Bay County, MI

Deputy Health Officer

Andre Reed

Public Health Services Manager/EPC

Melissa Opheim

Business Services Manager

Amy Yakich

Public Health Nursing Services Manager

Erica Rettelle

WIC Manager

Amy Revette

Environmental Health Manager

Joel Kwiatkowski

Medical Director

Dr. Thomas Bender

Medical Examiner

Dr. William Morrone

Public Health Clinical Services

FetchGIS SepticSystem Map

Respiratory Illnesses

Programs and Services

Public Health Resources

Childhood Lead Program

Kelly, RN

Nursing Case Manager
Education & Outreach Nurse
989-895-4004 Ext. 6152

What is the Childhood Lead Program?

It includes:

Nursing case management for children with high lead levels
Lead education and outreach

Nursing Case Management

Education and Outreach

Our education & outreach nurse is available to provide training and presentations to staff, parents, healthcare providers, or any group/agency that involves children
Outreach at local health fairs, schools, and other events in the community
Call to request more information

Educational Materials

BCHD Brochure

United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)

Carrie CSHC Representative 989-895-4235	Mary Jo, RN CSHC Nurse 989-895-2009	Jennifer, RN CSHC Nurse 989-895-4325 Ext. 3

What is Children Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)

It is a program for children and some adults with special health care needs and their families. CSHCS helps persons with chronic health problems by providing:

Coverage and Referral for medical specialist based on your child's health problems.
Family-Centered Services to support you in your role as the primary caretaker of your child.
Community-Based Services to help you care for your child at home and maintain normal routines.
Culturally Competent Services that demonstrate an awareness of cultural differences.
Coordinated Services to pull together the services of many providers who work within different agencies.

Eligibility

Children must have a qualifying medical condition and be 20 years old or under. Persons 21 and over with cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or certain blood clotting disorders also may qualify for services.

Why Should You Join CSHCS

Our staff will work with you to ensure that you or your child receive the very best care. We help with the following:
Paying specialty medical bills
Learning about specialty providers like doctors, hospitals and clinics
Coordinating health insurance benefits
Covering co-pays or deductibles

Qualifying Medical Conditions

CSHCS covers more than 2,700 diagnoses. Some medical conditions that may qualify for CSHCS are:

Cancer
Cerebral Palsy
Cleft Palate, Cleft Lip
Liver Disease
Club Foot
Hypospadius
Deformed Limbs, Amputations
Myelodysplasia, Spina Bifida
Certain Vision Disorders
Paralysis, Spinal Injuries
Cystic Fibrosis or other Chronic Lung Conditions
Hearing Loss
Insulin-dependent Diabetes
Muscular Dystrophy
Certain Heart Conditions
Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus
Neurological Disorders
Kidney Disease
Sickle Cell Anemia
Hemophilia or other Blood Clotting Disorders

For more information visit, www.michigan.gov/csnfund, contact the Health Department or the Family Center at 1-800-359-3722.

The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (Family Center)

A parent-directed section of CSHCS. Some services include:

Family Phone Line 1-800-359-3722
Advising CSHCS from the family perspective
Conference scholarships
Parent-to-Parent support
Grandparent resources
Sibling workshops

The Children with Special Needs Fund

A donor-supported program within CSHCS that may help families buy certain equipment such as:

Adaptive Recreational Equipment
Air Conditioners/Central air
Ceiling Lifts or Stair Lifts
Electrical Service Upgrades
Platform Lifts (when wheelchair ramp cannot be installed ADA-compliant)
Therapeutic Specialty Bikes/Tricycles
Transit Options
Turney Seats
Vehicle Accessibility Devices (van lifts, ramps, restraint systems, tie downs, etc.)
Weighted Blankets/Vests
Wheelchair Ramps (residential)

If you would like to enroll in the Children Special Health Care Services Program or need more information, please contact us at

989-895-4235. Your child's medical condition, not your income, determines if you qualify for this program.

Immunizations can be given to any CSHCS client and their family members, including special accommodations and needs, every 3rd Thursday of the month. Please call (989) 895-4235 to schedule an appointment.

Additional Information

www.michigan.gov/cshcs

Long-term Care Facility Reporting

Phone: (989) 895-4003
Fax: (989) 895-2083
Email: [email protected]

Long-term care facilities can find resources, outbreak forms, surveillance tracking tools, and answers to commonly asked questions to better assist them in meeting reporting requirements to minimize further transmission of diseases in the county. Please contact the Communicable Disease Division at BCHD with any questions.

