port huron

MDHHS & EMS Will Provide Overdose Survivors Extra Naloxone Kits

In honor of Overdose Awareness Day, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching a new program with emergency medical services (EMS) providers to further prevent opioid overdose deaths. EMS providers will give overdose survivors extra naloxone kits – the medication that reverses opioid overdoses.

In 2018, overdoses killed 2,599 Michiganders. Nearly 80 percent of those deaths involved opioids, continuing an epidemic that has devastated countless families. Overdose Awareness Day memorializes the individuals whose lives have been lost to an overdose, and marks an occasion to offer support to the family, friends and communities impacted by this epidemic.

MDHHS encourages Michiganders to help prevent overdose deaths by carrying naloxone; offering support to family and friends who use substances; and ending the stigma that surrounds substance use disorders.

Overdoses have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and MDHHS data shows that EMS responses for opioid overdose increased by 33 percent from April to May 2020, and still remain elevated. From April through July 2020, EMS responses for opioid overdose were 22 percent higher than the same period last year.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of EMS-treated overdose patients that have declined transport to an emergency department. This indicates that EMS staff may be the only healthcare providers many individuals interact with following an overdose and underscores the urgency of this new naloxone leave behind program.

 

 

Citizen Mistakes Construction Worker for Suspicious Person at YMCA

Port Huron, MI — On Monday, August 31, 2020 at 7:59 a.m., a citizen observed a suspicious male dressed in tactical clothes with a mask on enter the west side entrance of the YMCA, 1525 3rd Street, Port Huron. About fifteen minutes later the citizen called Central Dispatch and advised what was observed. The citizen believed the suspicious male was armed and placed the call to 911 with good intent. 

Police responded inside the building. Employees and children participating in daycare were secured in a safe area. Port Huron Police Patrol, Criminal Investigative Division along with members of the Michigan State Police, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and Marysville Police created a perimeter outside the building. Officers checked the building while the construction crew was interviewed. 

Citizens picking up or dropping off their children were advised to wait until the building was secure. After the building was thoroughly searched, video footage revealed the suspicious person described was the construction worker who was unarmed when he entered the building 

The YMCA is back open for daycare. We would like to thank the YMCA for their cooperation and their safety procedures and protocols that they have in place. 

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department

United Way Awards Funds for Legal Services

The United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) established their Emergency Services -COVID-19 Relief fund early in the pandemic. The fund helps organizations address the unique needs they are facing specific to COVID-19.

Their latest grant from the fund went to Lakeshore Legal Aid to provide subsidized legal services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Lakeshore Legal Aid has identified an increased need for their services from abuse survivors due to the pandemic, and the grant will allow them to lessen the survivors’ hardships by providing free services while they are recovering and getting back on their feet.

To learn more about the United Way of St. Clair County’s Emergency Services Fund – COVID-19 Relief or to apply for funding, visit their website <HERE>

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Softball Game Brings Police and Recovery Community Together

Port Huron, MI — Local non-profit Blue Water Recovery and Outreach and the Port Huron and St. Clair Police Departments will be gathering for a family-friendly charity softball game at Pine Grove Park in Port Huron on Sunday, September 13th at 1:00 p.m. 

Members of the recovery community and local law enforcement will be enjoying recreation while providing much-needed entertainment for spectators in the midst of continual event cancellations.

Describing the family event, Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Executive Director Patrick Patterson said, “We are honored and excited to be in a position to play the police as we share a common denominator in trying to make our community a better place.’”

The actual game is limited to hosting under 100 people. Spectators are asked to maintain social distancing. The game will be livestreamed on bwroc.org and the BWROC Facebook page.

Port Huron Police Chief Joe Platzer said, “We’re community partners and when the police can work together it’s a benefit to all involved.”

Proceeds from the game will go to both the Port Huron and St. Clair Police Departments and Blue Water Recovery and Outreach. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Area COVID-19 Update August 28, 2020

St. Clair County, MI — Lambton County, Ontario

Cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases as of August 28, 2020 at  9:00 AM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 99,958 confirmed cases; 6,440 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 782 confirmed cases; 52 deaths
  • Ontario: 41,813 confirmed cases;  2,803 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 338 confirmed cases; 25 deaths

St. Clair County currently has 70 active cases of the virus, and 1% of hospital beds in the county are being used for COVID-19 patients.

Governor Whitmer signed an Executive Order 2020-172 yesterday clarifying the principal symptoms of COVID-19 that should cause an employee to stay home from work. The order also mandates that employers treat employees who stay home when they are sick as if they were taking medical leave.

Under order 2020-172, any and all Michiganders who test positive for COVID-19 or who display one or more of the principal symptoms should stay home. A worker should also stay home if they have any one of the following not explained by a known medical or physical condition: a fever, an uncontrolled cough, and shortness of breath; or at least two of the following not explained by a known medical or physical condition: loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, sore throat, severe headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.  

Individuals must remain home until 24 hours have passed since the resolution of fever without medication or 10 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared or were tested positive.

Lambton County currently has 4 active cases, and the county hasn’t had a COVID-19 related hospital admission since May.

The City of Sarnia asks for help from the community regarding disposing of personal protective equipment. Masks, gloves, paper towels, tissues, wipes, and plastic bags belong in the garbage, not in the blue box.

 

Please continue to rely on reputable sources for information on COVID-19:

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

With Flu Season on the Horizon, Immunization Encouraged

Michiganders will be hearing a lot about the importance of receiving a flu shot this year. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Governor’s office, are trying to get ahead of the season with a vaccine campaign. The Facing the Flu Together campaign will kick of on August 31st and reach Michiganders through several media channels.

The state has set a goal of achieving a 33% increase in flu vaccination this season which would be more than a 1 million person increase over last year.

The vaccine is already available in some parts of Michigan, and the supply should increase across the state and nation in early fall.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer received her flu vaccine during a press conference on Tuesday and said, “It’s more important than ever for Michiganders everywhere to get [their] flu vaccine. Preventing the flu will help us save lives and preserve the health care resources we need to continue fighting COVID-19. Every flu-related hospitalization we see this season will put an additional strain on Michigan’s economy and our health care systems and hospitals.”

As the flu vaccine becomes available, Michiganders should contact their local health departments, doctors, and pharmacies for more information.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand