Tag Archives: prevention

Tips for preparing your child now for back-to-school bullies

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(Courtesy photo)



By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Many parents are already considering what they need to do to prepare their children for the new school year. While what they will wear and do after school is essential, ensuring they know what to do about back-to-school bullies should be at the top of every parent’s priority list.

Bullies will head back to school as well, and they will be ready to start picking on kids from day one.

“Summer is a great time to get kids ready for the new school year, including with how to win against bullies,” says Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent. “Addressing it now will ensure the school year will be smooth and bully-free.”

It is important to raise awareness now

Help reduce bullying incidents by raising awareness now (Courtesy photo)

Smalley and his wife, Laura, started Stand for the Silent following their 11-year-old son ending his own life due to bullying. They turned their pain and loss into a mission of helping others.

Smalley travels the country giving presentations at schools about bullying, providing bullying prevention, giving out scholarships, offering intervention strategies and more.

Over the summer, parents can do a lot to raise awareness about bullying in their home and community. Making it a priority may help reduce the incidents of bullying in school and in the community. Proactive communities can make people more aware of the issue, which can help reduce incidents.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a few risk factors may make people more vulnerable to being bullied. These include a kid being seen as different from their peers, being seen as weak or unable to defend themselves, having low self-esteem, being less popular, not socializing well with others, and suffering from disabilities.

Tips for preparing kids now for back-to-school bullies:

  • Discuss bullying now. Discuss bullying, including what it is and what to do about it. Talk about the different types of bullying, how to address it, and what to do if they see someone else being bullied.
  • Role-play. Act out some bullying scenes with the kids so they can practice responding to them. This will help put them more at ease if the real situation ever comes up.
  • Get others involved. Parents can start anti-bullying groups now, which will get more kids involved in helping to keep bullying out of the school. Kids can get together to discuss the issue and ways to respond.
  • Contact the school. Most schools have staff working over the summer. Contact the child’s school to inquire about having an anti-bullying campaign kick off when school starts. Help them bring in a speaker, such as Stand for the Silent, and get together a group of kids for the anti-bullying task force.
  • Teach self-defense. It’s never a good idea to encourage your child to fight, but there are some self-defense moves that they can learn to protect themselves should it get physical. Bullies tend to pick on those they feel won’t stand up for themselves. Teach kids self-defense over the summer, such as enrolling them in karate. When kids are confident, they are more likely to stand up to a bully, and then the bully loses interest in that person.

Launching Student Stand Out

“This school year, we are going to be rewarding students who help with anti-bullying at their school,” added Smalley. “We want to encourage students to set the example and help create a kinder, more accepting school atmosphere.”

Students will be rewarded for their kindness and efforts to end bullying (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Stand for the Silent is launching a program called Student Stand Out. Teachers can nominate students who they feel stand out by being kind, addressing bullying, being a positive role model, having good leadership, having respect and integrity, and demonstrating actions that show initiative to end bullying at the school.

Each week through the school year, one nominee will be chosen to receive a $50 Visa gift card. At the end of each semester, one person will be selected to win a $100 gift card. The nomination period runs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1 and Jan. 1 to April 1.

For more information about the program, click here.

How you can help prevent bullying

Stand for the Silent travels the country, providing seminars and talks for communities and schools. They also offer materials online to help people with bullying issues. Each year, they give scholarships to students who help address bullying at their schools.

Those interested in getting involved can start a chapter of the group in their area, obtain a free K-2 bullying prevention curriculum or cyberbullying handbook for parents, host a presentation at their school, introduce the How All Started video, and donate to help support the cause.

For more information, click here.

Taking a S.T.A.N.D: WAR, Int’l offers teen class on dangers of human trafficking July 13

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Health, Kent County, Local Business, Local Faces, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, Voices, West Michigan, , , , , , , ,
Women at Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) will lead a teen class on the true nature and dangers of human trafficking (Supplied)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Women at Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) has spent decades providing healing and safe spaces for trafficked women. They also work tirelessly to educate communities about the true nature and dangers of human trafficking.

On July 13, the WAR Chest Boutique in Wyoming will host a teen S.T.A.N.D. class for ages 11-17. The class aims to give the next generation tools they need to stand with confidence against the challenges of the world today.

The teen S.T.A.N.D. session will take place from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and is led by Liz Midkiff, WAR, Int’l Ambassador and human trafficking survivor. During the class, attendees will make a handmade bracelet they can take home with them.

Session cost is $10 and includes the class, resources and bracelet. Due to limited space, registration will close at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Parents are welcome to come and observe the class.



(Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)



Created and designed by Midkiff and Rebecca McDonald, founder and President of WAR, Int’l, the S.T.A.N.D. acronym teaches youth safety awareness (S), trafficking signs (T), age appropriateness (A), that it is okay to say no (N), and determination (D).

As a human trafficking survivor, Midkiff has spent the last several years under the guidance of McDonald and WAR, Int’l staff, healing and finding her voice. Both have been found in telling her personal story and educating youth and adults about human trafficking.

Liz’s story

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

“The number two trafficker is a fake friend, male or female,” said McDonald.

In Midkiff’s case, she was trafficked by the manager at her place of employment.

“He groomed her,” said McDonald. “He got closer and closer to her, and she trusted him because he was her boss. Then he had her move to Tennessee, away from her family. He started trafficking her, and threatened her family.”

Fortunately, Midkiff was able to escape and call her parents. Her father drove through the night to reach Midkiff and bring her home.

Now, Midkiff wants to speak.

“My passion is to help them find their voice.”

“We have many survivors who want to speak,” said McDonald. “They reach a point in their healing where they want to give voice.”

Having watched Midkiff teach her own young son about safe relationships, as well as share her story with older youth, McDonald is confident in the survivor’s ability to teach and bring awareness to this important topic.

“I’ve seen her grow in her ability to share her story,” said McDonald. “She makes it very kid friendly. We’re giving her an opportunity to do that, and to find her voice.”



(Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)



Midkiff recently left a career in banking to take on speaking engagements full-time.

“Our mission is circles of protection, and we’re another concentric circle around her, helping her leave a career in banking and go into this full-time,” said MacDonald. “It’s our delight to help, see her spread her wings and flourish.”

Child and teen S.T.A.N.D. classes

Midkiff teaches two S.T.A.N.D. classes, one for children ages 5-10, and a teen session for ages 11-17. The messages in both classes are tailored to the kids who attend, offer a question and answer period and a craft.

The child class contains age appropriate material regarding safe relationships, stranger danger, private parts and personal privacy.

The teen class material can feature content around drugs, money, phones and social media.

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Midkiff also touches on mixed messages regarding stranger danger and complying with a perpetrator versus consenting.

The number one trafficker, said McDonald, is family.

“Kidnapping is 3% of trafficking,” said McDonald. “Stranger danger is a dangerous message by itself because 95% of the time it’s going to be somebody you know.”

Teaching a child to say no is important. However, our bodies have three different responses to trauma: fight, flight and freeze.

If a child does not say no when faced with a traumatic situation, it is not because they did something wrong, it is because their body shut down.

“To freeze is a normal, actually healthy, response to trauma. You’re trying to be quiet and not bring attention to yourself.”

That does not, McDonald continued, mean you were consenting.

“[The class is] a wonderful opportunity to hear from a survivor,” said McDonald. “It’s very practical, and it’s very age appropriate.”

Your story has power

“When it’s your story, no one can argue with you. That’s the power of a survivor,” said McDonald, adding that she urges Midkiff to speak from the heart when telling her story. “What she brings to the table is personal experience, and experience as a mother.”

Midkiff’s story gives hope, something McDonald believes is desperately needed.

“We need to know that there are happy things to get us through brokenness,” said MacDonald. “It’s very addictive when you see women who have been to hell and back put their life back together, rise up, and do something very productive, redemptive and full circle.”


(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

How you can help survivors of human trafficking

Every $300 WAR Int’l sells in product provides a woman a month in a safe house overseas. If a consumer spends $10, they support a woman for a day in the safe house.

Every size contribution creates an impact, whether via donation or shopping.

Class attendees are invited to peruse the boutique before or after the S.T.A.N.D. event to see all the products made by, or sold in support of, at-risk and rescued individuals from around the world.

For additional questions, email info@warchestboutique.com, or call 616-530-1234 and speak to Joy.

Narcan vending machines with 24-hour access now available at four Cherry Health locations

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Going Local, Hard News, Health, Kent County, medical moment, West Michigan, , , , , , ,
Narcan is a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose (Courtesy, Cherry Health)



By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Cherry Health recently installed new Narcan vending machines at two of its Grand Rapids locations. These Narcan vending machines provide expanded 24-hour access to free opioid overdose reversal kits.

Narcan vending machine (Courtesy, Cherry Health)

The newest vending machines are located at Cherry Health’s Southside Health Center (2303 Kalamazoo Ave. SE) and Westside Health Center (669 Stocking Ave. NW).

A $20,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBS) made purchase of these Narcan vending machines possible.

What is Narcan?

Opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental deaths and has led to a decrease in life expectancy nationwide. Naloxone/Narcan is a nasal spray drug that restores breathing by blocking opioids’ effects on the brain. It has no potential for abuse.

24-hour access to Narcan could potentially save lives (Courtesy, Cherry Health)

“Narcan is a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose,” said Cherry Health Chief Behavioral Health Officer Bob Smith. “With the support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we are able to expand Narcan access throughout West Michigan and potentially save more lives by providing safe and effective overdose reversal medication in the communities we serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Jeff Connolly, Senior Vice President and President of West Michigan and Upper Peninsula BCBS of Michigan recognizes that there is a stigma often associated with substance abuse disorders. “People may be reluctant to seek treatment due to the potential judgment or disapproval of those around them. That’s why programs such as these are critical in equipping people with the life-saving tools they need while navigating a long-term treatment option.

“We’re proud to be part of this live-saving initiative and shifting the stigma toward more positive recovery solutions.”

Four locations: Narcan vending machines

Cherry Health now has four Narcan vending machines in West Michigan. All locations are listed below:

(Courtesy, Cherry Health)

Heart of the City Health Center, 100 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids

Cherry Health Southside Health Center, 2303 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids

Cherry Health Westside Health Center, 669 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids

Montcalm Health Center, 1003 N Lafayette St, Greenville

State of the Child conference on Feb. 23 will discuss challenges facing youth, provide avenues of support

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Going Local, Health, How-To's, Kent County, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, Voices, West Michigan, , , , , , , ,
Local teens collaborate with community experts about how to support today’s youth (Courtesy, WCS)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Youth mental health has been declared a national emergency by the surgeon general.

“Far too many young people are struggling with their mental health and unable to get the support they need,” stated the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2021 Advisory. “We all have a role to play in supporting youth mental health and creating a world where young people thrive.”

Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) aims to increase awareness of this issue with its upcoming State of the Child (SOTC) event on Friday, Feb. 23 at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

“We feel State of the Child is extremely important,” said Brooke Jevicks, Chief Advancement Officer for WCS. “It’s about increasing awareness, educating ourselves on these important topics and strengthening yourself as an advocate.”

Prevention matters

WCS believes prevention is a key component to helping our youth.

“People need to understand how much prevention can matter. How many things are being caught sooner,” said Jevicks.

SOTC brings together local teens who will express their thoughts to the audience in pre-recorded messages.

The teens will touch on their own personal thoughts and experiences with mental, emotional and physical health. What they are seeing peers deal with regarding stress, anxiety, family life, life online and recognition of healthy v. unhealthy relationships will also be part of the local teens’ message.

Local teens share their experiences and concerns (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

A panel of community leaders will discuss the concerns raised by the teens. Maranda, Children and Family Services Manager for WOOD TV8, will guide the conversation.

The SOTC panel will consist of representatives from the local court system, school system, and healthcare system. A community therapist and a WCS therapist from their residential care program will also join the panel.

An audience Q&A session will follow the panel discussion, succeeded by deep-dive breakout sessions.

Participants will be able to attend a breakout discussion from both Session A and Session B.

Session A topics:

  • Panic Attacks 101
  • Understanding & Overcoming Digital Addiction: A Deep Dive into the Digital World
  • Breath of Fresh Air: The Truth About Vaping

Session B topics:

  • Dating: Then v. Now – Teen Relationships in the Age of Technology
  • Changing the View and Narratives Surrounding Mental Illness & Suicide
  • Unpacking the Invisible Backpack: Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Young Mental Health

Personal testimony

SOTC is thrilled to feature award-winning mental health advocate and speaker Ross Szabo as keynote speaker.

One of the most sought after mental health speakers in the country, Szabo has spent over half his life finding ways to make mental health approachable.

Diagnosed at age 16 with bipolar disorder, Szabo attempted to take his own life at age 17.

“He really knows what it’s like to suffer internally, and he’s worked hard to turn all of his personal trials into testimonies,” said Jevicks.

As Wellness Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA and CEO of the Human Power Project, Szabo is changing how grades 6-12 learn about their mental health.

“It will be amazing to listen to him talk about how to navigate life’s challenges, and his perspective on how to aid today’s youth,” Jevicks said.

Expert care and services

In addition to the annual SOTC conference, WCS – one of the most highly regarded mental health and behavioral health facilities in Michigan – offers a variety of services and care.

WCS is committed to supporting children and families (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

WCS is known for their residential care, and for taking on the toughest cases for children who have been chronically neglected and physically or sexually abused. All WCS services offer expert, trauma-focused, evidence-based, therapeutic care…and love.

“We are committed to supporting children and families through mental health, emotional health, behavioral health and spiritual health,” said Jevicks. “We have a deep love for the people in our care [and] want to extend Christ-like love and grace to them.”

Among WCS services is a home for youth saved from human trafficking, and an entire certified staff dedicated to helping children overcome addiction.

WCS’s school prevention program, Positive Youth Development (PYD), teaches kids to understand and value their worth through a variety of programming.

“We are doing a lot of really important work to help each child in our care find their true self,” said Jevicks. “Our team reaches thousands of teens with preventative programming.”

Kids = The Future

Support children by educating yourself first (Courtesy, First Steps Kent)

“Kids are our future,” said Jevicks. “They are future leaders, future decision makers, our future coworkers.

“We have to take care of them. In order to take care of them, we have to be doing things like this event. Raising our awareness, educating ourselves, and becoming stronger advocates. Too many people are struggling with their mental health, and it’s not just kids. It’s adults too.”

Futurist Rebecca Ryan recently presented the Top 10 Trends for the Next 10 Years in business to the Economic Club of Grand Rapids. Number ten is normalizing mental health.

“There’s been a lot of effort put into it, but there’s still quite a ways to go,” said Jevicks, adding that there is a lot to be said about businesses being involved in SOTC.

“Businesses should be sending their leaders to [SOTC], and getting a grasp on what today’s youth are facing and dealing with so we can have better benefits in place and better support systems [for] our future employees.”

Value of SOTC

Jevicks said that hearing local kids candidly share their realities at SOTC each year is eye-opening.

“Then community experts and leaders get insight into those barriers and provide practical ways to face those barriers together,” said Jevicks. “You always walk away knowing more than before.”



“Ultimately,” Jevicks continued, “if you have kids, if you work with kids, care about kids, or are invested in the future of our community, you want to attend Wedgwood’s SOTC.

“It takes all of us to positively impact each other and tackle this topic.”

Registration, Sponsorships and Notes

Attendees can receive continuing education credits for attending SOTC. SCECHs are available. CEUs are available pending approval.

WCS says they are grateful to all their sponsors, but specifically Title Sponsor, Fifth Third Bank.

“That’s really helped us be able to bring the speaker in and grow this event, providing more information to people,” said Jevicks.

Register for SOTC and/or become a SOTC sponsor by clicking here.

Local organization reveals myths and truths about human trafficking, works to empower victims and educate community

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, How-To's, Kent County, Non-Profits, Our Cities, West Michigan, , , , , , , , ,
Wedgwood Christian Services works to empower sex trafficking victims and educate the community (Courtesy, pxhere.com)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Human traffickers prey on vulnerability – bringing them closer to home than most people realize.

Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) is dedicated to preventing human trafficking by bringing awareness to the community and urging people to educate themselves on the dangers and signs of human trafficking.

Part of that education is recognizing the myths and truths surrounding human trafficking.

Not like the movies

Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, Wedgwood Christian Services (Courtesy, WCS)

“One of the biggest myths that I see is that all human trafficking involves crossing of state lines,” said Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, WCS. “A lot of times human trafficking is local, the community trafficking them within the city the individual lives in.”

Trafficking is not like movies often portray, with an individual smuggled or kidnapped by a stranger.

“A lot of times, an individual is groomed into willingly going into a relationship, but then they are manipulated to stay with physical tactics later on,” said Jackson.

Traffickers create relationships with their victims first.

“They become friends with them online, or it may even be a loved one or family member – but they have some sort of connection with that client.”

Jackson went on to say that the predator has to know about the victim’s needs in order to offer a solution, making the perpetrator appear safe. The predator then isolates the victim, causing the victim to feel that only the perpetrator can meet their needs.

“That’s how they get those clients to stay for so long,” Jackson said.

The bottom line?

“A perpetrator is looking for someone who’s vulnerable,” said Jackson.

As the therapist for Wedgwood’s residential home that serves human trafficking victims ages 12-17, Jackson is no stranger to seeing that vulnerability firsthand.

Predators look for vulnerabilities to exploit (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

“I’ve been in this position for four years, and every story is so unique,” said Jackson. “But the one thing always in common is that vulnerability.

“Every single one of my clients, when they talk about why they got into human trafficking, [say] they felt unloved, they felt vulnerable enough to allow anyone to give them that love and attention.”

Many times, that vulnerability is found in younger children.

“Frequently their first experience with someone grooming them or attempting to get them into the life of human trafficking, it’s very young,” said Jackson. “We typically see individuals getting into trafficking between ages 12 and 16.”

A perpetrator is looking to provide them with something they can’t provide themselves. An older individual who has maintained employment, housing, or a stable relationship doesn’t have enough vulnerabilities for the trafficker to easily sustain.

A dysfunctional home life is one of the main catalysts for involvement in human trafficking.

“Maybe they’re running away from home, or they’re displaying images or messages online suggesting that they’re not happy at home,” said Jackson. “They’re looking to try to fill that void of the relationship they don’t have with their parents with anyone out there willing to give it to them.

Predators look for ways they can provide what victims feel they lack (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

“[Predators] look for an individual who has some of those adverse childhood experiences, those traumas, and those vulnerabilities to feed off of.”

Once that relationship is built, the predator begins to abuse their power by making that client do sexual favors for them. That client often feels like they have to stay with them because their needs have been met by that perpetrator for so long, they don’t know how they will have shelter or food if they leave.

Fear of that perpetrator going after the victim’s parents, or doubt that their parents will believe them, can also cause the victim to stay.

Human trafficking on the rise

“There’s definitely been an increase in the amount of [trafficking] incidents that have happened over the past several years,” said Jackson. “The big thing that’s coming into play is technology.

“A lot of individuals are experiencing their first grooming incidents online. Displaying vulnerabilities on social media, having someone reach out to them, asking them to build that relationship…that may turn into human trafficking later.”

Not all chains trapping a victim are physical (Courtesy photo)

Jackson went on to say that a growing awareness of human trafficking has also caused an increase in incidents.

The knowledge that there is such a thing as receiving money, clothing, or shelter in exchange for services has caused victims to willingly enter trafficking situations while on the run from their family.

Psychological chains

Though many victims are physically locked down and unable to leave their situation, many times the chains are psychological.

“That is a myth in itself, that sometimes these victims physically are unable to leave, like they are chained up or behind locked doors,” said Jackson. “With a lot of my clients, they are forced to be in hotel rooms where they could walk out, but they’re fearful of what might happen [if they leave].

“Although the door isn’t physically locked, they have emotional chains on them.”

Trafficking stereotype

Though many people think traffickers are male, Jackson said that it is important to realize that women can also be perpetrators. Some traffickers work in groups consisting of both men and women.

“A lot of times we actually see women being the trafficker because they know that another woman would build trust with [the victim] easier than a male would,” said Jackson.

Stopping the cycle

Open conversations and a safe home environment are important (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Prevention of human trafficking, Jackson believes, begins in the home.

“It first starts with having, and modeling, positive relationships in the home,” said Jackson. “A lot of times when we see youth seek out that negative attention, it’s because they’re looking to fill that void they’re not getting in the home.”

Creating a safe space at home for children to give voice to their feelings is crucial.

Having open conversations with children about warning signs they should look for online is also essential.

“A lot of times when clients come to us, they have a lack of education growing up,” said Jackson. “So when they get trafficked, they don’t necessarily know what they are getting into.

“They really thought they were getting into a safe relationship, but no one ever taught them what to look for, what is healthy and unhealthy, and those dos and don’ts when talking to someone online or in the community.”

Jackson urges parents to be aware of current street language, their children’s social media use, and who their children talk to.

Educate yourself and others to help prevent this crime (Courtesy photo)

Red flags to watch for can include changes in a youth’s personal hygiene, the amount of cash they have on them, and evidence of sexual activity.

Continual education regarding human trafficking is encouraged.

“This is a topic that continues to grow, and there’s more information on it all the time,” Jackson said.

Resources for victims

Wedgwood’s Cook Claus Program, also known as Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project Trauma Recovery Center, is a local residential treatment program for victims of sex trafficking.

The program provides a safe environment where victims can begin to heal and gain hope for their future.

Access the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

How to capture a bat and avoid getting rabies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Pets/Animals, , ,

By Jodi Miesen
WKTV Contributor

To date, the Kent County Health Department has received and tested double the number of bats than it did in 2021, which has local officials reminding residents about the dangers of bats and rabies.

The Kent County Health Department has received and tested 82 bats so far this season. (Courtesy, Kent County Health Department)

August through October are the busiest months for the department’s bat program as the mammals moved indoors to breed. The latest count for this year stands at 82 bats. In 2021, the department saw 41 bats which was about 20 less than 2020, which was 61.

Steve Kelso, a spokesperson for the Kent County Health Department, said county officials are not sure if the increase means there actually has been an uptick in numbers.

 

“It may just mean that people are more aware of the program and are bringing them in here,” Kelso said.

Bites and scratches from bats can go undetected

The concern over bats centers on the fact that they can transmit rabies to other animals and humans. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, rabies are mostly found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. The Kent County Health Department and the Kent County Animal Shelter work with the State of Michigan to perform necropsies – autopsies on animals – to identify and track the  number of infected bats. This year, of the 82 bats brought to the Health Department, only five tested positive for rabies.

“I don’t know the status of those cases. If those people were bitten or scratched by that bat but there are five lives that we potentially saved through that program,” Kelso said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of human rabies in the United States is rare with about one to three reported annually. From 2009-2018, there have been 25 reported cases of human rabies in the United States. In Kent County, the last reported case of human rabies was in 1983.

While cases of rabies have been declining since the 1970s due to animal control and vacation programs as well as public outreach, the disease can be fatal if not detected.

Rabies is transmitted through bites or scratches. Because a bat’s teeth are very small, the animal’s bites can go undetected.

 

“You walk in the room and you see it for the first time, you likely haven’t been bitten or scratched, but if you wake up in the room and the bat’s in there, you don’t really know,” Kelso said, adding that if there’s even the slightest chance that you’ve been bitten, take it seriously.

 

What to do if you find a bat in your home

Guidelines from the Kent County Health Department recommend that if you find a bat in your home, you should try to capture it to get it tested, unless you are 100 percent sure you have not been bitten.

If you wake up and find a bat in your bedroom, it is recommended that you get the bat tested for rabies and you contact your health provider. (Courtesy, The Kent County Health Department)

To capture a bat, officials recommend wearing a layer of protective clothing, including leather gloves, to avoid being bit. Once you are prepared, place a box or coffee can over the bat and slide a piece of cardboard under the container. Kelso acknowledged he’s no expert at catching bats but he said the important thing is to take it seriously and limit possible exposure.

“If there were a bat in my house, I would be putting on an extra layer,  coat, jacket, something,” he said. “I’d be doing anything I could to not come in contact with that bat.“

Adding with a laugh that “…if it were in my house, I’d probably put on a full face motorcycle helmet just because I have one handy.”

Prevention is the key, but there is a treatment as well

When capturing a bat, it is important to not damage the bat’s head as that is what is needed to do the testing. Also, if the bat is dead, keep it cool but don’t freeze it.

“It’s really important that you do not smash the head of the bat…That you don’t crush the brain because that brain is what has to be tested in necropsy.” Kelso said.

If you’ve been exposed to rabies, it’s important to contact a doctor immediately, Kelso said, adding the earlier the treatment, the better. The CDC noted that there has been less than 20 documented cases of people surviving rabies.

 

The treatment for rabies is Post Exposure Prophylaxis which is a series of four shots. The shots are usually given in the arm for adults and in the thigh for children. A welcome change from the days when the shots were administered in the stomach.

 

To contact the Kent County Health Department, call 616-632-7200 during regular business hours, which are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Captured bats should be taken to the Kent County Animal Shelter, located at 740 Fuller NE. The shelter is open from 1 – 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday.

How to avoid the West Nile virus

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Hard News, Health, , ,

By WKTV staff
joanne@wktv.org

West Nile virus has been detected in a recent mosquito trapping by the Kent County Health Department. (CDC.gov)

The recent news that West Nile virus has been detected in Kent County reminds everyone the importance of preventing mosquito bites.

The Kent county Health Departments (KCHD) Mosquito Surveillance Team has detected West Nile virus in mosquitos. This part of the ongoing tracking that takes place through the country every summer. The discovery comes after testing pools of mosquitoes that were trapped by KCHD in the 49519 zip code, which is in Wyoming.

“The discovery is important because it lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are now carrying the virus and it could spread to humans,” said KCHD Public Health Epidemiologist Paul Bellamy. “It is important for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.”

The Mosquito Surveillance Team traps large amounts of mosquitoes in various locations in Kent County. The team then collects the pools of mosquitoes and begins the process of testing the insects for presence of West Nile virus. The information the team gathers is shared with the municipalities where West Nile virus is found. Those agencies can then use that information to inform that mosquito mitigation strategies.

Tips for keeping safe

There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus so the best treatment is prevention. KCHD recommends the following measures:

Cover exposed skin when able

Wear a mosquito repellant that contains 10 to 35 percent DEET (read and follow product directions)

Wear light colored clothing and stay indoors

Remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets, and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard.

Repair missing, damaged or improperly installed screens.

For more information about prevention, visit https://www.accesskent.com/Health/Environmental/vector.htm

Only about 20 percent of the people infected with West Nile virus notice symptoms that may include headache, body aches, joint pains, and fatigue. Most people with West Nile virus completely recover, but fatigue may linger. About one in 150 people infected develop severe illness that can affect the central nervous system. Recovery may take several months. Some damage to the central nervous systems can be permanent. In race instances, the disease can lead to death.

According to a 20 year review of the West Niles virus (it was discovered in the United States in 1999),  a total of 51,702 cases of WNV have been reported to Center for Disease Control’s ArboNET, including 25,227 (48.8%) WNND and 2,376 (4.6%) deaths.

Zika Virus

The mosquito species that carry the Zika virus are not currently present in our area. However, the Zika virus is still a worldwide concern and can be contacted through out-of-state travel.

Help Save a Life: September is Suicide Prevention Month

Community Health, , , , ,

depressed-womanSo far this year, 47 suicides have been completed in Kent County. Six of those who died so far in 2015 were 19 years of age or less, the same number of suicides for that age group in all of 2014. We can work now to prevent another lost life. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and Thursday, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. The Kent County Health Department wants you to know there is help available.

People considering suicide will sometimes talk or write about death or dying. Some will actually look for items to use in a suicide attempt, such as weapons and drugs. You may note dramatic mood swings or personality changes in someone who is suicidal, a loss of interest in daily activities, and/or hopelessness. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention suggests if you suspect someone needs help:

– Begin by telling the suicidal person you are concerned about him or her.

– Tell them specifically what they have said or done that makes you feel concerned about suicide.

– Ask if the person is considering suicide, and whether he or she have a particular plan or method in mind. (These questions will not push them toward suicide if they were not considering it.)

– Ask if they are seeing a clinician or are taking medication so the treating person can be contacted.

– Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Let them know you care, that they are not alone and that

If you think someone is considering suicide, call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency department for professional help. “There are many professionals in Kent County committed to helping people who are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts,” said Adam London, Administrative Health Officer of the Kent County Health Department. “We need to be sure that people can easily find these important resources.”

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and one call connects you to local resources. This line is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, and your call is free.

The moment one life ends from suicide, the pain and struggles begin for those left behind. The Healthy Kent Suicide Prevention Coalition is teamed up with Network180 for a “Survivor Outreach Program.” Trained volunteers offer support to family members and friends who are struggling with loss. The hotline—which can be reached at 616.336.3909—will put you in touch with a coordinator, who will contact the family in person or over the phone in the next 3-5 days.

*There will be a free screening of a new movie that follows a boy’s journey after he finds out his father died by suicide. The movie Hope Bridge begins at 6:30 p.m. at Celebration! Cinema South in Grand Rapids. Seating is based on a first come, first serve basis. If you can’t make Thursday night’s event, there are several other screenings happening throughout September for Suicide Prevention Month.