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Gov. Whitmer organizes new agency to improve services for older Michiganders

LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed EO 2021-14 to establish the Health and Aging Services Administration within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The newly-established agency will provide more coordinated services to Michigan’s growing aging population by combining the former MDHHS Aging and Adult Services Agency and Medical Services Administration under one umbrella within MDHHS. Michigan’s Medicaid Office is also part of the new Health and Aging Services Administration. “Older Michiganders deserve to be treated with dignity and respect ...

Aspirus Health first to offer COVID-19 antibody therapy in clinics

LAURIUM — COVID-19 antibody therapy is now available as a subcutaneous injection, allowing Aspirus Health to administer its first treatments in a clinic setting at Aspirus Iron River and Aspirus Keweenaw Clinics. This life-saving treatment is a combination therapy of Casirivimab and Imdevimab (REGEN-COV™) and is intended for people with COVID-19 who are at higher risk for hospitalization or developing more severe symptoms. The therapy can be administered via infusion or subcutaneous injections. To date, Aspirus Health has treated 1,015 patients with COVID-19 antibody therapy with ...

MDARD proposes Exterior Firewood Quarantine to protect Michigan trees and forests from invasive species

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is proposing an Exterior Firewood Quarantine to prevent the introduction of unwanted plant pests and diseases into Michigan. Public comments on the proposal are due by Friday, Nov. 19. Over 140 pests and diseases can be moved by firewood, including Asian long-horned beetle, mountain pine beetle and spotted lanternfly. These pests are not known to exist in Michigan but could be accidently brought into the state by travelers transporting firewood. “Harmful invasive species, some of which are invisible to ...

USDA seeks Michigan applications to restore wetlands

EAST LANSING — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking applications from Michigan landowners who want to restore wetlands on their property. Applications submitted by Nov. 12 will be considered for selection for the current fiscal year. Land that formerly contained a wetland but was converted to agricultural use may be eligible for enrollment in the USDA’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The program provides financial assistance for restoring wetlands and the purchase of long-term or permanent easements ...

Washing your hands thoroughly helps prevent infections

LAURIUM – Shaking hands. Lending a hand. Holding hands. Our hands are just right for all kinds of wholesome activities. Unfortunately, they're also very good at spreading germs. That's why proper handwashing is so important, especially with diseases like COVID-19 around. “Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself from germs that could make you sick. It’s also one of the easiest things you can do,” said Darcy Donnelly, Director – Regional Quality for Aspirus Health. “Reminding everyone to wash their hands often while at home and work is important, and it’s ...

Aspirus Health honors Emergency Nurses Week

LAURIUM – Emergency nurses make a difference in the lives of people every day, every shift. Now more than ever, it’s important to recognize and appreciate all that they have dedicated to caring for the members of our communities. Aspirus Health is joining in the celebration of Emergency Nurses Week Oct. 10-16. This year, the theme highlights an emergency nurse’s persistence, passion, and grit. “Aspirus emergency nurses face any number of challenges during any given day and don’t back down. They’re willing to face adversity and do what is needed for their patients,” said ...