MDCH Expert Supports Hurricane Relief Efforts in Florida - September 29th

MDCH Notices Significant Increase in Pertussis Cases - September 23rd

MDCH Appoints Chief Nursing Executive - September 22nd

Granholm Unveils Michigan Prescription Drug Discount Card - September 21st

Flat Rock Physician Loses License - September 20th

Waterford Nurse Loses License - September 20th

Michigan Health and Safety Coalition Accepts Governor’s Request to Serve as Commission on Patient Safety - Public hearings to be held in Southfield, Lansing, and Traverse City - September 15th

State of Michigan Issues Health Advisories For Consuming Wild Game From Tittabawassee River Flood Plain - September 14th

Ann Arbor Physician Loses Michigan License - September 8th

September Declared Michigan Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month - September 2nd

Florida Physician Loses Michigan License - September 2nd

Michigan Surgeon General Urges Public Health Employees To Set A Healthy Example - September 1st

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MDCH Expert Supports Hurricane Relief Efforts in Florida Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) infectious disease epidemiologist Jennifer Beggs was called upon earlier this month to lend assistance in the hurricane relief efforts in Florida. “The Department of Community Health is proud to lend our highly skilled specialists to other states in their time of extreme need,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “Our public health experts are some of the best in the nation, and I am pleased that Jennifer could share her knowledge and experience to help our fellow citizens in Florida.” Deployed as part of a state team on September 7, Beggs spent two weeks in Florida with colleagues from the Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Transportation, and the Family Independence Agency. The group was able to assist the state of Florida and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with operations, planning, emergency services, and human services in the areas worst hit by the multiple hurricanes. “We were able to provide assistance all over Florida – from Punta Gorda to Pensacola, and Orlando to Tallahassee – and we saw some of the most seriously damaged areas,” Beggs said. “The group was assigned a variety tasks. We performed community and environmental assessments, connected citizens with charitable organizations and shelters, passed out information, and ensured safe drinking water was available.” Beggs, a 2002 Masters of Public Health graduate from the University of Michigan, has previously been involved in emergency management situations, but said she felt that this opportunity was an invaluable learning experience. “Being on the front line and working closely with FEMA and the Florida Emergency Operation Center, I was able to see first hand how important it is to prepare for potential disasters and emergencies,” Beggs said. “It was interesting and beneficial to see how all of the pieces came together to help the citizens of Florida.” The group of State of Michigan experts were sent to Florida under the authority of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The EMAC is an interstate mutual aid agreement that enables states to share resources during times of disaster. Michigan began participating with EMAC in January 2002 and this is the first time the state has provided assistance under the compact. Back to Top

MDCH Notices Significant Increase in Pertussis Cases Michigan has seen a significant increase in the number of reported cases of pertussis – also known as whooping cough – according to state public health officials. As of the end of August 2004, 99 cases had been reported to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), with several more under investigation by local health departments throughout the state, said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. This level compares with 63 cases reported for the same period in 2003 – representing a 57 percent increase. “Now, more than ever, it is vitally important to ensure that children under the age of 7 are routinely vaccinated for this disease,” Olszewski said. Olszewski said cases of whooping cough have been reported in 30 different counties from all regions of the state. While no large outbreaks have been detected, several instances of disease clusters have been noted involving multiple cases among families, extended families, and acquaintances. Cases also have occurred in all age groups, ranging from infants as young as a few weeks old to adults. Michigan is not unique in noting an increase in pertussis incidence. Several other states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, North Dakota, and New York, among others, have reported significant increases in cases this year, Olszewski said. Pertussis infections tend to be more severe in infants and young children, who are also at an increased risk of complications associated with the disease, such as pneumonia and seizures. Pertussis can occasionally cause death. The disease tends to be less severe in adolescents and adults, often going undiagnosed in these groups. However, even in older people, pertussis can cause prolonged coughing and illness lasting several weeks. Health experts believe that adolescents and adults with unrecognized, undiagnosed pertussis can often be the source of infections in small infants and children. Pertussis is a vaccine preventable disease. A series of immunizations are given in the infant and childhood years. The routine schedule calls for a primary series of four doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months of age. A booster dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age. The immunity conferred by the pertussis vaccine protects children through the early years of life, when they are most susceptible to a severe and complicated case of the disease, but this protection is believed to wear off after a period of 5 to 10 years. One current challenge with pertussis prevention and control efforts is the fact that there is no licensed vaccine for use in persons over 7 years of age. “Public health’s current strategy of pertussis prevention and control is to prevent cases in highly susceptible infants and young children by ensuring all doses of the pertussis vaccine series are given on time, according to the recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule,” Olszewski said. While optimal immunity is not achieved until all doses in the series are administered, getting each dose of the series on time is important because it helps provide the greatest protection possible for the child’s age, she said. Booster doses of pertussis vaccines for adolescents and adults are currently being developed and tested, but are not currently licensed for use in the U.S. Persons with whopping cough should be treated with certain antibiotics, both to help modify the course of the illness (if given early enough) and also to limit the potential to spread the disease to others. In addition, a course of preventive antibiotic therapy is recommended for household and other close contacts of a case. Persons diagnosed with or suspected to have pertussis should refrain from public activities, including school, child care, and the workplace, to avoid exposing others until appropriately treated with antibiotics (generally until they have completed the first 5 days of a full course of antibiotic treatment). A general nationwide trend of increasing pertussis incidence has been observed over the past 10 to 15 years. In 2003, 11,647 cases were reported in the U.S. – the highest number reported since 1964. The reasons for this trend are not clear. However, it is important to note that even these levels are exceedingly lower than those that occurred in the pre-pertussis vaccine era, when hundreds of thousands of cases were reported annually. For more information about pertussis, visit the MDCH web site at www.michigan.gov/mdch or the Centers for Disease Control web site at www.cdc.gov. Back to Top

MDCH Appoints Chief Nursing Executive - Klemczak Will Provide Statewide Leadership, Expertise, Workforce Coordination The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) today announced the appointment of Jeanette Wrona Klemczak as Michigan’s Chief Nursing Executive to serve Michigan citizens by providing professional nursing leadership, expertise and coordination in nursing workforce and health policy development. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm promised to address the nursing workforce shortage in her 2002 Gubernatorial campaign. The appointment of the Chief Nursing Executive is a major step forward in tackling the health care workforce shortfall, she said. “To meet the healthcare needs of Michigan citizens, the state needs an outstanding and experienced nurse like Jeanette working to attract, train, and retain dedicated health care professionals in the nursing workforce,” Granholm said. “As part of Michigan’s health care team, Jeanette will be the expert we turn to when it comes to nursing.” Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, said the state’s new Chief Nursing Executive will be directly involved in a team effort with Michigan’s educational institutions and health care providers to help assure the availability of qualified nurses to meet Michigan’s current and future needs. “Jeanette Klemczak has the skills, experience and background necessary to address the multifaceted matters surrounding nursing in Michigan,” Olszewski said. “She will also focus on critical issues such as patient safety, health care quality, and emerging technology and innovation in the nursing and related allied health fields.” Klemczak, of East Lansing, is currently serving the Michigan State University College of Nursing as the Director of Faculty Clinical Practice and as an assistant professor. She is currently on extended, unpaid leave from her position at MSU. Starting as a staff nurse at the beginning of her career, Klemczak has held multiple leadership roles in the City of Detroit, the Wayne County Health Department, and the former Michigan Department of Public Health (now MDCH). Klemczak’s wide range of roles has included extensive work in legislation, health policy, and consulting. Klemczak received her Bachelors of Science degree from University of Detroit Mercy and earned her Masters of Science from Wayne State University. Throughout her 30-year career in nursing, Klemczak has built a highly-respected reputation in the healthcare and nursing industry. Industry leaders and health care executives statewide also lauded Klemczak’s appointment: "Jeanette Klemczak is an excellent choice for Michigan's first Chief Nurse Executive. As a long-time member and leader in her professional association, Jeanette is well-known and respected for her knowledge and expertise in the political and legislative aspects of healthcare," said Cheryl Johnson, RN, President of the Michigan Nurses Association. "The selection of Jeanette Klemczak as the state's chief nurse executive demonstrates the Governor's commitment to protecting the health of Michigan's citizens," said Anne Rosewarne, President of the Michigan Health Council. "By dedicating such a high-level executive position, we are creating an environment that will support a vital nursing workforce in Michigan." “The Michigan Board of Nursing applauds Governor Granholm for her commitment to addressing the impact of the nursing shortage on the health care delivery system in Michigan. Appointing Jeanette Klemczak, will be significant in the success of statewide initiatives,” said Jonnie Hamilton, Chair, Michigan Board of Nursing. “The board is looking forward to working with her.” "The growing nursing shortage is a looming public health crisis. With the appointment of Jeanette Klemczak as chief nurse executive, the state can continue forming the strong public/private infrastructure necessary for addressing professional nursing issues in Michigan," said Carol Garlinghouse, Director of the Michigan Center for Nursing. In 2002, Governor Granholm also appointed Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom as the state’s first Surgeon General. Back to Top

