Joint Information Center
Thursday, July 9
As of 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, Calhoun County has a cumulative total of 525 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD), with a total of 38 deaths attributed to the virus. This information is updated once daily, Monday through Friday, at  www.calhouncountymi.gov .


 #MaskUp Calhoun County!
One of the simplest actions you can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 is to wear a face covering over your mouth and nose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this as a simple barrier that helps prevent respiratory droplets from your cough, sneeze, and potentially infecting other people.

Wearing a mask is showing compassion for your community.

The CDC recommends anyone over 2 years old wear a mask/face covering in public spaces. COVID-19 can spread from people with COVID-19 who show no symptoms at all. This is why it is especially important to wear a mask and keep practicing social distancing.

Members of the Joint Operations Center and greater community want you to know why they #MaskUp -- check out our video, and please wear a mask every time you are in a public space, or less than six feet from people outside your home.



Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in Calhoun County
MDHHS in Calhoun County provides food and cash assistance, emergency relief, Medicaid, and other services. Staff are seeing typical volumes of applications and caseloads for these services. Most staff members are working remotely. Child and Adult Services programs continue, again, with staff mostly working remotely. They are working in person for child and client contact casework. Call 269-966-1284 for more information.


City of Albion Operations Update
Here are some highlights from the City of Albion about current government operations:
  • City Hall (all areas except public safety), Public Services facilities, and parks (restrooms and playground equipment) remain closed to the public.
  • Board and commission meetings will take place remotely through at least July 31. As many staff meetings as possible also will take place remotely.
  • Essential services right now are: Public Safety; Public Services; Finance; Building, Planning, and Code Enforcement; Assessing; City Clerk; and City Manager.
  • Indoor Recreation activities are suspended, with outdoor activities allowed if the meet the ongoing public health guidelines. Clerk and City Manager operations are offered remotely as much as possible.
  • Visit the city’s website for more information – cityofalbionmi.gov.

Project FRESH Available This Weekend
Beginning Saturday, July 11, the CCPHD WIC Program and local farmers will offer Project FRESH, a program making fresh farmers’ market produce available to low-income, nutritionally-at-risk WIC participants in Calhoun County who are pregnant, postpartum, or children ages 1-4 years. 
 
A coupon booklet worth $25.00 will be given to WIC participants to be used at local 2020 farmers markets to buy fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Though infants 6 -12 months do not qualify, all women and children enrolled i n WIC are eligible. All farmers participating in Project FRESH will display a yellow poster st ating: “Project FRESH Coupons Accepted Here.” 

Up to two Project FRESH booklets will be given per family if there are two members enrolled in WIC who are at least 1 year of age. While no appointment is required, there is a limited supply of the coupon booklets which will be given out on a first-come/first-served basis.

Due to COVID-19, WIC families can get their Project FRESH booklets using a drive-up method on the dates/times listed below.

Battle Creek (WIC staff will be outside on the Charlton Street side of the Toeller Building at 190 E. Michigan Ave, Battle Creek):
  • Saturday, July 11 10am – 2pm
  • Monday, July 13, 1pm – 3:30pm
  • Friday, July 17 1pm – 3:30pm

Albion (WIC staff will be set up in the Albion Health Department parking lot, 214 E. Michigan Ave., Albion):
  • Friday, July 17 10am – 4pm

WIC participants are reminded to bring their WIC card and an ID. When you arrive, please stay in your car. Staff will come to you.

The CCPHD WIC Program encourages everyone to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day for better health. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are naturally rich in nutrients, low in calories and fat, and can reduce health risks such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other diseases. Fruits and vegetables are the original fast and easy food. For more information about participating markets and eligible items, visit WIC Project FRESH at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_4910_4921---,00.html
Amount Raised Nears $1 Million
The United Way Disaster Relief Fund in Battle Creek continues to provide resources for our community in the areas of food, housing, and other basic needs. The total raised thus far is $939,585 and $888,915 of that has been dispersed to organizations in Battle Creek, such as Voces, South Michigan Food Bank, RISE, Disability Network Southwest Michigan, the Burma Center, and more. Click the graphic for details.
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For updates from Calhoun County, about County operations and COVID-19 in Calhoun County, visit the County website,  calhouncountymi.gov.

For updates from the City of Battle Creek, please visit  battlecreekmi.gov/coronavirus .

The State’s COVID-19 Hotline is available for anyone who has questions or concerns related to the virus. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 1-888-535-6136. For state COVID-19 information, visit  michigan.gov/coronavirus.
For information, contact
Lucy Blair, Calhoun County Communications Manager
269-781-0926,  lblair@calhouncountymi.gov

Jessica Vanderkolk, City of Battle Creek Communications Manager