  In fact, other studies have shown that residents maintained self-care abilities longer with the new model.

 

The Breton rehabilitation and living centers are rated five stars by Medicare Compare. The facility is part of Holland Home’s Breton Campus, which also features independent living facilities, rehabilitation and long-term care services. Learn more atwww.hollandhome.org.

Kent County now ‘high’ COVID risk, Wyoming, Kentwood schools issue mask mandates

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health
Kentwood Public Schools and Wyoming Public Schools have announced a mask mandate for the start of the school year.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the level of COVID-19  infection to ‘high’ from ‘substantial’ for Kent County with the recommendation that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a face mask in indoors.

The CDC defines ‘high’ transmission as more than 100 cases per 100,000 people, or a positivity rate of 10 percent or greater in the past seven days. Kent County currently has a seven-day positivity rate of 8.4 percent and seven-day average for new caess is 103 per 100,000. 

“Vaccines remain our best tool for ending this pandemic so we continue to urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department, “With the delta variant spreading quickly throughout our community, we must remain vigilant and take extra steps in protecting our friends, family, and neighbors.”

Yesterday, Kentwood Public Schools became the second school district in Kent County to issue a mask mandate starting in the fall. In an open letter to the community. Superintendent Kevin Polsten said that as of Aug. 17 (the date of the letter), 41% of students ages 17-12 have been vaccinated with 67% 16 and older in the Kentwood community having been vaccinated.

Following suit today was the Wyoming Public Schools which announced that based on the latest guidance by the KCHD and the CDC announcement, the district would be requiring masks for all ore-12 students and staff indoors in all district buildings regardless of age or vaccination status.

Grand Rapids Public Schools issued a similar mask mandate earlier this week. Forest Hills Public Schools announced earlier this week that students and staff not vaccinated will be required to wear masks.

London has not issued a mask mandate from the Kent County Health Department, but in a video released, he stated he “highly recommend” people wear masks in indoor places.

The Kent County Health Department with the CDC recommends the following guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Get vaccinated

Wear a mask or face coverage in all indoor public settings, regardless or vaccination status

Practice good hand washing hygiene

Avoid large crowds and maintain social distance from people outside of your household

Get test if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Due to the current risk classification and positivity rate, an eviction moratorium from CDC now covers Kent County. Tenants with high or substantial transmission who meet income requirements, face a loss of income, are trying to pay rent and submit a declaration form to their landlord, are covers by the moratorium through Oct. 3, 2021. However, residents should remember that there is no moratorium for property taxes.

Snapshots: WKTV stories on health and medical news you might have missed

3-bottom, Community Health, Health

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”

William Londen

A file photo of a Kent County technician testing mosquitoes for West Nile virus. (KCHD)

Another reason to keep the bugs away

The Kent County Health Department announced recently that the Jamestown Canyon virus has been detected in tested mosquitoes in Kent County. The virus is similar, yet different, than the West Nile virus, and is also carried by mosquitoes. WKTV asked a county health official to detail the similarities and differences — and how to protect yourself from both. Go here for the story.

Keep your mask close in close quarters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently raised the risk level of COVID-19 infection from ‘moderate’ to ‘substantial’ for Kent County. The CDC recommends everyone in areas with a risk designation of ‘substantial’ or ‘high’ wear a face mask in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status. Go here for the story.

Joining together for the community’s heart health

In late July, Metro Health (soon to be University of Michigan Health – West), Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and Mercy Health Muskegon finalized the agreement to form the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan. Under this agreement, the network will be providing advance cardiovascular services such as coronary artery bypass surgery, cardiac valve repair or replacement, and repair for birth defects. Go here for the story.

(Not so) Fun fact:

20 per day

According to a 2018 survey by the Physicians Foundation, doctors on average work 51 hours a week and see 20 patients a day. Almost a quarter of their time is taken up with nonclinical paperwork. Source.

Mat Kearney’s Aug. 13 Meijer Gardens concert delayed due to singer’s COVID positive test

Community Health, Entertainment, Health, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announced today, Aug. 11, that the Friday, Aug. 13, concert with Mat Kearney has been postponed until Sept. 8 due to a positive test for COVID-19 by the singer.

And while Kearney is full vaccinated, and is in good health, he is exercising caution.

