Around UMHS

Due to significantly decreased modem pool usage and a trend of service reductions by dial-in providers nationwide, the University’s UMNet private dial-in modem pool in Ann Arbor and all MichNet shared dial-in pools will be turned off effective Jan. 2, 2007. The Merit global and Merit 800 services will remain available for faculty and staff who have provided an authorized shortcode, and for students who have authorized billing to their student accounts. More information.

Enhanced Ergonomic Awareness—a program of the Michigan Healthy Community Initiative—launched two new programs this fall: the Effective Ergonomic Solutions Award and the Ergo Grant Incentive Program. The EESA program recognizes U-M departments across all campus locations for their proven, effective efforts to decrease ergonomic risk factors. The EGI program provides U-M departments with seed money to purchase equipment, fund training or redesign work processes that support ergonomic solutions. Submissions for both are due Dec. 30. More information, including eligibility (employees of departments represented by the judging panel are excluded), requirements, awards and application materials.

Year two of the Michigan Difference advertising campaign kicked off in September during the Wolverines’ first football game. In 2007 we’ll launch new TV and radio ads featuring patients sharing compelling stories of how Health System staff helped them through their situations. This year our message will be delivered nationally via ads in the New York Times Magazine, northwest airlines’ in-flight magazine and other leading publications to expand our reach beyond southeast Michigan. For the latest campaign news, streaming video of TV ads and current media schedule, visit the Michigan Difference intranet at its new home on this Web site.

The Health System is helping patients, visitors, faculty and staff make better snack choices by providing healthier options in its vending machines. Thanks to a partnership between AVI Food Systems, MFit, Retail Food Services and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital—and in response to a number of employees and visitors asking for healthier on-site eating options—50 percent of all snacks within Health System vending machines now meet MFit nutrition standards. Look for the MFit label and make a “good choice” for your healthy snacking needs! More information.