October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder of the important role that regular screenings play in protecting your health. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, and routine mammograms remain one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear.

Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes. That’s why keeping up with recommended mammogram screenings is an important part of preventive healthcare.

If you’re due for a mammogram, now is a great time to schedule one. Talk with your healthcare provider about when screening is right for you based on your age, personal health history, and family history.

At Packard Health, we’re committed to helping our patients access the preventive care they need. If you need a mammogram, your Packard Health care team can help you schedule your screening.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a step toward protecting your health. Schedule your mammogram and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.

To learn more or discuss breast cancer screening, talk with your Packard Health provider today.

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Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available at Packard Health! As we head into cold and flu season, getting your annual vaccines is one of the best ways to protect yourself from serious illness and stay healthy throughout the months ahead.

Vaccination also helps protect the people around you, including family members, friends, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to illness. When more people are protected, our entire community benefits.

We encourage you to schedule your appointment today and head into the season with added protection and peace of mind.

Call (734) 971-1073 to make an appointment.

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Packard Health was recently recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) for its efforts to improve health and well-being throughout Washtenaw County.

As part of American Heart Association’s Heart Ball supporting the future of cardiovascular care, Packard Health was invited to share its impact story and how community partnerships are helping connect people with the resources they need to live healthier lives.

The event centered around the American Heart Association’s four “Chambers of the Heart”: Discovery, Knowledge, Access, and Advocacy. Packard Health was selected to represent the Access chamber, recognizing the organization’s work to reduce barriers to care and improve access to health and wellness resources.

Representing Packard Health at the event was Rebecca Fleming, Director of Programs and Community Health Initiatives, who spoke about the organization’s work through the Washtenaw Behavioral Health Project, an American Heart Association grant initiative focused on cardiovascular and whole-person health. Fleming was joined by Steve Sarns, a longtime supporter of both Packard Health and the American Heart Association, and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, who attended the event in support of efforts to improve community health and well-being.

Through this initiative, Packard Health partners with the Ann Arbor YMCA, Jewish Family Service of Ann Arbor, and behavioral health providers to help patients access resources that support healthier lifestyles. The program provides eligible patients with tools and services such as blood pressure monitors, YMCA memberships, and nutrition consultations, helping address both physical and behavioral health needs.

The event also featured representatives from the Discovery, Knowledge, and Advocacy chambers, each recognized for their unique contributions to improving health outcomes. Together, their stories highlighted the important role that research, education, access, and advocacy play in building healthier communities.

Packard Health is honored to have been recognized by the American Heart Association and grateful for the opportunity to share how partnerships and innovative programs are improving health and well-being across our community.

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Every recovery journey is unique.

For individuals living with a substance use disorder, recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. It looks different for each person and can involve many forms of support, treatment, and connection along the way.

“The process of recovery is highly personal and occurs via many pathways. It may include clinical treatment, medications, faith-based approaches, peer support, family support, self-care, and other approaches. Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness and managing setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of life, resilience becomes a key component of recovery.”
– SAMHSA

At Packard Health, we have the privilege of supporting people in recovery every day, both in our local community and across Michigan.

Many patients know us as their primary care provider, but they may not realize how much of our work focuses on supporting individuals with substance use disorders. On any given day, our team is caring for patients who are just beginning their recovery journey as well as those who have been in recovery for years.

Through partnerships with organizations such as Dawn Farm and Home of New Vision, we help connect patients with the care and resources they need. Our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program continues to grow, providing evidence-based treatment and lifesaving medications that support long-term recovery. We also partner with the statewide OPEN Warmline, helping expand access to support and treatment for people throughout Michigan.

Recovery is about more than medical care.

It’s also about connection, encouragement, and having someone who understands what you’re going through. That’s why our peer recovery coaches play such an important role in our work. Their compassion, experience, and dedication help patients navigate some of the most challenging stages of recovery.

This Recovery Month, we’re celebrating the resilience, strength, and determination of everyone who is working toward recovery or supporting a loved one on that journey. Recovery deserves recognition, not just in September, but every day of the year.

If you know someone in recovery, take a moment to acknowledge their hard work and wish them a Happy Recovery Month. 💜

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Changes to Medicaid are on the horizon, and we want to make sure our patients have the information they need to stay informed and maintain their health coverage.

While some patients may be impacted by upcoming Medicaid changes, many Medicaid enrollees will not see any changes to their coverage. The most important step you can take right now is to make sure your contact information is current with the State of Michigan.

Update your mailing address, phone number, and email address in  MI Bridges or through your loca llocal Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office. Keeping your information up to date ensures that the state can reach you if any changes affect your eligibility or benefits.

At Packard Health, we understand that navigating health coverage can feel overwhelming. Our team is committed to helping patients understand what these changes may mean and connect them with resources and support.

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Packard Health is grateful to announce that we have received a grant from The Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation to support our Beyond Incarceration program, which helps people preparing for release from the Washtenaw County Jail connect with the resources they need to successfully return to the community.

Beyond Incarceration provides individualized support and care coordination, connecting participants with healthcare, behavioral health services, recovery resources, housing support, transportation assistance, and other essential services. The program is designed to help people navigate the challenges of reentry and build a stronger foundation for health, stability, and recovery.

The support of the Towsley Foundation will help Packard Health continue providing these critical services and expand opportunities for individuals leaving incarceration to access the care and support they need.

The transition from incarceration back into the community can be difficult, particularly for people facing barriers to healthcare, housing, transportation, and recovery services. Beyond Incarceration helps bridge those gaps through one-on-one support and connections to trusted community resources.

The program was recently featured by Concentrate Media’s On The Ground Ypsi and 89.1 WEMU, bringing attention to the importance of reentry support and the impact Beyond Incarceration is having in Washtenaw County.

We sincerely thank the Towsley Foundation for their investment in this work and their commitment to building healthier, more equitable communities. Their support will help ensure that people returning from incarceration have access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to move forward and thrive.

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As part of National Health Center Week, Packard Health was pleased to welcome U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and U.S. Representative Analilia Mejia (NJ-10) for a discussion with staff and board members about the vital role community health centers play in improving access to care and the potential impact of upcoming federal Medicaid changes. Representatives Dingell and Mejia have been outspoken about concerns that proposed Medicaid reductions could affect patients, healthcare providers, and communities nationwide.

During the visit, Packard Health leaders shared the challenges community health centers are facing today and the concerns surrounding future Medicaid policy changes. The conversation focused on how Medicaid helps connect patients to primary care, behavioral health services, preventive care, and chronic disease management, and how changes to the program could create barriers to care for many individuals and families.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of strong local partnerships in advancing community health. Packard Health works closely with healthcare providers, schools, social service agencies, housing organizations, and other community partners to address both medical needs and the social factors that influence health outcomes. These collaborations help ensure patients have access to coordinated care, supportive services, and resources that promote long-term health and well-being.

National Health Center Week is an opportunity to recognize the essential work of community health centers and the partnerships that make that work possible. Packard Health was grateful for the opportunity to share the experiences of our patients and care teams and to demonstrate the important role community health centers play in strengthening the health of our region.

We thank Representatives Dingell and Mejia for taking the time to visit Packard Health, engage with our staff and board members, and discuss the future of healthcare access for the communities we serve.

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Packard Health is pleased to announce that we have received a grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to help Washtenaw County residents keep their Medicaid health coverage.

The funding will support our Medicaid redetermination and work requirement assistance program, which will help patients navigate upcoming changes to Medicaid renewals and reporting requirements. The goal is to make sure eligible individuals do not lose their health insurance because of paperwork challenges or other administrative barriers.

Personalized Support for Medicaid Renewals

About 5,000 of Packard Health’s 15,500 patients rely on Medicaid for their healthcare coverage. This grant will allow us to expand our patient support services by funding a dedicated enrollment specialist who can help patients understand Medicaid requirements, gather needed documents, complete applications, and report work activities when required.

The program will also provide reminders through phone calls, text messages, mailings, patient portal messages, and in-person visits. Patients will have access to one-on-one support and educational materials available in multiple languages.

Reaching Patients Most at Risk

Special attention will be given to patients who may face extra challenges, including those with limited English proficiency, disabilities, housing instability, limited internet access, caregiving responsibilities, or irregular work schedules.

Advancing Health Equity in Washtenaw County

Over the two-year grant period, Packard Health expects to assist about 400 Medicaid-enrolled patients at our Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti health centers. By helping patients maintain their coverage, we can ensure they continue to receive primary care, behavioral health services, addiction treatment, and other essential healthcare services.

We are grateful to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan for its support and partnership in helping us advance health equity and improve access to care for our community.

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Washtenaw County continues to see a significant number of cases associated with the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting communities across Michigan. According to the Washtenaw County Health Department, as of July 16 at 3 p.m., 500 cases have been reported in Washtenaw County, with 25 hospitalizations. Statewide, as of July 20 there have been 6,148 reported cases and 102 hospitalizations.

Investigations by the CDC and FDA have tracked a potential source to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, both sold at retail locations and served at Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taylor Farms are voluntarily recalling all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, which includes Marketside-brand product available at Walmart. See the full information on all Taylor Farms recalled products.

This investigation is ongoing and more information will provided by the CDC and FDA as it becomes available.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms typically develop several days to two weeks after exposure and may include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Weight loss

The illness can last for days or even weeks if left untreated.

What To Do If You Have Symptoms

If you are experiencing ongoing diarrhea or other symptoms of cyclosporiasis:

✅ Contact your healthcare provider. Packard Health is here to help. Contact Packard Health for evaluation and treatment recommendations: 734-971-1073

✅ Antibiotic treatment is effective. The recommended treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim).

✅ Rest and stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to prevent dehydration, especially if symptoms are severe.

Food Safety Recommendations

Because lettuce and salad greens remain a focus of the investigation, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends taking extra precautions when purchasing and preparing produce.

Support Local Farms

This outbreak is a reminder of the value of knowing where your food comes from. When possible, consider purchasing produce from local farmers markets and small farms. Local growers often offer greater transparency about growing practices and provide an opportunity to ask questions directly about how produce is grown, harvested, and handled.

Supporting local agriculture also helps strengthen our regional food system and the small businesses that help keep our communities healthy.

Up-To-Date Information

For more information about the outbreak visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website for the latest updates:

• Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Information
• MDHHS Press Release, July 13 (available in multiple languages)

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Residents across Washtenaw County are experiencing dangerous air quality as smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires continues to affect Michigan. State air quality officials have placed the entire state in the Hazardous air quality category because of high levels of fine particle pollution carried south by wildfire smoke. The air quality may have improved slightly since Thursday, but these dangerous conditions are expected to continue through the weekend. Exposure to smoke can affect anyone, but it can be especially harmful for people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.

What Does “Hazardous” Air Quality Mean?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to show how outdoor air quality may affect your health. A hazardous AQI means the air is unhealthy for everyone and can increase the risk of serious health problems.

Before spending time outside, check the current air quality in your area:

👉 Check the AQI at AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov/

How Wildfire Smoke Can Affect Your Health

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can travel deep into your lungs and enter your bloodstream. Exposure may cause:

• Coughing or a sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Chest discomfort

People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions may notice their symptoms get worse.

How to Protect Yourself

• Stay Indoors When Possible
  • Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Use air conditioning if available.
  • Avoid activities that can make indoor air worse, such as smoking, burning candles, or using aerosol sprays.
    

• Improve Indoor Air Quality
  • Use an air purifier if you have one.
  • Use high-efficiency air filters in your HVAC system when possible.
  • Consider building a DIY air cleaner using EPA guidance.
    

• Limit Outdoor Activities
  • Move exercise, sports, and other activities indoors when possible.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Limit time outside, especially when air quality levels are at their worst.
    

• Take Extra Care of Sensitive Groups
  • Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung disease are more likely to experience health effects from wildfire smoke. These groups should take extra precautions and stay in clean indoor air whenever possible.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Packard Health or your healthcare provider if smoke exposure is making it harder to manage a chronic condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Severe or constant coughing
• Dizziness
• Confusion or changes in awareness

These symptoms may be signs of a serious health problem.

Stay Informed

Air quality can change quickly as weather patterns shift and wildfire smoke moves across the region. Packard Health encourages everyone in Washtenaw County to monitor AQI levels regularly and take steps to reduce smoke exposure.

By staying informed and taking simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family while the smoke affects our community.

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