Courtesy graphic

MARQUETTE — The Marquette County Health Department will hold a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for individuals age 16 and over from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Northern Center at Northern Michigan University.

To schedule an appointment, use this link:

https://hipaa.jotform.com/210674224388155. The form is for first doses only.

Anyone needing assistance or wanting to schedule a second dose may call the MCHD hotline at 906-475-7847.

This line is staffed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Mental health screening offered

Many people have had or are experiencing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and could use some help.

With May being Mental Health Awareness month, Easterseals Michigan is launching a statewide awareness campaign titled “Get Screened! Mental Health Matters” to encourage individuals to check in on their mental health. The goal of the campaign, sponsored by Beaumont, is to raise awareness and have 5,000 free, online mental health screenings completed on Easterseals website this month.

“Due to the pandemic, Easterseals Michigan saw a 26% increase in demand for its services in 2020 and today, about 40% of adults are experiencing various forms of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, substance abuse and suicide,” said Easterseals Michigan President and CEO Brent Wirth in a news release. “These numbers are alarming. We want everyone to pause to check in on their mental health, and we want them to know that we have the resources to help them.”

The free, two-minute, anonymous screening is a quick way for an individual to assess their overall mental health and determine if they are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

“As a result of the pandemic, we have seen the number of people with mental health concerns double, resulting in tragic spikes in alcohol and drug problems and suicidality,” said Dr. Jeffrey Guina, said Easterseals Michigan Chief Medical Officer and program director of the Beaumont Psychiatry Residency Training Program, in a news release. “Unfortunately, more than half of people suffering from mental health conditions do not seek help.

“We do not want people to suffer in silence. We want them to know that no matter their age, concern or background, there are effective treatments and competent clinicians to put them back in the driver’s seat of their life.”

Immediately following the survey, participants receive results, recommendations and contact information for relevant resources and organizations that can provide support.

In addition to Beaumont, several other companies and organizations are supporting the campaign and encouraging the community to participate, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan/Blue Care Network, Cunningham-Limp, EOTECH, Gaco Sourcing, Genoa Healthcare, Helix Diagnostics and RECARO North America.

To take the free mental health screening and learn more about Easterseals Michigan’s behavioral health services, visit EastersealsMichigan.com.

Mental Health Matters T-shirts are available for purchase on the Easterseals website starting at $20.99. All proceeds will benefit Easterseals Michigan’s mental health services.

Nurses Week noted

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday issued a proclamation marking May 6-12 as Nurses Week.

“Nurses play a crucial role in our healthcare system, and they have selflessly served on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year,” Whitmer said in a statement. “In times of crisis or calm, nurses consistently provide high-quality, personalized care and support other health care workers, routinely going above and beyond for their patients. The best way we can say thank you to our nurses is by masking up, washing our hands, social distancing and getting our vaccines as soon as possible.”

Nurses in general and American Federation of State, County and Muncipal Employees nurses in particular have been and continue to be Michigan’s warriors and superheroes at the frontlines during this pandemic, said Lawrence A. Roehrig, president of AFSCME Council 25, in a statement.

“Their professional ‘never quit’ attitudes in the face of this tremendous challenge have saved us in this crisis,” Roehrig said. “They continue to risk their own lives, in spite of so many who have already lost their own. These superheroes battle COVID in spite of the risks to themselves and their families. They constantly and tirelessly work countless hours to care for the most vulnerable loved ones we all share.

“A simple ‘thank you’ does not do any of these health care professionals justice. We must honor their sacrifices by being vaccinated as soon as possible. Together, we can make their sacrifice worthwhile. Getting ‘stuck’ by a nurse is not a bad thing in a pandemic. It will save countless lives.”

As of April, Michigan is home to 22,860 licensed practical nurses and 164,493 registered nurses.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.