St. Clair County

MDHHS Allocates $2.5 Million For Recovery Housing To Combat Opioid Crisis

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing $2.5 million to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to expand recovery housing for individuals with opioid use disorder and co-occurring conditions. Funded by Michigan’s opioid settlement, this initiative aims to reduce overdose deaths and address disparities.

The new MSHDA Recovery Housing Investment Program (RHIP) will offer forgivable loans to certified recovery facilities for purchasing or leasing properties. This investment is expected to create 40-60 recovery homes, supporting 250-350 individuals. Recovery residences provide a stable environment for individuals to manage recovery and engage in community activities, addressing a key social determinant of health. Priority will be given to areas with the highest need and Tribal entities.

For more information, visit: MDHHS and MSHDA websites.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Hosts Juneteenth Celebration: A Taste of Heritage, Freedom, And Unity

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is teaming up with the Port Huron community for the 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration, “A Taste of Heritage, Freedom, and Unity,” on Wednesday, June 19th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at SC4.

This event honors African American contributions to the nation’s culinary culture and celebrates freedom and unity. It features a live-tasting exhibit showcasing African American foods’ rich history, and influence on American cuisine. Highlights include a free live-tasting exhibit, cultural showcase with music, dancing, storytelling, and spoken word performances, and signature food and drinks from local restaurants.

Jessica Brown, SC4 Chief DEI Officer, emphasized the importance of the celebration, stating, “Juneteenth is a celebration of progress despite the most painful parts of history.”

For more information, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

SONS Outreach Invites 1st-5th Graders To DREAM CAMP

SONS Outreach is excited to welcome all 1st through 5th graders to DREAM CAMP, starting June 17th. 

The camp runs Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the SONS Resource Center, located at 55 15th St, Port Huron. Early registration by May 31st, is $25 per student, increasing to $35 after this date.

DREAM CAMP offers a variety of activities, including field trips, story time, recreation, and STEM projects. Breakfast and lunch are also provided. 

For more information, visit SONSOUTREACH.ORG,  or email OFFICE@SONSOUTREACH.ORG, or call (810) 989-SONS(7667).

Join SONS Outreach for a summer of fun and learning!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Explores Mileage-Based User Fees To Replace Fuel Tax

Michigan is considering implementing mileage-based user fees (MBUFs) to replace the traditional fuel tax, which has been the primary funding mechanism for state highways for over a century. Due to the rise in electric and hybrid vehicles and improved fuel efficiency, the fuel tax is no longer reliable, losing 50% of its purchasing power in the last 30 years.

MBUFs, also known as road usage charges, would apply to all vehicles, charging drivers between 2.0 to 2.5 cents per mile. Heavy-duty trucks would pay higher rates due to their greater impact on road wear. Alternatives like general funds, sales taxes, tire taxes, and tolling were also considered but found less viable. MBUF is seen as a promising long-term solution for sustainable highway funding.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Couple Discovers Prohibition-Era Bootleggers’ Tunnel Beneath Home

While Hayley and Trevor Gilmartin were renovating their Lake Huron home, they stumbled upon a 20-foot-deep bootleggers’ tunnel likely used for smuggling alcohol during Prohibition. The discovery came while removing an old jacuzzi, revealing an eerie, water-filled room connected to Lake Huron by a six-foot pipe.

The couple, undeterred by the “creepy” find, scuba-dived to locate the tunnel’s other end in the river. “It’s impossible to pump out the water,” said Hayley, noting the room’s continuous water influx due to its connection to Lake Huron.

Neighbors also reported similar tunnels, a testament to the area’s historic role in smuggling. The Gilmartins shared their adventure on TikTok, garnering millions of views. They plan to explore further and possibly transform the space into a unique game room or bowling alley if possible. 

Source: New York Post 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Service Dogs Reduce PTSD Symptoms In Military Members, Study Finds

A National Institutes of Health-funded study reveals that adding a service dog to the usual care for military members and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression. 

Conducted by Dr. Marguerite E. O’Haire of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, the study is the largest of its kind, involving 156 participants recruited through K9s For Warriors.

After three months, the 81 participants with service dogs reported notably lower PTSD severity, anxiety, and depression, along with less social isolation and higher companionship than the 75 waitlisted participants. All participants maintained unrestricted access to their usual care.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, underscore the potential of service dogs to enhance the quality of life and psychosocial functioning for those struggling with PTSD.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell