Too-few vaccines in the U.S. mean the limited supply goes to states most affected. New York and California top the list for now.
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
Mental health hotline 988 is now live in Michigan. What to know.
If you are suicidal or otherwise in a mental health crisis, you can now call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor at a nearby crisis center. It’s an alternative to 911, which often involves police and can sometimes escalate a crisis.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID vaccine hesitancy leads to fewer Michigan kids getting other shots
Public health officials around Michigan note that vaccination rates have fallen for a host of childhood illnesses. One health department now avoids using the word “vaccination” in its campaign to get children immunized.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
On-demand primary care doctors only served Michigan’s wealthy. Not anymore.
“Direct primary care” provides patients with their doctor’s cell phone and drop-in access to care for less than $100 a month. They also often pay far less for common medications. But at what cost to others?
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
BA.5 spreading COVID in Michigan. Five things you should know.
The newest subvariant appears to duck vaccine immunity that, by now, is waning among many residents. And many doctors say they are seeing patients who keep getting reinfected.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Lead testing for all children? Michigan pediatricians have concerns.
A Democrat-led bill package would require all children to receive two tests for lead poisoning by age 4 — something now required only for children on Medicaid. Doctors worry it could hold them responsible if parents don’t follow through.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Monkeypox confirmed in Michigan; first case is in Oakland County
The viral disease has been detected in 27 other states.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan pharmacies limit morning-after pills amid post-Roe panic buying
Fears over access, prompted in part by an opinion from Justice Clarence Thomas, prompt a run on morning-after pills.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Abortion confusion reigns across Michigan days after Roe reversal
Hospitals are sending mixed signals, or no signal at all, on whether they will perform abortions. Some local prosecutors say they can now charge abortion doctors, which state leaders deny. The result, for now, is legal chaos.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan's emotions span from tearful to jubilant over abortion ruling
From grocery stores to coffee shops, here’s a glimpse into some of the conversations across the state following the historic Supreme Court decision.