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(April 9, 2021 11:46 AM) The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has launched an online tool to help streamline the application process for renters and landlords seeking COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA). MSHDA currently has about $282 million in federal funds available to help tenants avoid eviction and landlords recoup owed rent. Another $340 million is available to be appropriated by the state legislature. “No one should ever have to worry about losing their home, especially during a pandemic,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I’m proud of the steps MSHDA is taking with this new tool to help individuals, families, and landlords handle pandemic-related pressure points of back rent and utility payments as quickly as possible. I am also grateful for the Biden administration’s direct aid to millions of Michigan families under the American Rescue Plan to help them keep a roof over their heads and put food on the table.” Renters making 80% of the area median income or less are eligible. For other eligibility criteria and a link to the secure online application site, visit Michigan.gov/CERA. Landlords or tenants can fill out the CERA application and upload required documents. “We want to reach applicants where they are and…

(April 9, 2021 11:35 AM) At a press conference in Lansing today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan will hit more than five million vaccinations by the end of the day. While vaccine supply has increased, the state is currently experiencing a serious spike in COVID-19 cases that is putting pressure on Michigan hospital systems. To slow the spread of the virus and protect more Michiganders, the governor renewed her call for the federal government to surge additional vaccines to Michigan, while also urging high schools to shift to remote learning, encouraging diners to choose outdoor dining or takeout instead of indoor seating, and recommending youth sports suspend in-person activities for the next two weeks. “Administering more than five million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccine in under four months is a big deal, but we’ve still got a lot more work to do,” said Governor Whitmer. “Right now our numbers are alarming, and we all have a role to play to get our state moving in the right direction again. That’s why I’m renewing my call on the federal government to surge additional vaccines to our state. And it’s why I’m urging high schools and youth sports to voluntarily suspend in-person activities for the next two weeks. This is a…

(April 9, 2021 9:15 AM) Today, the last meal of the Our Town Meal Distribution Program will be served, ending a 10-week program that handed out nearly 42,000 free meals to residents, and paid a combined total of about $420,000 to 21 area restaurants and catering companies. Our Town was the result of a partnership between the City of Jackson and Consumers Energy. Working out of the City’s Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, healthy meals were distributed to people in need every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from Monday, Feb. 1 to Friday, April 9. A drive-through system was set up in the center’s parking lot to accommodate the big demand for healthy, free meals. 1,450 prepared meals were available every distribution day. Most days saw all meals given out within the first 90 minutes. The last distribution will be today from 4 to 6 PM at the MLK Center. “Consumers Energy is so gratified to make a meaningful impact on thousands of households in our hometown,” said Roger Curtis, Consumers Energy’s vice president for public affairs. “It’s extraordinary to see this effort grow from an idea and draw so much support from so many people in only a…

(April 8, 2021 8:24 PM)  The Jackson County Health Department has begun a regular weekly COVID-19 report.  Following is the report dated and released today: National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2021 is an annual celebration of public health championed by the American Public Health Association.  In honor of NPHW and its 2021 theme Building Bridges to Better Health, the Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) recognizes public health professionals in Jackson County for the dedicated, compassionate care and support that reaches beyond barriers to the entire Jackson community.   National Public Health Week is a great time to think about your health and safety and remember the importance of public health and prevention measures. The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the importance of public health and collaborative relationships that serve to protect our community. The Jackson County Health Department would like to express appreciation to community organizations and agencies that have worked with us in the midst of the most challenging public health crisis of our lifetime.  We appreciate and celebrate the following JCHD partners during NPHW 2021: Brown's Advanced Care Pharmacy; Careline Health Group; Center for Family Health; Country Market Pharmacies; Emergency Medical Consultants; David Halsey, MD; Fresenius Kidney Care; Genoa Healthcare…

(April 8, 2021 8:03 PM) Today, Bob Riney, Henry Ford Health System President of Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer said the latest surge in hospitalizations is straining the health care system.  Riney said health care workers are exhausted and he fears there will be a shortage of clinical workers to deal with COVID-19 patients. Riney said, “We are at a critical juncture.  None of us expected what we are seeing today,” referring to the increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the past 3 weeks. Henry Ford reported today in a press briefing that there are 424 HFHS patients system wide currently admitted with COVID-19.  In Jackson, there are 61 COVID-19 inpatients at Henry Ford Allegiance Health (HFAH), the highest number since December 2020 when 70 patients were admitted.   The number at HFAH has more than doubled since March 30. HFHS has seen a substantial spike in admissions and positivity rate in the last several weeks. The health system says the increases are a reminder that everyone should continue to wear a mask, social distance, avoid large gatherings, wash your hands often and get vaccinated. Riney said the latest surge is taking a toll on health care workers.  “Our health…

The Jackson Technology Park North site, on County Farm Road in Blackman Township, north of Chemetall and Technique.  JTV file photo. (April 8, 2021 5:25 PM) Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $6 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to Jackson County for infrastructure improvements at Jackson Technology Park North (JTPN) in Blackman Township.  Raimondo also announced a $3 million CARES grant for Oakland County to assist small businesses with a revolving loan fund. “The Biden Administration is committed to helping Michigan’s economy recover from the challenges of the pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments give small businesses access to capital to keep the doors open in Oakland County, while also paving roads for business expansion in Jackson County for the future.” For Jackson County, the $6 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant will be used to complete road, sidewalk, water, and sewer infrastructure improvements at the Jackson Technology Park North in Blackman Township. The improvements will create shovel-ready sites for industrial development. The project, to be matched with $1.5 million in local funds, is expected to create 40 jobs, retain 136 jobs and generate…

(April 8, 2021 3:31 PM) Michigan reported 7,819 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 723,297. Michigan is reporting 73* COVID-19-related deaths today with the state total at 16,400.  *The deaths announced today includes 43 deaths identified during a Vital Records review. See cumulative data page for more information State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 4/2/21): 577,141. This information is updated Monday through Saturday at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.  Monday reports include Sunday data.  

(April 8, 2021 12:05 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12:00 PM today, there are 11,912 positive cases (cumulative), and 233 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 157 new cases and 4 new deaths since yesterday’s report.   Cumulative recovered, as of April 8: 9,288** As of 9 AM on April 8, there are 61 persons at Henry Ford Allegiance Health being treated as inpatients for COVID-19.  The cumulative numbers posted on Mondays include the data from Sunday and Monday.  Recovered numbers are being posted as received.  The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 4:10 PM April 2, there are 5,147 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 639 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. Note:  Jackson County will post COVID-19 data daily by mid-afternoon, Monday-Saturday, keeping with the schedule established by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The cumulative numbers posted on Monday will include the data from Sunday and Monday.  Recovered numbers are being posted as received.  Epicurve data and Township maps are also posted on Mondays by 3:30 PM. *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified…