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Editorial

Take a moment and thank a doctor, nurse, or employee

All across the country, the coronavirus pandemic threw into sharp relief the unbelievably important role hospitals and their doctors and nurses play in our local communities. But throughout the pandemic, we also learned the true definition of “essential worker,” understanding fully perhaps for the first time the importance of everyone from custodians to food service workers to volunteers play in keeping places like hospitals running so they can serve us. Hopefully, we have learned that those folks all are important all the time, not just in the middle of devastating public health ...

Don’t forget suffering taking place in Ukraine

It has been six weeks since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine. Horror stories about what the invaders have done to the people of Ukraine are almost unbearable. Millions of refugees have fled the country, with many more trying to get out of the battle zones while there is still time. Help is still desperately needed and anyone can find some way to ease the suffering of Ukrainian children and families. One of the charities that provides an outlet to help is The International Rescue Committee, which launched an emergency appeal to help support displaced families with critical ...

Threats, slurs cannot be tolerated

If you have listened to a small number of elected officials in recent years and thought to yourself “they’re saying the quiet part out loud,” because they no longer behave as though they need to hide their hateful ideology, it will come as little surprise to know that political theater is bleeding into real-life criminal behavior. Sandra Bachman, 58, of Batavia, Ohio, is being charged with two counts of malicious use of telecommunications services, one count of ethnic intimidation, and one count of a threat of terrorism. She is accused of having left phone messages for two black, ...

A week to focus on public health matters

The American Public Health Association invites all to join us in marking National Public Health Week. This year’s theme, “Public Health Is Where You Are,” celebrates what we know is true: The places where we are, physically, mentally and societally, affect our health and our lives. As we celebrate the 27th National Public Health Week this week through Sunday, we want everyone to know they can make their communities healthier and safer for all. This NPHW, we’re taking a look at the intersections of our lives that affect our health and well-being. And we’re encouraging everyone ...

April’s focus is on ‘autism acceptance’ throughout state

In Michigan, this month is Autism Acceptance Month, with the key word being “acceptance,” rather than awareness. It’s important to be aware that autism exists, but maybe it’s even more important to accept individuals with autism spectrum disorder. After all, they might be sitting right next to you. At the state level, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has joined the Michigan Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Education, and Health and Human Services as well as the Autism Alliance of Michigan to proclaim April Autism Awareness Month. “Being an inclusive state means ...

Praising ‘At Home Companions’

To the editor: My wonderful dear Mountain Man husband passed from Parkinson’s, after still being able to demonstrate his athletic prowess for many years while we managed the disease. Yet Parkinson’s eventually causes a significant decline. I want to express my appreciation for “At Home Companions” for their assistance that allowed my husband to live at home another year and one half, for which I am extremely grateful. Their personnel were trained to be very professional, yet very personable. Special thanks to the following women, Cynthia, Donna, and Heather who were all ...