1. What is the address? Our address is Mid-Michigan District Health Department, 615 North State Road, Stanton, Michigan 48888 and our phone number is 989-831-5237. We are located just north of Stanton on highway M-66, next to the Center for Behavioral Health and the Montcalm County Sheriff Department (we are in the same building as the Commission on Aging).

2. What is the phone number for the Stanton Dental Clinic? The phone number for the new Stanton Dental Clinic is 989-831-7071. We also have a toll free number for long distance calls: 1-866-831-7071. This clinic is located at 620 West Main Street, PO BOX 161, Stanton, Michigan 48888 - just across the street from the Montcalm County Road Commission (Click to see map and directions). The clinic accepts Medicaid clients, primarily children residing in Montcalm County.

3. How do I know when to get my child's shots? Parents and guardians are provided immunization schedules for their children. You should check with your health care provider or our public health nurses for the correct time period, since each shot is different. Generally, children should have at least 5 visits for immunizations before age 2.

4. Does my child need to get the chickenpox vaccine? Generally a child is given the vaccine if they have not had the chickenpox disease. This can be evaluated by your health care provider or one of our public health nurses. Our immunization clinics in Stanton offer this vaccine 2-3 times monthly. You can call for a clinic appointment at 517-330-3988, or 989-831-5237.

5. Are immunizations free? The state has new definitions for insured and underinsured. Only underinsured children will receive free immunizations. However, an administration fee of $10.00 applies per vaccine.

6. Can I get a pregnancy test? Yes, our Family Planning program provides that service on a sliding fee scale and is open to anyone requesting this service. Appointments are requested by calling 517-330-3988, or 989-831-5237.

7. Can I get a free pelvic and breast exam? Our Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program provides the early detection of breast and cervical cancer for women age 40 and older. These services are provided on a sliding fee scale to women in Montcalm County. Our Family Planning program also provides these same services to women under age 40 and men requesting services. These services are provided on a sliding fee scale also.

8. Can my child get a physical for school? We no longer provide well-child physicals. You can contact your health care provider for a physical. MMDHD does provide all necessary childhood immunizations required for school entry. You can make an immunization appointment by calling 989-831-3647.

9. Why do my children only get their hearing and vision tested every other year in school? School age children are tested for hearing prior to beginning kindergarten, in kindergarten, grades 2, 4 and 6. Vision is screened for children prior to starting kindergarten and in grades kindergarten, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11. This schedule is established by the Michigan Department of Community Health according to the Public Health Code.

10. What is WIC? WIC is a nutritional supplemental program for pregnant women and children to age 5 years. Supplemental food coupons are given to clients in this program that is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Department of Community Health and the MMDHD. All participants must meet eligibility requirements.

11. How does the health department control communicable diseases? MMDHD has legal authority set forth by Act 368, PA 1978 as amended, Public Health Code. This authority includes the investigation of any and all communicable diseases. MMDHD trained personnel investigate, educate and assist residents to prevent the spread of communicable disease. Most of these services are provided without cost.

12. Do you do testing for HIV/AIDS? Yes, we do anonymous and confidential testing for HIV. This testing is provided by appointments or walk-in basis. You can make appointment by calling 517-330-3988, or 989-831-3644.

13. Where can I get statistics about the health of residents in Montcalm County? Health statistics including Montcalm County are available on the Michigan Department of Community Health Website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch. This information will be found with the vital statistics and health information section.

14. Where can I find the address of all local health departments in Michigan? This information can be obtained at the Michigan Association of Local Public Health website at www.malph.org.

15. Can I get someone to talk to a group or class on health topics? MMDHD Health Educators are available for presentations on various health topics including nutrition, sexuality and personal hygiene, call 989-831-3634.

16. What Montcalm committees does MMDHD serve on or collaborate with? MMDHD serves on several community committees including the Human Service Planning Committee, the Montcalm Emergency Management Team, the Montcalm Wellness Cooperative, the Montcalm Substance Abuse Advisory Council and the West Central Health Federation.

17. How much will a permit for septic tank cost? Our environmental fees are based on the services performed. You can contact our office staff at 989-831-3603 and they can give you a cost estimate.

18. How much property do I need to install a septic tank on my property? It depends on how many bedrooms are in the home and if there is a garbage disposal system. Each request for on-site sewage is evaluated for size of system and property needed. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department Environmental Health Code establishes these requirements.

19. Why is my drainfield above ground? Your property may have heavy soils and high water tables within the first 24 inches of the soil. The environmental health code establishes a minimum of 24 inches above heavy soils and high water tables.

20. How are restaurants and establishments that serve food inspected? Restaurants and food establishments are inspected twice annually. These visits are performed by a qualified environmental specialist trained in the Michigan Food Code.