The days are getting warmer which means it’s almost time for the 34^th annual River Run! This year’s event will be Saturday, June 1 at Marysville Park. Participants choose between a 10k or 5k run, 3-mile walk or a 1-mile fun run.  The cost is $30 per person for the 10k, 5k, and 3-mile events, if registered by May 21. After that date, the cost goes up to $40. Cost for youth age 9-13 is discounted. The 1-mile fun run is $15. Register prior to May 21 to get a t-shirt and take advantage of the lower rate. Sign up at runsignup.com and search 2019 River Run. You can also register through the VNA by calling 810-984-4131.  Race packet pick up is Friday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the VNA located at 1430 Military Street, Port Huron, or on race day at Marysville Park from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.  Are you interested in sponsoring the event? A few opportunities are still available! Contact Jeannie Westbrook at Jeannie.westbrook@vnabwh.com or call 810-388-6054 to learn more.  Maybe you don’t like to run, however, you can volunteer! . Contact Heidi Benner at Heidi.benner@vnabwh.com or call 810-989-2452.   “This is our largest annual fundraiser for VNA and Blue Water Hospice, and we rely on the support of our very generous community. Last year, with help through community partners, we were able to provide more than $928,000 in charity care to our patients. We raise funds and have fun at the River Run” says Angela DeLaere, president and CEO of VNA/BWH.  For more information on the race, registering, volunteering, or sponsorships, contact the VNA/BWH at 810-984-4131.

Sen. Dan Lauwers on Tuesday supported legislation to reduce auto insurance rates in Michigan by providing drivers more coverage choices, cracking down on fraud and lawsuit abuse, and reducing inflated medical costs.  “A constant theme as I travel the district has been, ‘fix the high cost of auto insurance — now’; in fact, in the past seven years, I haven’t been in a public setting where this issue hasn’t come up,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “The bill passed today finally addresses this problem and provides long-overdue relief.”  According to an October 2018 report, Michigan drivers pay the highest auto insurance rates in the country — 83% higher than the national average. A recent University of Michigan study also said that auto insurance rates are unaffordable in 97% of the state’s ZIP codes.  Senate Bill 1 would require auto insurers to offer Michigan drivers at least three new personal injury protection (PIP) coverage options, including the ability of drivers with qualified medical coverage — such as health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid — to opt out of PIP coverage since they already have medical coverage for injuries.  The legislation would also reduce out-of-control medical costs that are passed on to drivers via higher rates, cut fraud and conflicts of interest in the auto insurance system, and reduce the announced $220 annual Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association fee by 80%.  “This provision alone means an immediate savings of $180 per vehicle,” Lauwers said. “On my farm that means a $1,260 reduction.”  SB 1 now heads to the Michigan House for further consideration.

The Michigan Tobacco Quitline is a free program that can increase your chance of success in quitting tobacco. Their team of friendly coaches can help you make a plan that is right for you. If you enroll now through June 15, you will also get 2 weeks of your choice of nicotine gum, patches or lozenges. The Quitline is available 24 hours a day, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or click the link above for online service.   In an effort to best serve the recovery community and those individuals seeking recovery, Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center  will be launching a new website which includes all local recovery resources in one spot, the ability to sign up for recovery events, recovery news, recovery happens video series and how to partner together and join the fight against addiction.  So be sure to keep a lookout for that new website.

Voters were at the polls yesterday, May 7^th to decide on a number of issues.   Preliminary results show that in Algonac, the Schools non-homestead millage proposal passed.  In East China voters said no to the schools proposal.  Cros-Lex voted yes to their sinking fund proposal.  Ira Township passed a police millage that is a renewal of previously authorized 1.0 mill and an increase of .5 mills for a total millage of 1.5 mills.  The Ira Township fire proposal was approved.

May is Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Awareness (PMAD) Month and Michigan women and families are being urged to learn more about PMAD and available resources by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Maternal and Infant Health.  PMAD, historically known as postpartum depression, affect many Michigan families each year. PMAD is different and more intense than the “baby blues” that many women experience in the weeks after birth of a baby.  Symptoms can feel overwhelming and include depression, anxiety, guilt, irritability, anger, difficulty sleeping and eating, feeling disconnected from one’s baby and experiencing frightening and intrusive thoughts. These symptoms can appear during pregnancy and up to two years after a baby is born. PMAD can affect birth mothers, fathers and adoptive mothers.  “PMAD affects the physical health and emotional well-being of pregnant and postpartum women,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “We must join together to increase awareness, reduce stigma and assist women with getting the support and treatment they need.” To help increase understanding of the disorders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May as PMAD Awareness Month and the Michigan Statewide Perinatal Mood Disorder Coalition is hosting its annual Walk on the Capitol Wednesday, May 8, noon – 2 p.m., at the state Capitol.  For more information about PMAD and available resources, visit the Maternal Infant Health Program website.