A CDC official said the virus’s spread to the United States is inevitable, which is why Michigan officials are preparing as they battle flu cases. In one Detroit hospital ‘negative pressure rooms’ await patients.
Robin Erb
Robin Erb covers health care and aging for Bridge Michigan, focusing on a state that is aging faster than most. She has led investigations tracking opioid settlement money and health care worker shortages, and previously spent six years at the Detroit Free Press covering the Affordable Care Act and Michigan's Medicaid expansion. She holds a master's degree from Lourdes University in Toledo.
Robin and her husband raised two children in southeast Michigan — and have failed miserably at training their Beagle-Bassets.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Gretchen Whitmer asks to stop Michigan Medicaid work rules; 80,000 at risk
80,000 Michiganders who must report to work — or prove to the state why they can’t — have until Saturday to file reports, according to the governor’s office. The state GOP stands behind the work rules.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
For weary Michigan seniors, a retirement in name only
Kicking back is not an option for a growing number of residents over 60, who increasingly find themselves caring for very old parents or very young grandchildren. “We’re getting old and we’re not dying.”
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
More Michigan grandparents are raising grandkids. Two bills may help them.
An estimated 120,000 Michiganders age 60 or older are taking on the round-the-clock job of parenting children or teens, double rates of a generation ago. Help may finally be on the way.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan debates future of kratom, an herbal remedy linked to 9 state deaths
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.
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.