Overdose deaths for opioids and other drugs fell in 2018, the first drop since 2012, with state policies restricting painkiller prescriptions cited. But drug deaths for black residents spiked in Michigan.
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 youth suicide rate doubles. What parents can do.
The spike in suicide rates comes as a national poll suggests parents struggle to know the difference between normal ups and downs of the teen years and something more serious.
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Michigan finds some success fighting opiate crisis on front line: emergency rooms
Three Detroit hospitals give overdose patients hope by combining medication with community-based treatment. Even so, Michigan is behind other states in intervention.
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Michigan transplant surgeon calls vaping damage to teen’s lungs 'evil'
As vaping illnesses climb, doctors at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit perform a double lung transplant on young vaping victim — reportedly the first operation in the country as a result of vaping damage.
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Measures aim to end ‘surprise billing’ for Michigan medical patients
Think your ER visit is covered? Even savvy consumers fall victim to unannounced costs, especially in emergencies. Pending bills would cap some of those charges or give consumers the ability to opt out.
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Michigan’s flu season turns deadly early, with some clinics short on vaccine
Michigan’s first reported flu death comes as county health departments in some parts of the state cancel or postpone clinics while they await a resupply.
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The ABCs of CBD: What you should know before buying in Michigan
CBD oils, gummies and creams are now sold everywhere from gas stations to supermarkets with little oversight. Here are the facts on CBD — what to know, and what to avoid.
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Costs drop for Michigan Obamacare insurance. But only after crazy increases
Premium costs are down 2.5 percent after spiking more than 25 percent two years ago. Analysts say the market is stabilizing after a rocky launch but much uncertainty remains.
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For 10,000 Michigan counselors, bill’s passage a sigh of relief
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill Tuesday that preserves the right of counselors to diagnose and practice psychotherapy in the state. The measure effectively overrules a licensing agency’s bid to restrict their professional practice.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
This flu season looks deadly. Yet much of Michigan won’t get its shot.
In much of rural Michigan, and in Detroit, fewer than 20 percent of residents get flu shots, even though the vaccine makes it far less likely that people will die or get seriously ill from the virus.