The State of Michigan’s Health and Human Services office at 401 Eighth Street in Benton Harbor is currently closed to the public and employees – reportedly due to an issue of black mold.
Employees were informed of the contamination and told to stay out of the office and work in alternative locations while the issue is resolved. According to one employee, people started working remotely about two weeks ago.
Lynn Sutfin, spokesperson for the MDHHS provided the following statement:
“To address a facility-related issue at the Benton Harbor Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office, the office is currently closed. To ensure Berrien County families can continue to access the resources they need, staff are providing services via phone at 269-934-2000 or 844-864-3447 and online at MIBridges. In addition, office hours are available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Benton Harbor Michigan Works, 499 West Main Street in Benton Harbor. A reopening date for the MDHHS Benton Harbor office has not been determined.”
At the offices currently, a local cleanup and restoration company is on-site with ventilation machines and other equipment. The front doors of the office direct visitors to other locations including the local Michigan Works! office at 499 W. Main Street in Benton Harbor. Alternative MDHHS locations are also listed for Cass and Van Buren counties.
