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Local News

Sewer Separation Work to Partially Close Hancock Street

Port Huron, MI — The south lanes of Hancock Street will be closed from the I-94/Pine Grove Connector to Pine Grove Avenue until late September 2020. Traffic shifts will be in place to maintain two-way traffic on the north side of Hancock Street.

Access to local businesses will be maintained, but the public is encouraged to use alternate routes.

This partial closure of Hancock Street is necessary to facilitate work on the City of Port Huron’s Blue Water Bridge Plaza Sewer Separation project, which includes sewer construction in the areas of Scott Avenue to Hancock Street and Riverside Drive to 12th Avenue.

The project is expected to be completed by December of 2020.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

McLaren Port Huron Awarded for Partnership with Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — McLaren Port Huron Hospital recently received the Ludwig Community Benefits Award from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA). The award recognizes collaborative programs that improve the health and well-being of area residents.

McLaren Port Huron was recognized for their involvement in the Biomedical Science Partnership with Port Huron Schools. The program was praised for “reinforcing the importance of healthy lifestyles and strengthening the potential for high school students to choose healthcare careers”, according to the MHA. The partnership began in 2018 with 128 students and grew to 240 students last year.

Students volunteered with the hospital, along with taking tours of the St. Clair County Community College Health Sciences Building and listening to presentations from health professionals. The MHA said that “short-term results show nearly 72% of the students plan to pursue healthcare careers and more than 92% report an increased interest in the healthcare profession.”

The $5000 award is given in memory of Patric E. Ludwig, a former MHA president who championed investing in the community’s overall health.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Community Action Agency Household Needs Closet

Blue Water Community Action Agency Creates Household Needs Closet

Port Huron, MI — Blue Water Community Action Agency is using CARES funds to provide a Household Needs Closet to the community. The Household Needs Closet is open to all St. Clair County residents who need hygiene and cleaning supplies they may find it difficult to purchase due to a loss of income related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents who would like to receive items from the Household Needs Closet can contact Blue Water Community Action Agency directly. They will be asked to provide general information on all household members including birth dates, social security numbers, and the last 30 days of household income. State identification and income documentation may be sent via email or copied when the items are picked up.

Blue Water Community Action Agency is open by appointment only, and eligibility and appointments for the Household Needs Closet are determined by calling their main phone number at (810) 982-8541.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Local Young Adults Can Explore a Career in the Trades or Manufacturing for Free

Opportunities are available for young adults ages 18-25 looking for a career in the trades and manufacturing. The Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Young Professionals have received a grant to fund 25 participants in the MAP+ pre-apprenticeship for the fall 2020 semester at Macomb Community College.

The apprenticeship is a series of four online classes that explore career pathways in fields that are in high demand. The classes are Shop Math, Drafting/Blueprint Reading, Industrial Safety, and Trade Related Prep. Those who complete the semester will get an Industrial-Readiness Certificate and earn nine credits at Macomb Community College.

Tuition, fees, and book costs will be covered by The Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Young Professionals. They will also pay for a laptop if needed, as well as tutoring. There is a participation stipend available as well. A high school diploma or GED are NOT required for enrollment, and there are no set times for the classes, which are self-paced modules.

Enrollment information can be found at https://www.macomb-stclairworks.org/map-pre-apprenticeship/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

August is Community Health Worker Appreciation Month

Lansing, MI — Governor Whitmer proclaimed August 2020 as Community Health Worker Appreciation Month in Michigan and encouraged Michiganders across the state to take this opportunity to thank the community health workers who have worked tirelessly to fight COVID-19.

“Community health workers have risen to the occasion to protect Michigan residents and battle COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are grateful for community health workers who continue to work hard to provide health services to communities across the state. I encourage each and everyone of us to show our appreciation to community health workers by taking steps to make their jobs easier by washing our hands frequently, practicing social distancing, and wearing a mask.”

COVID-19 has shed a light on the inequalities felt by communities of color. While African Americans represent 13.6% of Michigan’s population, they represent a staggering 40% of the deaths from COVID-19. Community health workers are vital to reaching under-served areas to help promote and protect the health and well-being of their communities.

Community health workers serve in all regions of the state to help prevent and manage chronic conditions, develop healthy lifestyles, improve maternal and child health, and improve rates of preventative screenings. They effectively deliver health and social services to under-served communities across Michigan through outreach, enrollment and patient education.

Kids in Foster Care Get Help from Dave Thomas Foundation

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with the Dave Thomas Foundation to move kids from foster care into permanent homes. Dave Thomas was the founder of the Wendy’s fast food chain and an advocate for adoption.

The program provides the funding for recruiters who find homes for youth at highest risk of aging out of foster care, including teenagers, children with special needs and siblings. JooYeun Chang, executive director of the Children’s Services Agency within MDHHS said, “Wendy’s Wonderful Kids has demonstrated success at finding families for children who have waited in foster care the longest, and we are thankful for the opportunity to expand this program in Michigan.”

The Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program has a success rate for placement that is three times higher than average. According to MDHHs, there are 13,000 children currently placed in foster care with 300 kids needing to be adopted. More information about fostering and adopting can be found at Michigan.gov. More about the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program can be found at davethomasfoundation.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland