Macomb County receives five Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has announced Macomb County as a recipient of five 2019 Achievement Awards. The annual award program, now in its 49th year, recognizes innovative and effective county government initiatives that strengthen services for residents. Awards are given in 18 different categories, including children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health and civic engagement.

"I'm thrilled to have Macomb County once again recognized by the National Association of Counties," said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "Our departments and county employees are committed to serving our communities and ensuring that Macomb is a great place to live, work and play. These awards are proof that they're doing a great job and that their programs and initiatives are having a major impact."

Macomb County received awards for the following work:

• The Macomb County IT Department - School Emergency Response Services
  Macomb County Emergency Management, Information Technology and the Sheriff's Office implemented a program whereby the county enters into partnerships with local school districts to have access to the school's existing security camera system. The camera feeds can be viewed in real-time during an emergency situation in the Macomb County Sheriff's Dispatch Center and the Emergency Operations Center. This enhanced information greatly increases situational awareness for decision makers and responders in the field.
• The Macomb County Health Department - Move More Macomb
  Following reports and data that suggested county residents had low levels of physical activity, the Move More Macomb initiative and a website were created to help locals find opportunities for physical activity for all fitness levels, ages and costs. The website provides educational information on becoming physically active and is a one-stop location to find places in the community to get out and be active. Since its launch at the end of 2018, it has received over 1,400 unique page visits.
• The Macomb County Health Department - Response to the Hepatitis A Outbreak
  In August 2016, a confirmed hepatitis A outbreak was announced in Michigan, resulting in 913 confirmed cases. Of those cases, 223 were confirmed in Macomb County. This prompted a more intentional and targeted approach to vaccination and outreach efforts to protect residents. In collaboration with state and local partners, the Macomb County Health Department sought to increase understanding of the hepatitis A outbreak through an epidemiological study and to increase pre- and post-exposure vaccination among identified at-risk populations to control further spread of disease. They achieved this through clinics, a public information campaign and local outreach.
• The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development - MADCAT
  The Michigan Automotive and Defense Cyber Awareness Team (MADCAT) supports partners in defense and automotive by enhancing cyber security efforts in the region and connecting solution providers to critical challenges. The goal is to develop and retain a talented cyber security workforce by creating a niche market that supports Macomb County and the region and creates a sustainable model by attracting new cyber security businesses, organizations and infrastructure by raising awareness through marketing efforts and activities.
• The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development - Macomb County Public Art Map
  In Macomb County, installations of public art are widespread - with hundreds of pieces across its 479-square-mile footprint. However, finding that art was an issue, as there was no single resource for identifying the location of each piece or for providing background information. As a means of solving this problem, celebrating public art and helping cultivate greater appreciation for it, the Macomb County Interactive Map of Public Art was launched in August 2018. Using an assortment of technology-based tools, the county invited residents to contribute photos and information about public art across the county. The result is a crowdsourced map with more than 150 entries.

This is the 38th year that Macomb County has participated in the NACo Achievement Awards Program. In 2018, the county received six awards.

Started in 1970, NACo's annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.