Dr. Debra Furr-Holden says it’s important that vaccine distribution efforts in the state continue in order to reach herd immunity. “The thing about us getting to herd immunity is we've got to have a significant proportion of the population immune at the same time,” she said. But, she explains, officials say the concept of “herd immunity” is a complicated.  

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Michigan ranks second in U.K. variant cases behind Florida. Epidemiologist Dr. Rick Sadler said the vaccine is playing a vital role. “I think the appetite is shrinking for imposing more restrictions,” Sadler said. “It is a race against time as the U.K. variant grips the state of Michigan. It’s both more contagious and potentially more deadly. There’s not a ton of data on it yet, but that could be very concerning.”

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To address Michigan’s glaring inequities, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order creating the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities."It’s important you do work with people and not on their behalf without their inclusion," said Debra Furr-Holden, Ph.D. She talks with Self magazine about the task force, on which she serves, which was created in response to high COVID-19 infection and death rates among African Americans. 

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The highly contagious B 1.1.7 COVID-19 variant can spread up to 50% faster, potentially leading to a higher number of cases and hospitalizations. Local doctors say to follow these simple steps: “The three things that people need to do. We call them the three W’s: wash your hands, wear your masks and watch your distance,” said Dr. Debra Furr-Holden.

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At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic almost one year ago, Flint community leaders quickly organized and went into action providing local context to this global pandemic. “We know that our health is our wealth. We want to deliver reliable and trustworthy health information to protect Flint families,” says E. Yvonne Lewis, BBA, BS, webinar moderator, Flint resident, and Founder/CEO of the National Center for African American Health Consciousness.

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Why are Michigan classrooms reopening even though the pandemic is far from over? Dr. Debra Furr-Holden weighs in from a public health perspective. “Anything that we do that increases human-to-human contact is going to increase the spread of this virus. That’s just public health 101. I think what we’re realizing is the tremendous toll that being out of the classroom is taking on kids learning, and on many other vital needs that get fulfilled when they go to school."

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For seven of the past nine days, more than one million people passed through airport checkpoints daily, according to data from the Transportation Security Administration. Dr. Debra Furr-Holden talks with the Wall Street Journal about how post-holiday reality will be an increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths. “Covid fatigue is real, and people are craving interaction, which is leading them to take calculated risks. Public health guidance to remain isolated in your home has become tone-deaf because it doesn’t honor the lived experience of missing family and friends, and major life events like funerals."

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The $1.4 trillion federal COVID-19 spending bill includes funding to continue the Flint Registry for another year. The registry has over 10,500 families signed up to receive referrals for services that combat lead poisoning effetcs suffered during the Flint water crisis. The program has completed referrals for health care, nutrition, early education, lead elimination programs and more.“The Flint Registry has already improved the lives of thousands of individuals, and we look forward to helping thousands more and sharing our lessons with similarly-impacted communities,” said Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. 

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The authorization of two vaccines has brought some hope after 3 million people. Dr. Debra Furr-Holden said, "When you couple that with wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and people having the resources that they need to stay safe, we start to build layers of protection that are going to be critical."

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College towns were recording some of the nation’s biggest spikes in coronavirus cases last fall. Dr. Debra Furr-Holden talks with the New York Times about the unintended negative consequence between universities and the wider community during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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At the Forefront is a podcast that highlights the work and experiences of people at the forefront of the health equity revolution, including researchers, practitioners, community members, activists, youth leaders, and political leaders. In this episode, Isaiah Oliver, CEO, of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint has a conversation with Black Men about COVID.

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As Thanksgiving approaches, and amidst an upward trend in COVID-19 cases, epidemiologist Dr. Debra Furr-Holden is advising people to take appropriate action to protect themselves from the virus. "People are getting COVID fatigue . . . it was more important than ever that people are wearing their PPE, that people are washing their hands, and using hand sanitizer when they’re out.”

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