Choze Powell

Approximately 73,000 Michiganders will receive letters over the next two weeks letting them know their suspended driver’s licenses can be reinstated.

The Clean Slate to Drive legislation went into effect on October 1, 2021, and it lifts suspensions on those who failed to pay tickets or court fines or failed to appear in court for certain violations. Many of the included violations involve having alcohol  in a vehicle, the purchase or possession of alcohol by a minor, or having unpaid parking tickets.

Those who receive letters and the chance to reinstate their driver’s license will be able to start driving again even if they owe fees, although they are still responsible to pay. Situations vary, so qualifying individuals should follow the instructions provided in their letter.

Even though suspensions are being lifted, the violations will still appear on the driver’s record.

For more information, visit the Secretary of State’s website here:

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_108835—,00.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The CDC is now recommending COVID-19 booster shots for some individuals. To be eligible, at least 6 months must have passed since a second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals must also be at increased risk of severe illness or exposure because of age, underlying health conditions, employment, or living in an institutional setting, such as a long-term care facility. COVID-19 vaccine is free and local health care providers, pharmacies, and the St. Clair County Health Department.

“Vaccination remains our best protection against severe COVID illness and death,” says Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer with the St. Clair County Health Department. “We have prioritized making COVID vaccination as easy as possible, but also want to remind everyone that vaccination is now widely available at doctor’s offices and pharmacies. We continue to use multiple strategies to ensure equitable access to vaccine and booster doses. Please get vaccinated or boosted wherever is most accessible for you.”

At this time, the Pfizer booster authorization only applies to people whose primary series was Pfizer vaccine. People in the recommended groups who got the Moderna or J&J/Janssen vaccine will likely need a booster shot. More data on the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and J&J/Janssen booster shots are expected soon.

Pfizer Booster Eligibility

The CDC recommendation for Pfizer booster doses 6 months after the second dose includes:

• Older adults (65 years and older)
• Adults in long-term care or other institutional settings
• People aged 18-64 years with certain underlying health conditions
• Adults working in certain jobs where they are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19

o   First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)

o   Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)

o   Food and agriculture workers

o   Manufacturing workers

o   Corrections workers

o   U.S. Postal Service workers

o   Public transit workers

o   Grocery store workers

o   This list could be updated in the future.

To schedule an appointment at the St. Clair County Health Department call (810) 987-5300.

Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan held a virtual gala in September to raise money for their programs. The organization raised over $100,000 to provide wigs and support services for kids with hair loss.

The virtual gala enabled Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids to keep their children and supporters safe from a large gathering that could put them at risk of contracting COVID-19. Children being treated for cancer and other health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the virus due to weakened immune systems.

Maggie Varney, Wigs 4 Kids Founder and CEO said, “This was our most successful year yet raising funds at our virtual gala. Thank you to all of the people who opened their hearts and wallets to continue to support our program.”

One of the newest additions to the services at Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids is a raised therapy garden where kids can learn about herb and vegetable gardening and take part in healthy meal planning and cooking classes.

To learn more, visit www.wigs4kids.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The BISSELL Pet Foundation is hosting a national Empty the Shelters event to help pets find their forever homes. This year’s national adoption event is October 4 – 9th.

The Blue Water Humane Society will participate in the national event from October 5 – 9th. Adopting a pet from the Blue Water Humane Society during Empty the Shelters enables new pet parents to adopt for a reduced fee.

The regular price to adopt a cat is $100 and $150 for a dog. During Empty the Shelters, the cost is reduced to $25 for dogs, and cats and rabbits are free.

Interested new pet parents can view available pets at the Blue Water Humane Society by checking out their profile on Pet Finder.com <HERE>, and then call the shelter to get pre-approved by filling out an application. You must be pre-approved to adopt a pet through this program by October 5th.

Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation, said, “Shelters are in dire need of support in the wake of natural disasters and overcrowding due to obstacles such as increased length of stay and slowed adoptions for mid-to-large sized dogs. Our fall ‘Empty the Shelters’ will support the adoption of thousands of pets across the country, helping shelters in this time of crisis. Opening your home to a shelter pet will save a life and create space to give another pet a chance.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recommending booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to certain people who received the Pfizer vaccine.

The recommendation is that people 65 and older and those aged 50 – 64 with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer’s vaccine at least 6 months after their last dose. This also applies to residents of long-term care setting who are 18 and older.

Other groups who may receive a booster shot include those 18 – 49 who have underlying medical conditions that would make them more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19 (for a list of medical conditions, click <HERE>), and frontline workers or those whose job make them more susceptible to contracting the virus.

The current recommendations for booster shots only apply to those who received the Pfizer vaccine. If you cannot remember which vaccine you received, it is listed on your vaccine card and can be accessed on the Michigan Immunization Portal <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand