Personal Health

Personal Health Division Philosophy

We believe that Public Health is essential to the well-being of the community. We are advocates working to provide quality service and to protect and promote the rights to all members of the population. We are dedicated to support individuals and family strengths through health promoting behaviors, disease prevention and environmental safety.

Public Health Programs

Hearing Program

The Hearing Program provides hearing screening and referrals for preschool and school-aged children. Services are provided by a certified technician. Children are screened at school in grades Kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th. Call your local health department for free hearing screening for preschool (3-5 years of age) and school-aged children.

Vision Program

The Vision Program provides vision screening and referrals for preschool and school-aged children. Services are provided by a certified vision technician. Children are screened at school in grades 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th. Call your local health department for free vision screenings for preschool (3-5 years of age) and school-aged children.

Communicable Disease

The Communicable Disease program provides public health nursing follow up on reportable communicable diseases. Follow up consists of surveillance reporting, preventative measures, contact investigation, community education, and working with the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the medical community.

• Federal Government Health Information
• West Nile Information
• Head Lice Information
• CDC Site Index A to Z
• Emerging Disease Issues

Rabies Control Program

The Rabies Control Program works along with the Environmental Health Division to gather information, determine appropriate testing or quarantining of animals, works with medical providers on vaccine issues, educates the community on preventative measures, and completes animal bite/contact reports.

• Rabies Information
• Rabies Questions and Answers
• Rabies Prevention and Control

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Confidential testing, counseling, treatment, referral, and contact follow up are provided for the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Partner notification and referrals services are available. All services are by appointment.

HIV Counseling and Testing

HIV testing and counseling services are available by a public health nurse. Call your local health department for information and an appointment. The fee for HIV testing is $60.00. Free testing is available at the Kent County Health Department or Muskegon County Health Department.

TB Skin Testing

TB Skin testing is provided free of charge to contacts of an active TB case. For those needing testing for employment or school, there is a fee. Call your local health department for information and to make an appointment.

Maternal Child Health

Healthy Futures: A registered nurse from the community will contact you through your pregnancy to help answer questions about prenatal health. In addition, you may choose to have a nurse visit after you arrive home with your newborn. For the next two years, your Health Futures nurse will answer questions and work with you to ensure your child has the resources needed to a healthy future. You will receive information in the mail while your are pregnant and throughout your child's early years.

Maternal Infant Health Program MIHP (formerly MSS/ISS): This program is available for eligible women from the start of pregnancy through two months after delivery and infants from birth through 1 year of age. The MIHP program has social workers, nurses, and dietitians to help you and answers any questions you may have about pregnancy, childbirth, and about your baby from birth until their first birthday. The program is designed to help you have a health pregnancy and baby!

MIChild/Health Kids: MIChild and Healthy Kids are insurance programs which provide low-cost or free health coverage for children under age 19 and pregnant women of any age who meet certain income requirements. Application assistance is available at your local health department.

Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)

Children's Special Health Care Services is primary or supplemental health insurance for children and some adults with chronic special health care needs.

Persons under age 21 must have a qualifying medical condition. Persons over age 21 must have either cystic fibrosis or a blood clotting disorder.

Case management and care coordination services are provided. Call your local health department and ask to speak the Children's Special Health Care Services representative.