Monthly Archives: September 2020

(September 10, 2020 12:00 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 886 positive cases (cumulative), and 40 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 21 new cases since yesterday’s report.  This is the largest single day increase since the pandemic began. Cumulative recovered, as of September 10, 2020:  681** The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 3 PM September 5, there are 1,680 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 162 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of 8 AM September 3, there are 6 persons at Henry Ford Allegiance Health being treated as inpatients for COVID-19. The Jackson County Township map and recovery data will be posted each Monday.  **Recovered is defined as the number of persons with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who are alive 30 days post-onset (or referral date if onset is not available). Gender Number of Cases Percent Male 405 45.7% Female 481 54.3% The Age group is reported as a percentage of the total instead of the actual number.  Age - Years Percent 0 -19 12.0% 20 - 29 16.5% 30 - 39 13.2% 40 -…

(September 10, 2020 11:40 AM) The Jackson County Branch NAACP has announced the cancellation of the 79th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet for 2020. The annual event, usually held in October, will resume in 2021. Daniel Mahoney, President of the Branch, said, “The Freedom Fund Banquet is the main source of income to fund the advocacy work we do in the fight to end race-based discrimination.  We will be leaning and depending on the generosity of the entire community during the next 12 months and appreciate any and all support we may receive during this most difficult time.” “The Branch will continue to look for community partners, supporters and allies to help sustain our financial responsibilities,” Mahoney said. “We are humbly accepting and asking for any donations to help the Branch fund the next year’s work and events.  Checks can be made out to Jackson County Branch NAACP, P.O. Box 4074, Jackson, MI 49204.”

(September 10, 2020 10:18 AM) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with leaders in education, business, labor and workforce development, today launched the nation’s first program offering tuition-free college to an estimated 625,000 Michiganders who provided essential, frontline services during COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April – June 2020. Futures for Frontliners, inspired by the GI Bill which provided college degree to those serving their country in WWII, offers Michigan adults without college degrees or high school diplomas who provided essential services during the pandemic a tuition-free pathway to gaining the skills needed to obtain high-demand, high-wage careers. The funding is not only available to those in the medical field, but also essential workers in manufacturing, nursing homes, grocery stores, sanitation, delivery, retail and more. “This initiative is Michigan’s way of expressing gratitude to essential workers for protecting public health and keeping our state running,” Whitmer said. “Whether it was stocking shelves, delivering supplies, picking up trash, manufacturing PPE or providing medical care, you were there for us. Now this is your chance to pursue the degree or training you’ve been dreaming about to help you and your own family succeed.” To be eligible for the program, applicants must: Be…

Lana Black, certified nurse practitioner at Henry Ford Allegiance Health, featured on the cover of Jackson Magazine September issue. (September 10, 2020 9:47 PM) Jackson Magazine presented its 13th annual Health Care Angels awards at an outdoor presentation held at the Ella Sharp Museum Patio. These Angels represent the most dedicated members of the Jackson health-care community. The award recipients were nominated by the community, patients and co-workers and reviewed by a panel of local health-care experts.  2020 Health Care Angels Lana Black, Henry Ford Allegiance Health Maria Boyle, Henry Ford Allegiance Health Amy Chamberlain, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists Adrienne Cognata, Henry Ford Allegiance Health Aleechia DuBois-Whelan, Schmitt & Amin, DDS Laura McCully, Women’s First Health Kathy Niehaus, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital Savannah Phillips, Elara Caring Tess Powell, Henry Ford Allegiance Health Samantha Skrzypchak, Brooklyn Living Center Kelly Truchan, Henry Ford Allegiance Health Susan Waite, Beltone Hearing Aid Centers Mid-Michigan Elizabeth Zwick – Mid-Michigan Health Center Stories about the 2020 Health Care Angel honorees are in the latest issue of Jackson Magazine. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 Health Care Angel awards at JacksonMagazine.com.

(September 10, 2020 6:34 AM) Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-180 late yesterday clarifying the rules on face coverings for organized sports during training, practice, and competition.   “The COVID-19 virus is easily spread through airborne particles and can affect everyone differently. By wearing a face covering when proper distancing is not possible, athletes will be better protected from contracting the virus and spreading it to family members, frontline workers, and vulnerable populations,” said Governor Whitmer. “We cannot afford to let our guard down. As we continue to fight this virus, we need to make smart and informed choices so we can beat COVID-19 together.”   Executive Order 2020-180 specifies that a face covering must be worn at all times by athletes training for, practicing for, or competing in an organized sport when the athlete cannot maintain 6 feet of social distance, except for occasional and fleeting moments. Athletes are not required to wear a face covering if they are swimming. Athletes competing in football, soccer, or volleyball, for example, are not able to maintain 6 feet of social distance as required and therefore would need to wear a facial covering.   “We are not out of the woods yet, and COVID-19 is still a persistent threat to our frontline workers, students, and families,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “Individuals have a choice about whether or not to play organized sports. Since contact sports pose a high risk of transmitting…