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Scroll down in this email for COVID information, including a new free treatment program, a reminder to order free December tests through Project Act, upcoming vaccine pop-up clinics, guidance for this "low" community level, and more.
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How to lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes
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Learn about diabetes and how you can reduce your risk in this video with Robyn, a health educator on our Healthy Neighborhoods team!
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December 1st was World AIDS Day, a day to unite with others around the world to prevent HIV, support people with HIV, and remember those who have lost their lives to an HIV-related illness.
Our sexual health team can provide HIV testing/counseling and PrEP, a medicine that can lower the risk of getting HIV! Call us to schedule an appointment today (734-544-6700).
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Our health officer, Jimena Loveluck, joined Rockin' for the Hungry this morning to talk about how food insecurity impacts public health.  Learn how to support the critical work Food Gatherers does in our community here.
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Free virtual baby showers
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Are you a new or expecting parent? Join Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for one of 3 free virtual baby fairs this December! Learn about available resources, important health and safety information and ask questions directly to program experts. Learn more and register here.
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Take this important local housing survey!
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The Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development is asking Washtenaw residents about their housing and neighborhood issues, including what happened the last time they looked for housing.
The 2022 Washtenaw County Housing & Neighborhood Survey is open through December 23, 2022 and respondents will have a chance to win a $10 Kroger gift card for their participation!
Links in multiple languages: English: http://bit.ly/3XnspSC; Español: http://bit.ly/3tQ4Ioz; Arabic (عربي): http://bit.ly/3tQsOiL; Soomaali: http://bit.ly/3i9tSLW
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Warming centers are available in Washtenaw County. See details here.
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Free COVID-19 Treatment Available Through WCHD
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Washtenaw County residents who don’t have health insurance or access to a health care provider are invited to join COVID Plan4Health!
This is a new Health Department program that connects people to free antiviral treatment (Paxlovid) if they test positive for COVID-19. Treatment is especially important for people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID, which includes more people than many realize.
“If you’re not up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines (including a bivalent booster) or have risk factors like being older or not very physically active, you’re more likely to get really sick from COVID, even if your initial symptoms are mild,” says Juan Marquez, MD, MPH, Health Department medical director.
“Other high-risk factors include being a current or former smoker, having conditions like asthma, cancer, or diabetes, and being overweight or obese. We encourage all Washtenaw residents who meet these criteria and don’t have access to medical care to join COVID Plan4Health.”
This program is for people without health insurance or access to a provider. People who do have a health care provider should go to their provider for treatment if needed.
Joining COVID Plan4Health is free and only takes a few minutes. People can join by filling out a short form online at https://covidplan4health.org/wchd to see if they qualify. Phone assistance is also available for those who need it (734-544-6700).
“Join COVID Plan4Health today so you’re prepared if you need treatment in the future,” says Dr. Marquez. “COVID treatments must be started within the first few days of having symptoms to be effective. We hope this program gives peace of mind to those who may need treatment quickly if they get COVID-19.”
Learn more about how COVID Plan4Health works and how to join: https://bit.ly/covidp4h
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Washtenaw at low COVID-19 community level
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Washtenaw County has moved into a "low" COVID-19 community level.
CDC guidance at this level doesn't include broad masking recommendations. At all levels, people can wear a mask based on preference or risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Please continue to use available, effective strategies to prevent and reduce the spread of illness in our community, including:
 Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines - get your updated booster when eligible!(https://vaccinefinder.org).
Seek testing if feeling ill or if you have been exposed. Stay away from others if you are feeling ill or recently exposed, waiting for test results, or have tested positive (www.washtenaw.org/covid19whattodo). If you test positive, talk to your doctor right away about treatment options to prevent severe illness.
Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19. If you’re exposed to someone with COVID, wear a mask around others, monitor symptoms, and test 5 days after exposure (www.washtenaw.org/covid19whattodo).
Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible.
Use increased precautions if you are at higher risk of serious illness or if you live with or are frequently around someone who is high risk.
See more info on prevention steps to take at this community level: https://bit.ly/WCC19LVL
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See this weekly summary as a PDF here. |
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See this two-week snapshot as a PDF here. |
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- Order your December tests! Households in every Michigan zip code can order free test kits through Project ACT! If you already ordered tests from Project ACT last month, you can now request more on a monthly basis until February.
- Note for those who get tests through Project ACT: The FDA granted expiration date extensions for the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test. Please use this tool to check the most updated expiration date of your kit.
- If you have health insurance, most insurance plans will cover the cost of over-the-counter, at-home tests.
- See more on local testing sites and how to get free at-home tests here.
Masks
- Free KN95 masks are still available for pick-up during business hours at the Health Department. We also have kid-sized masks! (ages 5-12)
Treatment
- If you test positive for COVID-19, different treatment options may be available to you. Treatments can reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill or hospitalized due to COVID-19.
- If you test positive for COVID-19, talk to your primary care provider or an urgent care provider right away to see if you qualify for treatment. This is especially important for those who are high risk and/or are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines. You must have a referral from a health care provider to access these treatments.
- Learn about COVID Plan4Health, a new Health Department program that connects people who don't have insurance or a doctor with treatment.
Vaccines
- Find COVID-19 vaccines & boosters near you! Search online using https://vaccines.gov
- Not sure if you're due for another shot? Use the "find out when you can get your booster" tool here.
- Learn more or schedule an appointment at a Health Department clinic.
- There are many upcoming flu and COVID vaccine pop-ups! See flyers below.
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Local COVID-19 Vaccine Data
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