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.
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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
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.
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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.
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Battle rages over Oakland County’s plan to take crisis services in-house
The Oakland Community Health Network plans to bring its adult crisis services in-house, cutting off its longstanding relationship with the nonprofit Common Ground. Critics fear the move will weaken the county’s mental health supports.
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Can Michigan ‘make rural America healthy again?’ Hospitals doubt it
The Trump administration set aside $50 billion for rural health. Michigan hospital leaders think the state’s bid for funding has ‘failed’ providers as they brace for federal health care cuts.
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Michigan’s health is poor. Can better transportation, food and schools fix it?
A report from the Citizen’s Research Council underscores Michigan’s overall poor health, arguing that policymakers should consider other factors — transportation, education and civic engagement, for example — for improving the state’s health and, in turn, the state’s economy.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Cannabis workers developing asthma that can turn deadly, MSU researcher finds
New research says workers picking, grinding and packaging cannabis are developing workplace-related asthma, and two deaths have occurred so far. Michigan is the nation’s fifth largest cannabis producer.