Pre-Enroll for H1N1 Vaccine

By Ellen Cogen Lipton, State Representative, 27th House District
Thursday, October 15, 2009

Swine Flu Vaccines

Oakland County residents can now pre-enroll online for vaccines for H1N1, commonly known as Swine Flu, through the County's Health Division. Vaccines for H1N1 and the regular seasonal flu are recommended for children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years old; women that are pregnant; seniors and adults with underlying medical conditions; and health care workers and emergency personnel. Pre-enroll online or call (248) 926-3950 for more information.

Fall Festivities

There are many family-friendly fall activities going on around Metro Detroit and throughout the state. Enjoy nature's scenic fall colors across Michigan, pick apples in an orchard, tour a spooky haunted house with your family. Pure Michigan's Web site, www.michigan.org, is a great place to start to find a destination today. Don't forget to check out their fall color report!

Be 'Winter Wise'

Now is the time to begin preparations for the upcoming winter season. The Michigan Public Services Commission (MPSC) recently launched their "Be WinterWise" campaign to teach residents easy ways to significantly cut their winter energy bills. The MPSC also reminds homeowners that the home heating credit and the weatherization assistance program are available for low-income and senior residents. Visit www.michigan.gov/winterwise for more cold weather tips. If you are having trouble paying their energy bills, call (800) 292-9555.

Food Assistance Program

Residents can apply for a community food assistance program that is available five days a week and one Saturday per month at the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency Ferndale location, 345 E. Nine Mile Road. It is important to bring a valid state-issued ID and the Social Security cards of all those living in the household. Call (248) 542-5860 for more information about when and where you can get food assistance.

Tips for New Parents

The Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) is reminding new parents to make sure your little ones are covered by your insurance plan. Working parents who lack health insurance may qualify for Michigan's MIChild insurance program for children, ages 19 and younger who meet the requirements. If you are currently covered by insurance, make sure your policy adequately covers your new baby. A life insurance policy for each parent is also an imperative part of a family's plan to ensure the protection of children. Visit www.michigan.gov/mdch for more of OFIR's family insurance advice.

Revenue Enhancements

The fiscal year 2010 budget is being finalized in Lansing, and many residents have voiced concerns over funding for schools and community services. The targeted revenue enhancements for K-12 public schools and local revenue sharing, which covers police, fire departments and Medicaid, will ensure these vital assets do not face too deep of cuts. During this time of reorganization and reassessment throughout the state, I am striving to protect the education and safety of all our residents.

Unemployment Benefits

As we near the end of the year, unemployment benefits may soon be running out. If you have any questions or need assistance with unemployment benefits and many other helpful community resources, visit Oakland County's Web site.

My Door is Always Open

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I or my staff can be of assistance to you or your family, or if you would like to express an opinion or concern. Feel free to call me, my toll-free number is (888) DIST-027, or e-mail me at ellenlipton@house.mi.gov.

State Representative, 27th District
Website: http://lipton.housedems.com, http://www.voteforellen.org
Email: ellenlipton@house.mi.gov
Phone: 888-DIST-027, 517-373-0478