Top 10 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Northwest Michigan Health Department
Northwest Michigan Health Department (NMHD) is a government agency responsible for promoting and protecting the health of the communities in five counties of Northwest Michigan. It provides essential public health services, ranging from communicable disease control to environmental health inspections to health education programs. However, there are some lesser-known facts about NMHD that you might find surprising.
Fact #1: NMHD Covers A Vast Geographical Area
NMHD’s jurisdiction covers more than 3,000 square miles in five counties of Northwest Michigan, including Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Kalkaska, and Otsego. That’s equivalent to the size of Delaware or Rhode Island. Such a vast geographical area requires NMHD to be well-organized and equipped to respond to local health needs.
Fact #2: NMHD Offers A Wide Range of Services
NMHD provides a broad range of public health services to local communities, including immunizations, health inspections, disease control, health education, and emergency preparedness. Its Environmental Health Division alone is responsible for more than 5,000 inspections each year.
Fact #3: NMHD Is Accredited By The National Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)
NMHD is one of only seven health departments in Michigan and one of only 300 nationwide that have achieved accreditation by the PHAB. The accreditation process is rigorous, involving a thorough review of the department’s policies, programs, and performance against national standards.
Fact #4: NMHD Played A Key Role In The Fight Against COVID-19
In 2020, NMHD played an essential role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by providing testing, contact tracing, and vaccinations to local communities. It collaborated with other agencies and organizations to ensure a coordinated response to the pandemic and kept the public informed through regular updates and educational campaigns.
Fact #5: NMHD Employs Highly Skilled Professionals
NMHD employs a team of highly skilled professionals, including nurses, sanitarians, epidemiologists, and health educators, who work tirelessly to promote and protect the health of the communities they serve. Many of these professionals hold advanced degrees and certifications in their respective fields.
Fact #6: NMHD Partners With Local Businesses And Organizations
NMHD recognizes that promoting and protecting public health requires collaboration and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. It works closely with schools, hospitals, restaurants, and other entities to ensure compliance with health regulations and to promote healthy practices.
Fact #7: NMHD Provides Health Education Programs To Local Communities
NMHD’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Division provides health education programs and resources to local communities to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Some of these programs include smoking cessation, physical activity promotion, and healthy eating campaigns.
Fact #8: NMHD Is Committed To Environmental Health
NMHD’s Environmental Health Division is responsible for ensuring that local communities have safe and healthy environments to live, work, and play. It conducts inspections of food establishments, camps, beaches, and other public places to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
Fact #9: NMHD Has A Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan
NMHD has a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan in place to respond to natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other public health emergencies. It works closely with local emergency management agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
Fact #10: NMHD Offers Affordable Health Services To The Public
NMHD offers a range of affordable health services to the public, including immunizations, health screenings, and other preventive health services. It also provides financial assistance to eligible patients who cannot afford these services.
In conclusion, NMHD is a vital agency that plays a critical role in promoting and protecting the health of the communities it serves. Its commitment to collaboration, excellence, and innovation has earned it recognition and respect both locally and nationally. By knowing these surprising facts, we can appreciate and support the valuable work done by NMHD.
