Republican-backed bills would allow Michigan farmers to sell unpasteurized milk directly to consumers. Critics contend there would be health risks, but supporters say consumers should be able to decide.
Michigan Health Watch
Understand the health issues that affect you and your family — from the cost and availability of care to Medicaid, hospitals, aging, and public health.
Meet the Journalists
Michigan wants schools ready for cardiac emergencies, fails to provide funds
A recent Michigan law requires schools to better prepare for cardiac emergencies. But without money from the state, some schools lack resources to put those measures in place.
Purer meth, less pure opioids, more cocaine hit Michigan, testing reveals
State drug lab results show methamphetamine users now get their stuff from Mexican cartels, not homemade labs. Meanwhile, opioids are being cut with sedatives that make overdose treatments ineffective.
Supporters tout benefits of kratom, but will it stall Michigan drug fight?
A kratom derivative known as 7-OH targets the same receptors as painkillers and opioids. Experts say the products, sold in colorful packages, especially endanger children and people battling addiction.
Michigan cash-for-moms program launches in Detroit, expanding in UP
Applications are open in Detroit. In March, the popular cash aid program is slated to grow across the rest of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Henry Ford sells a SE Michigan hospital to mental health provider
A Warren-based behavioral health provider will open a 100-bed behavioral health hospital at Henry Ford Health’s Madison Heights hospital once Henry Ford vacates it.
Newly opened Kirk Gibson Center fights Parkinson’s — and isolation in Michigan
After diagnosis, Tigers legend Kirk Gibson builds a team of members and caregivers.
St. Clair County makes it easier for parents to opt out of vaccines
The health department announced a streamlined approach Monday to expedite vaccine waivers and reminded families they can opt out of the state’s data reporting system.
Michigan quietly kills effort to restructure mental health care system
The decision follows a judge’s order to block the state’s request for proposal. The state says its aim in seeking bidders was to introduce ‘consumer choice’ to the Medicaid-backed system.
Desperate for doctors: Michigan looks to expand who can provide care
Lawmakers are trying to ease dangerous short-staffing in health care by tweaking laws — expanding the ability of some mid-level practitioners and, in some cases, creating new types of workers.

