Public Health

Entries Now Open For ‘Oakland Together’ COVID-19 Safety Video & Art Contest

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

YOUR art has power. Art can save lives & bring us together.

Oakland County is looking for residents of nearly any age who have an artistic flair or video-making chops to create original art or a video to promote the continuing importance of practicing COVID-19 safety.

The ‘Oakland Together’ COVID-19 Safety Video & Art Contest is a way to encourage residents ages 10 and up to offer creative ways of sending the message that practices such as wearing face masks or social distancing continue to be critical components of fighting the pandemic.

“I know first-hand how creative and imaginative the residents of our county can be. This isn’t a new message, but it remains an important one. Wearing a face mask does make a difference in stopping the spread of the virus; washing your hands makes a difference and so does social distancing. You’ve heard me say it many times. I’m certain there are a lot of creative minds out there who can deliver the message that COVID-19 is still with us and it will take all of us working as Oakland Together to beat this insidious virus.”

Oakland County Executive David Coulter

The contest has two ages divisions: 10-17 and 18 and above; and video or visual arts/2D categories for each. There is no limit to the number of times a person may enter but each entry must be done separately. Entry deadline is July 20 at 11:59 p.m.

The contest is open to original artwork submitted by the original creator, including but not limited to video, painting, drawing, photography, illustration, and printmaking. Artwork should promote and encourage COVID safety, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and State of Michigan protocols.

A panel of judges will select the top three entries from each age group and category. Criteria include creativity, overall artistic impact in communicating safety during COVID-19, and the skill in mastering of the chosen medium. Coulter will announce the finalists on July 28th, whose creations will then be displayed online for a vote of by the public to determine the order of finish.

Every finalist will receive $100 each; category winners will each be awarded an additional $250 for a total of $350 combined with their finalist prize.

The winning entries will be considered for a virtual exhibit on OakGov.com, the county’s website and featured on Oakland County’s social media accounts and promoted in OaklandCountyProsper.com, the county’s bi-weekly electronic newsletter. They will also be considered for use in upcoming public service announcements. The artists will be given credit if their creations are used.

The contest is only open to residents of Oakland County. A complete list of rules and details on how to enter the contest are found at www.oakgov.com/covid/contests.

Patterson’s 2019 State of the County Address Delivers Message of Continued Economic Growth for Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson delivered the 2019 State of the County address in United Shore’s new Pontiac headquarters on Thursday night. Their new space provided an underscore to Patterson’s overall address: a message of continual economic growth and development in Oakland County.

Patterson opened his address with words of congratulations for Kristin Rohrbeck, as she was revealed as the winner of Oakland County’s Elite 40 under 40 Class of 2019. Rohrbeck, 32, is the director of the Oakland University Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services (OUCARES).

Continue reading →

Oakland County Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A beautiful, cooked turkey sits in the center of the table amidst of Thanksgiving dishes like stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Whether you’re a pro at hosting the Thanksgiving meal or this will be your very first time, it’s important to follow and practice food safety tips, especially when poultry and stuffing are involved.

Turkey:

Cooking a turkey requires planning and preparation; get started using these tips from the USDA.

  • Buy the turkey a few days before you plan to cook it.
  • Refrain from buying a pre-stuffed turkey.
  • Remember that thawing the turkey takes 24 hours in the refrigerator for every four to five pounds, and cold water thawing takes 30 minutes per pound.
  • Be sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking.
  • Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 ºF.
  • Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a shallow roasting pan 2-2 1/2 inches deep.
  • Cook stuffing in a casserole for optimum safety.
  • Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer and ensure it is at least 165 ºF.
  • Let the bird sit for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving.

Homemade Roasted Thanksgiving Day Turkey with all the Sides

Stuffing:

The Partnership for Food Safety Education has a special section devoted to stuffing in their Talking Turkey guide.

  • Cook all stuffing and dressing to a minimum temperature of 165 ºF, whether it is cooked inside or outside the bird. For optimum safety, cooking your stuffing in a casserole dish is recommended.
  • Prepare and put stuffing in the turkey immediately before it’s placed into the oven.
  • Mix wet and dry ingredients for the stuffing separately and combine just before using.
  • Stuff the turkey loosely, about 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey.
  • Bake any extra stuffing in a greased casserole dish.

Need more tips for preparing your feast? Call Butterball’s hotline at 800-288-8372, text them at 844-877-3456, or visit their website. Check out the Oakland County Health Division website for additional food safety tips.

Continue reading →

Live Healthy Oakland Offers County Residents Healthcare Savings

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

A new benefit for Oakland County residents is now available! Live Healthy Oakland gives county residents the opportunity to take advantage of discounts on prescription, dental, and health services or procedure costs. The discount program is offered to both individuals and families, with health insurance or without. All Oakland County residents can take advantage of this new program. 

By signing up for one or more of the Live Healthy Oakland discount cards, residents can save an average of 24% on prescription medicine, and between 15 and 50% on the cost of dental and health check-ups. The prescription discount card is free, while the dental and health discount cards are available for a small annual or monthly fee.

Continue reading →