NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is pleased to announce new topics in a series of customized sessions with GetSetUp for individuals who have served in the military and their families.
MDHHS began partnering with GetSetUp in October 2020 to help combat social isolation and keep older adults mentally, physically and socially active by providing free virtual classes across a range of topics to Michigan residents over age 50.
“Over 500,000 veterans call Michigan home and MDHHS is committed to supporting them at every stage of their lives,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Over 1 million classes have been attended since the launch of the GetSetUp program in 2020. This collaboration between MDHHS and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) will provide support and enrichment, foster camaraderie and enhance the well-being and quality of life among older veterans in Michigan.”
The first session for veterans about veteran benefits and resources took place in December and is now available online.
The next sessions will focus on distinct networks of support for older service members, veterans and their families -- including Area Agencies on Aging and veteran-specific service organizations and benefits. These classes will include information on how to access financial supports such as the Michigan Veteran Trust Fund for emergency services. These upcoming classes are available online:
Empowering Military Families: Resources and Support for Aging Service Members will be held on March 6 at 2 p.m.
Michigan’s Military Support Network: Organizations Serving Veterans will be held on April 16 at 11 a.m.
Michigan Veterans: Understanding Veterans Affairs Benefits and Veteran Service Officer Visits will be held on May 9 at 2 p.m.
“With 71 per cent of Michigan’s veteran population age 55 or older, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is committed to finding new ways to reach the growing number of older veterans. Partnering with MDHHS and GetSetUp allows us to better assist our older veterans and their families with learning about services and resources available to them in a simple and straightforward way,” Brian Love, MVAA director.
All older Michigan residents can access the easy-to-use GetSetUp learning platform and participate free of charge in these and other friendly, peer-led classes to learn about health, wellness and fitness, explore their hobbies and much more.
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