Michigan News

National Test Day Rally

HAPIS Manager Debra Szwejda welcomed the group of about 30 prevention staff from around the state who gathered in Okemos on April 11 to plan activities for the 6th Annual National Test Day. Szwejda said the state agencies had always had innovative ideas. Last year 31 agencies had participated, with an average return rate of 87% she said, "and we're hoping to beat that this year."

Lisa Taton-Murphy (517) 241-5932, is coordinating this year's event for HAPIS, however Jeanine Hernandez is still very much involved. Taton-Murphy will be the contact for the mini-grants, a new idea she had for this year, and the plans of action. Hernandez will be in charge of supplies and data collection for the events. For consent forms contact Yolanda Garza.

The Michigan HIV/AIDS Hotline at AIDS Partnership Michigan will have a listing of all planned events around the state, so callers to the hotline will be directed to agencies in their area for testing.

HAPIS staff emphasized the importance of planning events that the target audience would want to attend, assessing the risk level of individuals who want to be tested and to think about incentives that encourage the specific target audience to return for test results.

They discussed collaboration with other local agencies and local public health as well as pharmaceuticals to expand the focus of the day to include other health issues important to the target population, increase staff for the event and to draw in a wider group of participants as well as for increased funding for the events.

New promotional media for this year's event was introduced at the rally. Knowing is Positive is a new campaign that focuses on African American women and their partners and uses music as a conduit for education and awareness. Joelle Gwynn, host and CEO of Positive Rhythms  introduced this campaign which has enlisted 15 artists to donate songs and poetry to the creation of a CD. She is also planning an event in downtown Detroit for the day before National Test Day.

MDCH Communications staff Jason Holben introduced the state's PSAs and print advertising campaign. These public service announcements and ads will run throughout June to promote National Test Day and direct people to the Michigan HIV/AIDS hotline for more information on where to get tested.

Michigan Surgeon General Joins Henry Ford Health System

DETROIT - Michigan Surgeon General Kimberlydawn Wisdom, M.D., - the nation's first state-level surgeon general - is joining Henry Ford Health System as vice president of Community Health, Education and Wellness.

As a private-public sector executive, Dr. Wisdom's time allocation will be shared between Henry Ford and the state of Michigan. She begins her dual role April 2.

"During this challenging economic time we must identify creative solutions to ensure we are doing all we can to promote and protect the health of Michigan citizens," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.

"This partnership will allow Dr. Wisdom to continue the critical work she is doing to promote healthy lifestyles across Michigan while saving taxpayer dollars. I applaud the commitment of Henry Ford Health System and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to create a healthy Michigan."

Last week, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation agreed to fund the Surgeon General's proposal working with middle school students predominantly in the Detroit area and Benton Harbor. The Foundation is interested in testing the sustainability of a "private-public" partnership for the role of state surgeon general, and as such will fully fund Dr. Wisdom's continued state role.

In her new position at Henry Ford, Dr. Wisdom will lead quality initiatives to address health care equity and health disparities; and provide clinical leadership to community, health literacy and diversity initiatives.

"In her role at Henry Ford, Dr. Wisdom will be able to test and disseminate best practices in which the private sector can help to shape and implement public policy on prevention, healthy lifestyles, and reducing health disparities," says Nancy Schlichting, president and chief executive officer for Henry Ford Health System.

"Her continued tenure as surgeon general will be enhanced by her 'on-the-ground' experience in Detroit and southeastern Michigan which can impact state-level public policy," she adds.

Dr. Wisdom will continue to lead Michigan Steps Up, the statewide healthy-lifestyles campaign she launched in 2004 with the Michigan Department of Community Health and hundreds of community organizations. Her ongoing state work also will include related initiatives such as the Kellogg-funded middle school project and the National Governors Association Healthy Workplaces program.

Her work in support of Governor Granholm's initiatives for health care access, and the Governor's Blueprint for Preventing Unintended Pregnancies will also continue, says Janet Olszewski, director of Michigan Department of Community Health.

"Health disparities anywhere in our state affect us everywhere in the state," Dr. Wisdom says. "I am grateful for the increased opportunity we will now have, through this 'private-public' partnership, working together to find new ways to close racial and ethnic gaps in health outcomes, improve health care access, and encourage prevention and healthy lifestyles for all Michigan's residents.

"The resources of Henry Ford Health System and the shared commitment of our Governor along with expertise from state and local public health will move us forward," she adds. "This 'local-motion' will fuel innovation that can measurably impact health and well-being not only regionally, but also at the policy level for our state and nation."

Since her 2003 gubernatorial appointment as the nation's first state surgeon general, Dr. Wisdom has led Michigan's public health promotion and disease prevention efforts as well as advocating for community-based health.

Before joining the state of Michigan, Dr. Wisdom was an emergency medicine physician at Henry Ford who, also founded and directed Henry Ford's Institute on Multicultural Health.

News Around the State
 

MICHIGAN:
"Panel OKs Offering HPV Vaccine in Oakland County"
Detroit Free Press, (04.16.2007) Kathleen Gray
On Monday after much debate, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners' general government committee voted 8-4 to permit the health department to offer the vaccine against the STD human papillomavirus, certain strains of which can lead to cervical cancer. The county is not seeking to mandate Gardasil vaccination but merely provide access to the drug through its health department.

"This becomes a choice for each individual citizen," said county Health Department Manager George Miller. "We just want to make it available for people who need it." Currently in the tri-county area, only Macomb County offers Gardasil to county residents. The county would charge $360 for the three required doses.

The four Republicans who voted against the proposal said they were worried about the vaccine's newness and possible side effects. "It concerns me that [Gardasil] is being so aggressively marketed," said Commissioner Christine Long (R-Commerce Township).

Commissioner Vincent Gregory (D-Southfield) said he saw no reason why others would oppose offering the vaccine to the public: "If this can save lives, then why wouldn't we want to offer it?"

The full board is expected to hear the proposal on April 26.