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Wayne County committee accepts $74,480 MDHHS grant amendment for emerging threats planning
Summary
The committee approved forwarding an amendment to the county’s Emerging Threats Local Health Department grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for $74,480 to support preparedness for measles, respiratory viruses and other emerging infectious threats.
The Wayne County Health and Human Services Committee approved forwarding to the full commission an amendment adding $74,480 from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) under the county’s Emerging Threats Local Health Department grant agreement. Dr. Sheth, chief medical officer for Wayne County Health and Human Services, said the funds are one‑time and intended to address urgent public health needs, including preparedness related to measles and seasonal respiratory viruses.
"This is a one‑time additional funding of $74,480 to address urgent needs ... in terms of public health needs, infectious disease, emerging threats," Dr. Sheth said. He told the committee Wayne County had no confirmed measles cases so far in 2025 but that statewide and national outbreaks warranted continuing surveillance and planning. He said about 90 percent of kindergarteners in the county meet vaccine requirements, below the approximately 95 percent needed to prevent measles outbreaks.
Commissioners asked about local preparedness and public messaging. Commissioner Anderson expressed concern about national changes in vaccination policy and asked whether the department had plans for media or outreach work. Dr. Sheth said the county is partnering with schools and back‑to‑school fairs to offer vaccinations, has run measles and seasonal vaccination social media campaigns, and plans a forthcoming media push for influenza and COVID vaccinations.
The committee also discussed vector‑borne disease surveillance. Dr. Sheth said the county conducts mosquito pool surveillance and works with partners to mitigate positive findings; he confirmed the department monitors Lyme disease and other tick‑borne illnesses and will share state resources for public awareness.
Commissioner Killeen clarified that the emerging threats funding is delivered under an agreement adjacent to the county’s comprehensive CPBC agreement and that COVID‑era funds have been bundled in recent years under this emerging threats line. After discussion, the committee voted to forward the MDHHS grant amendment to the full commission; a voice vote indicated approval.
