Leigh-Anne Stafford will be Oakland County’s next health officer, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announced April 25. She will manage a staff of 384 employees in the Oakland County Health Division which oversees public health in the county. Stafford replaces Kathy Forzley, whom Patterson recently appointed to lead the Health and Human Services Department. “Leigh Anne’s energy, outlook, and qualifications will help Oakland County maintain its exceptional reputation as a public health … [Read more...]
Test Your Private Well for Safe Drinking Water
March 29, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Oakland County Health Division reminds private well owners to test their drinking water regularly for contaminants to ensure that it is safe. “I encourage every homeowner with a private drinking water well to test their water routinely”, said Kathy Forzley, health officer for Oakland County. “Homeowners with private wells may not be aware of the risks that can occur. Testing well water regularly is the only way to ensure safe drinking water.” The Health Division recommends testing … [Read more...]
Need to Know Recommendations for Power Outages
March 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment
During a Power Outage, the Oakland County Health Division Recommends Residents to follow these Safety Guidelines Use generators, pressure washers, grills, and similar items outdoors only to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Throw away food that has a temperature higher than 40°F if the power is out longer than four hours. Check with local authorities to be sure your water is safe. In hot weather, stay cool and drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat-related illness. … [Read more...]
Whooping Cough Increase in Michigan Prompts Health Advisory
January 26, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Increase in Whooping Cough Prompts Health Advisory The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Oakland County Health Division are issuing a health advisory following an increase in the number of identified pertussis cases, commonly referred to as whooping cough. Anyone exposed to pertussis and displaying symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor to determine if antibiotics are needed. Infants younger than 12 months are at greatest risk. "The State of Michigan is reporting an … [Read more...]
Prescription Drug Abuse Partnership is a Bright Idea
January 23, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Oakland County Prescription Drug Abuse Partnership Recognized as 2017 Harvard Ash Center Bright Idea in Government The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, recognized the Oakland County Prescription Drug Abuse Partnership today as part of the 2017 Bright Ideas in Government initiative. The Partnership is part of a cohort that includes programs from all levels of government — school districts, county, city, state, … [Read more...]
Radon Test Kits Only Five Bucks During January
January 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Radon test kits are half price during National Radon Action Month Oakland County Health Division encourages residents to purchase radon test kits for only $5 during National Radon Action Month in January to test their homes for the potentially harmful gas. “Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, but it is preventable,” Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. “Oakland County Health Division is offering radon test … [Read more...]
Oakland County Officer Appointed to State Public Health Advisory Commission
November 28, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Governor Appoints Forzley to Health Commission Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Oakland County’s Health Officer Kathleen Forzley to the Public Health Advisory Commission, a 24-person body which will complete an assessment of the current public health service delivery system in Michigan. They will review the organization of public health functions within and across the state’s executive departments; the division of responsibilities between state and local public health authorities; and the … [Read more...]
Health Division Kicks Off Flu Season
October 6, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The Oakland County Health Division has launched their annual flu vaccination program, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announced. The flu vaccine guards against as many as four flu viruses which are most likely to occur this season. “Our goal is to keep our residents healthy this flu season,” Patterson said. “We urge them to take the necessary precautions against the flu including getting vaccinated.” Flu shots are available for $25 at both Health Division clinics in Pontiac and … [Read more...]
Residents Urged to Protect themselves from West Nile Virus
August 24, 2016 by Leave a Comment
County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and the Oakland County Health Division are urging residents to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites and West Nile Virus (WNV) during upcoming summer events, such as Arts, Beats & Eats, and other outdoor activities. WNV continues to be detected in Oakland County and residents should take necessary precautions to reduce their risk. “This is an important reminder that West Nile Virus is present in our community,” said Kathy Forzley, … [Read more...]
Oakland County Blood Donor Tests Positive for West Nile Virus
August 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Oakland County Health Division was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services of a blood donor testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Oakland County. The American Red Cross consistently tests blood donations for a wide variety of infectious diseases, including West Nile Virus. This is the first blood donation in 2016 that has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Michigan. “We know that West Nile Virus is in our community, so it is important that everyone … [Read more...]