Granholm Unveils Michigan Prescription Drug Discount Card - MI Rx Card Offers Savings for Middle, Low Income Residents Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today unveiled the Michigan prescription drug discount card program that will lower prescription drug costs for some of the state’s one million uninsured residents. The card is available to low income, working residents who do not have prescription drug coverage and are not enrolled in other government-sponsored prescription drug programs. “The Michigan prescription drug discount card will provide much needed assistance for the low income working men, women and families who struggle with the high cost of prescription drugs,” Granholm said today. “With more than one million uninsured residents in Michigan, this card fills a critical gap in our health care system by making prescription drugs more affordable for those who have nowhere else to turn.” Enrollees in the program will be able to use their discount prescription drug card at more than 2,300 pharmacies across the state, including all major chain stores. The MI-Rx program is scheduled to officially begin October 1. The state of Michigan is currently registering individuals for the drug discount card program. Michigan’s prescription drug card program differs from other state discount programs, such as those offered in Ohio and Arizona, by serving more than just the senior population. There is no age limit to participate in Michigan’s program. To qualify for the program, family members must only be Michigan residents, have no other prescription drug coverage, and have an income level at or below the state’s median income level. For a single individual, the median income level is $27,930. For a family of four that income level is $56,550. “Governor Granholm has made a commitment to provide low cost prescription drugs to improve the health care for all Michigan residents,” said Janet Olszewski, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “This free drug discount program will be crucial as Michigan looks to close the gap among our uninsured populations.” When enrollees present a MI-Rx card at a participating pharmacy they can expect to save approximately 20 percent off the retail price of common prescription drugs. Savings will depend on the kinds of medicines used, and if they are generic or brand name drugs. Currently, more than one million Michigan citizens do not have access to prescription drug coverage. Back to Top

Flat Rock Physician Loses License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the osteopathic medicine and surgery license of Robert Martin Stang, D.O., based on allegations that while serving as a sports coach and medical advisor for several school districts, Stang had inappropriate sexual contact with students. On September 9, 2004, MDCH issued an Order of Summary Suspension against Stang. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public’s health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Stang’s license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Waterford Nurse Loses License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the nursing license of Michelle Lorraine Johnson, R.N., based on her felony conviction in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, Oakland County, Michigan. On June 21, 2004, Johnson pled guilty to Controlled Substance – Obtain by Fraud for knowingly obtaining Lorazepam by misrepresentation. Johnson was placed on probation with terms for a period of 18 months and was ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $2,010.00. On September 9, 2003, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Johnson’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Johnson’s registered nurse license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Michigan Health and Safety Coalition Accepts Governor’s Request to Serve as Commission on Patient Safety - Public hearings to be held in Southfield, Lansing, and Traverse City The Michigan Health and Safety Coalition has accepted Governor Jennifer Granholm’s request to serve as the State Commission on Patient Safety and hold three public hearings on patient safety this November. The MH&SC is a group of 15 organizations that includes health plans and major employers as well as hospital, physician, consumer and labor organizations in the state. Its mission is to help improve health care quality and patient safety across all care settings. The hearings will seek input from the public, specific health professional organizations and other organizations that have an interest in patient safety. The hearings will be held in: Lansing — Monday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Department of Community Health, Baker-Olin West, Conference Rooms B&C, 3423 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Southfield — Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 1 to 9 p.m. in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Metro Auditorium, Tower 200, 27000 W. 11 Mile Road. Traverse City — Tuesday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Northwestern Michigan College, Hagerty Center – Room A, 715 E. Front Street. In addition to considering information received at the public hearings, the commission will also review information on other patient safety initiatives. This review would extend to a study of the causes of medical errors occurring in the continuum of care, including health facilities and in private practices. Within one year, the commission will issue a final report containing its findings and recommendations on patient safety. Public Act 119 of 2004 creates a commission on patient safety within the Michigan Department of Community Health. As an alternative, an existing organization like MH&SC may be designated to act as the commission, which is what the governor chose to do. “We are honored to accept Governor Granholm’s offer to become the State Commission on Patient Safety,” said Tom Simmer, M.D., coalition chair and senior vice president and chief medical officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “MH&SC represents a diverse group of health care stakeholders who have both the interest and expertise to synthesize public input on patient safety. We embrace this opportunity to hear from patients, their families, health care professionals and others about the safety of health care in Michigan.” Janice M. Whitehouse, director of Community Health Care Initiatives for General Motors Corporation and coalition vice chair, said “This group represents an important collaboration around the critical issues of health care quality and patient safety. Continued focus in these areas will benefit every person in this state.” “Governor Granholm and I are absolutely adamant that patient safety must continue to be a top priority for all of us working in or with the health care industry,” said Janet Olszewski, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “We are pleased to have the Michigan Health and Safety Coalition lead the way with this initiative as they continue to ensure that health care quality and patient safety remain constant for all patients, regardless of care setting.” The Michigan Department of Community Health will assist the commission with the public hearings and the final report. The Michigan Health and Safety Coalition was formed in 2000. Members include: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan DaimlerChrysler Corporation Ford Motor Company General Motors Corporation International Union, UAW Michigan Association of Health Plans Michigan Consumer Health Care Coalition Michigan Department of Community Health Michigan Education Special Services Association Michigan Health & Hospital Association Michigan Nurses Association Michigan Osteopathic Association MPRO Michigan Pharmacists Association Michigan State Medical Society Back to Top

State of Michigan Issues Health Advisories For Consuming Wild Game From Tittabawassee River Flood Plain Today, four state agencies announced their response and concerns regarding a recent Dow Chemical Company draft report on wild game. The study evaluated dioxin levels in wild game living in the Tittabawassee River floodplain, downstream from the community of Midland. The Michigan Departments of Agriculture, Community Health, Environmental Quality and Natural Resources said today samples of wild game taken from the floodplain show high levels of dioxin and dioxin like compounds in muscle meats, skin, and other consumable portions of animals. State of Michigan health assessors have reviewed the wild game data for the flood plain of the Tittabawassee River downstream of Midland. The results conclude that eating deer, turkey, or squirrel that contain dioxin at the levels found in the Dow wild game study could result in adverse health effects. Levels of dioxins in the wild game harvested in the floodplain downstream of Midland for the study were up to 7 times higher than samples taken upstream of Midland in deer muscle meat, 118 times higher in deer liver, 66 times higher in turkey, and 40 times higher in squirrel. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is advising that hunters and their families follow these recommendations: Do not eat the liver from deer harvested in or near the floodplain downstream of Midland. Limit consumption of muscle meat from deer harvested in or near the floodplain downstream of Midland. Women of childbearing age and children under the age of 15 should eat only one meal of deer muscle meat harvested in the floodplain per week. Trimming any visible fat will lower the level of dioxins in the cooked meat. Do not eat turkey harvested in or near the floodplain downstream of Midland. While MDCH advises that you not eat turkey taken from the floodplain, at a minimum the skin, liver, and gizzard should be removed and discarded. Limit consumption of squirrel harvested in or near the floodplain downstream of Midland. Women of childbearing age and children under the age of 15 should eat only one meal of squirrel per week. Only deer, turkey and squirrel harvested from the Tittabawassee River flood plain have been tested for dioxins. Other wild game may also contain dioxins at levels that are a concern and other downstream areas may be affected. Additional studies are being considered. Until additional information is available, follow this general advice on wild game to reduce potential dioxin exposure: Trim any visible fat from the meat before cooking Do not consume organ meats, such as liver or brains Do not eat the skin As a reminder, Fish Consumption Advisories remain in effect for sport caught fish from the Tittabawassee River south of Midland, based on levels of dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls. The updated 2004 Fish Consumption Advisory is now available on the front page of the Department of Community Health’s web site (see address below.) Additional information regarding wild game advisories for the flood plain of the Tittabawassee River, including a map of the area covered by these advisories, may be found at www.michigan.gov/deq and www.michigan.gov/mdch. Back to Top

