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The American Nurses Association Michigan (ANA-Michigan) proudly announces the transition of Dr. Barbara R. Medvec, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, to the esteemed position of President. Dr. Medvec, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for nursing excellence to her new role.
With a distinguished career spanning both academia and healthcare leadership, Dr. Medvec has consistently demonstrated her commitment to advancing the nursing profession and fostering transformative change within healthcare organizations. Her background as a Senior Healthcare Executive and System Chief Nursing Executive underscores her capacity to lead and inspire teams toward achieving organizational success.
Dr. Medvec's expertise encompasses a wide range of critical areas including nursing workforce development, practice environments, innovation in extended reality/virtual simulation, workforce wellness and vitality, strategic planning, and quality/safety improvements. Her scholarly contributions and practical insights have positioned her as a respected thought leader within the nursing community.
Throughout her career, Dr. Medvec has actively engaged with national, state, and local organizations, leveraging her expertise to advocate for nurses and promote initiatives that enhance patient care and nursing practice standards. Serving as the President-Elect for ANA-Michigan, Dr. Medvec's ascension to the presidency marks a significant milestone in her ongoing dedication to advancing nursing excellence in Michigan.
"ANA-Michigan serves all nurses in Michigan and I am looking forward to working with nurses across our state to continue to build nursing's engagement and voice in the delivery of care and support for the patients/families and communities we serve," said Dr. Medvec.
In her new role, Dr. Medvec will continue championing the interests of nurses across the state, working tirelessly to address key issues facing the profession and advocating for policies that support nurses in delivering high-quality care to their patients. Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding ANA-Michigan toward its mission of empowering nurses and shaping the future of healthcare in Michigan.
Dr. Olga Ehrlich, PhD, RN, CHPN, assistant professor of nursing at Oakland University School of Nursing is inviting you to participate in an anonymous survey. The survey has been designated as exempt human subjects research by the Oakland University Institutional Review Board.
Dr. Ehrlich is conducting a survey to understand the needs of healthcare professionals working at rural Michigan hospitals when it comes to providing palliative (sometimes referred to as “supportive”) care services at their institutions. Please note, this survey is not focused on hospice care, which is not provided by hospitals. Responses from this 10-question secure online survey will provide me with information to use in developing and seeking funding for a primary palliative care capacity-building program to be offered at no cost to health care professionals. Responses to the survey will be kept confidential. To participate, you must be an employee at a rural Michigan hospital. The survey should take about five minutes to complete.
Please click HERE to participate
Requires secure storage of firearms to prevent access by minors, enacts penalties
LANSING, Mich. – To help protect Michigan families – particularly children – from the tragedies of gun violence and unintentional firearms injuries, a law requiring secure storage of firearms goes into effect starting Tuesday, Feb. 13.
The new secure storage law, Public Act 17 of 2023, requires individuals to keep unattended weapons unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises.
“We want to make sure Michigan families are aware of the new law designed to prevent unintentional deaths involving guns and how to comply with the new requirements,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Data shows firearms involved in unintentional firearm injury deaths among children and adolescents were often stored both loaded and unlocked, and children were most often fatally injured when the shooter was playing with or showing the firearm to others.”
If an individual fails to store a firearm as required and a minor obtains the firearm and any of the following occur, they are guilty of a crime under Public Act 16 of 2023, as follows:
If the minor possesses or exhibits the firearm in a public place or possesses or exhibits the firearm in the presence of another person in a careless, reckless or threatening manner: a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 93 days or a fine of up to $500, or both.
If the minor discharges the firearm and injures themselves or another individual: a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
If the minor discharges the firearm and inflicts serious impairment of a body function on themselves or another individual: a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $7,500, or both.
If the minor discharges the firearm and inflicts death on themselves or another individual: a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
These penalties could be imposed in addition to charges for other criminal offenses arising from an incident.
“As the top law enforcement officer in the state of Michigan, as a former Wayne County prosecutor and as a mother, I too am exasperated and deeply saddened that thousands of Michigan residents fall victim each year to the scourge of senseless, preventable gun violence in our state,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I am proud that our state has finally implemented new commonsense gun safety measures and am committed to using the resources of my office to educate residents about the new measures and support our communities through implementation.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two-thirds (67%) of unintentional firearm injury deaths among children and adolescents occurred when the shooter was playing with the firearm or showing the firearm to others. Overall, firearms used in unintentional injury deaths were often stored unlocked (76%) and most of these unlocked firearms were also loaded (91%). Unlocked firearms were most commonly accessed from a nightstand or other sleeping areas (30%).
In addition, firearms are involved in more than half of suicide deaths in Michigan. Secure storage can also serve as a suicide prevention strategy.
In 2020, firearms became the number one cause of death for children in the United States and Michigan, surpassing motor vehicle deaths and those caused by other injuries.
“Firearm violence is preventable, and a leading cause of death in our young people,” said Dr. Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “In Michigan, and across the United States, childhood deaths from firearms now exceed deaths from pediatric cancers and drownings. We have had major success over the past decades in reducing pediatric deaths from motor vehicle accidents, and we need to harness the same public health approach - including education and community outreach - to help keep Michigan children and families safe from firearm violence.”
What else the state is doing
To ensure federally licensed firearms dealers communicate the new requirements to their customers, MDHHS is working with the state Attorney General’s Office to provide dealers with safety information on the use and storage of firearms, requirements and penalties of the new laws and lethal means counseling literature.
To help defray the cost of purchasing firearm safety devices, additional legislation made these devices exempt from sales and use taxes through Dec. 24, 2024. Free gun safety kits can also be obtained through Project ChildSafe law enforcement partners across the state. MDHHS is also working with the Michigan State Police to make gun locks available; additional details of this partnership will be announced soon.
“The research underscores the crucial role safe firearm storage plays in safeguarding our children, families and communities,” said Holly Alway, Safe Kids Michigan president and Safe Kids West Michigan Coalition coordinator. “Michigan's safe storage laws will help prevent tragic accidents like unintentional injuries, suicides and homicides. These laws prioritize safety and responsibility in every Michigan household and are a critical piece of a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to reducing firearm-related injuries and fatalities.”
“There are many options for parents and caregivers to obtain what they need to store their firearms safely,” said Pam Ford, coordinator, Safe Kids Greater South Haven, led by Bronson Healthcare. “In 2023, Bronson Healthcare helped raise awareness by launching a campaign for National Safety Month, making gun safety locks available at Bronson pediatrician offices and provided free cable locks at community events. Gun owners can also get free cable locks at local police departments – with no questions asked. The goal is to assist gun owners in southwest Michigan safely store their firearms.”
Additional gun safety laws going into effect protect Michigan communities by closing loopholes in the law and expanding universal background checks to all firearms as well as legislation that allows judges to order law enforcement to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals they deem a risk to themselves or others.
For more information, visit the MDHHS Firearm Safety website.
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Additional resources:
An Article from News Channel 3
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Rejection against nurse staffing ratios was once again raised Wednesday as the American Nurses Association - Michigan, or ANA-Michigan, opposed legislation that would require mandated nurse to patient ratios.
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American Nurses Association-Michigan Announces Opposition to Nurse Staffing Ratios LegislationAssociation Supports Safe Staffing for All Nurses Across the Care Continuum and Strongly Encourages Legislators Not to Be Hasty in Mandating Staffing Ratios
OKEMOS, Michigan – The American Nurses Association - Michigan (ANA-Michigan) opposes Senate Bill 334 and House Bill 4550, which require developing a staffing plan that mandates ratios for hospital nurses.
ANA-Michigan has been a long-standing advocate for nurses to have safe staffing assignments while ensuring the safety of Michigan patients. Nurses are responsible for facilitating the entire healthcare journey, from hospital admission to discharge and through the community care experience.
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On January 1st, the American Nurses Association (ANA), the premier association representing the interests of the nation’s more than 4.4 million registered nurses, welcomed its newest president, Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.
She brings more than 25 years of nursing experience to the ANA presidency and has devoted more than a decade of service to ANA, providing leadership in high-profile positions such as ANA Committee Treasurer and service on ANA’s Board of Directors while maintaining membership with the Oregon Nurses Association. Dr. Mensik Kennedy is ready to continue work to address some of the most pressing issues facing nurses: racism in nursing, the health and well-being of nurses, full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and nurse staffing.
“It is a tremendous honor to be elected to serve as the president of the American Nurses Association and as the national, leading advocate for nurses during these unprecedent times in nursing history. The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to the nursing profession, with workforce issues making national headlines despite decades of existence. I am committed to maintaining this visibility and more importantly, the momentum made to call for real solutions that address safe staffing concerns, workplace violence, and burnout to ensure nurses receive the support they so desperately deserve. I will also ensure that ANA’s work with the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing and journey of racial reconciliation continues.
Nursing is truly my passion and calling. In addition to tackling the hard issues, I’m simply excited to connect with my fellow nurses across the country. I want to hear their challenges, but I also want to celebrate their vast contributions to society, education, public health, science, research and so much more. Working together, we can support our profession and make health care delivery the best experience it can be for our patients and communities,” said ANA president Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.
Dr. Mensik Kennedy most recently served as the division director of care management at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon as well as an instructor for Arizona State University College of Nursing and Health Innovation. She is the proud mother of six children, and in her spare time enjoys camping and traveling with her family. To read the complete profile on ANA’s newest president visit American Nurse to read the President’s Column feature.
Dr. Mensik Kennedy is available for press briefings to discuss timely and critical health care and nursing topics and issues. Interested members of the media should email newsroom@ana.org.
