About 690,000 Michigan residents have some form of medical debt. The state has put up $4.5 million to erase some of it.
Eli Newman
Eli Newman covers public health, access to care and policy for Bridge Michigan's Health Watch team. A lifelong Michigander with a decade of public radio experience, he previously served as assistant news director at WKAR in East Lansing and spent nearly nine years at WDET in Detroit covering breaking news, politics and community affairs. His work has been recognized by the Public Media Journalists Association, the Michigan Associated Press Media Editors, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit chapter. Eli earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. He lives in Detroit.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan lawmakers revive push to legalize physician-assisted suicide
Michigan House Democrats are renewing an effort to legalize physician-assisted death. Opponents worry the framework is morally dubious and may create new pressures in health care.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Study of PFAS levels in Michigan firefighters raises cautious optimism
Despite being at greater risk, a new study indicates the state’s firefighters have similar exposure to the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ as the rest of America.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Nurses allege toxic workplace under Michigan county medical director
St. Clair County’s medical director has been the subject of several complaints throughout his tenure, with nurses alleging gender-based discrimination in the county health department.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Some fear ‘domino effect’ as disabled adults lose lifeline in northern Michigan
A Charlevoix day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is set to close this month. Families are left with few options for care as providers warn of systemic issues to maintain services.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Bridge Listens: Health care costs climbing, challenges loom. What to know
Bridge readers say health care is a big concern, with rising costs, limited access and federal policy changes straining the state’s system. We break down the facts, trends and possible solutions.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Mental health advocates optimistic about Michigan reforms
Bipartisan support for early intervention legislation and newly outlined recommendations on bed capacity have renewed faith in revamping the state’s behavioral health system.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan kids in mental health crisis sent out of state as facilities close
Michigan has a shrinking capacity for children and teens in severe psychological crises. Families are finding care hundreds of miles away, and a growing number of kids are sent away by courts.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Supreme Court ruling puts Michigan’s ‘conversion therapy’ ban in jeopardy
A federal appeals court ruling in December blocked Michigan’s law meant to protect LGBTQ+ youth from taking effect. The state’s law faces significant challenges following the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a similar ban in Colorado.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Providers face ‘extreme shortage’ of paramedics, EMTs in rural Michigan
Paramedics and EMTs regularly handle the state’s worst medical traumas and receive wages similar to fast-food workers. Even with state assistance to promote workforce development, gaps remain.