Ann Arbor Physician Loses Michigan License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the medical license of Fabian Salinas, M.D., due to his misdemeanor conviction in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, Washtenaw County, Michigan. On May 17, 2004, Salinas was convicted of Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct for inappropriate sexual conduct and comments while treating a patient. As a result, Salinas was placed on probation for a period of two years and ordered to provide restitution to the victim. On August 25, 2004, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Salinas’ license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of two years. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Salinas’ license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

September Declared Michigan Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month To further highlight the public health impact of alcohol and drug addiction in Michigan, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared September as Michigan Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. “This month affords us the opportunity to celebrate the successes of those currently in alcohol or drug addiction recovery, and challenge the stigma of these diseases in a very public way,” said Yvonne Blackmond, Director of the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy. “We need to honor those who have changed their lives for the better by breaking the cycle of addiction.” Celebrate Recovery IV – an annual southeast Michigan event honoring National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month – will occur on Saturday, September 18 on Belle Isle in Detroit. During Recovery Month each September, communities nationwide join together join together to help people recognize that alcohol and drug use disorders are treatable diseases. The national Recovery Month 2004 theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery…Now!” encourages communities to take immediate action to improve local residents’ access to recovery. Recovery Month celebrates the successes of people in recovery and acknowledges men and women in the treatment field who dedicate their lives to helping people with alcohol and drug use disorders. Despite the progress Michigan has made in the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction, more work still needs to be done, Blackmond said. In 2002 in Michigan, an estimated 265,000 residents aged 12 or older needed but did not receive substance abuse treatment for illicit drug use. This percentage was highest for persons aged 18 to 25. During the same year, an estimated 850,000 Michigan residents aged 12 or older needed but did not receive substance abuse treatment for alcohol use. This percentage also was highest for persons aged 18-25. “We need to work together to challenge the status quo and encourage more Michigan residents to seek treatment for these debilitating diseases,” Blackmond said. “Michigan’s problem is part of a larger national issue that must be addressed – recovery is a reality for millions of Americans.” Back to Top

Florida Physician Loses Michigan License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the osteopathic medicine and surgery license of John Anderson King, D.O. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders an immediate suspension of a license when it believes that the public’s health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action. On June 4, 2004, the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners disciplined King after King’s clinical privileges at a Texas hospital were suspended. Specifically, King agreed to permanently surrender his license to practice in Texas. King failed to notify MDCH of the disciplinary action taken by the state of Texas as required by the Public Health Code. On August 26, 2004, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending King’s osteopathic medicine and surgery license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of King’s license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Michigan Surgeon General Urges Public Health Employees To Set A Healthy Example After recently challenging Michigan’s legislators and faith leaders to take thousands of steps toward overcoming the state’s obesity epidemic, Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan’s Surgeon General, is now turning to public health employees statewide to set an example for the people in their communities. During the 16-week Public Health Steps Up pedometer challenge, more than 2,000 employees from Michigan’s 45 local health departments, the Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Public Health Institute, and the Michigan Association for Local Public Health will wear pedometers and track their steps each day. The start of the challenge coincides with the Governor’s Mackinac Bridge Walk/Run on Labor Day. The winning team will be announced shortly after the challenge ends on December 26, 2004. “We cannot expect to make a difference in our state’s health status, if we (public health employees) are not practicing the very behaviors that we promote every day,” Wisdom said. “This is another perfect opportunity to spread the message of increasing physical activity into local communities across the state.” Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, looks forward to leading the MDCH team in Public Health Steps Up. “Public health employees need physical activity too,” Olszewski said. “With Dr. Wisdom’s pedometer challenge, we can all become more physically active and lead by example.” Michigan is one of the heaviest states in the nation – more than 60 percent of Michigan adults are seriously overweight or obese. Increasing physical activity is one of the best ways to combat excess weight and is associated with reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer, and osteoporosis. However, 24 percent of all Michigan adults do not participate in physical leisure activities – costing the state an estimated $8.9 billion dollars in health related illness for 2002. “Every day, Michigan’s public health employees tell people to be active and to eat a balanced diet, yet many of those same employees do not follow their own advice,” said Mary Kushion, health officer at the Central Michigan District Health Department in Isabella County. “I believe if we talk the talk, we also need to walk the walk.” The Challenge is coordinated by the Michigan Department of Community Health with assistance from local public health officers Mary Kushion of the Central Michigan District Health Department and Kimberly Singh of the Mid-Michigan District Health Department. The Michigan Association of Health Plans has generously donated pedometers for the event. Back to Top