Choze Powell

MDHHS Seeks Proposals To Help Human Trafficking Victims

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are seeking proposals to expand services to victims of human trafficking. 

In 2021 the human trafficking hotline reported over 400 calls from Michigan. These numbers do not reflect the severity of human trafficking or how many individuals are actual victims. 

From May through September 30th, organizations with limited experience in helping human trafficking victims will receive funding to better assist them in this area. In future award periods the grants would be used to support a wide range of services to survivors.

The proposal requests are open to nonprofits, which include churches, that have at least one year of experience in delivering human trafficking victim services or working with human trafficking organizations in their communities. MDHHS is looking to fund up to 10 organizations with a maximum of $100,000. 

Applications for the Human Trafficking Victims Services Expansion Programming RFP must be submitted electronically by 3 p.m., February 28th.

For more information, visit: Egrams website. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov Whitmer Press Conference April 6, 2020

Gov. Whitmer Announces Art Contest For Michigan Students

What makes the State of Michigan Strong? This is the theme for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2023 State of the State program.

Gov. Whitmer is encouraging students from across the state, grades K-12, to design a creative cover for the new program. Students may use a variety of mediums such as markers, paints, crayons or other tools to create the cover. 

Designs must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 15th. The student who submits the winning art design will receive a gift box from Cherry Republic. 

“I believe what makes Michigan strong is the people that live here, and I am delighted to share a student’s artwork that highlights what they see as Michigan’s strengths,” says Governor Whitmer.

On Wednesday, January 25th, at 7 p.m, Gov. Whitmer will give the 2023 State of the State address on her plans to tackle challenges facing Michigan residents.  

To find out more information and to submit artwork, visit: michigan.gov/artcontest.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sarnia Transit Service Makes Schedule Adjustments

Public transportation is important in any community. It helps those who may not have their own personal vehicle get around efficiently to carry out their daily activities. Sarnia Transit will be making a few changes to their public transportation schedule to better serve changing ridership needs.

A new evening route for 5/7 Rosedale-Cathcart will be serving the North End with once-an-hour trips. Their Rides on Demand service, which provides convenient, safe, and affordable transportation via a downloadable app, will also see changes. 

Rides on Demand for the area of London Line, Modeland, Blackwell and Confederation, will run Monday thru Saturday, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. There will also be connections available to Route 9 at Lambton College.

For more information about the new schedule, visit: sarnia.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

January Is Radon Action Month

If there was an environmental hazard that you could not see, smell, or taste wouldn’t you like to know? With the month of January being Radon Action Month, the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) is encouraging all residents to learn more about testing their homes.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that occurs naturally. Outdoors, radon poses little threat due to it being diluted into the atmosphere. Indoors radon can be more concentrated, leading to possible lung cancer. Environmental Health Director, Steve Demick, says “Radon exposure is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.”

The SCCHD are offering free radon test kits for the month of January. Individuals may receive one test kit per home. Test kits are available during regular business hours at the SCCHD located at 3415 28th Street.

For more information, visit: scchealth.co.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Hosts 21st Annual MLK Jr. Day Celebration

“I have a dream that one day my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King Jr. I Have A Dream Speech

These are the words from one of the nations most well known speeches, by one of the nations most well known historical figures, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

With the observance of Martin Luther King Day on Monday, January 16th, St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will be hosting their 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. The event will be held at the SC4 Fine Arts Theater from 6PM – 7:30PM. 

The goal of the event is to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, as well as to remind us of the importance of accepting individuals who are different from ourselves.An excellent event for students and those who may not be aware of the teachings of Dr. King to be a part of. 

For more information, email: dei@sc4.edu or call (810) 989-5564.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Age Gracefully By Staying Hydrated Says Study

To be young, healthy, and beautiful for as long as possible is the goal of many. A new study reveals a possible secret to making it a reality.

A study published in eBioMedicine involving 11, 225 adults over a 30 year period, has revealed that those who stay well-hydrated are typically healthier than those who do not. Researchers say that well hydrated individuals develop fewer chronic conditions, and tend to live longer as well.

The findings show that higher levels of serum sodium could most likely be the cause. Serum sodium levels go up when fluid intake decreases. To combat the aging process and the onset of chronic illness or disease, be mindful to drink water, as well as consuming fruits and vegetables with a high water content. 

Recommended fluid intake for women is around 1.5 – 2.2 liters of fluids daily and 2 – 3 liters for men according to the National Academies of Medicine.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell