Made from a tree in Southeast Asia, kratom is promoted for pain relief and as an energy booster. Some say it helps kick opioid addiction. But health officials warn of another, more dangerous side.
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
5th Michigan person being tested for coronavirus had traveled to China
The Oakland County resident had a travel history to China, said a state health department spokeswoman, who added that the person was not stopped or screened at Detroit Metro airport.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
The first line of defense against coronavirus: Try soap, not a mask
As health officials marshal resources to contain a new coronavirus, which hasn’t hit Michigan, there are simple steps anyone can take to reduce risks. You don’t need special equipment.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As Michigan braces for coronavirus, H1N1 quietly makes a comeback
A small lab at the University of Michigan is one of five U.S. sites that monitor influenza viruses to gauge vaccine effectiveness. The lab also is monitoring coronavirus developments as part of a federal effort.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s health budget is heavy on prevention
Addressing everyday social determinants today — from food security to postpartum care to youngsters’ teeth — will save more in the long run, says Michigan’s Health and Human Services director.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A steady job can give you health coverage, but can health coverage help you work?
Researchers say those covered by Michigan’s expanded Medicaid plan saw a 6 percent boost in jobs and school in a single year, outpacing job growth in general population.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Legislature weighs dropping high school health, gym requirements
Republicans say reducing graduation requirements gives flexibility to students who want to work after high school. Critics say health and gym are critical as teen levels of anxiety, STDs and obesity rise.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
3 coronavirus tests ruled 'negative' in Michigan; new case investigated
A widespread flu virus in the state poses more of a threat right now, but health officials remain vigilant for cases of coronavirus in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A Michigan family goes to Canada for insulin. Will a drug import law help?
Bills in Lansing would legalize the sale of discounted Canadian drugs to Michigan. But the measures face a host of obstacles, not least from Canadians worried about protecting their own supplies.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan the latest to roll out Medicaid work rules. Can it avoid pitfalls?
238,000 lower-income residents in Healthy Michigan’s expanded Medicaid program must now prove they are working or exempt to maintain coverage. Can Lansing succeed where other states have failed?