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GONGWER: The Department of Health and Human Services had data that showed there were elevated lead levels in Flint's water, but delayed in releasing that data to others for review, Virginia Tech professor Marc Edwards said in an article posted to his website documenting the city's water crisis. Department officials agreed and said the experience led to changes in how they examine data. Mr. Edwards said the department had data from shortly after Flint changed its water source that showed a spike in blood lead levels in children in two at-risk neighborhoods, but did not disclose that data until September 2015. "They discovered scientifically conclusive evidence of an anomalous increase in childhood lead poisoning in summer 2014 immediately after the switch in water sources, but stood by silently as Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) officials repeatedly and falsely stated that no spike in blood lead levels (BLL) of children had occurred," he said in the gest. DHHS spokesperson Jennifer Eisner agreed the department had data that showed the spike, but said its analysis at the time overlooked factors that, in retrospect, would have shown there was a water quality problem. "When initially looking at the citywide and county elevated blood lead level numbers, the increase appeared to be consistent with the seasonal fluctuation seen in the summer months," Ms. Eisner said. "It wasn't until the Hurley report came out that our epidemiologists took a more in-depth look at the data by ZIP code, controlling for seasonal variation, and confirmed an increase outside of normal trends. As a result of this process, we have determined that the way we analyze data collected needs to be thoroughly reviewed." Mr. Edwards said DHHS officials also stonewalled him on getting access to that data. He said data he had gotten easily in 2006 documents for a similar review took several weeks to receive after his request sent September 2. When he did finally receive the data, he said it was a version that omitted the lead level spike from summer 2014 that the department had created in July. He said a series of emails he received under a recent Freedom of Information Act request showed and intention by DHHS officials to keep the reports from the public. "Our FOIA reveals a shocking DHHS graph created in October 2015. It shows the statistically significant spike in blood lead that occurred in summer 2014 - the scientific result that DHHS has never publicly acknowledged," Mr. Edwards said in his post. Ms. Eisner said the department has worked to make the data available. "Summary reports outlining blood lead level testing are posted online on a bi-weekly basis, and we work closely with local partners to fulfill data requests as we receive them," she said. - See more at: ht! The federal government complimented the changes made to the state's child welfare services, saying it is leading to more vulnerable children finding safe and permanent homes, according the Department of Health and Human 1 xxxEND_PAGE:dhhs03_b0513_1807_1810_1 001808 Services. U.S. Administration for Children and Families Commissioner Rafael Lopez recognized a variety of changes made to the child welfare system, a statement from DHHS said. The state's Children's Services Agency oversees protective services, foster care, adoption and juvenile justice systems. "The successful completion of this program improvement plan is a milestone for both Michigan and ACF," Mr. Lopez wrote. "It represents dedication and commitment from staff at every level." The federal government told the state in 2009 it was not in compliance with federal guidelines, and the state has been working on improving its child welfare system since then. The statement said when Governor Rick Snyder took office in 2011, he made improving the state's child welfare system one of his top goals, and now the state has succeeded in meeting the federal goals, leading to potential federal penalties of at least $2.8 million being rescinded. "| am proud of the progress that Michigan has made in taking care of children who have been abused and neglected,” Mr. Snyder said. "It is gratifying to know that the U.S. Administration for Children and Families has recognized the reforms we have implemented. We have more work to do, but there is no doubt that Michigan's vulnerable children receive better services today than they did five years ago." The letter demonstrates that Michigan is succeeding in providing coordinated services to vulnerable children and families, said DHHS Girector Nick Lyon. "We want kids in the state's child welfare system to safely return to their homes or find a loving, permanent home through adoption if it's determined it is not safe for them to be reunited with their parents," he said. "There are about 13,000 children in Michigan's foster care system at any given time who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.” - See more at: http: /Avwaw. gongwer com/proarararing/news cim?newsediion id=S424001#athash Ge Yv4IUV. dout Newly cublished study gives more evidence of elevated lead in Flint kiis (Flint Journal) Michigan Medicaid aystem hits the cloud (Lansing State Journal) Michigan meets child welfare goals (Lansing State Journal) MIRS: Lyon: Achieving Vision For DHHS Merger Could Need Federal Changes Nearly a year after the massive merger of the state's health and human services departments, its leader said some state and local silos have fallen as a result, but more need to follow -- including at the federal level. The creation of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was the big administrative story DHHS Director Nick LYON, in a year-end interview with MIRS, said the merger has bore fruit already, including the state better serving people whose needs overlap the two halves of DHHS. For instance, when it comes to foster care children, the state is working to make sure kids who are removed from their homes -- a human services function -- get hooked up with a behavioral health provider and a primary care physician. "There is no doubt that a child removed is going to suffer some sort of trauma from that event," Lyon said. "And we need to treat them as quickly as possible." Another area Lyon is looking at is making eligibility seamless for Medicaid recipients who need food assistance. And while Lyon said field offices across the state have gotten a better handle on the various programs offered through DHHS, he said the state still faces a "silo system" when it comes to local public health departments and community mental health agencies, although he said there's been some communication improvements there. 2 xxxEND_PAGE:dhhs03_b0513_1807_1810_2 001809 The goal of creating DHHS in the first place -- according to Snyder, Lyon and other state officials -- was to move toa system built around treating the "whole person" rather than just categorizing clients into various assistance programs. One roadblock to this: The federal government hasn't necessarily adopted the same model, and the DHHS has to deal with a lot of federal programs in different places. "We're still dealing with siloed federal programs, so the question is, do we build a program that deals with the siloed programs, or do we try to break down those silos at the federal level? And we're going to attack it in both places,” Lyon said. Asked if it was realistic to accomplish the DHHS vision by changing how the federal government works, Lyon replied quickly, "Completely realistic." "We have an obligation - if we see something that can be improved, regardless of where that issue may be, I think. . . states have the obligation to stand up and try to do something," he said. Lyon said the federal government has "embraced" the ideas presented by the DHHS. "Iam certainly encouraged by how my federal partners have reacted to much of what we're trying to do," he said. Snyder and the administration have previously mentioned applying for various waivers to cut through federal programming. Lyon said DHHS has been able to get around this through conversations with the feds. "We've been able to work with the federal government to ask for things without a waiver," he said. This give-and-take between the state and the federal government was apparent recently when the feds granted approval to a waiver for the Healthy Michigan Plan, which allows Michigan's customized Medicaid expansion program The final approval appeared to mark a compromise between what is called for in state law regarding the Healthy Michigan Plan, and what the feds wanted preserved in their vision for Medicaid expansion. State Testing In Flint To Continue: The DHHS role in the state's response to the Flint water crisis has involved testing of children and adults for lead, which became a problem after the city switched its water supply to the Flint River for more than a year. Lyon touched on the Flint issue briefly, saying the state would continue testing (See "Bits & He said the next priority for the DHHS is "following up and ensuring that children who have elevated blood lead levels, that we are doing everything we can to reduce those blood lead levels." Feds: State Meeting Marks On Child Welfare Improvements A federal report released today found that Michigan has met goals set for improving the state's child welfare system. However, the report won't have any bearing on the ongoing negotiations between the state and an advocacy organization to lift different court-ordered requirements on Michigan's child welfare system. Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received a letter from the feds saying the state has achieved all the goals in a federally implemented "program improvement plan." The state has been working with the U.S. Administration for Children and Families (ACF) since 2009, when federal officials said the state was not in compliance, according to a press release. Now, the feds say vulnerable children are safer and are finding permanent homes more quickly. "The successful completion of this program improvement plan is a milestone for both Michigan and ACF," said Rafeal LOPEZ, commissioner of the ACF. "It represents dedication and commitment from staff at every level." In 2008, the state first reached a settlement with the advocacy group Children's Rights, which brought a class action suit against the state regarding its child welfare system. xxxEND_PAGE:dhhs03_b0513_1807_1810_3 001810 As a result of the settlement, the DHHS has had to meet a number of objectives through periodic reports delivered to a federal court (See "Michigan Score On Chid Welfare Report Tied te Computer Problems," 4/13/15). Earlier this year, the state embarked on renegotiating the terms with Children's Rights (See "State, Advorates To Renegotiate Child Welfare Oversight," 2/20/15). Those negotiations are still ongoing, and DHHS Director Nick LYON described the talks as going "quite well" in a recent interview (See related story). With the release of this report noting the state's improvements in child welfare, Children's Rights spokesperson Wende Gozan BROWN said it wouldn't have any bearing on the negotiations. She said the program improvement plan required by the feds is different. The state said much of the same, saying the benchmarks met in the ACF plan "do not directly affect" the court oversight. Asked if this report could gain the state any leverage in its negotiations with Children's Rights, the state said no, because the two issues aren't tied together. As a result of the ACF letter today, the state is off the hook for at least $2.8 million in potential federal penalties, which have been rescinded. Michigan meets, exceeds federal goals for child welfare system "LANSING, Mich. — Vulnerable Michigan children are safer and are finding permanent homes more quickly through improvements to the state’s child welfare system, according to the U.S. Administration for Children and Families (ACF). " Source: Department of Health and Human Services Date: 12-22-2015 Link: Families urged to provide a safe sleep space for baby during holiday travel "LANSING, Mich. — With the holidays around the corner, it’s a busy time of year often spent traveling away from home for visits. For families with babies, travel can be especially hectic and it can be hard to remember all of the necessities. One item to put at the top of your list is a safe space for baby to sleep when you're away from home." Source: Department of Health and Human Services Date: 12-22-2015 Link: hilo cinirsnews com/odiaPress Releases/1450714302 dhhs pdf Rep Lawrence passes ESEA amendment to benefit foster youth "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Brenda Lawrence has passed an amendment requiring the U.S. Secretary of Education to track the educational progress of foster youth in America, a key measure that will protect hundreds of thousands of foster care students across America." Source: Rep. Brenda Lawrence Date: 12-22-2015 Link: hito/mirsnews. coni/pdis/Press Releases/i450/20811 lawrence pat Thanks, Sharon xxxEND_PAGE:dhhs03_b0513_1807_1810_4

GONGWER: Since October 1, data indicates that 30 adults and children of 1,361 tested in Flint had elevated blood lead levels, the state said Thursday in releasing its first report as part of the state's efforts to assist in resolving the Flint water crisis. The state called on helping the city deal with health issues as part of its efforts to restore safer drinking water to the city. In October, after more than a year of the city getting its drinking water from the Flint River - it ended a contract with the Detroit Water and Sewerage System largely over cost issues and is working on a new water system that will draw from Lake Huron - and after more than a year of complaints on taste, smell and safety of the water, the city switched back to Detroit water when it was discovered lead levels in some children were elevated because of the water system. lead levels. Another 392 adults were tested and nine had elevated levels. The report also showed the number of Flint children with higher lead levels declined during the summer months this year - lead levels tend to be higher in the summer, the report said - to 6.4 percent from 7.5 percent a year ago. However, in 2013, before the city switched from Detroit water to the Flint River, the percentage stood at 4.1 percent. That was down from percentages as high as 8.3 percent in 2010. About 30 House Republicans on Thursday signed a letter asking the State Administrative Board not to approve a $1.2 million grant increase to Planned Parenthood because it goes against the "spirit" of a budget amendment adopted this year. On December 8, the Finance and Claims Committee of the State Administrative Board will take up a grant increase for Planned Parenthood of Mid and South Michigan. The increase will come from the restricted dollars in the Maternal Children's Health Fund (8 percent); federal funding (35 percent); fees generating through the clinic (49 percent) and local dollars (8 percent). Reo. Gary Glenn (R-Midland), joined by Rep. Thomas Hooker (R-Byron Center), who sponsored the budget amendment saying the state will not allocate funding to Planned Parenthood, Reg. Torn Barrett (R-Potterville), Rep. "We believe this is a clear violation of the spirit of the budget amendment that was voted on and passed by the Legislature during the last appropriations process," the letter reads. xxxEND_PAGE:dhhs03_b0677_2347_2351_1 002348 go against the budget. When the amendment was adopted, House Speaker Kevin Cotter (R-Mount Pleasant) said no clinics would lose money because of the amendment. He said during the last two budgets Planned Parenthood had not received any The committee is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. on December 8. GOVERNOR'S TASK FORCE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: Tana Bridges of Canton succeeds Gary Anderson to represent health and mental health professionals; John Hohman Jr. of Saline succeeds Kenneth Tacoma to represent judges and attorneys; and Veda Thompkins of Detroit succeeds Larry Watkins, who resigned, to represent the law enforcement community. Robinjit Eagleson of East Lansing, Fred Gruber of Riverview and Nick Lyon of Lansing are reappointed. Ms. Thompkins will serve the remainder of a term expiring December 31, 2016. The remaining terms, which are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, expire December 31, 2018. MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION COUNCIL: Milton Mack of Wayne succeeds John Hohman Jr., who resigned, to represent the State Court Administrative Office for the remainder of a term expiring January 30, 2016. The appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Fiint water stl unsafe without lead fillers, professor says (Elint Journal, 12/4/2015) MIRS: Group Of House R's Object To Planned Parenthood Grant Increase Conservatives opposed to government funding for Planned Parenthood could see a test in Michigan this month as the state considers a proposed grant increase for the organization. Already, 29 House Republicans have signed a letter asking a state administrative committee to reject a $1.2 million increase. The proposed increase is on the agenda for the Dec. 8 meeting of Finance and Claims Committee, which makes recommendations on large grants to the State Administrative Board. According to the agenda, the committee will consider a $1.2 million increase to a one-year grant agreement with Planned Parenthood of Mid and South Michigan to provide family planning services. The grant is under the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The new total for the grant would be $10.0 million. According to Jennifer EISNER, spokesperson for DHHS, the contract amendment involves family planning services funded by federal dollars. Because of that, she said the agreement doesn't go against language put in the current year budget that bans the department from contracting with abortion providers for services funded by state dollars. However, a group of House Republicans doesn't see it the same way. "We believe this is a clear violation of the spirit of the budget amendment that was voted on and passed by the Legislature during the last appropriation process," reads a letter signed by Rep. Gary &LENN (R-Midland). Of the increase in question, 8 percent of the dollars is restricted funds from the Maternal Children's Health Fund, Glenn said. That money comes from restricted federal funds. 2 xxxEND_PAGE:dhhs03_b0677_2347_2351_2 002349 But Glenn noted that the state still has the discretion in this instance on whether to spend them. Frequently a topic of political debate, Planned Parenthood has been under increased scrutiny this year, after a series of covert videos taken of Planned Parenthood employees allegedly discussing the sale of aborted baby parts. A top Planned Parenthood official has said the videos in question have been edited to "shock and deceive" the public. According to the agenda, the Finance and Claims Committee will meet at 11 a.m. Dec. 8 inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center. 2% Of Flint Adults, Children Have Elevated Blood Lead Levels Preliminary data indicates that 30 of 1,361 adults and children tested in Flint since Oct. 1 had elevated blood lead levels, according to a report issued today by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. This marks the first summary report on lead testing called for in the state's action plan related to health concerns about Flint's water infrastructure. "Our goal is to help families reduce their exposure to lead sources," said Dr. Eden WELLS, MDHHS chief medical executive. "We have made progress in testing and identifying those with elevated blood lead levels, and the department will continue to work closely with the Genesee County Health Department to reach these families. We will remain diligent in our ongoing outreach and education efforts." Tests showed that 21 of 969 children age 17 or younger and nine of 392 adults over the age 18 were identified with elevated blood lead levels. Rep. Sheldon NEELEY (D-Flint) said he believes the numbers would be higher, but it's likely the lead-laced water had already been soaked into the brains and bones of some of those tested. Gubernatorial Appointments Governor's Task Force On Child Abuse And Neglect - Tana BRIDGE, of Canton, was appointed to a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2018. She is a professor of social work, as well as director of the master's program at Eastern Michigan University, represents health and mental health professionals and replaces Gary ANDERSON. - John HOHMAN Jr., of Saline, was appointed to a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2018. He is the owner of Hohman ADR, an alternative dispute resolution service, represents judges and attorneys and replaces Kenneth TACOMA. Hohman will serve as chair. - Veda THOMPKINS, of Detroit, was appointed to the remainder of a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2016. She is the president of Families On The Move, Inc., represents the law enforcement community and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Larry WATKINS. - Robinjit EAGLESON, of East Lansing, was reappointed to a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2018. Sheisa management analyst for the state court administrative office and continues to represent judges and attorneys. - Fred GRUBER, of Riverview, was reappointed to a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2018. He is the co-founder and executive director of Michigan Children's Law Center and continues to represent child advocates. - Nick LYON, of Lansing, was reappointed to a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2018. He is the director of the Department of Health and Human Services. Mental Health Diversion Council - Milton MACK, of Wayne, was appointed to the remainder of a four-year term expiring Jan. 30, 2016. He is the state court administrator of the Michigan Supreme Court, represents the State Court Administrative Office and fills the 3 xxxEND_PAGE:dhhs03_b0677_2347_2351_3 002350 vacancy created by the resignation of John HOHMAN Jr. New tests show toxic lead in plumbing at Flint elementary schools "FLINT, Mi— Recent water tests at a Flint elementary found toxic lead levels at faucets and drinking fountains, a problem state officials largely attribute to the type of fixtures in the school building." State: 30 Flint residents have elevated lead levels "Thirty Flint children and adults have tested positive for elevated levels of lead in their blood, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services." Source: Detroit News Date: 12-04-2015 Link: bts /Avww detrotnews. 8/1 2/Ga/atate fint-residants-elsvated- leag-leyels/78739392/ GOP lawmakers oppose state aid for Planned Parenthood "Lansing — More than two dozen House Republicans want a state panel to reject a proposed $1.2 million increase in funding for Planned Parenthood to provide family planning services for low-income Detroit women that do not include abortions." Source: Detroit News Date: 12-04-2015 Link: ifip: “Avww detrotnews. con/storynews/Pontics/ 201 8/4 2/GS/gop-la wMakers-ONHO8e- 5753836 State says blood-lead levels in Flint kids have dropped "Fewer of Flint's children have tested positive for elevated blood-lead levels since Oct. 1, with the rate falling to 3% of children under 6, according to new state data." Source: Detroit Free Press Date: 12-04-2015 Link: fis: levels/7E7?46474/ Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, state and private sector officials to unveil resource for aging dei "News conference to announce the unveiling of the Safe Drivers Smart Options website, which provides information and resources for aging drivers, their family and friends, and the professionals who care for them." Source: Secretary of State Ruth Johnson Date: 12-04-2015 Link: fitp-nirsenews com pafs/Press Releases/14391 72691 sos pat MDHHS releases latest data outlining blood lead levels in Flint; Follow-up care, case management res "LANSING, Mich. — Preliminary data indicates that 30 of 1,361 adults and children tested in Flint since October 1 had elevated blood lead levels, according to a report issued today by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services." Source: Department of Health and Human Services Date: 12-04-2015 Link: f Michigan announces the Mi Health Link Ombudsman Program xxxEND_PAGE:dhhs03_b0677_2347_2351_4 002351 WAMRING, Mien. — Tite Michigan Department of Hedith ant FWARn Seriites tovay annuniiced that MY Hedith Link beréficfaries new Re an ettlitional resource for Infornration 2d support through tre MY HRedith tink ORRURRTFAn Program WHIkh wars officially operational PRSEBR Ber 1. Ss a requicement Of Centers for Wesltitare ant WRstiedid Serees (IMS), MPHIES muRt provide an CPRESARN program for the project." Sout: Oapartwent oF heath anf Bali Seriites Bette: 12% #2615 Link: Atte, 2 oF xxxEND_PAGE:dhhs03_b0677_2347_2351_5