Michigan Nursing Home Workforce Stabilization Council Recently Created

The Michigan Nursing Home Workforce Stabilization Council has been established within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The Council will include state department directors, nursing home representatives, and nursing home residents. The council is charged to review, develop, and recommend policies, administrative actions, legislative changes, and other ways to improve nursing homes in the state.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who signed the Executive Order establishing the Council said, “I look forward to working with them and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to continue finding ways to boost nursing home staffing, promote transparency, and ensure sustainable, high-quality care for all nursing home residents.” 

In addition to government agency representatives, the Council will have five representatives of the nursing home workforce, five from nursing home employers, and three from nursing home residents, which can include family members.

Applications for the council are due on January 7th.

To apply to the Nursing Home Workforce Stabilization Council visit Michigan.gov/appointments and select “Nursing Home Workforce Stabilization Council” from the drop menu of the application.  

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Service Members Will Receive Congressional Gold Medal

President Biden signed H.R. 5142 into law on December 16th, which will posthumously award the Congressional Medal of Honor to the 13 service members who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

The bill was introduced and passed in the House and Senate earlier this year, and it was introduced in the House by local Congresswoman Lisa McClain.

“I’m glad these fallen service members will finally receive the recognition they deserve for their bravery and sacrifice for our country,” said Rep. McClain. “Thank you to the 326 House members and 68 Senators who cosponsored this legislation and helped it quickly become law.”

Of the 13 service members lost on August 26th,  11 were Marines, 1 was an Army soldier, and 1 belonged to the Navy.

  • David L. Espinoza – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Nicole L. Gee – Marine Corps Sgt.
  • Darin T. Hoover – Marine Corps Staff Sgt.
  • Ryan C. Knauss – Army Staff Sgt.
  • Hunter Lopez – Marine Corps Cpl.
  • Rylee J. McCollum – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Dylan R. Merola – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Kareem M. Nikoui – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Johanny Rosario Pichardo – Marine Corps Sgt.
  • Humberto A. Sanchez – Marine Corps Cpl.
  • Jared M. Schmitz – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Maxton W. Soviak – Navy Hospital Corpsman
  • Daegan W. Page – Marine Corps Cpl.

State Legislature Passes Billion-Dollar Supplemental Bill

If you had a billion dollars, how would you spend it? That’s the question that the Michigan legislature answered with the passing of supplemental funding legislation this week.

The bipartisan plan will invest $150 million for COVID school testing, $140 million for rental assistance, $36.3 million for lead testing, water distribution, inspections, blood testing, and more. There is also $14.1 million allocated for Nursing Home Strike Teams to monitor nursing homes in Michigan. Addressing a looming teacher shortage, there is $10 million earmarked to support teacher recruitment, training, development, and retention, and $6.9 million for the Michigan State Police.

Senator Jim Stamas, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee said, “Not only is this responsible, financial good-housekeeping that sets our state up well for the next year, but as a negotiated supplemental, I hope sets the tone for next year’s budget negotiations.” 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the work of the legislature saying that she will analyze the legislation with key members of her administration and that she looks forward to signing the supplemental soon.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Updated Quarantine Recommendations

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) issued streamlined quarantine recommendations designed to help prevent transmission of COVID-19 within the community, while reducing disruptions to everyday life. The following guidance is universal and is applicable to everyone within the county including those in work and school settings.

Quarantine is a strategy used to slow the spread of disease. Individuals who are exposed to the virus are recommended to quarantine, while those sick with COVID-19 are advised to isolate for 10 days at home.

“These updated recommendations will offer the community increased flexibility and choice when faced with a COVID-19 exposure” stated Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer at the St. Clair County Health Department. “We are trying to slow virus transmission while also recognizing the need for society to function so essential services and needs can be met. It is a delicate balance and one we think is reflected well in the latest recommendations.”

Prevention remains key in controlling the spread of COVID-19. A layered approach should be followed to ensure a healthy environment, allowing all St. Clair County residents the best chance to remain healthy. Such an approach should include the following mitigation measures:

  • Receive the COVID-19 vaccine (and booster if applicable)
  • Wear a face mask while indoors or in crowded outdoor settings
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Maintain a distance of six feet from others
  • Enhance ventilation systems within buildings
  • Stay home when sick and get tested for COVID-19
  • Adhere to isolation and quarantine protocols as recommended

Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

Have You Seen Addison Drown – Joshlynn Davies?

Grant Twp, MI — Detectives from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office are seeking help locating a missing teen.

A 17 year old girl, Addison Drown, who also goes by Joshlynn Davies, has been missing since December 13th from her home in Grant Township.  The last contact the family had with Addison was by text at about 2:45 p.m. on that date.

Her mother advised that Addison has an undiagnosed mental impairment and had never run away from home before.

Addison is described as being approximately 5’4” tall, weighs about 120 pounds, has blue eyes and brown hair and was believed to be wearing jogging pants with Yoda from Star Wars on them and gray tennis shoes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Addison is asked to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office at (810) 985-8115.

Can You Bake Cookies for a Cause? SOS Marysville Needs Christmas Cookies for Christmas Dinners

What is your favorite Christmas Cookie? Peanut Butter Blossom? Iced Sugar Cookie? Gingerbread? 

The SOS Marysville Food Pantry needs homemade cookies. They are delivering over 2,000 Christmas Dinners on Christmas Day and they need cookies to go along with the meals.

Heidi Richards from the Food Pantry said that they are getting help from a lot of local organizations and businesses who are hosting “Baking Cookies for a Cause” events, but they still need more.

Each dinner will include three cookies. Donors are asked to package the cookies in groups of three in small zip-lock bags. The cookies can be dropped off at the Marysville Methodist Church at 712 Huron Avenue in Marysville by 9:00 a.m. on Christmas morning.

Richards said, “We live in an amazing community. So many have volunteered to provide cookies for the shut-ins, homeless, and elderly. Over sixty individuals have committed to making from two dozen up to 15 dozen totaling 218 dozen.”

Richards said 282 dozen more cookies are needed. If you have questions, or can help, call Heidi at 810-650-6174.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland