Health

(April 7, 2020 6:37 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-39, temporarily suspending requirements regarding licensing and regulation of emergency medical services. Executive Order 2020-39 takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the end of the governor’s declared emergency or until otherwise rescinded. “Our paramedics are on the front lines every day helping us mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, and we must do everything we can to help them do their jobs efficiently and effectively,” said Governor Whitmer. “Given the rapid increase in Michiganders who require emergency medical treatment and the scarcity of medical supplies and PPE, it's important that we give emergency medical services the ability to respond flexibly to these new challenges. I will also continue to work around the clock to secure more PPE for our first responders and health care professionals across the state. We will get through this together.” As a result of this order, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services will not be required to conduct annual random inspections of life support vehicles or annual inspections of life support agencies. Instead, a life support vehicle or agency will only be inspected when the department has reason to…

(April 7, 2020 6:24 PM) Effective immediately, Henry Ford Allegiance Health is adopting a universal mask policy for all employees and visitors entering their facilities. “We made this decision to align with the latest CDC recommendations and to take every precaution possible to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our patients, visitors and employees,” said Wendy Boersma, DNP, RN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Henry Ford Allegiance Health.  With the new rules in effect, anyone entering a Henry Ford Allegiance Health facility will be required to wear a mask. In an effort to conserve on masks, hospital officials are urging community members to make their own masks at home and wear them when needing to visit one of their sites of care. “We will provide a mask to anyone in need,” added Boersma. “However, these cloth masks are incredibly easy to make at home and can provide additional protection for community members when they must leave the house.”  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it…

(April 7, 2020 5:23 PM) For those who are newly sober, or have been in recovery for a decade or more, choosing sobriety is a daily decision. One that requires personal awareness, thoughtful preparation and a strong support system. But with the current restrictions in place surrounding COVID-19, people in recovery are finding themselves feeling disconnected or alone as they maintain sobriety. “Connections with others are a tremendous source of support and strength for those in recovery. With 12-step groups being moved online and social distancing guidelines preventing meeting with sponsors and friends in person, people will have to become creative and extra vigilant about prioritizing their recovery,” says Christine Reeves, LMSW, CAADC, a licensed therapist who specializes in treating patients with addiction at Henry Ford Maplegrove Center. Any time routines are interrupted, or stress and anxiety increases, people are at greater risk for relapse, says Reeves. This can include personal, relationship, work or financial stress. If you find yourself with thoughts of drinking or using other drugs, there are things you can do to reset your thinking. She offers the following advice for those in recovery: 1. Make a plan to stay connected to your support network. Write down a schedule outlining when…

(April 7, 2020 4:14 PM) The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 1:30 PM today, there are 262 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at nine facilities throughout the state.  Of that statewide total, 130 of the confirmed positive cases are at Jackson facilities. In Jackson, there are 119 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at Parnall Correctional Facility, 10 at Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center and 1 at Duane Waters Health Center. There are 29 MDOC facilities in Michigan, 19 facilities have no positive COVID-19 cases.  A total of 436 prisoners have been tested statewide as of last night.  131 of those tested were negative and results are pending on 43 cases. MDOC released information about the health of its staff.  There are a total of 107 COVID-19 positive cases among staff at 13 facilities.   In Jackson, there are 41 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases among employees at Parnall Correctional Facility, 1 at Cooper Street Correctional Facility and 1 at Jackson Central Warehouse. Saturday, the department reported the first COVID-19 death in the prison system, a prisoner from Parnall Correctional Facility.  So far, that is the only death among prisoners.  A total of 2 staff have died after contracting coronavirus; …

(April 7, 2020 3:23 PM)  Michigan reported 1,749 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today,  with the state reported total now at 18,970. The State of Michigan is reporting 118 COVID-19-related deaths today, bringing the state total to 845.    The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 117 positive cases (cumulative), and 4 deaths (cumulative). As of 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, Henry Ford Allegiance Health was treating 38 inpatients in their hospital who tested positive for COVID-19. Test results are pending on another 12 patients who are being treated as “persons under investigation,” and are being cared for on isolated units in the hospital to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to other patients. Henry Ford Allegiance Health is also reporting their third patient death overnight from COVID-19. The 68-year-old man was a resident of Hillsdale County and did have underlying health issues. This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.. Overall Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by County updated 4/7/2020 County Cases Reported Deaths Allegan 18   Antrim 6   Arenac 3   Barry 7   Bay 31   Berrien…

(April 7, 2020 12:02 PM) The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 10:30 PM yesterday, there are 238 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at nine facilities throughout the state.  Of that statewide total, 112 of the confirmed positive cases are at Jackson facilities. In Jackson, there are 102 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at Parnall Correctional Facility and 10 at Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center. There are 29 MDOC facilities in Michigan, 20 facilities have no positive COVID-19 cases.  A total of 418 prisoners have been tested statewide as of last night.  123 of those tested were negative and results are pending on 57 cases. MDOC released information about the health of its staff.  There are a total of 109 COVID-19 positive cases among staff at 11 facilities.   In Jackson, there are 52 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases among employees at Parnall Correctional Facility, 1 at Cooper Street Correctional Facility and 1 at Jackson Central Warehouse. Saturday, the department reported the first COVID-19 death in the prison system, a prisoner from Parnall Correctional Facility.  So far, that is the only death among prisoners.  A total of 2 staff have died after contracting coronavirus;  a corrections transportation officer and a…

(April 7, 2020 11:26 AM) Michiganders who lose a job, resulting in a loss of their healthcare coverage or a change in income, may have low or no-cost healthcare options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  Consumers in these situations are not required to wait for the yearly Open Enrollment Period and should act now. “Michiganders who lose employer-based health insurance may have options to continue or replace their coverage,” said DIFS Director Anita G. Fox. “If consumers have questions about enrolling, DIFS is available to assist.” Consumers have 60 days after losing essential health coverage, such as through a job loss, or experienced a change in income to take advantage of a Special Enrollment Period. To determine eligibility, consumers should visit www.healthcare.gov. Depending on income and their situation, consumers may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for their children (CHIP), or Medicaid. Consumers should contact DIFS toll free at 877-999-6442 if they need assistance. Act now and apply When a consumer loses essential health coverage, they may be eligible to enroll in an individual health plan during a Special Enrollment Period.  If consumers are new to www.healthcare.gov, they…

(April 7, 2020 6:45 AM) Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. (MACI) announced yesterday the company is donating $50,000 to the Jackson County COVID-19 Response Fund. Cheryl Norey, MACI Community Relations Manager said MACI President Hugh Kusaba approved the donation of $50,000 to the Jackson County COVID-19 Response Fund.  The fund is administered by United Way of Jackson County and the Jackson Community Foundation.  The money will be used to meet the basic needs of Jackson County residents, including diapers, food, and essential items; as well as local nonprofits who help people with the long term implications of this crisis. Cheryl Norey told JTV, "Both organizations have a strong record of financial accountability and collaboration with other nonprofits.  We are confident that MACI’s gift will help as many of our neighbors and neighborhoods as possible.” “This gift will be able to help many of our neighbors,” said Norey.  ”We made it a priority to keep our team, associates and temporaries, financially secure during the pandemic.  Clearly we are all in this together, so now we are doing our part for Jackson.” MACI President Hugh Kusaba emphasized, “We must respect this virus, and we must respect each other. Everyone can help in the…

Update to include HFAH daily report. (UPDATED April 7, 2020 3: 27 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 117 positive cases (cumulative), and 4 deaths (cumulative). Update:  As of 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, Henry Ford Allegiance Health was treating 38 inpatients in their hospital who tested positive for COVID-19. Test results are pending on another 12 patients who are being treated as “persons under investigation,” and are being cared for on isolated units in the hospital to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to other patients. Henry Ford Allegiance Health is also reporting their third patient death overnight from COVID-19. The 68-year-old man was a resident of Hillsdale County and did have underlying health issues. *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified through Michigan Department of Corrections.  Their numbers are listed under a separate category "Others" for the Michigan Statistics. Gender Number Percent Male 59 50.4% Female 58 49.6% Beginning April 2, 2020, the Age group will only be reported as a percentage of the total instead of the actual number.  Age - Years Percent 0 -19 1% 20 - 29…