Dear Neighbor,
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates and news from your state government.
Michigan Pharmacists Will Be Able to Prescribe Birth Control
Pharmacists in Michigan will now be able to prescribe birth control under a new interpretation of the Michigan Public Health Code. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced yesterday that pharmacists can opt in to directly dispense hormonal birth control to patients. Earlier this term, my colleague Rep. Abraham Aiyash and I introduced a two-bill package (House Bills 5654 and 5655) that would allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives, including the pill, ring, patch and injection.
Like many other states, Michigan is experiencing a shortage of physicians, including obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs). In fact, according to Planned Parenthood of Michigan, one-third of Michigan’s 83 counties have no OB-GYNs. This is not just a rural issue: Detroit is near the bottom nationally when it comes to OB-GYN availability. With the shortage of doctors comes more difficulty accessing contraception. Allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control will help people make their own reproductive decisions, regardless of where they live in Michigan.
Lansing BWL Community Resource Fair
The Lansing Board of Water & Light is hosting two Community Resource Fairs this week.
- Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 1-5 p.m. at Letts Community Center, 1220 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing
- Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 4-8 p.m. at Alfreda Schmidt Community Center, 5825 Wise Road in Lansing
These free public events will connect residents who are behind on bills with information about available community resources and financial assistance. No pre-registration is necessary. More information can be found here.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative