MDHHS community forums coming up

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting five public forums over the next month to receive feedback on the department’s vision to strengthen Michigan’s Medicaid-funded behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities system. The purpose of the forums is to hear from the people and families being served by Michigan’s specialty behavioral health system and to get valuable feedback.

This feedback is used by MDHHS to figure out the best way to design an effective system to that meets the needs of residents that rely on these critical services.

MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said: “Our department doesn’t have all of the answers. We learn best by listening.”

There will be a forum in Grand Rapids Thursday, Jan. 9 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Grand Valley State’s L.V. Eberhard Center.

Trump launches missile at Iran

The United States and President Donald Trump launched an airstrike at Iran on Friday, killing top Iranian military general Qassim Soleimani. The strike was very unexpected and has led many people to speculate how Iran will respond.

United States Senator Debbie Stabenow gave a statement on the attack: “Soleimani was responsible for the death of many American service members and inciting chaos throughout the Middle East. However, a single action without a meaningful plan will lead to more risk for Americans at home and abroad. The Administration is required to provide a clear rationale to Congress for its actions. They also must consult with Congressional leaders on a meaningful strategy to protect American lives and interests around the world.”

With campaign season in full swing, the airstrike serves to set up an interesting lead-up to the 2020 election in November.

GV to hold 2020 annual health check

On Jan. 10, GVSU will be hosting their annual Health Check. The purpose of the check is to share health-related trends and issues facing Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan counties and give a preview of the health industry in 2020.

To go along the presentation, there will be several top health professionals in attendance that will hold a panel. Those in attendance will be: Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, President of Spectrum Health Medical Group and CMO of Spectrum Health; Michigan DHHS Director Robert Gordon; Dr. Ron Grifka, CMO, Metro Health-University of Michigan Health; Dr. Hyung Kim, M.D., president, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s; and Kent Riddle, CEO, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Registration is free and the event starts at 8 a.m. in the Eberhard Center.

CAB to hold first event of 2020

The Grand Valley State Campus Activities Board (CAB) has its first event of the new semester Tuesday, Jan. 7. At 8 p.m., CAB will be holding an event called Magnet Making: Let’s Get Crafty. Students are encouraged to join CAB in making magnets to decorate their room.

Throughout the semester, CAB will be holding events and trying to broaden the reach of the GVSU community. They will be holding their Replenish Week starting on Jan. 17.