Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Raises Awareness On Human Trafficking Signs And Resources

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is amplifying efforts to combat human trafficking by highlighting the signs of exploitation and available resources for both victims and community members. 

Nessel emphasized the pervasive nature of human trafficking, which ensnares individuals into labor, sex work, and domestic servitude through coercion and violence.

Human trafficking manifests in various forms, including forced labor and sexual exploitation, with victims often unaware of their predicament or how to seek assistance. Signs of trafficking, such as physical abuse, lack of control over personal documents, and fearfulness, may go unnoticed. 

Nessel urged vigilance, emphasizing the role of community members in recognizing and reporting suspicious activities to authorities, potentially saving lives. Awareness and action, she stressed, are critical in combating this heinous crime plaguing Michigan and the nation.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Par Pharmaceutical Recalls Blood Pressure Medication Over Silicone Particulate Concerns

Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Par) has initiated a voluntary recall of one lot of Treprostinil Injection 20mg/20mL (1mg/mL) due to potential silicone particulate contamination. 

The recall, aimed at the consumer level, comes as a precautionary measure against possible adverse effects. Injecting products with particulate matter may cause local irritation or swelling and, if particles enter the bloodstream, they can lead to serious complications such as stroke or organ damage. 

Although Par has not received any reports of adverse events linked to the affected lot (Lot 57014) thus far, the company is urging wholesale accounts and hospitals to cease use and distribution immediately. Par is coordinating the return of all inventory through Inmar, Inc., and advises those who have further distributed the recalled product to notify relevant accounts promptly.

For more details and information, visit: fda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Over 16,000 Pounds Of Raw Ground Beef For E. coli Contamination

Cargill Meat Solutions is recalling approximately 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef products over concerns of potential E. coli contamination by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). 

The affected items, produced on April 26-27, were flagged by the establishment after discovering that previously segregated product had been mistakenly incorporated into the ground beef production.

While there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions linked to the consumption of these products, individuals are advised to contact a healthcare provider if concerned about illness. E. coli can lead to severe symptoms such as dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

FSIS urges consumers to check their refrigerators or freezers for the recalled products and advises against consumption. Items should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase.

For more information, visit: fsis.usda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Campaign For Disability Employment Highlights Workplace Mental Health Support For Mental Health Awareness Month

As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, this month-long observance aims to destigmatize mental illness and celebrate recovery. The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) amplifies the significance of mental wellness in the workplace with its informative PSA, “Mental Health at Work: What Can I Do?.” 

The PSA showcases diverse perspectives, including a CEO, manager, co-worker, and individual with a mental health condition, illustrating strategies to foster workplace wellbeing. From fostering inclusivity to offering and seeking assistance, their insights underscore the collective benefit of supportive work environments.

The CDE’s online toolkit complements the PSA, providing a wealth of resources for individuals and organizations alike to champion mental health in the workplace. 

For those willing to promote a culture of support, visit: whatcanyoudocampaign.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Area Rescue Mission Celebrates Successful Season, Prepares For Year-Round Operations

Since reopening on Christmas Eve 2023, the Blue Water Area Rescue Mission (BWARM) has provided over 2,200 nights of shelter to 118 unique individuals in St. Clair County. 

Operated solely by volunteers, nearly 250 community members contributed to the shelter’s operations, from renovations to supervision. Originally set to close in April, the Mission extended its season to the end of May to meet the needs of its guests.

With summer approaching, BWARM plans property renovations and aims to hire a paid staff for fall operations, aiming for a year-round shelter. Alongside its Port Huron shelter, BWARM intends to convert a local ministry-owned home into transitional housing. 

Volunteers are needed for summer projects, to help prepare for the shelter’s reopening on September 8th. For more information, contact BWARM at: info@bwarm.net.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

YMCA Of The Blue Water Area Launches Open Arms Annual Campaign To Support Vital Community Programs

The YMCA of the Blue Water Area embarks on its Open Arms Annual Campaign, aiming to raise $200,000 to bolster essential community initiatives. 

Scheduled to kick off on May 1st, and continuing through the end of June, the campaign seeks to ensure access to vital programs promoting healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. 

Funds raised will provide financial aid, enabling families in need to enroll their children in camps and youth programs. Moreover, the campaign will support initiatives such as the CATCH program, combating childhood obesity, and offering free and low-cost water safety and swim programs to all children. 

Additionally, resources will be allocated to programs like Enhance Fitness and LIVESTRONG, emphasizing healthy lifestyles and prevention. The YMCA’s campaign exemplifies its commitment to fostering a healthier, more inclusive community.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell