St. Clair County

Campaign For Disability Employment Highlights Workplace Mental Health Support For Mental Health Awareness Month

As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, this month-long observance aims to destigmatize mental illness and celebrate recovery. The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) amplifies the significance of mental wellness in the workplace with its informative PSA, “Mental Health at Work: What Can I Do?.” 

The PSA showcases diverse perspectives, including a CEO, manager, co-worker, and individual with a mental health condition, illustrating strategies to foster workplace wellbeing. From fostering inclusivity to offering and seeking assistance, their insights underscore the collective benefit of supportive work environments.

The CDE’s online toolkit complements the PSA, providing a wealth of resources for individuals and organizations alike to champion mental health in the workplace. 

For those willing to promote a culture of support, visit: whatcanyoudocampaign.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Area Rescue Mission Celebrates Successful Season, Prepares For Year-Round Operations

Since reopening on Christmas Eve 2023, the Blue Water Area Rescue Mission (BWARM) has provided over 2,200 nights of shelter to 118 unique individuals in St. Clair County. 

Operated solely by volunteers, nearly 250 community members contributed to the shelter’s operations, from renovations to supervision. Originally set to close in April, the Mission extended its season to the end of May to meet the needs of its guests.

With summer approaching, BWARM plans property renovations and aims to hire a paid staff for fall operations, aiming for a year-round shelter. Alongside its Port Huron shelter, BWARM intends to convert a local ministry-owned home into transitional housing. 

Volunteers are needed for summer projects, to help prepare for the shelter’s reopening on September 8th. For more information, contact BWARM at: info@bwarm.net.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

YMCA Of The Blue Water Area Launches Open Arms Annual Campaign To Support Vital Community Programs

The YMCA of the Blue Water Area embarks on its Open Arms Annual Campaign, aiming to raise $200,000 to bolster essential community initiatives. 

Scheduled to kick off on May 1st, and continuing through the end of June, the campaign seeks to ensure access to vital programs promoting healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. 

Funds raised will provide financial aid, enabling families in need to enroll their children in camps and youth programs. Moreover, the campaign will support initiatives such as the CATCH program, combating childhood obesity, and offering free and low-cost water safety and swim programs to all children. 

Additionally, resources will be allocated to programs like Enhance Fitness and LIVESTRONG, emphasizing healthy lifestyles and prevention. The YMCA’s campaign exemplifies its commitment to fostering a healthier, more inclusive community.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Art On The River 2024 Unveils Stellar Band Lineup For Its 13th Anniversary Celebration

Citizens for a Vibrant Community has set the stage for an unforgettable experience as they reveal the lineup for Art on the River 2024, marking its 13th year as the region’s premier art and music festival. 

Scheduled for June 7th, 8th, and 9th at Kiefer Park in Port Huron, this year’s free event promises an electrifying display of local talent. A few of the stellar acts that will be in attendance are Barbara Payton and the Instigators, Brotha Earth, and the Bobby Murray Band, representing the vibrant music scene of Port Huron and Detroit. 

Renowned for its inclusive atmosphere, Art on the River welcomes everyone with free concerts and a celebration of creativity. 

For further details, visit: artontheriverph.com/celebration-of-music.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Achieves 12th Consecutive ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade, Setting Benchmark In St. Clair County

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC), under the umbrella of Prime Healthcare, maintains its impeccable record in patient safety by securing yet another “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a renowned national nonprofit watchdog. 

This marks LHMC’s 12th consecutive “A” rating since 2018, affirming its unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care. As the sole hospital in St. Clair County to achieve this top grade consistently, LHMC stands out among its peers. Leapfrog’s rigorous assessment, encompassing over 30 performance metrics, highlights LHMC’s dedication to preventing errors, accidents, and infections. 

Jose Kottoor, LHMC’s Chief Executive Officer, attributes this success to the collective efforts of the hospital’s leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers, underscoring their commitment to patient safety. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Sturgeon Festival Is Coming Soon To The Blue Water Area

Excitement fills the air as the Blue Water Sturgeon Festival returns, inviting visitors to marvel at the majesty of Lake Sturgeon, the Great Lakes’ gentle giants. 

On June 1st, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can immerse themselves in a close encounter with these magnificent creatures through a live sturgeon touch tank and a range of hands-on activities. The festival, hosted by Friends of the St. Clair River since 2014, showcases the remarkable journey of Lake Sturgeon from near-extinction to a symbol of habitat restoration success. 

Exclusive Sturgeon Cruises aboard The Huron Lady will offer an unparalleled experience, providing insights from biologists and live research activities. With free admission and activities, the festival, which is also a fundraiser for conservation efforts, promises a day filled with education, entertainment, and appreciation for the wonders of the Great Lakes.

For more information, visit: scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell