The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says “significant” changes are occurring as the federal government prepares to penalize states for food assistance error rates.
Michigan Health Watch
In-depth reporting on the intersection between public policy and important health topics ‒ such as insurance coverage, hospital admissions, opioid abuse, access to care, medical research and the business of health care ‒ that impact nearly every Michigan resident.
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Michigan schools should disclose vaccination rates to parents, lawmakers say
The 11-bill package was introduced to strengthen the state’s authority amid shifting federal policies on childhood immunization.
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Doctors, lawmakers urge Gretchen Whitmer to make stand for science, vaccines
As federal public health policies come under fire, a group of citizens, doctors and lawmakers is pressing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration to more forcefully safeguard vaccines and Medicaid.
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Suicides plague Michigan farms. Michigan just ended money to help
Generational pride and everyday despair coexist on Michigan’s 44,000 farms, fueling a suicide rate five times the state average. In this year’s budget, Michigan ended funding for counseling some credit with saving lives.
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Suicide rate highest in northern Michigan: services are scarce, guns plentiful
More people die by suicide than in car crashes or homicides. Deaths are rising, and rural areas have higher rates because of isolation and access to care and firearms.
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Photo ID for diet pills? Michigan bill would ban supplements for minors
The proposed legislation would stop consumers younger than 18 from purchasing weight loss and muscle-building supplements in person and online.
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Michigan tops doula goal in push to improve maternal and infant health
Michigan has rapidly expanded doula access, already doubling its goal to have 500 registered doulas by 2028. The state began covering the service through Medicaid in 2023.
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1 in 6 Michigan moms use weed during pregnancy, study finds
Researchers at Michigan State University found marital status, education, depressive symptoms and adverse childhood experiences are factors contributing to prenatal cannabis use.
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Why some in Michigan ditch alcohol, embrace mocktail madness for Thanksgiving
For years, research reassured drinkers that mild or moderate imbibing was harmless, maybe even protective, for health. That research was flawed.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Older Michigan drivers more confident, less ready to give up keys, study finds
A new study finds that most Michigan’s older drivers trust their skill behind the wheel — at least for now, but not so much for the coming five years. Without a plan, that could be trouble.