To access our online reporting form, visit: Cluster Facility Outbreak Notification Reporting Form or you may find the printable forms under the resources section.

Resources

Surveillance

FAQs

Q: What do you need from us during an outbreak ?

A: An outbreak usually starts when a facility has two (2) or more cases of an illness. The health department will send you forms, a link to our online reporting form, or you can print them from this website and send them back to the health department for review.

The Outbreak Reporting Form: This form needs to be completed and sent to the health department at the beginning of the outbreak and again at the end of the outbreak. There are two columns on the form "initial" and "final." Fill out the "initial" column when the outbreak starts and the "final" column at the end of the outbreak.
The Line List: This form needs to be filled out and sent to the health department weekly reporting all positive cases within the facility, differentiating between "staff" or "resident," and noting if the person had an 'outside' exposure.

Q: Do I include every positive case on the outbreak paperwork?

A: The Michigan State and Local Public Health COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures, which was updated in November 2022, states the following:

Local Facilities: In addition to individuals cases, long-term care facilities (including skilled nursing, assisted-living, adult foster care), jails, juvenile detention centers, shelters, schools, day cares, and camps must report all clusters of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases to the LHD. LHD authorities should investigate to determine if the cases meet the definition of an outbreak and how to proceed.

In summary, any new cases that have an "outside" epi link (spouse is sick/positive for Covid, friend has Covid) should be INCLUDED in the paperwork and line lists that you send to us weekly. However, when reporting these cases, they should be CLEARLY identified, and you should let us know so we can help determine if that case will be part of the outbreak or not.

Q: How long does a COVID-19 outbreak last ?

A: Outbreaks are kept open until there have been 28 days with no new cases. That count re-starts with each new case that arises.

Per CSTE: "Outbreak Resolution: No new symptomatic/asymptomatic probable or confirmed COVID-19 cases after 28 days (two incubation periods) have passed since the last case's onset date or specimen collection date (whichever is later)."

Q: Does staff need to wear face shields ?

A: According to CDC, staff do not have to wear face shields; however, you should double-check your facility's policies and with your licensing agency. Face shields may be necessary if/when doing certain procedures.

Q: Who do facilities report their respiratory illness cases to ?

A: It may be required by the facilities governing body (CMS) to report to and records in NHSN. Facilities should also reach out to the Health Department if the case is a resident or multiple staff members to determine if there is a cluster or outbreak to monitor.

Q: Is source control required at this time in facilities?

A: Source control is recommended for individuals in healthcare settings who:

Have suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or other respiratory infection (e.g., those with runny nose, cough, sneezing)
Had close contact (patients and visitors) or a higher-risk exposure (Healthcare Provider) with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- For 10 days after their exposure, source control is recommended more broadly as described in CDC’s Core IPC Practices in the following circumstances: By those residing or working on a unit or area of the facility experiencing a SARS-CoV-2 or other outbreak of respiratory infection:
  - Universal use of source control could be discontinued as a mitigation measure once the outbreak is over (e.g., no new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been identified for 14 days)
Facility-wide or, based on a facility risk assessment, targeted toward higher risk areas (e.g., emergency departments, urgent care) or patient populations (e.g., when caring for patients with moderate to severe immunocompromise) during periods of higher levels of community SARS-CoV-2 or other respiratory virus transmission.
Have otherwise had source control recommended by public health authorities (e.g., in guidance for the community when COVID-19 hospital admission levels are high).
Source: https//www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html

Q: With the end of the PHE, what is the guidance ?

A: In addition to your local health department, Hospitals and Nursing Homes will need to observe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for guidance and requirements which will continue to mandate reporting.

Q: Is there any information out on the ending of the PHE ?

A: A helpful video that explains a lot of the changes is located at: https://edhub.ama-assn.org/cdc-project-firstline/video-player/18780695#. You may also check out our Facebook and Instagram accounts that have previously posted information available in an easy to read graphic format.

Food Service Information

2026 Fee Schedule

How to Apply for a Food Service License & Type of Food Service Establishments

Licensing Information

Fixed Food Establishment

Mobile Food/Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU)

A Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU) is a temporary food establishment licensed to operate throughout the state without the 14-day limits of a Temporary Food Establishment license (TFE) or a Mobile Food Establishment that is required to return to a commissary. There are several requirements that must be met before an STFU license will be approved.

Temporary Food Establishment Information

Temporary Food License

Please note - we must receive the application and payment more than seven days before the event to use column A for payment. (See Food Service Fee Schedule above.)

For Vending Machine License Please contact MDARD at 1-800-292-393

Other Important Information

Food Safety

Additional Resources

The Michigan Department of Agriculture has the Emergency Action Plans for Retail Food Establishments, this guide will provide practical guidance for retail grocery and food service establishments to plan and respond to emergencies that create the potential for an imminent health hazard.

Temporary Food Establishment License

A Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) license is for a food service establishment which operates at a fixed location for a temporary period of time not to exceed 14 days.

Onsite Septic and Well Information

Permits and Applications

On-Site Evaluations

The Bay County Health Department will be able to promptly process your application if you will take the time to provide the following information:

Complete the application form. Forms must be filled out completely in order for them to be processed by this department.
If you do not know the Property Code Number you may contact the Bay County Equalization Department for assistance at (989) 895-4075.
Submit the on-site evaluation fee as indicated on the top of the form along with the application.
All applications will be processed within a period of twenty-one calendar days from the time the completed application is received and the fee has been paid and receipted. The time necessary for approval of an application may vary due to workload and weather conditions.
If you are having an on-site evaluation on your water supply, please be informed that all Partial Chemical samples are forwarded to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Lab in Lansing, Michigan. Results from the MDEQ are usually available within 2 - 5 weeks.
Most lending institutions will request the results of an on-site evaluation be sent directly to their office. When filling in the section "Results of Evaluation Forwarded To", please include the complete mailing address along with zip code.

Checks may be made out to the Bay County Health Department.

Please send payment along with the application to:

Bay County Health Department
Environmental Health Division
1200 Washington Avenue, Bay City, Michigan, 48708

The Bay County Health Department will:

Conduct an on-site evaluation of the sewage disposal system and/or well, taking all necessary samples.
Notify you in writing of the results of the evaluation.
Always be available on a consultation basis to answer your questions at any time regarding the sewage disposal and/or well evaluation. The Health Department has a great deal of information regarding the operation and maintenance of your system. Please feel free to make use of this service.

Best wishes and good luck with your new home!

On-Site Septic Contractors Exam

On-Site Septic Contractors Exam

Where	Bay County Health Department 1200 Washington Avenue Bay City, MI 48708
Exam Fee	$50.00
Hours	Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m

By filling out the registration form, paying the fee, and passing the exam, your company will be included on our list of registered sewage system installers in Bay County. This list is distributed to customers upon request.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Bay County Health Department/Environmental Health Division at (989) 895-4006 #3. Thank you for your cooperation.

Registration is valid for three years inclusive of the year you take the exam.

It is a requirement of the Sanitary Code of Bay County, Michigan that you register your company with the Environmental Health Division of the Bay County Health Department in order to allow you to build or install septic systems in Bay County. Section 6-14 of the Sanitary Code of Bay County, Michigan states:

(TESTING STARTED JANUARY 1, 2005)

No person shall engage in the business of installing sewage disposal systems or any part thereof within the County of Bay, without first registering with the Bay County Health Department. Registration shall be valid for 3 years, including the calender year in which the license is issued, and shall expire on December 31. All applicants shall complete a written examination proctored by a representative of the Bay County Health Department Environmental Health Division. Upon satisfactory completion of the written examination, the results will be reviewed and incorrect responses shall be reviewed with the applicant. A minimum score of 70% must be achieved to satisfactorily complete the written examination. A $50.00 test fee, made payable to the Bay County Health Department, shall be submitted at the time that the test application is submitted.

On-Site Sewage Disposal System (OSDS) Permit Information

If you are planning to build at a site located in Bay County which is not served by a municipal water supply and/or sewage collection system, you are required to obtain a permit from this department. The permit(s) must be secured from this department prior to beginning any work. In addition, don't forget to check with your township representatives to be sure that your plans are acceptable with local regulations.

Since an onsite sewage disposal system depends upon the absorption of sewage effluent by the soil, you must furnish exact direction to your building site. A representative of this department will conduct a site evaluation of the soil conditions, including the soil type, topographical features, and the depth to the seasonal high water table. A soil boring will be conducted at the spot where you wish if you mark the spot with a brightly colored ribbon attached to a tall stake.

The permit which is issued to you by this department will contain specific minimum standards. Onsite sewage disposal systems must be isolated a minimum of fifty (50) feet from all water supply wells. Any changes from the permit issued by this office must first be approved. A Final Inspection of the onsite sewage disposal system installation must be conducted by this department prior to covering the system.

In the interest of economy and providing an efficient service to you, the following policy for processing sewage permit applications has been adopted:

All applications will be processed within a period of twenty-one calendar days from the time the completed application is received and the fee has been paid and receipted. The time necessary for approval of an application may vary and is dependent on the investigation required to establish soil characteristics, seasonal water table levels, and other environmental data. During the winter months when the soils at a site are frozen beyond reasonable means of the soil auger, the owner shall be required to dig a 5 foot trench so that the Health Department can properly evaluate the soils.

Permits are non-transferable from person to person. Section 6-7 of the Sanitary Code of Bay County, Michigan states: permits are not transferable from person to person or from one location to another. A new permit shall be required for each new owner of a premise or property for which an ODSD Permit is issued, or if the location of the OSDS is to be changed.

Well Permit Information

Your water supply well must be installed by a Registered Well Driller. All new wells will be in compliance with the requirements of the Bay County Well Ordinance and Part 127 - Act 368 of 1978, as amended . Upon completion of your well installation, this department must be notified so a Final Inspection can be conducted and water samples can be collected.

In the interest of economy and providing an efficient service to you, the following policy for processing well permit applications has been adopted: Upon receipt of a properly completed application for a construction permit, the Health Officer shall make a written decision within 14 working days.

For the complete set of rules and regulations pertaining to wells, contact the Environmental Health Division at 989-895-4006

Kawkawlin River Watershed Septic System Mapping and Outreach Project

Goal: To improve water quality and public health in the Kawkawlin River Watershed

Background Information

The Kawkawlin River Watershed is a 144,049-acre sub watershed of the larger Saginaw Bay Watershed. For more than a decade bacterial contamination in the Kawkawlin River Watershed has been a serious concern, impacting total and partial body contact recreation. Since 2005, the Kawkawlin River has been under public health advisories a total of 323 days for excessive levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli).It is also on the 2016 303d list for total body contact recreation.

The Kawkawlin River Watershed Project was made possible through a grant funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The project identified goals to be implemented to address areas of concern, specifically, the health of septic systems and their potential impact to water quality and public health. The use of mapping technology and public engagement are vital strategies to ensure these goals are met.

To learn more about how the project progressed, our mapping partner, Amalgam LLC., created a website that you can view by clicking on this link.

Project Strategies

Mapping Technologies

Mapping technologies will provide a first-of-its-kind digital, to scale septic system inventory of all septic systems within the watershed area. that is accessible by the public. This helps regulators use data to gain a better understanding of the health of systems in the watershed. Each septic system in critical areas of the watershed will be mapped in Fetch Geographic Information System (FetchGIS), including the capture of system characteristics, such as, permit number, tank size, drain field type, install date and much more. Over 12,000 septic systems are mapped into FetchGIS including every paper file containing septic systems data at the Bay County Health Department (BCHD).

With the use of computer technology via FetchGIS, the BCHD plans to identify, visit, and map septic systems with an emphasis on site visits to properties in critical areas with the highest risk to watershed contamination. An ongoing effort to map septic systems continues as unmapped systems are discovered during daily field visits. This allows for the discovery and management of any at-risk or failing systems, which can lead to an improvement in water quality by reducing human sources of bacteria.

Public Engagement

Ongoing engagement with the public is vital to raise awareness and increase knowledge of the impact individual landowners can have on improving water quality.

BCHD invites all landowners in the watershed to work with the health department on raising awareness and improving water quality in the Kawkawlin River Watershed.

Public access to onsite wastewater information makes it easy for homeowners, contractors, reuglators, realtors, and others to view maps and information in an effort to better understand the health of systems within the watershed. Additionally, the FetchGIS mapping software is a useful tool for potential home buyers to search the history of a particular property and assess the health of a septic system or well.

Anyone can access the free, public map on a computer, tablet, or smartphone here: https://app.fetchgis.com/bayEHpublic

Hearing and Vision

The Bay County Health Department will be offering a hearing and vision screening on November 20th from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM to catch up any Kindergarten students who still need their required Hearing & Vision Screening!

Don't wait! Call us at (989) 895-2045 to schedule your child's appointment.

Beth	(989) 895-4009 ext.6129
Fern	(989) 895-4021
Fax	(989) 895-4014

To make an appointment for your child at one of these clinics please call: (989) 895-2045

Parents can fill out the Hearing and Vision Screening Form below.

Hearing and Vision Form

The Public Health Code and State Law in Michigan requires pre-school children to have their vision and hearing tested at least once during the ages 3-5 and again prior to entering Kindergarten for the first time. Parents shall present a certificate of hearing and vision screening before the first day of kindergarten. Our certified technicians go directly to the schools and perform hearing screenings on grades K, 2 and 4 and vision screenings on grades 1,3,5,7, and 9. Children who do not pass a screening will have a letter mailed home to parents recommending an appointment with a medical professional for further testing. These services are provided free of charge.

