MDHHS Launches New Substance Use Vulnerability Index

When it comes to substance use there is no way to track those areas that may have a higher rate of drug use and/or deaths due to drug usage.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new tool that will help stakeholders target efforts to address substance use issues in their communities. 

The Michigan Substance Use Vulnerability Index (MI-SUVI) will take into consideration a communities access to resources, impact of nonfatal overdoses, and social determinants of health to create a county-level vulnerability score or index. The index shows particular areas more vulnerable to negative substance use outcomes.

MI-SUVI will help get the proper resources to those communities with the most need. The current most vulnerable counties include Clare, Wayne, Oscada, Schoolcraft, and Oceana.

For more information about MI-SUVI, visit: Michigan.gov/opioidsdata.

Michigan Rep. Beeler Opposes Taxpayer Dollars Being Used For Chinese Company

Michigan Rep. Andrew Beeler has taken a strong stand against the statements made by Gov Gretchen Whitmer involving taxpayer dollars being funneled to invite a business with ties to China. 

Last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland – Gov. Whitmer issued a statement declaring her support for wooing a company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This same project was turned down by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, after learning about its ties to China. 

The company in question is a battery manufacturing plant by Ford Motor Co. and Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) which is based in China.

Rep. Beeler says, “…It’s unconscionable for Gov. Whitmer to try not only to welcome this company to our state, but to entice it with taxpayer dollars. We must not use the people’s money to give our global adversary a foothold in Michigan.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Library System Events For February

The St. Clair County Library System is offering events and programs for the month of February, here are just a few.

A.A.R.P Tax Service

The A.A.R.P Foundation Tax-Aide is offering free tax preparation by appointment only at the Burtchville and G. Lynn Campbell branches. There are a limited number of slots available so act fast. 

Michigan Activity Pass (MAP)

The Michigan Activity Pass program provides free or discounted passes to over 400 destinations in the state of Michigan. All you need to access these benefits is to have a St. Clair County Library System library card. You will receive discounts to natural attractions, cultural destinations, museums, art exhibits, and more.

Teen Zone

If you have a teen ages 13 – 18, they can check out Teen Zone on Tuesday, February 7th, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Burtchville Library. They can hang out and play D&D or discuss their favorite books. Snacks, pizza, and beverages will be provided as well.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Anniversary Sale: Perfect Time To Advertise With 102.3FM WGRT

For small businesses and nonprofit organizations, advertising is absolutely vital to help grow your business or organization. People can’t support you if they don’t know you exist or what you have to offer.

The month of February is the perfect time to seek out the friendly, knowledgeable staff at 102.3FM WGRT to help you reach the needs of your organization, during their Sensational 32nd Anniversary Sale! Advertising prices are being rolled back to what they were in 1991. 

If you’re a business owner, nonprofit, or you would just like to advertise to promote an upcoming event, check out what makes WGRT stand out from other forms of advertising: 

  • Reliable and trustworthy with 32 years of on air experience.
  • A passion to support the business and nonprofit communities.
  • A 30 mile coverage radius from Port Huron, including Sarnia, Ontario.
  • Global streaming coverage with listeners from all over the world.
  • Surprisingly affordable rates. 

For more information, contact Vickie Lemonis at: (810) 987- 3200/vickie@wgrt.com 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

McLaren Port Huron Program For Joint Pain Begins This Week

There are approximately 15 million adults (1 in 4) who live with some type of arthritis or joint pain according to the CDC. It not only affects adults, but children can also have issues with joint pain and arthritis. 

The friendly staff at McLaren Port Huron are offering a free knee and hip pain program for those individuals who are interested. The program will begin Wednesday, January 25th, from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the hospital’s Charles Classroom. Guests are encouraged use the Rourke entrance upon arrival. 

Dr. Leonard Karadimas, orthopedic surgeon at McLaren, will be discussing the common causes of knee and hip pain, as well as treatment options to help improve your quality of life. There will be a boxed meal provided for those in attendance. 

Registration is required to attend so sign up today by calling Health Access at 1-800-228-1484

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell