Monthly Archives: April 2020

By Jeff Steers JTV News (April 29, 2020 5:54 PM) Another Jackson-area company has joined in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic with face shields. Diversified Engineering and Plastics LLC, 1801 Wildwood Ave., Jackson, has created a lightweight and reusable face shield. The company saw the pandemic spreading across the world, and acted quickly. “We designed them (face shields) knowing we could quickly turnaround production,” Diversified Engineering President and CEO Anita Quillen said in an email response to JTV. “We are focused on community outreach, especially non-medical (personnel) who are currently having a difficult time sourcing personal protection equipment.” The company began sketching designs on what they might be able to manufacture locally about 2 months ago.  Quillen said the face shield is lightweight and has a reusable headband. 

(April 29, 2020 5:33 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-64, which reaffirms the state’s commitment to equitable access to health care, and requires health care facilities to develop protocols that ensure non-discrimination in the event demands for critical health care resources exceed availability.    “Michigan has one of the finest health care systems in the country, and our medical professionals are performing heroically under trying circumstances. But the unprecedented challenges posed by this pandemic have created a heightened need for clear, transparent protocols based on a common understanding of core values, including equitable access to care.,” Governor Whitmer said. “Everyone, no matter who they are, deserves access to quality, affordable health care, especially during a pandemic. This executive order helps ensure all individuals, no matter their circumstances, have equitable access to these critical resources as we continue to fight this deadly disease.”  The order affirms the right to receive medical care without discrimination based on stereotypes, assessments of quality of life, or judgments about a person’s relative “worth” based on the presence of disabilities or other factors. It also requires all health care providers to take steps to ensure non-discrimination and support individuals’ functional needs to the fullest extent possible.  …

(April 29, 2020 4:38 PM) The Children’s Services Agency within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has developed the “Family Well-Being Guide,” a new resource with information on how everyone can support children, parents and other caregivers during the COVID-19 emergency. The guide features practical tips on ways to support vulnerable families. It includes recommended questions to help understand the needs of potentially at-risk caregivers and children. It also provides statewide resources available to families who might have concerns about food, housing, mental health, finances or safety.  “As a community we are all responsible to look out for one another, and to make sure kids and their primary caregivers are healthy, safe and thriving,” said JooYeun Chang, executive director of the Children’s Services Agency. “During a time when face-to-face visits are restricted, we encourage everyone to think about those families you know who are dealing with hardships and could use some extra support before stress and anxiety create a more dire situation.”   Reaching out to lend an ear and help families access available support can go a long way toward keeping families stable and well, Chang said. The Family Well-Being Guide can help frame those conversations. …

(April 29, 2020 4:19 PM) Michigan has activated the Michigan Mortuary Response Team (MI-MORT) to assist local health care facilities and funeral homes with the surge in human remains during the COVID-19 pandemic. The MDHHS Bureau of EMS, Trauma, and Preparedness and the Michigan Funeral Directors Association are taking this action. MI-MORT is a collaborative effort of approximately 40 volunteers from across the state, including medical examiners and investigators, law enforcement, forensic scientists, chaplains and funeral directors. The team provides safe and secure transfer, identification and storage of human remains until funeral homes can help families make plans. “This is a challenging time for health care facilities and families across our state, particularly those experiencing loss. Michiganders who lose a loved one as a result of COVID-19 shouldn’t have to worry about whether they can make final arrangements,” said Timothy Schramm, funeral director for Howe-Peterson and commander of MI-MORT. “Our volunteers are dedicated to providing comfort and reassurance that a person’s remains are safe and properly, professionally handled as quickly as possible at every step.” MI-MORT was established 10 years ago as part of emergency and disaster planning led by the MDHHS Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness. This is…