State Rep. Karen Whitsett won’t support the repeal of abortion restrictions, leaving Democrats little room to pass bills in a tightly divided Legislature.
Robin Erb
Robin Erb covers a range of health issues in Michigan, including the industry of aging and the issues facing older residents in Michigan, a state that is aging faster than most others. She joined Bridge in 2019 and has led investigations that tracked millions of dollars in opioid settlement money and explored severe worker shortages in health care that threaten lives and the state's economy. She chronicled the shock and grief of Michigan families in COVID’s wake, as well as state policy decisions and the triumphs of medical breakthroughs. Robin previously spent six years covering health at the Detroit Free Press, documenting the battle over, and the eventual passage of, the Affordable Care Act and Michigan's Medicaid expansion. She studied communications and political science at Miami University and has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Lourdes University (Toledo, Ohio). She and her husband raised two wonderful children — but have failed miserably at training their Beagle-Bassets — in southeast Michigan. Reach her at rerb@bridgemi.com.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
New COVID-19 vaccine arriving in Michigan. Here’s what to know
As the weather cools and viruses circulate, health experts note that Michiganders have three different vaccines to protect them from respiratory illness.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Can magic mushrooms help fibromyalgia? U-M wants to know, needs volunteers
Banned as a controlled substance and dismissed as a hippy trip for decades, psychedelics are getting a closer look to treat a variety of mental and physical ills. U-M is studying its benefits for pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan abortion bills take spotlight at packed legislative hearing
In Lansing Thursday, doctors and advocates lined up to fight for, and against, legislation that would remove numerous restrictions on abortion access in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Democrats move to allow Medicaid to cover abortions
Along with eliminating a 24-hour waiting period, legislators want Michigan to wipe away decades-old laws banning the use of Medicaid to fund abortions for low-income residents. Protests are planned.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
New COVID shot approved, could be in Michigan this week. What to know
The new shots are one part of a new triple-vaccine protection against three respiratory threats: COVID, flu and RSV. Here’s what the experts say about which groups should get what.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
New COVID shot clears FDA, may be Michigan-bound later in week
The newly formulated COVID vaccine is designed to take a swing at more recent variants as the fall respiratory season arrives. Final approval and guidance from the CDC is expected on Tuesday.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Delayed medical appointment? In Michigan, the problem may not be the doctor
Short supply of health care “assistants” and “techs” bottlenecks health care, even in places with plenty of doctors. Here’s what Michigan is trying to do about it.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
5 things to know as Michigan COVID cases rise into the fall
The end of summer signals a new season — one of respiratory diseases. As cases and hospitalizations tick upward, here’s a short, smart update on new variants, new vaccines and the latest advice to stay safe.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Long-simmering battle over public health comes to a head in Ottawa County
Deeply conservative political leaders in Ottawa County ratcheted up attacks on the local public health office, ordering steep budget cuts. Ottawa’s embattled health officer is standing firm in a fight that is drawing national attention.