Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, which was officially recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. This year’s theme is “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” The theme encourages people to explore the African diaspora, and the spread of Black Families across the United States.

In a 2016 speech, President Barack Obama said, “Black History Month shouldn’t be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history, or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington, or from some of our sports heroes.”

He went on to say, “It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future. It’s a reminder of where we as a country have been so that we know where we need to go.”

Local families can celebrate Black History Month by browsing Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History’s gallery on their newly launched app. The app includes a virtual tour of some of the museum’s exhibits.

The museum is currently open to the public with timed-entry ticketing Thursday – Saturday from 9 AM – 4 PM and Sundays from noon – 5 PM.

Learn more about the digital app <HERE> and visiting the museum in person <HERE> .

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

When Port Huron resident Cathy Solomon suffered from a heart attack, she remembers the care and support she received from local first responders. Now, she and the members of her neighborhood watch group want to show their gratitude.

On Tuesday, February 2nd, 2/2/21, the Seaway Neighborhood Watch group invites the community to join them by turning their porch lights on for first responders. They hope this show of support lights up the city as people turn their lights on at 6 PM and leave them on till morning.

Blue has traditionally been the color for first responders, so adding a blue light bulb to your front door could be an added sign of encouragement to police, fire department, and ambulance workers.

“It’s been such a tough time for everyone, and I thought this would be such an incredibly wonderful thing. We still have so much to be grateful for, and these people that come out and do these jobs, they’re a great place to start showing it!” said Cathy. “We could all use a little more light in our life.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) will be hosting a new COVID-19 vaccination clinic for 65 years of age and older only, Friday, 1/29/21 thanks to an unexpected, one-time redistribution of vaccine from McLaren Port Huron.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer stated, “We are very grateful for this one-time allocation of vaccine from McLaren Port Huron. These doses will be used to vaccinate more seniors 65+; and additional essential workers in the current (Phase1A – 1B groups). This allows us to vaccinate more residents sooner, allowing for broader community protection.”

McLaren Port Huron President & CEO Eric Cecava explained; “McLaren Port Huron is committed to a healthier community and partnering with the St. Clair County Health Department to provide COVID-19 vaccinations is an important step in achieving that goal. Although current vaccine shortages limit our ability to supply ongoing vaccine, we’re pleased to be able to support the health department’s efforts to vaccinate the community we serve.”

The 65+ clinic will be held at the Blue Water Convention Center, from 9:00am – 7:00pm, by appointment only. No walk-ins accepted. Please do not show up at the clinic without an appointment. Approximately 900 appointments will be available. This will be the last week using our current appointment scheduling system. Scheduling is now open and will only be available until appointments are full. Visit www.scchealth.co to schedule. Due to extremely high call volume, please seek help from a family member, friend or neighbor for assistance with online scheduling. Please avoid calling the Health Department so phone lines can remain open for those seniors without additional help.

The Health Department is also currently preparing to launch a new pre-registration system. It is anticipated to go live the week of 2/1 – 2/5. This new process will allow individuals to “pre-register” and when appointments are available for future vaccine clinics, it can notify the person via email, text and/or phone call. A Vaccine Hotline will also be available for users without computer access. More information will be announced when it is live.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, stated “Please bear with us one more week with our current scheduling process. We have been working diligently with county officials to get something in place. We are hopeful this new system will meet the community’s needs. Once live, the new link will remain on our website. This also will replace our current Friday process of posting a scheduling link. Thank you again for your patience, we are almost there!”

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Further information will be shared when updates are available on the health department website at www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi. For state vaccine data visit https://bit.ly/39q4XwS.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department