Local News

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is working with its network of partners in the Thumb region to provide expanded services for people in need during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan serves 22 counties in Michigan including Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties. 

The Food Bank and local partners have now scheduled mobile food pantries in each county and will continue to add to this schedule as resources become available. This week, the Food Bank has distributions in the area that include:

•  Laker Elementary School, 6436 Pigeon Road, Pigeon – March 21, 10 a.m.
•  Gateway Assembly, 2796 S Van Dyke Road, Imlay City – March 21, 11a.m.
•  Anchor Cove Church, 201 E. Sanilac Road, Caro – March 21, 10 a.m.
•  Revive Ministries, 6400 Main Street, Cass City – March 24, 1 p.m.
•  Crossroads Community Church, 3631 King Road, East China, March 25, 11 a.m.
•  Kohler Propane, 8744 Burnside Road, Brown City – March 26, 3:30 p.m.
•  Croswell Wesleyan Church, 5242 N. Black River Road, Croswell – March 26, 2:30 p.m.
•  Tuscola County ISD, 1385 Cleaver Road, Caro – March 28, 11 a.m.
•  VFW Hall, 2942 Main Street, Marlette – March 28, 9:30 a.m.
•  Gateway Assembly, 2796 S Van Dyke Road, Imlay City – March 28, 11 a.m.
•  Marlette High School, 3051 Moore Street, Marlette – March 31, 11 a.m.
•  Father Dunn Hall, 310 North Main Street, Yale – April 4, 10 a.m.

Kara Ross, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan said the, “ distributions give community members the opportunity to pick up produce, protein, and shelf-stable items.” During the outbreak, Ross promised the Food Bank is “committed to working with partners in all 22 of our counties to provide additional resources to alleviate burdens on neighbors.”

The mobile distributions have been refocused as a drive-through style. The Food Bank and partner organizations are providing bags and briefing agencies and volunteers prior to distributions to ensure compliance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines regarding social distancing.

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan relies on and appreciates the donated food it receives from approximately 70 retail grocery partners. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has increased overall demand for food nationally from retailers and manufacturers, so donations to food banks have declined as people purchase and stock up on food. Due to the decline in donated items, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has to purchase significantly more food now to distribute into the communities it serves, which has made monetary donations vital. Contributions can be made online at www.FBEM.org.

The Food Bank’s Thumb Region Outreach Coordinator Heather Bearden is available to assist organizations interested in partnering with the Food Bank, individuals in need of assistance, and answer questions about the Food Bank. The Food Bank’s website has calendars with scheduled food distributions, a map to search for food pantries by zip code, and resources related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Detroit Sector Border Patrol agents arrested four aliens that were illegally in the United States during a smuggling event last week. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Marysville Station first observed a vehicle loitering near the international border in an area where several recent smuggling events have been attempted. A short time later, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the same vehicle, and requested assistance from Border Patrol. An agent interviewed the driver and passenger, who admitted to being in the United States illegally, and that they did not have any documents allowing them to be or remain in the United States.

At the same time, another Border Patrol agent observed two people walking along the side of a road parallel to the border with Canada. Due to the recent activity and the presence of the suspicious vehicle in the immediate area, the agent suspected that a smuggling event was in progress. During an interview of the individuals, they admitted to having just crossed the border from Canada in a boat. All four subjects were transported to the Border Patrol station for processing.

During processing it was confirmed that all of the subjects were Brazilian nationals, and that none have legal status to be present in the United States. The two individuals who admitted having entered illegally confirmed that they had made arrangements to be picked up by the other two subjects after crossing the border.

The two subjects who crossed the border have been referred to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for prosecution of Illegal Entry into the U.S., and the other two for Alien Smuggling.

On Sunday, March 22nd, the St. Clair County Health Department and the City of Sarnia sent the following information in press releases:

As of 3-22-20 at 4:00pm, the State of Michigan is reporting 1,035 confirmed cases, including eight (8) deaths.  St. Clair County remains at seven (7) confirmed cases. St. Clair County Health Department is monitoring 42 people under investigation, along with 73 of their contacts.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer explains why the St. Clair County Health Department does not name potential exposure locations; “When confirmed cases are identified, it is very likely community-wide transmission is already present. Everyone should be following all recommended prevention measures and advisories to help slow down further spread.”

The St. Clair County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues interagency coordination, information sharing, decision making and response planning efforts. The EOC will remain active throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency.

For further information visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus; Michigan.gov/coronavirus; or scchealth.co.  A general St. Clair County COVID-19 Informational Hotline is available Monday through Friday, (810) 966-4163, 8:00am-4:30pm or email questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org. The State of Michigan hotline is 1-888-535-6136 and is operational daily 8:00am – 5:00pm or email questions to COVID19@michigan.gov.

From the City of Sarnia:

The Sarnia Primary Control Group met via teleconference on March 22, 2020 at 9:00am regarding COVID-19 and can confirm that, as of that time, there remains no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 infections in the County of Sarnia-Lambton area.

The City is taking preventative measures based on discussions with Lambton Public Health and information received from both the Provincial and Federal Governments. These measures are in place as a result of collaborative discussions between concerned agencies. 

County of Lambton Warden Bill Weber, Mayor Mike Bradley of the City of Sarnia, Mayor Bev Hand of the Village of Point Edward, and Chief Chris Plain of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation have issued the following joint statement to express their continued gratitude to the members of the community who have expressed a desire to help by volunteering in these difficult times:

“While we appreciate the sense of civic duty that drive our community members to reach out and offer to volunteer their services, we request that people keep safe and continue to maintain social distancing practices at this time, to help stop the spread of this pandemic. Our respective communities will work in conjunction with County of Lambton Public Health officials to coordinate opportunities and for members of the public to volunteer at an appropriate time and would refer people to the Lambton Public Health website for such opportunities.

For those who are currently volunteering through community groups, we ask that you continue to respect safety guidelines issued by Lambton Public Health officials such as continuing to practice social distancing principles, wearing appropriate gloves and masks, and leaving any items delivered outside for pick up instead of attending at the doors.”​

The City of Sarnia would like to remind the public the extreme importance of social distancing. While the amount of actual cases is unknown at this time, operating under the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, we must act as though the virus is already here and social distancing and proper hygiene practices are the only ways for us to curb the spread and reduce the burden on the health care system. Too many members of the public are ignoring these recommendations and it is of growing concern to our community. Please limit your trips to essential matters only.

Under the advice of the Medical Officer of Health, the City of Sarnia is operating under the premise that the COVID-19 virus is already circulating within the community. For that reason, the City is taking all precautions to protect the public and staff by maintaining closures of all city facilities and City Hall, this includes suspending non-essential services.  

(BPT) – Even though you try to be a good “dog parent,” chances are you may not think of everything when it comes to your furry best friend’s well-being. But if you notice that your dog’s breath is unpleasant, it may be time to up your doggy care game. Bad breath can be a sign of poor dental health, which in turn can have a negative impact on your dog’s digestive system, kidneys, liver and heart.

Taking care of your dog’s health is important, so it may be a good idea to spend more time focused on your four-legged pal’s mouth, helping you avoid potential problems down the road.

1. Check your dog’s mouth

While you may take your dog in for periodic professional brushing – which is a great idea – frequent checks and brushing at home can help you notice problems earlier. While you’re brushing, look for problem signs, such as:

• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Inflamed gums
• Tumors in gums
• Cysts under tongue
• Loose teeth
• Plaque and tartar build-up (yellowish brown coating around gum and teeth)

If you spot any of these issues, make an appointment with your vet.

2. Dental care

Any dog can become accustomed to brushing if you’re calm and gentle – and reward your pup with a dental chew that’s good for teeth, like The Missing Link’s Smartmouth dental chews. Your vet can demonstrate specific brushing techniques.

Start gradually, building up to 3-4 times per week.

• Kneel or sit in front of your dog. When your dog is relaxed, gently open their mouth, then touch their teeth and gums. Start with short sessions and reward good behavior with a dental chew.
• Pick a toothbrush designed for dogs, with softer bristles – some even fit on your finger for easy use. You’ll need toothpaste made for dogs, as human toothpaste can be harmful to your dog.
• When you think your pooch is ready, let them taste a little toothpaste first. If they respond negatively, try a different flavor. Brushing will be easier if it seems like a treat!

3. Diet

Unfortunately, most commercial dog foods don’t necessarily promote your dog’s dental health, and could be contributing to dental plaque and stinky breath. Since no single dog food provides all the nutrients your dog needs to live their best life, consult your vet for recommendations to boost overall health and oral health, especially depending on your dog’s breed, age and health condition. Dogs can benefit greatly from additional supplements that promote health from the inside out, fresh food and/or prescription dog food.

4. Dental chews

The Missing Link’s Smartmouth dental chews are an easy and yummy way to clean your dog’s teeth. Dental chews aren’t a replacement for home brushing, but a great way to help maintain the good work you’ve started. Their unique ridges clean teeth, and reduce plaque and tartar while freshening breath. Smartmouth dental chews also deliver a daily vitamin supplement to help support healthy gums, healthy skin, shiny coat, better mobility and overall health and wellness. While you’re checking off that list of all you do for your dog, you can also check off “daily superfood vitamin supplement,” too – all while your dog just thinks they’re getting a tasty treat.

By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure your dog lives healthier and prevent painful oral infections. And no more dog breath!

As of 4 PM today, there are 787 confirmed cases of COVID-19 including 5 deaths in Michigan. St. Clair County remains at seven (7) confirmed cases. St. Clair County Health Department is monitoring 52 people under investigation, along with 73 of their contacts.

Southeast Michigan’s hospitals and public health departments offered the following guidelines and information about COVID-19 screening and healthcare services via a press release Saturday afternoon:

If you are feeling sick please stay at home and call your primary care doctor or local hospital hotline (see list below)

If you have a fever and a cough AND are experiencing any of the following go immediately to the emergency department or call 911 for EMS:

• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Chest pain

If you have a cough and no fever or are concerned that you may have been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19:

• Contact your primary care physician by phone (don’t go unannounced) or
• Seek a telemedicine evaluation or
• Visit an urgent care center or
• Contact a regional hotline or
• Visit a drive-through screening site

If you have a cough WITHOUT difficulty breathing AND no chronic medical conditions*

• Drink fluids
• Take over the counter remedies for fever and mild discomfort (e.g., Tylenol)
• Stay at home and try and stay at least six feet away from others without symptoms

*Chronic medical conditions include: diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive  pulmonary disease, cancer or heart disease.   

It is also important to note that hospital Emergency Rooms are still open for emergency medical care, but for all other ambulatory care or office appointments, please call the hospital to get up-to-date information on hours and scheduling an appointment

Here is a current list of Southeast Michigan HOTLINES and COVID-19  SCREENING SITES:

ASCENSION SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN HOSPITALS:

Hotline: 833-981-0738. visit our website: https://healthcare.ascension.org

Triage Areas:

• Ascension Michigan ministries have established COVID-19 triage areas near all emergency departments. This includes: Ascension Macomb-Oakland, Warren Campus, Ascension Macomb-Oakland in Madison Heights, Ascension St. John Hospital, Ascension River District, Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, Ascension Providence Novi Hospital and Ascension Providence Southfield Hospital.

BEAUMONT HEALTH:

Hotline: 1-800-592-4784, www.beaumont.org/coronavirus

Curbside Screening Sites:    

• Dearborn, Royal Oak, Troy: 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.
• Grosse Pointe, Farmington Hills, Taylor, Trenton and Wayne

Hours are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

 

DETROIT MEDICAL CENTER:

Hotline: 1-888-DMC-3370   5 p.m. to 8 a. m.  Seven days a week

 

HENRY FORD HOSPITAL:

Hotline: 313-874-1055   8 a.m. – 5 p.m.   Monday-Friday

Screening Site: Henry Ford Allegiance Health, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Sunday.

• Location is on the surface lot of One Jackson Square, 100 E. Michigan Avenue in Jackson. One person one vehicle being tested. People are required to call 313.874.7500 to schedule an appointment at the screening site. This is only for people who have symptoms of fever, dry cough and shortness of breath.

 

MCLAREN MACOMB HOSPITAL:

Screening Site:

• Drive-up screening tent 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.  for patients already experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath)
• Do not need appointment but will be seen in the order of arrival www.mclaren.org/coronavirus

 

MICHIGAN MEDICINE:

• Patients can find information at https://www.uofmhealth.org/covid-19-update.

 

ST. JOSEPH MERCY:

Hotline:   1-833-247-1258

Screening Sites:

• St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor
  • Walk-in tents available for drop-in screening, 11 AM – 11 PM,  *Hours subject to change

• St. Mary Mercy Livonia,
  • Drive up screening, 10 AM-6 PM, *Hours subject to change

 

DETROIT HEALTH DEPARTMENT:

Hotline: 313-876-4000   Open 24/7

Dedicated email address: DHDoutbreak@detroitmi.gov

 

WAYNE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Hotline:  734-287-7870, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM

     2-1-1 for information 24-hour, 7-days a week.

 

OAKLAND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 

Nurse on Call: (800) 848-5533

Helpline (non-medical issues): (248) 858-1000

 

MACOMB COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

COVID-19 Helpline (586) 463-3750    8:30 AM – 5:00 PM 7-days a week .

 

ST. CLAIR COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

COVID-19 Informational Hotline   (810) 966-4163 8AM – 4:30 PM

 

This information was provided by the Region 2 South Healthcare Coalition (R2S) and the Region 2 North Health Care Coalition. The coalitions, created and funded by the state and federal government in 2002, work with their health partners to deliver coordinated and effective response strategies during healthcare emergencies – sharing incident and emergency response information.  They also plan and coordinate resources among all the providers in tandem with the state MDHHS – this includes hospital bed tracking and coordination of emergency pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies throughout the region.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer at the St. Clair County Health Department stated, “We know these are uncertain times and it is important to rely on accurate sources of information. Be aware of the sources you follow, as they may not be valid. When in doubt, use recommendations put in place by the CDC, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the St. Clair County Health Department”.

For further information visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus; Michigan.gov/coronavirus; or scchealth.co.  A general St. Clair County COVID-19 Informational Hotline is available Monday through Friday, (810) 966-4163, 8:00am-4:30pm or email questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org. The State of Michigan hotline is 1-888-535-6136 and is operational daily 8:00am – 5:00pm or email questions to COVID19@michigan.gov.

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its March 2020 Employee of the Month, Kimberly Fleming, and its March 2020 Volunteer of the Month, Barb Kreutzer. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Kimberly is a Patient Registrar in the Admitting department and has been with LHMC since 2012. She was nominated by a peer who commented, “Kim has a heart of gold.  Recently, a mom with two small children were brought to the Emergency Department via ambulance. Upon discharge, the mom had to wait a very long time in the waiting room for a ride home.  Without hesitation, Kim took the young family down to the cafeteria to buy them all lunch out of her own pocket. She is truly an exemplary employee.”

Barb has been volunteering at the hospital since 2015 in various roles. Barb’s anonymous nomination reads: “Barb has been a volunteer since 2012.  Currently she is a very valued volunteer in the Emergency Room Department, but besides this area, she also has been the Volunteer Board President for the past two years.  While President, she continues to volunteer for all the current fundraisers that the volunteers have. Being both the President of the Volunteer Board, and previously as the Vice President/Fundraising Chair of the Volunteer Board, requires countless hours organizing, planning, and then carrying out meetings, events, and fundraisers.  Barb is a wonderful motivator and cheerleader for the volunteers and staff.”

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Kimberly and Barb, as we celebrate their accomplishments.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.