An update on COVID-19 vaccines: In late July, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that it will continue recommending COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, despite recent changes in federal guidance. The national plan for fall vaccines remains unclear. Expect more information on COVID-19 vaccine messaging from us soon.
Read this month’s newsletter to see the latest local conversations about…
Gun violence: Fatal shootings across Michigan fueled grief and anger online.
Vaccines: Declining vaccination rates among Michigan kindergartners sparked debate about vaccine safety.
Family planning and STIs/STDs: The launch of a telehealth service in Michigan generated discussion about reproductive health care access.
Mental health: Articles and social media posts highlighted Michigan’s OK2SAY student safety program.
Scroll down to read more.
Plus, check out the Download Center for free, ready-made content to share with your communities. Content is available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Gun violence
July shootings in Michigan provoke grief
What’s happening:
In July, fatal shootings in Flint, Lansing, and Detroit sparked conversation online.
Many Michigan-based social media users called on local leaders to prevent gun violence and expressed sadness and frustration about gun deaths.
Why this matters:
Reports of gun deaths in Michigan, plus a recent mass shooting in Manhattan that gained national media attention, may cause emotional distress. These events provide an opportunity to circulate mental health resources for those impacted by gun violence.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
People impacted by gun violence may experience depression or anxiety or increase consumption of alcohol or other substances.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or just need to talk, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime to speak with a crisis counselor.
Declining vaccination rates in Michigan fuel false claims about vaccine safety
What’s happening:
In the past month, local news outlets reported on declining vaccination rates among Michigan kindergartners, plus an uptick in vaccine exemptions.
Some social media users falsely claimed that vaccines are unsafe for kids and repeated the myth linking vaccines to autism.
Others expressed concern about declining vaccination rates, noting that vaccines are lifesaving and help prevent outbreaks of dangerous diseases.
Why this matters:
When school starts, kids will be more likely to bring germs home. Explaining the importance of school vaccines is critical for keeping kids and communities safe from diseases like measles.
When vaccination rates decline, we see more outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles, which is spreading in Michigan.
As kids return to school, they’re more likely to bring germs home to vulnerable family members, including babies who are too young to get vaccinated and older adults. Making sure kids are up to date on vaccines now helps protect the whole family.
Children in Michigan can get vaccinated through health care providers, local health departments, and many pharmacies.
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Routine vaccines are safe, and they protect kids from dangerous diseases. Making sure kids are up to date on school vaccines helps keep the whole community safe, including kids who can’t be vaccinated and older adults. Children in Michigan can get vaccinated through health care providers, local health departments, and many pharmacies.
Launch of telehealth reproductive health service in Michigan provokes mixed reactions
What’s happening:
In August, the telehealth service Hey Jane—which offers reproductive and sexual health services, including medication abortion—expanded to Michigan.
Some social media users celebrated increased access to reproductive health care, particularly in areas where Planned Parenthood health centers have closed. Others suggested that accessing abortion pills from telehealth providers is unsafe and that abortion should be illegal.
Why this matters:
As some Michigan Planned Parenthood health centers close, Michigan residents may be unaware of where they can access other reproductive health services.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Find local health centers offering birth control and STI testing and treatment through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Michigan residents can also access birth control, STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception, and medication abortion through Planned Parenthood’s Virtual Health Center.
Find in-person reproductive health care from Michigan.gov/TakeControl. If you don’t have a health center nearby, access birth control, STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception, and more through Planned Parenthood’s Virtual Health Center (visitbit.ly/44rKmVV). You can also get birth control delivered by Planned Parenthood Direct (go tobit.ly/4cME3hV).
Articles celebrate Michigan’s OK2SAY student safety program
What’s happening:
On August 4, the Michigan State Police reported a 20 percent increase in tips for OK2SAY, the state’s confidential tip line for threats to student safety, in 2024.
Commenters on social media expressed gratitude for OK2SAY and said that the report shows a need for safer schools and more student mental health support.
Why this matters:
As the school year approaches, this is a key moment to inform Michigan residents—especially youth, caregivers, and educators—about how OK2SAY helps keep students safe.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Anyone who learns about a potential threat to student safety can contact Michigan’s confidential OK2SAY tip line by calling 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729) or texting 652729 (OK2SAY).
After you submit a tip, trained technicians will forward the information to police, school officials, mental health services, or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for a timely response.
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Anyone who learns about a potential threat to student safety—including bullying, mental health, and gun safety concerns—can call or text OK2SAY. You can also submit a tip via email atOK2SAY@MI.Gov, through the OK2SAY mobile app, or through an online form:OK2SAY.State.MI.US.
The U.S. could lose its measles elimination status. Here’s what that means.
Measles cases are still rising across the country. As parents contemplate vaccinating their children before school starts, share this story to inform your community that the MMR vaccine is the safest way to prevent measles.
Public Good News is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to community health. We partner with trusted local voices throughout the U.S. to distribute accurate, accessible, and inclusive health news in English and Spanish.
