A man charged with stabbing 11 people at Walmart had a history of schizophrenia, violence and incarceration. ‘It’s been an absolute nightmare,’ says his brother. Advocates say Michigan needs to do more.
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.
Michigan getting millions more to aid opioid battle
Thanks to new settlements with opioid manufacturers, Michigan will get $178.5 million more for its drug fight. But is it enough?
Families lament end of a 'lifeline’ for disabled Michigan children, adults
The Lahser Respite Home for Children had faced financial challenges for years. Now the state’s decision that the home can no longer serve young adults is forcing it to close for children, too, according to leadership.
Michigan public health agencies ax programs amid federal cuts
Michigan’s local public health agencies have scrapped programs and scaled back services amid federal funding cuts.
Michigan doctors urge vaccination as measles cases hit national record
Michigan has 18 confirmed measles cases in a national spike of the vaccine-preventable disease.
Michigan may force doctors to report drivers with seizures. A slippery slope?
After the death of a Michigan State Police officer, state lawmakers entered a bill that would mandate physician reporting of patients with epilepsy. Many doctors oppose the legislation.
Proposed Michigan laws would reduce hurdles, speed access to drug treatment
Michiganders with drug and alcohol addictions might have fewer easier access to drug testing strips and quicker access to treatment under a comprehensive package of senate bills.
Opioid crisis cost Michigan $38 billion in 2024, new analysis finds
Lost productivity, wages and the cost of police and courts reveal the far-reaching impact of substance use disorder in Michigan.
Michigan rural hospitals at risk under Trump’s ‘beautiful’ bill, experts say
The ‘big, beautiful bill’ could spell big trouble for Michigan hospitals, according to experts, who say rural facilities could be forced to scale back services or even close because of Medicaid cuts.
Transportation troubles create a lonely reality for older Michiganders
Despite millions of dollars in transportation funds, the state’s services remain fragmented and, for many older Michiganders, difficult to access.