As a family run organization and an early leader in the family movement, ACMH has always believed in the right to have voice, express opinions, discuss and sometimes dissent and disagree in a collaborative and respectful manner.  We have also always believed in the values of democracy-including the power of free and fair elections as a valid way in which to express voice and opinion.  As an organization, we look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with our duly elected decision makers and leaders and will continue to speak out against violence and oppression.

Resources to talk to your kids about these or other events:

ChildMind.org
National Education Association
Sesame Street

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching an initiative to not only get Michiganders to mask up, but to mask right.

“The science is now settled: Masks protect others from COVID – and they protect the wearer,” said Robert Gordon, MDHHS director. “It’s important to wear the right mask and wear it the right way. We want all Michiganders to Mask Up, Mask Right as we continue to battle the virus in our state.”

Masking right includes wearing one of three options of masks that provide stronger protection: three-layered washable cloth face coverings, medical-grade disposable masks or approved KN95 masks. It also includes wearing the approved mask correctly and having it secured over the nose and face and tightly fitting without gaps.

CDC has recommended the use of masks to protect the community by reducing emission of the virus and to protect the wearer by reducing inhalation. CDC cites a number of studies showing that masks have been effective. For example, one study showed that use of masks onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt was associated with a 70% reduced risk of COVID; another showed that, in a contact tracing investigation, those who reported wearing masks had a 70% lower risk of infection than those who did not. Published researchby Beaumont Hospital in Southeast Michigan also showed that mask wearing was associated with lower levels of infection by COVID and, among those infected, lower levels of symptoms.

Bandanas, gaiters and face shields without masks do not provide adequate protection for the wearer or others and are not recommended.

“The delivery of the first COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan means there will be an end to this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “However, it will take several months before we are able to have enough vaccine to widely distribute it to all Michiganders. Until then, and even for individuals who receive the vaccine, we should all be doing our part to slow the spread of this virus by wearing masks correctly, avoiding large gatherings, and washing hands.”

Residents in need of masks can pick one up from partner sites across the state, which includes most MDHHS local offices and Community Action Agencies. Find a distribution site at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan or call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

The Fall 2020 Michigan Family Connections Newsletter  is a combined publication of the Michigan Family to Family Health Information Center and the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. They hope you enjoy it and encourage you to share it with others.

You can download the Newsletter here: Michigan Family Connections Newsletter Fall 2020

You may also view or share the newsletter on the MI Family to Family website by clicking the following link.

Michigan Family to Family Health Information Center (MI F2F) is a federally funded project. They share information and resources on disability and health issues with families of children and youth with special health care needs. MI F2F also works with health and other professionals. MI F2F helps families make educated decisions and supports families to partner with professionals. They work to make services for children and youth with special health care needs better. You can learn more by visiting www.f2fmichigan.org.

The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (Family Center) is the statewide parent-directed center within Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The primary role of the Family Center is to offer emotional support, information and connections to community-based resources to families of children and youth with special health care needs, including all children who have, or are at an increased risk for: physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions. You can reach them by call the Family Phone Line at 800-359-3722.

The ACMH Statewide Youth and Parent Advisory Committees recently partnered with Michigan Child Care Connect (MC3)  to share their expertise and feedback as  MC3 worked to create a on video designed to support Primary Care Physicians to better engage and support youth with mental health challenges and their families. Click on the link below to check out the video today!

As we continue to navigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Michigan Alliance for Families is offering a series of webinars for parents preparing for the new school year. During each webinar MAF Parent Mentors will answer the questions they re hearing most often from families. Webinars start at noon and will be recorded.

August 13 – Planning for Your Child’s Return To School During COVID-19

A conversation on making tough decisions, planning for success, and problem solving for the return to school for your child with an IEP.

• Understanding your options and considerations for decision making
• Getting supports and services your child needs during distance learning
• Managing back to school for your child with an IEP or IFSP

August 20 – Parent Advocacy During Unprecedented Times

A conversation on being an effective advocate for your child when so much is different and changing often.

• Advocating for your child’s distance learning needs
• Documenting events and conversations as they occur
• When to act and what to do when something isn’t working

August 27 – Tips for Student Self Advocates During Remote Learning

Students returning to school this year will need to speak up for themselves in new ways; tools and advice for youth with disabilities and those who support them.

• 6 W’s of self advocacy
• Understanding the chain of command/hierarchy
• Helping your student self-advocate during distance learning

Register for webinar series View flyer

• Space is limited.
• Pre-registration required. https://tinyurl.com/SharingChats

• Register: tinyurl.com/MiMTSSMAF
• Flyer: tinyurl.com/PBISwebinars

Michigan Alliance for Families COVID-19 resources