The main purpose of screening children of this age is to detect any vision and hearing defects and/or loss as early as possible. Difficulties can often be remedied if they are discovered at a time when they are easiest to treat. Undiagnosed hearing problems may impact your child’s ability to pay attention or follow directions. An undiagnosed vision problem may affect your child’s ability to read and learn.

Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP)

(989) 895-4004

The Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) is a home visiting service provided by a Registered Nurse and Licensed Social Worker. It is for all pregnant women and infants with Medicaid. The goal of MIHP is healthy pregnancies, good birth outcomes and healthy infants. MIHP is a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services program.

Take a look at our Maternal Infant Health Program Packet for more in-depth information here.

Services are also available via telehealth.

MIHP home visitors are experienced health professionals who can:

Help you get transportation to medical appointments and WIC, if needed
Help you get prenatal care
Answer questions about being pregnant
Answer questions about caring for your infant
Help you get food or a place to live
Help you learn about fixing and eating healthy foods
Help with changes that you decide to make to be healthy. These changes could include quitting or cutting down on smoking, alcohol or drugs.
Help with health problems that could affect your pregnancy. These problems include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, depression or anxiety.
Help if you are concerned about family violence
Answer Questions about family planning (birth control)
Connect you with community services. These services include childbirth education classes and baby pantries that give out items for free.
Be there for you if problems come up

For more information, visit the State of Michigan MIHP site.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Community Connections

McLaren Bay Region Childbirth Class

Expectant mothers and their support person(s) can attend these classes at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City. Available to expectant mothers and their support person. Classes provide key information about pregnancy, natural and caesarean birth, postpartum, and baby care. Labor coping skills such as breathing, relaxation, positive positioning and specific types of massage are practiced. Consider attending one of these classes whether this is first baby, or you need a refresher. Register online or by phone.

Sibling prep class, Boot Camp for New Dads and Breastfeeding Classes are also available.

Services: Expectant mothers and their support person(s)
Agency: McLaren Bay Region
Phone: 989-894-3935

Life Clinic

Services: Help for expectant mothers and their support person, free pregnancy testing, ultrasound, counseling and assistance obtaining baby items.
Address: 2360 Midland Rd., Bay City, MI 48706
Phone: 989-992-5433

Resources & Education Materials

Sign up for Text4Baby to receive free text messages, and/or download the Text4Baby App. Receive health and safety tips, baby's growth during pregnancy, an appointment tracker, and more.

Free text messages: Text "BABY" to 511411
Download the App or learn more: Text4Baby.org

Pregnancy+

Receive expert advice throughout pregnancy with daily articles, healthcare tips, and interactive 3D models for tracking development. Michigan users will also receive tailored information to improve access to programs across the state.

Download the App or learn more: Pregnancy+

Personalized content with pregnancy tips, baby's growth during pregnancy, and more information throughout baby's first year of life.

Download the App or learn more: WhatToExpect

Education & Information for Parents

Reports:

Maternal and Infant Health Data - Region 5

Women Infants and Children (WIC)

[email protected]

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. WIC is a food and nutrition program that services pregnant women, infants and children up to the age of 5 years old. By providing healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and assistance with referrals to local health and support services, WIC helps with positive pregnancy outcomes as well as normal child growth and development.

Amy Revette, RD WIC Program Manager [email protected]	Amy Cianek, BS Nutrition Education Coordinator [email protected]	Laura Gehrman BS, RDA, CHES Breastfeeding Coordinator [email protected]
Paige Lobodzinski Breastfeeding Peer Counselor [email protected]	Corrin Staudacher, BS, RD WIC Registered Dietitian [email protected]
Breastfeeding Warm Line (989) 450-1607	To make an appointment or for any general WIC questions: call (989) 895-4002 or email [email protected]

Did you know that the free WIC Connect app can help you keep track of your benefits, request appointments, and shop for your WIC foods? Find it on the App Store or Google Play and download it today! Click here for more information.

Bay City Office

1200 Washington Avenue Bay City, Michigan 48708-5745
989-895-4002 Voice
989-895-2050 Fax
[email protected] Email
Hours of Operation:
- Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
- 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of the Month 8:00am - 5:30pm

Pinconning Clinic

415 Arthur Street Pinconning, MI 48650
989-895-4002 Voice
989-895-2050 Fax
[email protected] Email
Hours of Operation:
- 1st Wednesday of each Month 9:00am - 4:00pm
- (Lunch is 12:00pm-1:00pm)