Taking care of your health includes routine STI testing.

Chlamydia is common, especially for people ages 16–24, and often has no symptoms. 

The good news? Testing is quick, simple, and confidential. 

Who Should Get Tested 

• Sexually active individuals under 25  
• Anyone with a new partner  
• Anyone who wants peace of mind  

Why It Matters 

• Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms  
• Early detection makes treatment simple  
• Protects your long-term reproductive health  

What to Expect 

• Quick and easy testing  
• Private and respectful care  
• Support from a trusted care team  

Ready to get tested? 

Call to schedule an appointment:
Bellaire: 231-533-8649
East Jordan: 231-536-2206 

Not a patient yet? You’re welcome here. 

Testing can be part of your primary care visit, helping you stay healthy now and in the future.

From State Senator John Damoose’s Office:

“Caring for the Community…
East Jordan – Thank you to the entire team and board of the East Jordan Family Health Center for giving me such a thorough tour yesterday, and especially for highlighting the critical challenges we have maintaining effective and affordable health care for our residents in Northern Michigan. These meetings are extremely important to helping me provide the best representation possible as the legislature considers critical issues like expanding 340B drug coverage, launching innovative behavioral health initiatives, and so many other programs designed to help rural healthcare facilities.

I appreciate your whole team and am impressed by the incredible facilities you have built and the level of care you provide regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Your work is important to our whole region!”

Protecting Your Vision, One Exam at a Time

Annual Diabetic (DM) Retinal Eye Exams are now available at both the Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers and can be scheduled with your regular provider visit.

For people with diabetes, this exam is an essential part of managing your health. High blood glucose levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems or even blindness if left untreated. The sooner these changes are detected, the sooner you and your care team can act to protect your vision.

Our RetinaVue 700 Imager provides high-quality retinal images in less than 30 minutes—no eye drops or special preparation needed. The camera is designed to capture detailed images without chemical dilation for most patients, offering a comfortable, convenient way to screen for diabetic eye disease. If the images are not clear enough due to cataracts or very small pupils, your provider may refer you to an eye specialist for a traditional dilated exam.

Images are reviewed by a board-certified ophthalmologist, and results are shared directly with your provider for a complete picture of your eye health.

Benefits:

• Detects early signs of diabetic eye disease
• Comfortable, quick, and non-invasive
• No chemical dilation usually needed
• Available at both Bellaire and East Jordan locations
• Can be scheduled with your annual or diabetes exam

Please note: Retinal imaging at our health centers is available only for patients with diabetes. If you are not diabetic but would like to schedule a routine eye exam, we encourage you to contact your local optometrist or ophthalmologist for ongoing vision care.

Protect your eyesight, schedule your annual Diabetic (DM) Retinal Eye Exam today!

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) reminds residents to enjoy the summer outdoors—just don’t forget to take simple steps to prevent tick bites. With Lyme disease cases in Michigan rising 168% over the past five years, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service (MDHHS), awareness and prevention are more important than ever.

Michigan is home to more than 20 known species of ticks. Closely related to insects and spiders, ticks typically survive by feeding on wildlife but can also latch onto humans and pets. People and animals are most likely to encounter ticks in natural environments such as tall grass, wooded areas, and in fields near forests. Ticks rarely enter homes on their own and are usually brought indoors on clothing, skin, or fur.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by one specific type of bacteria and is the most common tickborne disease in Michigan. Anaplasmosis is caused by a different bacteria and is the second most common tickborne disease, with cases increasing notably in the northern parts of the state. Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are both transmitted from being bit by the blacklegged tick, or more commonly known as the deer tick.

Preventing Tick Bites

Ticks are most active in the warmer months (April – September). Below are a few tips on how to prevent tick bites and to help keep your home tick free:

• Avoid grassy, brushy and wooded areas, especially areas with tall or overgrown grass. If you’re walking on a trail, avoid contact with brush at the trail edge by walking in the center,
• Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, even if you’re in your own yard,
• Use insect repellent that is EPA-registered and approved, like DEET. To find the right repellent for you and your family, click here,
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks,
• Place clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks you may have missed.

Tick Removal

When a tick bites, it often goes unnoticed. A tick will stay attached for several days as it swells up with blood, usually several times its normal size. To properly remove a tick use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Then pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick. After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. “Avoiding tick bites and promptly removing them are the best ways to prevent infection from tick related diseases,” says Dr. Josh Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director.

To learn more about ticks in Michigan, click here. To stay updated on all health-related news, subscribe to our monthly news letter here. If you’re looking for more information about HDNW, call us locally at 800-432-4121 or visit our website at nwhealth.org.

A month to celebrate wellness: mind, body, and community.
(Health Department of Northwest Michigan)

As the warmer days of May unfold, so does an important opportunity to focus on health and wellness. Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) invites communities and residents to prioritize the health of the mind and body. From national awareness campaigns to a local wellness event, this month offers countless ways to embrace healthier habits.

Mental Health Awareness

Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness month, a time dedicated to educating the public about mental health and breaking down stigma surrounding treatment and support.

Depression, anxiety, reduced ability to concentrate, extreme mood changes, or problems sleeping can all be signs of a mental health condition. Despite increased awareness in recent years, more than 30 million people in the U.S. still lack access to high-quality health care.

Here are some fast facts about mental health:

• 1 in 20 adults experience a serious mental illness each year,
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24,
• In 2023, 20% of all high school students seriously considered suicide.

“If you’re experiencing mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out and talk to someone,” said Jen Vollmer, MA LPC, Director of School Health at HDNW. “You are never alone. Connecting with a friend, family member, or trusted professional can make a real difference.”

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. Beyond weight management, regular movement boosts immune function, enhances confidence, and supports brain health, including improved memory and attention. Achieving fitness goals can also trigger the release of endorphins, which naturally elevates your mood and helps to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

“Getting outside to move your body has countless benefits like improved heart health and reduced risk of chronic disease such as strokes and type II diabetes,” said Dr. Josh Meyerson, Medical Director at HDNW. “Exercise not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude and your mood.”

National Nutrition Month Highlights the Importance of Healthy Food Choices

Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is inviting residents to kick off March by celebrating National Nutrition Month. This annual observance, organized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, encourages people to find a balance between healthy eating habits and regular physical activity.

Each year, National Nutrition Month focuses on a specific theme, this year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.” Throughout the month, a variety of activities and initiatives are available for you and your family to participate in and celebrate.

• Connect with Your Food: HDNW invites you to deepen your connection with food. Explore where your food comes from, discover new ways to prepare it, and learn about valuable community resources available at HDNW such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). These services can help you to access nutritious food.
• Connect with a Nutrition Expert: This may seem more challenging than the first activity but HDNW makes it simple through our Community Connections (CC) program. CC connects residents with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who can provide personalized nutrition advice for you and your family. By working with a RDN you’ll receive tailored guidance to address your specific health needs and develop a customized plan that works for you.
• Explore the Connection between Food and Culture: This is all about having fun with your food! Ever thought about trying a new recipe but hesitated because you’re unsure how it will turn out? Now’s the perfect time to experiment! Try new ingredients or techniques, and explore cultural dishes or traditions. If you don’t have any favorites yet, this is your chance to discover something new—you might be surprised by what you enjoy. One exciting recipe to try, shared by HDNW’s RDN, Judi Marlin, is a mixed bean chili with corn, squash, and pumpkin. Not only is it packed with fiber and flavor, but is a good source of plant based protein and also a delicious vegetarian option.
• Build the Connection Across All Stages of Life: As we age, our nutrient needs evolve. Older adults typically require fewer calories but greater amounts of key nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, fiber, and protein, to maintain optimal health. Prioritizing these nutrients is essential for supporting overall health and well-being later in life.

“Food serves as a powerful connection for many of us, sharing a meal offers the perfect opportunity to learn about its preparation, where the food is sourced from, and who made it,” says Marlin. “We all eat everyday so celebrate National Nutrition Month by recognizing those connections made through food.”

To learn more about nutritional needs for older adults click here. To access the mixed bean chili recipe, click here. If you are interested in staying up to date on the latest health related news, click here to subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Here are 50 ways to celebrate National Nutrition Month.

Board of Health selects internal candidate to lead agency

On Tuesday, Feb. 4, the Board of Health appointed Shannon Klonowski as the new Health Officer for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW). Klonowski’s appointment follows the departure of Dan Thorell who became the full-time Health Officer for Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department in November 2024.

Klonowski joined HDNW in Aug. 2022 as the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO). Prior to that, she spent 15 years with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and served as the Assistant Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer. Early in her career, Klonowski was a staff auditor with Ernst & Young, LLP in Detroit.

“The Board has gotten to know Shannon Klonowski as CFAO and there is a strong respect for her in her current role,” says Commissioner Scott Hankins, Board Chair, “ We look forward to working with her as the Health Officer and have confidence that she will lead in a positive and direct manner. We believe she will lead HDNW with the strong leadership style that she has previously demonstrated.”

“I’m thrilled to accept the Health Officer role and look forward to using the skills I have acquired throughout my career to serve the public health needs of Northern Michigan,” says Klonowski. “We have amazing staff at HDNW, and I am both humbled and honored to lead our organization forward.”

Her unique skillset includes 15 years of state government experience, being an executive administrator for an organization of over 800 employees, and managing annual budgets up to $156 million. She is well versed in disease prevention, food chain supply safety, licenses and permits, laboratory testing, environmental health, and emergency response management, all things that HDNW oversees on a daily basis.

Klonowski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College and graduated summa cum laude with dual majors in accounting, and dance. She is also a graduate of the Tennessee Government Executive Institute (TGEI) at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, which included the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation.

Klonowski is a Charlevoix County native and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. She serves on the Charlevoix Circle of Arts Board of Directors as Treasurer.

To stay updated on the most relevant news from HDNW sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.

HDNW can support your smoke-free journey, starting today

Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) and the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance (NMPHA) are joining together to promote the Great American Smokeout by encouraging residents who are thinking about quitting to start their smoke-free journey today.

Each year, on the third Thursday in November, the American Cancer Society marks the day as the Great American Smokeout. This year the national effort is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21. HDNW and NMPHA are joining the American Cancer Society to encourage tobacco users to quit smoking and offering various tools to help.

“It’s never too late to start quitting,” says Dr. Josh Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director. “All you need to do is start with day one and move forward from there. The Great American Smoke out is a powerful reminder that tobacco users have access to resources and support in their efforts to stop smoking, nationally and locally.”

Immediate Effects of Quitting

Within minutes of smoking your last tobacco product your body begins to recover:

• 20 minutes: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop
• 12 hours: the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal
• 2 weeks to 3 months: your circulation improves and your lung function increases; risks of a heart attack start to decrease.
• 1 to 9 months: coughing and shortness of breath decrease

To find out more health benefits of quitting smoking after one year click here.

Resources to Help You Quit

Let’s be honest, quitting is never easy. With help and encouragement, you can be empowered to quit smoking for good. The best way to start quitting is to pick a Quit Day and Quit Plan. The American Cancer Society can help you personalize a Quit Day and Plan by clicking here.

HDNW offers support for residents to aid in their quitting efforts by offering a free program called Community Connections (CC). A Certified Community Health Worker, supported by a Registered Nurse and/or Social Worker, can help you personalize a Quit Day and Quit Plan in-person or over the phone. To get started, call us locally at 800-432-4121 or visit our website: www.nwhealth.org.

To learn more about the Great American Smoke Out click here. To support a friend or family member in starting their smoke-free journey read this article provided by the American Cancer Society: How to Help Someone Quit Smoking.