Mat Kearney. (Supplied)

“Despite my best efforts, I have tested positive for COVID-19. I’m thankfully vaccinated, and just feeling a bit under the weather,” Kearney said in supplied material. “For the health and safety of the band, crew and fans, we will be rescheduling Friday’s show … I’m so bummed. I’ve only missed one show in my life, and can’t wait to see you all again.”

(He also asked for “Your binge-worthy tv recommendations,” and we respectively suggest “Queen’s Gambit”, if not already on his board.)

Tickets purchased for the Aug.13 concert will be honored on Sept. 8, according to the Meijer Gardens statement. But for those who cannot attend the Sept. 8, refunds will be available through Etix through Aug. 20. Please note, according to the statement, ticket fees are non-refundable. To request a refund, please click visit
bit.ly/KearneyRefundRequest.

Any returned tickets for the sold-out show will be available for purchase beginning on Aug. 21 via Etix.com.


Check MeijerGardens.org/concerts for more information.

A regular Marge’s Donut Den meeting group hosts event focused on Wyoming-based foundation

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Health, , ,
Father Peter Omogo with villagers celebrate the opening of a new well in 2020. (SOF)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Marge Wilson remembers watching a woman make the sign of the cross just before putting a cup underneath a fountain to get water.

Clean water is an essential need in many third world countries. Polluted water isn’t just dirty, it’s deadly, according to the Koshland Science Museum. Some 1.8 million people die every year of diarrheal diseases like cholera because they drink dirty water. Tens of millions of others are seriously sickened by a host of water-related ailments, many of which are preventable if these people had access to clean drinking water.

It is why Wilson, the owner of Marge’s Donut Den, in 2012 decided to start the Samual Omogo Foundation, which is dedicated to building water wells in villages in Southeastern Nigeria. The foundation is named after Samuel Omogo, a Nigerian man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of people in Nigerian villages. He was well known for his philanthropic deeds of visiting the sick, bringing food, clothing and school supplies to those in need.

 

“I think Samuel is a man who did so much for his people that I am grateful that his children can see all those wells and say ‘Daddy made a difference in everybody’s life,’” Wilson said in an interview for the foundation.

The Samuel Omogo Foundation will be the focus of the next Mr. Sid’s Video Series Thursday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.

“Our Mr. Sid accomplished many things during his lifetime. Maybe what he was most proud of was he and Beulah’s many service trips to support John and Atts Devries and the work of Mission India,” said Tom Sibly, one of the organizers of the Mr. Sid’s Video program. Sid Lenger was a World War II veteran who loved to share his stories and video travelogues. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 100. Friends and family have continued the video series that have expanded to include special events.

Sibley said the Samuel Omogo Foundation seemed a natural extension to Mr. Sid’s passion of helping people.

Father Peter Omogo will be presenting at the Thursday program. Father Peter will talk about the creation of the Samuel Omogo Foundation, it’s work and his journey that has taken him from Nigeria to West Michigan. Coffee and cookies will be provided after the program.

The next event for the Sid’s Video Series will a Mr. Sid’s birthday program on Sept. 8.

Clean water is one the biggest essential needs in many third world countries. (SOF)

CDC moves Kent County to ‘substantial’ COVID-19 risk level, masks recommended for indoors

3-bottom, Community Health, Health,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the risk level of COVID-19 infection from ‘moderate’ to ‘substantial’ for Kent County. The CDC recommends everyone in areas with a risk designation of ‘substantial’ or ‘high’ wear a face mask in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC data tracker can be viewed here.

The CDC defines ‘substantial’ transmission as 50-100 cases per 100,000 people, or a positivity rate between 8 and 9.9 percent in the past seven days. Kent County currently has a seven-day positivity rate of 6.68 percent. The current seven-day average for new cases in Kent County is 52.52 per 100,000.

With the move to ‘substantial’ risk level, masks are recommended for indoor activities.

The COVID-19 vaccine cannot prevent 100% of infections, but it does prevent many of them. Also, infections among vaccinated people are less severe than those who have not been vaccinated.

“The vast majority of people who are becoming infected with COVID-19 in Kent County are unvaccinated,” says Dr. Adam London, Director of the Kent County Health Department. “The vaccines that are available are effective, safe and available. They remain our best tool for ending this pandemic, so we encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

The CDC and the Kent County Health Department recommend the following guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

  • Get vaccinated – find out more here
  • Wear a mask or face covering in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status,especially now that the risk level has changed to substantial
  • Practice good handwashing hygiene
  • Avoid large crowds and maintain social distance from people outside of your household
  • Get tested if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19