Posts

Public health, vaccinations increase U.S. lifespan. But political agendas undercut gains

As a local health officer serving six counties in northern Michigan, I see the profound impact of prevention and direct services delivered through public health professionals and innovative community partnerships on the health of people and environments. Successes of public health have contributed in a vital way to a 30-year increase in life expectancy since 1900 in the United States. Thanks to vaccinations for children and adults, there is decreased illness and mortality. However, I write this out of concern as a citizen for the future of our health and well-being.

Read more
/by

Leelanau, Benzie Counties both break single-day COVID records

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department reported 51 new COVID-19 cases in Leelanau County on Tuesday, Jan. 4. In Benzie County, 31 new cases were reported. Both represent single-day records. The previous high was set on Nov. 12 when Leelanau recorded 37 and Benzie recorded 29 cases.

Read more
/by

Grandfather Color wants the world to get well

You sit down with this wild-bearded, twinkly-eyed man at a table full of colored pencils and ornate coloring sheets that he created. You’re not sure why you’re here, except for feeling nostalgic for simpler times when you were just a worry-free kid. Soon, you’re pouring your heart out to Grandfather Color as you scribble, finding joy and solace through the creativity of color. Grandfather Color, otherwise known as Richard Stocker, is the facilitator behind myriad efforts to heal the world, person by person, by guiding them through their healing process using color. He is also the facilitator of the new “Get Well World” and “Color COVID Away campaigns that are just unrolling across Leelanau, Benzie and Grand Traverse counties.

Read more
/by

Health Department reports 3 new COVID deaths in Leelanau, 20+ positive cases per day; 80 percent unvaccinated

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department reports three new COVID-19 associated deaths of Leelanau County residents this week—one per day, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (as well as one death in Benzie County on Thursday). All victims were between ages 70-90; one was fully vaccinated. The pandemic has claimed a total of 24 lives in Leelanau and 38 in Benzie.

Read more
/by

Leelanau, Benzie Counties post single-day record for COVID case counts

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department recorded 37 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Leelanau County on Friday, Nov. 12, and 29 new cases in Benzie County, for a total of 66. That’s the highest single-day count for both counties since the pandemic began.

Read more
/by

A threatened and bullied Health Officer who ordered masks in schools speaks out

Op-ed by Lisa Peacock, Health Officer for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department.

Read more
/by

COVID on the rise: Leelanau posts largest single-day case count in nearly three months

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department reported five new cases of COVID-19 today, August 2, as the Delta variant spreads throughout the nation, particularly among unvaccinated populations. The last time Leelanau County reported more than five COVID-19 cases in a single day was May 4 (when eight cases were reported). That was nearly three months ago.

Read more
/by

Health Department reports 70 percent vaccinated, age 12 and up

As of Friday, July 9, the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department reports that 70.4% of residents 12 and older who are eligible in the health department’s two-county jurisdiction have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While that’s great news, there are still age groups and areas that are lagging behind.

Read more
/by

Get our (COVID) shot at Art’s on Cinco de Mayo

Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor is a go-to spot for burgers, beers and—if you’re in the mood—shots of liquor. On Wednesday, May 5, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. it’s also a great spot to receive free COVID-19 vaccination shots. No appointments are necessary. Staff from the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department will be on hand to administer Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots to anyone age 18 or older.

Read more
/by

Nearly 60 percent of eligible Leelanau residents fully vaccinated against Coronavirus

Fifty-three percent of eligible residents, 16 and older, in Leelanau County are fully vaccinated with either two shots from Pfizer or Moderna or one shot from Johnson & Johnson, according to a Michigan.gov dashboard. That’s the highest percentage of any county in the state. More than 67 percent have received at least one dose.

Read more
/by