George James

CMH Offers Blue Pumpkin Buckets for Kids on Autism Spectrum

Halloween is right around the corner and all the planning for the perfect night of fun has begun. St. Clair County Community Mental Health is offering support for parents of children on the autism spectrum who might have a hard time meeting the social expectations that go along with the celebration.

Adults often set expectations for children to say something like “Trick or Treat” in exchange for candy. But for kids on the spectrum, it might not be possible. Blue pumpkin buckets are an easy way for those handing out candy or otherwise interacting with children to know to take it easy on the child with the bucket. The child may be non-verbal or might be overwhelmed by the sensory overload of costumes, lights, and crowds.

Community Mental Health offers an Autism Support Group that provides a judgment-free place for caregivers to network and access resources. The group is open to any caregiver of individuals diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum. The October 28th meeting will include a Halloween social story, autism pumpkin giveaways, and free blue pumpkin buckets.

Registration is required.

Register by contacting Delores Johnson at 810-488-8866 or dejohnson@scccmh.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Caregivers Reminded to Practice Infant Safe Sleep

October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. Caregivers are reminded to maintain safe sleep environments for babies, especially in their first year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs, not their stomachs or sides, in a crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play. Babies should sleep alone every time they sleep.

Firm mattresses with a tightly fitted sheet are advised, so there is no risk of suffocation from the bedding. Pillows, blankets, and toys should stay out of the sleep surface, and sleep sacks, wearable blankets, or footed sleepers should be used instead of blankets to keep babies warm.

Health officials also warn caregivers to be aware of recalled products. Some products intended for sleep end up being dangerous and are subject to recall.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said. “Just because a product is advertised and sold for infant use, that doesn’t mean it’s a safe place for infants to sleep. The Consumer Product Safety Commission can’t identify hazardous products unless the public reports them. Anyone can report a concern, whether it’s an injury, death, or a ‘near miss.’ It takes all of us to make sure babies are sleeping safely.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Incarcerated Mothers and their Babies Get Help with New Corrections Policy

Babies born to mothers who are serving time in prison could get off to a better start thanks to new policy directives meant to help newborn babies and offer adequate medical care to incarcerated mothers.

The Michigan Department of Corrections is formalizing its current practices such as limiting restraints during delivery and providing pain relief, while also giving new mothers time with their babies after delivery.

In reference to the practices, Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington said, “We are pleased to be able to build upon our past practices and policies to further enhance our commitment to providing a safe experience for women who come to us while pregnant and are under our care and supervision.” 

Washington said that care is taken to “ensure pregnant and post-partum prisoners have their physical and mental health needs met during this time.” 

Under the new directive, incarcerated women will be able to have a support person present during labor and will be able to visit with their newborns under most circumstances. 

The directive was advocated by State Senator Erika Geiss, who called the measures a way to reduce generational trauma. 

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

McLaren Festival of Trees to Raise Funds for New Breast Cancer Detection Equipment

McLaren Hospital in Port Huron is getting ready for the upcoming holiday season and observing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month by announcing their plans for this year’s Festival of Trees.

This year’s Festival will be raising money for breast imaging services in the Demashkieh Women’s Wellness Place. The hospital is hoping to purchase the Hologic Upright Breast Biopsy Guidance system, which features 3D stereotactic biopsy capabilities.

The updated technology gives patients a better experience with enhanced imaging capabilities. The machine provides less x-ray exposure and less time under compression, which is welcome news for women who have undergone compression biopsies.

The Festival of Trees offers many levels of sponsorship and community members will be able to check out the ornately decorated trees in the South, North, and Karmanos lobbies of McLaren Port Huron Hospital. The annual fundraiser will be held on the main floor of the hospital in all of the public areas from Thanksgiving through the New Year.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Car Dealerships Get Flexibility in Business Hours with New Law

Did you know that the Michigan Vehicle Code regulates the number of hours per week in which car dealerships must be open to customers? The Code has now been amended with the signing of Senate Bill 128, which gives car dealerships flexibility in their operating hours.

When Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill, she said, “Senate Bill 128 lifts restrictions for Michigan car dealerships without compromising opportunities for consumers. This bill is a great example of the positive difference we can make for Michiganders.”  

Before the new law, the Michigan Vehicle Code stated that car dealerships must be open for at least 30 hours per week for 52 weeks each year. Dealerships were facing hardship in staying open for that many hours to accommodate necessary closures, emergencies, and vacations.

The Michigan Vehicle Code still contains many specific codes for dealerships including square footage requirements, structural specifications, and others. 

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2021-2022/billenrolled/Senate/pdf/2021-SNB-0128.pdf

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland