Workgroups

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex issue impacting not only individuals but also family, friends, and the entire community. Although most workgroup members are representatives from SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery organizations, anyone with a professional or personal interest in SUD issues is welcome to participate.

Goals of the group are to prevent, delay, and reduce harmful substance use behaviors while decreasing barriers to accessing treatment services for those who need it, and empowering people in recovery to make healthier choices in whatever stage they are in. In addition, the group has a strong interest in reducing the stigma associated with seeking treatment and being in recovery.

Next meeting:

  • 2019 Schedule: 1st Thursday of the month from 10:00 – 11:30 AM at KCHD. If interested in attending, please contact Sharon Schmidt at Sharon.Schmidt@kentcountymi.gov.

Mental Health

The Mental Health Workgroup has been meeting since 2015 to implement the CHIP to decrease stigma associated with mental illness, increase awareness of risk factors for mental health conditions and improve navigation and referral services for persons with mental health needs in Kent County, Michigan.

Strategies are to provide Mental Health First Aid to adults who work with youth and adults in the community particularly healthcare providers, law enforcement/first responders and the Spanish-speaking community. In addition, prevention programs are being held in elementary and secondary schools, such as "be nice." and "Live Laugh Love." Further efforts are needed to address navigation and referral services in partnership with the Substance Use Disorders CHIP.

Next meeting:

  • 2019 Schedule: 1st Friday of the month from 10-11:30AM at KCHD in the MCC Room. If interested in attending, please contact Barb Hawkins Palmer at Barb.Hawkins-Palmer@kentcountymi.gov.

Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Task Force

Obesity is common, serious and costly and unfortunately affects some groups more than others.

  • More than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults have obesity. Read CDC National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data brief »
  • Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death. Read guidelines »
  • The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was $147 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars; the medical costs for people who have obesity were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. Read summary »

We will use local and state data to help us create an action plan focusing on health disparities. Members of the HEAL workgroup include (but are not limited to) health care, prevention, non-profit, food and physical activity-related organizations, pantries, schools, faith-based groups, and youth-based organizations.

Next meeting:

If interested in attending, please contact Jill Myer at Jill.Myer@kentcountymi.gov.

2019 Schedule:
  • January 22 – Lake Huron
  • February 19 – Lake Huron
  • March 19 – Lake Huron
  • April 16 – MCC
  • May 21 – Lake Huron
  • June 18 – Lake Huron
  • July 16 – Lake Huron
  • August 20 – Lake Huron
  • September 17 – Lake Huron
  • October 22 – Lake Huron
  • November 19 – Lake Huron
  • December 16 – Lake Superior