Health Department Media Room
| Media inquiries about health department items should be directed to Shannon Felgner. (616) 494-5597 |
| Subscribe to recieve health department press releases! |
Current Press Releases & Media Advisories
July 22, 2010
Party to Celebrate Polkton Township’s new Sheridan Park in Coopersville Slated for July 29, 6 pm
The Ottawa County Wellness Coalition, Ottawa County Health Department, and Polkton Township invite the public to celebrate the completion of the new 57 acre Sheridan Park at the Bridge Walk Party! The celebration will be held on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 from 6-8pm at the park located on 64th near Cleveland Street in Coopersville. There will be healthy snacks, prizes, walking sticks, walking tours by the local boy scouts and much more. Golf cart rides are available to those who need assistance.
Individuals who have access to parks and trails are much more likely to get the recommended level of physical activity. Providing healthy environments for kids and families will encourage more activity which is needed to combat the current obesity epidemic.
“The development of Sheridan Park made such progress in a short time because of so much support from the community, the Ottawa County Wellness Coalition’s- Northeast Action Team, the Sheridan Park Committee and Polkton Township. This support has increased interest in Sheridan Park throughout the community resulting in more activity in the park, which is great to see.” Doug Otterbein, Polkton Township Trustee and Sheridan Park Committee Member.
The project was funded by the Building Healthy Communities Grant through the Michigan Department of Community Health and the time and talents of volunteers from the community.
Questions about the project and event can be directed to Dave Busman, Polkton Township Supervisor; 616-837-6876.
June 21, 2010
“Mobile Eyes” Against Drunk Driving
Ottawa County MI –Ottawa County residents are urged to report suspected drunk drivers this summer. The new program, “Mobile Eyes” Against Drunk Driving, organized by the health department and local law enforcement, asks citizens to call 911 if they see a car swerving or missing traffic signals, drinking and driving or if they see someone stagger to their car. Once on the phone with 911, callers should be prepared to give a vehicle description, license plate number, give a location, and answer other questions the operator may ask. The “Mobile Eyes” Against Drunk Driving campaign is being promoted across Ottawa County and informational brochures are being distributed throughout the community to familiarize citizens with this local initiative.
“Drunk Driving is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and other unanticipated expenses” said Sgt. John Darrow-Holland Police Department
The “Mobile Eyes” Against Drunk Driving program is made possible through a joint effort between the Ottawa County Health Department’s CHOOSE Program, local and state law enforcement and Central Dispatch.
Public Service Awareness Campaigns
Reaching every resident in Ottawa County is a big job. Motivating them to take positive action to solve our county's problems is even bigger. But with the help of our media and partner organizations, we have been able to make progress. In the process we have strengthened communities, improved our children's future, preserved our environment and protected public health. Overall, we have made Ottawa County one of Michigan’s healthiest regions!
In addition to providing health services, the Health Department, along with its many community collaborative groups, conducts periodic public service advertising campaigns. If you are interested in donating advertising, creative or printing services, please contact us at sfelgner@miottawa.org or call (616) 494-5597. National social marketing materials are also available at the Ad Council’s PSA Central.
Freedom of Information Act Requests
All requests made under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act will be processed in accordance with the requirements of the act. Requests for public information should be made to the department which is responsible for the custody of the records.
