COVID-19
Update

April 14, 2020

This newsletter will be available in multiple languages on accesskent.com/Health/coronavirus.htm as soon as it is translated.
Situational Update
In today's video, Dr. Adam London talks about the importance of not picking sides when it comes to economy versus public health.

The Spanish version of this video is available on YouTube .
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Kent County Data  (as of April 14, 2020)

  • Presumptive Positive Cases: 328
  • Deaths: 14

To view our online data dashboard, click here.
Keep MI Healthy Online Survey

We are excited to announce, through the efforts of local technology provider OST, a completely voluntary, anonymous, secure health survey tool that will help health officials identify "hot spots" in the COVID-19 outbreak.

The concept is simple: go to www.keepmihealthy.org and take the survey. It takes around 30 seconds and only asks for your birth year, gender, zip code, and county. Just check the boxes next to any symptoms you have and submit the survey. Then, health officials will receive early notification if certain zip codes report higher numbers of symptomatic people than others so resources can be used appropriately. Watch t his quick video for more information!
DIY Cloth Face Masks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new guidelines recommending individuals wear homemade face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Research shows that individuals without symptoms can infect others, and that the virus may spread between people interacting in close proximity — not just when they cough or sneeze.

In light of this evidence, the CDC is recommending “wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.” However, the guidelines stress the use of cloth face coverings not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. 

Sara Simmonds, Director of Environmental Health, Kent County Health Department shows you how to make a cloth face mask at home. Click here to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions

You can now find answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding COVID-19 on our website here.
Visit our website for additional information and resources
Community Mental Health Services

Network180, Forest View Psychiatric Hospital, and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services have joined forces to help those struggling with mental health or substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. These agencies are open 24/7 and ready to provide services via phone or tele-health to anyone in crisis.  Help begins by picking up the phone:

  • Network180: (616) 336-3909
  • Forest View: (800) 949-8439
  • Pine Rest: (800) 678-5500 or (616) 455-9200

In the event of a life-threatening crisis, on-site assessments are also available.
Kent County Health Department
700 Fuller Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Tel: (616) 632-7100
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