Program Overview
The Huron County Health Department's Geriatric program has been established to assist with the needs of all Huron County seniors.
Services Available
The Geriatric program provides assistance with:
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Making referrals for clients who need community resources.
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Providing education and blood pressure checks at meal sites and other community venues on geriatric issues.
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Collaborating with area physicians and hospital personnel to assure client needs are met.
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Coupons available for fresh fruits and vegetables to be used at local farmer's markets. These are typically available in May of each year.
Eligibility and Cost
Free to all Huron County seniors.
2025 Senior Project Fresh
Important changes to the Senior Project Fresh Program for 2025!
Project Fresh is now LIVE! Online applications are available by clicking here.
July 16, 2025, News Release
The 2025 Senior Project Fresh Program is being full administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It is fully electronic, meaning all applications must be completed online and approval notification for applicants also occurs via email/texting.
The Huron County Health Department plays the role of a Community Partner and has been assisting seniors who call asking for help. Health department staff have communicated to MDHHS the difficulties that the program has raised for seniors in Huron County. Staff are aware that there are issues with the system. Many applicants who applied 4-5 days after the application was available have been “waitlisted” when the application has been completed. Funds have been supplied to MDHHS in order to allow for more participants in the county, but they have not yet become available to our applicants.
Important points to note:
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Do not apply more than once-applying more than once will result in you receiving two benefit cards but only one will have funds applied.
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Some residents may have applied and then received a postcard from MDHHS-This does not mean you need to reapply. The postcard is not the card that contains your benefits.
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For those who have already contacted the Huron County Health Department and received help signing up…at this time-you will receive a benefit card approximately 3 weeks after your approved application
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Please be patient. This is a new system for the state and the bugs are still being worked out. Huron County staff are assisting residents with sign up and sharing what is known about using the card and where to use them, but have no way to assist residents with other issues regarding not receiving a card or issues with their account
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Huron County staff are also aware that the phone number supplied by MDHSS to call for assistance only allows you to leave a voicemail and it has been full, leaving residents unable to communicate with MDHHS staff
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Huron County Health Department staff do not issue the benefits nor send you anything in the mail regarding benefits (ie. Card, coupons, notification of benefits or denial)
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Again, we hear your frustrations and have also had frustrations with this process. We will continue to take your calls and feedback and assist with applying. At this time though, this is all the assistance we are able to give. Unfortunately, the rest is beyond our control.
June 18, 2025, News Release
Project Fresh is now LIVE! Online applications are available by clicking here.
June 17, 2025, News Release
MDHHS plans to open registration this week. We will post an update here as soon as the application is live!
May 30, 2025, News Release
MDHHS has now delayed sign-up until June 16, 2025, due to technical issues. We will continue to share updates as they become available.
Events & Online Classes
Local Upcoming Events
Food for Seniors
Distribution Program
Focus: HOPE provides food boxes to participants who are 60 years old or older and reside in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, or St. Clair counties.
To learn where you can apply, call 313.494.4600 or email food@focushope.edu
Home delivery may be arranged for eligible participants who are homebound or disabled. If you need homebound delivery or have any questions call 313-494-4980.
Upcoming Date
July 17, 2025
September 18, 2025
November 20, 2025
Time: 10:30am-12:30pm
Location:
Huron County Expo Center
170 Soper Rd. Bad Axe, MI
Online Classes
July 28 - August 25
Wits Workout- Take a Number
1:00pm-1:30pm (Online)
Wits Workout provides activities for older adults to challenge their memory, recall, and problem-solving skills in an online group setting. This five-week workshop will meet weekly on Mondays from 1:00-1:30 pm ET from July 28-August 25, 2025. Each week a different brain health topic is covered. Join us for as many sessions as you would like. You do not have to attend all sessions.
July 28 -- Forget Me, Not!
Topic: forgetfulness contributors
August 4 -- Take a Number!
Topic: intellectual challenge
August 11 -- Roam in Rome
Topic: exercise
August 18 -- Savor the Seasons
Topic: diet
August 25 -- Star Gazing
Topic: sleep
September 11 - October 16
Keys to Embracing Aging (Registration Deadline: Sept. 8, 2025)
12:30pm-1:30pm (Online via Zoom)
Keys to Embracing Aging is an interactive program that highlights 12 keys aimed at helping you to grow old gracefully, successfully, and with increased longevity, based primarily on findings from centenarian studies and the advice from those who participated. Keys to Embracing Aging will influence attitude, nutrition, physical activity, brain health, social activity, technology, safety, medical literacy, stress management, financial security, sleep, and taking time for yourself. Each week we will discuss 2 of the healthy behaviors in this 6-week series.
Keys to Embracing Aging introduces 12 healthy behavior practices that encourage optimal aging throughout the life span. The 12 keys of optimal aging include:
1. Positive Attitude
2. Eating Smart and Healthy
3. Physical Activity
4. Brain Activity
5. Social Activity
6. Tuning-in to the times
7. Safety
8. Know Your Health Numbers
9. Stress Management
10. Financial Affairs
11. Sleep
12. Taking Time for You
Online classes provided by
Local Resources
Well balanced and nutritious meals are provided in a group setting. These meals are provided by Thumb Food Services with funding through Senior millage.
Mealtime: 12:00pm
$4.00 suggested donation
Call the dining center location
and leave a message to
RSVP for the meal.
Bad Axe Senior Dining Center
150 Nugent Rd.
Bad Axe, MI
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
RSVP @ 989-551-9815
Caseville Senior Dining Center
American Legion
4995 Caseville Rd.
Caseville, MI
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
RSVP @ 989-856-4330
Harbor Beach Senior Dining Center Harbor House
606 Schock Rd.
Harbor Beach, MI
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
RSVP @ 989-712-0575
Port Austin Senior Dining Center
U & I Club
8255 N. Van Dyke Rd.
Port Austin, MI
Tuesdays
RSVP @ 989-550-0364
Distributed bi-monthly, the USDA Supplemental Food Program works to improve the health of income eligible persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods.
Huron County Location:
170 W Soper Rd.
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Delivery of nutritious meals to homebound individuals 60+ who are unable to prepare their own meals or attend a Senior Dining Center. Call 989-553-6543 for more information.
Temporary delivery may be provided after a surgery or an accident as well.
Scheurer Healths
Meals on Wheels
Meals are delivered within a 4 mile radius of the Pigeon area by volunteers. Customers who live outside the designated area can have a family member or friend pick up their meals. To meet the needs of its customers, the program is very flexible and allows for multiple delivery options.
Everyone is welcome to participate. There are no eligibility requirements for the Meals on Wheels Program. Customers are charged $4 per meal. Charges are billed on a monthly basis. To sign up for Meals on Wheels or for more information, please call 989.453.4480.
Senior Transportation
Use Thumb Area Transit (TAT) to participate in daily activities-groceries, appointments, church, community resources, meals and social events!
Book A Ride with TAT by
or by emailing
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Available
In & Out of County
Call (989)269-2121 Ext:105 for more information.
Fares
1/2 rate for Seniors 60+
Visit www.tatbus.com for more information on services available.
Contagious Chronicles
Looking for more informative videos on infectious diseases? Check out the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases' YouTube Channel.
Michigan Medicare Assistance Program
Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) is Michigan's free, unbiased resource to help you navigate Medicare and Medicaid.
If you've got questions, the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program has answers. They do not sell Medicare plans-- just help you understand them. Certified counselors are available to guide you at no charge.
Call 1-800-803-7174 to speak to a counselor.
Promote Health. Protect Life. Prevent Illness.
1142 S. Van Dyke Rd.
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: 989-269-9721
