Michiganders Urged to Catch Up on Routine immunizations

Immunization Awareness Month is winding down, but it’s never too late to get caught up on routine vaccines. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is concerned that individuals got behind on their routine checkups and vaccinations due to the pandemic.

The return to school and the workplace makes it more important than ever to get back on track with routine vaccinations, according to MDHHS.

Michigan’s vaccination rate declined during the pandemic. The Michigan Care Improvement Registry, or MCIR, reported that only 54.7% of Michigan children aged between 19 and 35 months were fully immunized with recommended vaccinations.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS said, “Vaccinating on time and following CDC’s recommended schedule is the best protection against serious diseases including COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis A, cancers caused by HPV and measles. We have the power to protect not only ourselves, but our entire community when we vaccinate on time.”

MDHHS encourages Michiganders to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on the vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout a child’s life. Adults 19 and older can take the CDC’s Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to find out which vaccines they may need.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Port Huron Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Desirae Gouine has been named the Employee of the Month for July. Gouine has worked at McLaren Port Huron for five years and is currently a transporter in the Medical Imaging department.

Gouine was nominated by her coworkers because she lives the hospital values. She has a passion and willingness to “do for others”. She genuinely cares about her patients and goes above and beyond to provide compassionate care. Gouine is a role model, trainer and resource for new employees and technical staff. Her coworkers are thankful for the hard work and positive attitude she gives every day.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

Congresswoman McClain Cosponsors Resolution to Censure Biden

On August 27, 2021, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), cosponsored a concurrent resolution condemning and censuring President Biden for his catastrophic failures in Afghanistan.

“President Biden’s horrific lack of leadership in Afghanistan caused the deaths of more than a dozen U.S. servicemembers, which could have easily been avoided,” said Rep. McClain. “I applaud Rep. Van Drew for leading this effort to condemn and censure the president. We need to ensure these mistakes never happen again.”

Joining McClain as cosponsors on Rep. Van Drew’s (R-NJ) resolution are Reps. Jim Banks (R-IN), Bill Posey (R-FL), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Tom Rice (R-SC), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Marianette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), David Rouzer (R-NC), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eric Crawford (R-AR), Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Barry Moore (R-AL).

Submitted by Congresswoman McClain’s office

New “Notify Me” Feature Helps Campers Find Sites at State Parks

Going camping is a great way to get away from it all and unplug. Finding a campsite, on the other hand, relies heavily on technology, and being tech-savvy is often the only way to get a prime spot on a summer weekend.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has embraced technology and is now offering the “Notify Me” option for campers looking for a site at a state campground.

The new “Notify Me” feature is for use when campgrounds are full and there is no availability during the desired timeframe in the selected location. It allows prospective campers to choose a campground and dates and choose to get notified when a spot opens up.

Once the “Notify Me” option is chosen, users will receive alerts when sites become available and will be able to then make a reservation at the newly open campsite. The program helps the DNR and also makes for happy campers who get their desired campsite. 

The service is available for campsites, overnight lodging facilities, and shelters at state park campgrounds.

A link to the reservation website:

https://midnrreservations.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mosquitoes Still a Risk for EEE Until First Freeze

The first confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found in Southeast Michigan. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is usually seen in late summer and early fall and can be transmitted to humans.

Horses can be vaccinated against the disease, and that helps to stop the risk of spread to humans. The horse that was found to have the disease in Livingston County had not been vaccinated and had to be euthanized after showing severe symptoms and rapidly declining health.

There is a 90% fatality rate in horses that contract the disease. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and depression, and eventual neurological problems.

Last year, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which has a 33% fatality rate in infected humans, was confirmed in four human cases. Humans can only contract the disease from a mosquito bite, not from contact with horses.

Using the typical mosquito control measures like sprays with DEET, window screens, and avoidance are the best ways to prevent mosquito bites. The first overnight freeze of the fall usually kills off the mosquitoes and ends the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis for the year.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

EDA Secures Grant Funding for New Building at Desmond Landing

Port Huron, MI — The St. Clair County EDA just received a $3.4 million grant to build a state-of-the art business center at Desmond Landing in Port Huron. The new EDA business Center will be a hub for existing businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups.

The Desmond Landing property offers waterfront views and easy access to the Blue Water River Walk, Wetlands County Park, and Downtown Port Huron businesses. The EDA Business Center will be built on Parcel A, which is located on the NE corner of Third Street and Griswold Street, just across from the Blue Water YMCA.

Donna Neister, CEO of Acheson Ventures LLC, said, “Dr. Acheson is very happy to support the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and the  development of the new EDA Business Center to strengthen our region’s business climate. We anticipate the construction of EDA’s modern waterfront facility will also generate new interest in the  remaining parcels at Desmond Landing.”

Funding for the project comes from the $3.4 million U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic  Development Administration grant, $743,421 in local funds, and $101,680 in state funds. The project will cost an estimated $4.2 million.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “I am grateful to our federal partners for investing in Michigan’s economy to create good-paying jobs in St. Clair County.  As we continue our economic jumpstart, we are laser-focused on investing in our families, communities, and small businesses to foster growth and recovery in all regions of our state. Today’s actions will utilize federal, local, state, and private funds to create good-paying jobs and grow emerging businesses in the Thumb, helping us usher in a new era of prosperity for Michigan.”

Dan Casey, CEO of the Economic Development  Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County, said, “EDA of St. Clair County is very grateful to the Economic Development Administration and local  partners for this investment which allows us to create a game-changing, south side, entrepreneurial and economic development business center. We are surrounded by neighboring communities in  Macomb and Detroit, as well other communities such as Ann Arbor, whom have dramatically grown their region’s overall business climates through modern entrepreneurial facilities, trending technologies and advanced support services.”

Early Concept EDA Business Center by InFuz Architects + Innovators
Early Concept EDA Business Center by InFuz Architects + Innovators

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand