MDHHS launches health screening for firefighters
Published on Mar 9, 2026, 3:19:02 PM
Total time: 00:03:17
Published on Mar 9, 2026, 3:19:02 PM
Total time: 00:03:17
The state health department is rolling out an effort to screen firefighters for health issues stemming from their line of work. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing grant funding for mobile, onsite, or local clinic based screening.
MDHHS officials say firefighters have elevated health risks because of work conditions. The funding will support disease prevention.
The state has allocated $3.5 million for three years. MDHHS expects to grant two awards to local clinics. Applicants can log into a pre-application on March 13.
A new report says Michigan hasn’t been keeping track of teacher aids, and other school service workers. The state health department oversees the school services program.
Checking credentials can affect how districts receive federal reimbursement for those support services.
The report from the state auditor general found that reviews were backlogged and sometimes took months to complete. There were also a handful of observed cases from the 2019-2020 school year where the state didn’t let districts know when they found staff without the right credentials.
The Office of the Auditor General blames vagueness in the state health department’s review plan and outdated agreements for some of the issues. In response, the department says it will update its policies to include more oversight and a clearer review timeline.
-Reporting by Colin Jackson
The Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI) is hosting a “Suerte con Amigos” event. People are invited to play Bingo and other games. There’s also a Kahoot game based on Southwest History.
The game night takes place March 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Vamanos!, located at 4444 Vernor Highway.
Tickets are $10. Prizes include gifts cards and more.
UNI is also hosting a Southwest Soundz event: “My First Queen,” a night to celebrate mothers and their sons. Free food, games and entertainment on March 27 from 6-10 p.m.
The City of Detroit is celebrating Women’s Month and honoring women who have led the city.
The Women of Wisdom Annual Awards Ceremony will be held Friday, March 20 from 12-3 p.m. at the Erma A. Henderson Auditorium located at 2 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI. Register to save your spot for the Women of Wisdom Award Ceremony.
Gasoline prices have risen almost 60 cents a gallon since last Monday. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $3.58 for a gallon of regular unleaded this morning. That’s the highest average price since August 2024.
It’s $3.52 a gallon in metro Detroit—49 cents higher than it was a week ago. Diesel fuel has soared from $3.89 a gallon last week to $4.67 now.
-Reporting by Pat Batcheller
The Detroit Evening Report is a three-minute daily round-up of the news that city residents need to know. Stories focus on the concerns, problems, passions and needs of Detroiters – specifically residents of color. On the weekends, we take a break from the news and spend some time with community members. Hosted by Sascha Raiyn, Jerome Vaughn, Tia Graham, Nargis Rahman, and Hernz Laguerre, Jr. Detroit Evening Report is a production of WDET, Detroit's NPR Station.