ANA-Michigan board member Bethany Skillen participated in a virtual media roundtable with a family physician and a father who lost his daughter to the flu on Wednesday, December 7, as part of an effort to raise awareness for the importance of flu vaccines. Beth did a great job representing nurses across Michigan and the overall media exposure for the association was very positive. Beth is a registered nurse at Trinity Health Medical Group in Grand Rapids.
Read the full press release
Watch the roundtable
Leadership election season is upon us! The time has come to submit your consent to serve for the Call for Candidates. Are you ready to take your involvement with ANA-Michigan to the next level? Are you ready to be an association leader? ANA-Michigan has seven positions total to fill. Each of these positions will serve a two-year term.
The Call for Candidates opens today, November 9, 2022, and will remain open for three weeks until it closes at 7 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
All interested candidates MUST complete a consent to serve by the deadline provided. Incomplete consent to serves will not be considered.
Learn more and submit your consent to serve here
LANSING, Mich. – To help remove barriers and ensure more Michiganders have access to COVID-19 outpatient treatments, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering a Test to Treat program at 13 locations across the state that offer no-cost testing and telehealth services.
“Early access to these medications helps support faster recovery and decreases the risk of hospitalization,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “COVID-19 treatments are most effective at preventing severe illness when taken as soon after symptoms start. This program provides Michiganders with limited access to a health care provider the ability to be evaluated and treated for COVID-19, rapidly, confidentially and at no-cost.”
Michigan is the first state to launch this federal initiative at neighborhood testing sites that provide rapid access to no-cost COVID-19 antiviral medications.
“Through a partnership between the State of Michigan, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, telehealth is enabling easy access to these life-saving medications," said Matt Quinn, Science Director of the Army's Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center.
Test to Treat sites allow individuals to access testing, a health assessment and medication prescriptions all in one visit. Michigan residents who test positive for COVID-19 at these locations will be able to utilize telehealth services on-site.
The health care provider will talk to the individual who tests positive, and through a confidential conversation that includes reviewing health history and current medications, the provider will determine whether the individual is eligible for antiviral treatment. The provider will then submit a prescription to a pharmacy close to the site, chosen by the individual.
The telehealth testing sites are located as follows:
· Wayne County Community College Northwest Campus, 8200 West Outer Drive. Detroit
· Word of Life Church, 460 West Atherton Road, Flint.
· Albion College-Washington Gardner, 401 East Michigan Avenue, Albion.
· New Beginnings Deliverance Ministry, 2609 E. Genesee, Saginaw.
· Macedonia Baptist Church, G5443 North Saginaw Street, Flint.
· Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41, Marquette.
· New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 33640 Michigan Avenue, Detroit.
· International Gospel Center, 375 Salliotte Road, Ecorse.
· Bethel Baptist Church, 5715 Holcomb Street, Suite 33, Detroit.
· Southwestern Church of God, 3032 Fort Street, Detroit.
· Christ Temple Church, 412 East Sherman Boulevard, Muskegon.
· Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1105 East Main Street, Benton Harbor.
· Calvary Lutheran Church, 8129 Packard Avenue, Warren.
There are many COVID-19 treatment options available. Individuals who are at high-risk of developing severe symptoms from COVID-19 infection are encouraged to discuss these options with the health care provider.
The criteria used to select the communities offering telehealth services include:
A High Social Vulnerability Index.
A high percentage of people over age 50 tested at the identified site.
Locations in with limited access to health care sites outside of emergency departments.
Sites with a high testing throughput.
For more information about COVID-19 testing, treatments and vaccination, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
Test to Treat telehealth NR.pdf
LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is announcing the availability of an additional 289,000 COVID-19 tests through its expanded partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation through Project Act.
The expansion will provide COVID-19 tests to 58,000 households located anywhere in the state free of charge. Households will receive one kit containing five tests.
“We are pleased to announce the availability of these additional COVID-19 tests through our partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Testing remains a critical tool in managing the spread of COVID-19 and reduces the risk of spreading the virus to our loved ones and neighbors. We encourage residents to take advantage of these free tests as we head into the fall season when respiratory diseases, like COVID-19, spread most easily.”
As we head into the fall, MDHHS encourage Michigan families to have a COVID plan. This includes keeping a supply of COVID-19 over-the-counter tests and well-fitting masks at home; staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters; and speaking to their health care provider about their eligibility for therapeutics that reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
All households in the state of Michigan can order their free COVID-19 tests through AccessCovidTests.org. Each household will receive one kit with five tests, typically within a week of ordering. Individuals without internet access can contact 211 for assistance ordering tests.
MDHHS continues to partner with libraries across the state to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests to Michiganders. Click here for a list of participating libraries.
Private health insurers are required to cover up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests per month for each person covered by a health plan. Check with your insurer for the most up-to-date information for your specific plan.
For more information about testing, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
ANA-Michigan2501 Jolly Rd. Suite 110Okemos, MI 48864
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