The drug crisis and maternal mortality crisis have converged, notes a new report. Maternal mortality rates overall are increasing.
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 reports first pediatric flu death of season
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first influenza-related death of a child during the current flu season.
Diet drugs are bigger than ever, and in Michigan, Medicaid picks up the tab
Michigan’s Medicaid picked up the $393 million cost last year for 67,000 patients on Wegovy and other drugs. Not all insurance covers the pills that can cost $1,000 or more a month, prompting equity issues.
Michigan Democrats push to expand birth control access, boost supplies
One day after the first over-the-counter pills began shipments, Michigan lawmakers weighed whether pharmacists could prescribe other types of birth control.
Measles in Michigan: Three counties with confirmed cases
Washtenaw, Oakland, and Wayne county health departments have all confirmed at least one case of measles.
Over-the-counter birth control hitting shelves, thanks to Michigan firm
On Monday, Grand Rapids-based drugmaker Perrigo began offering the nation’s first ever oral contraception without a prescription.
CDC drops most COVID-19 isolation guidelines. What it means in Michigan
The new guidelines align COVID with other respiratory infections: Stay home if you have a fever and feel sick; return from isolation after 24 fever-free hours.
Providers: Rollout of $1.5B opioid settlement a ‘huge disaster’ in Michigan
Clinics that treat drug addiction say they’re confused about how to access money flowing into the state from a lawsuit settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Adviser blasts Whitmer aides over handling of Michigan opioid settlement
In emotional testimony, the head of a group advising lawmakers on the drug crisis says state officials are thwarting its efforts. Transparency concerns follow complaints local governments aren’t moving fast enough.
After high-profile feud, Ottawa County health leader to stay put
For more than a year, Ottawa County Health Officer Adeline Hambley and county commissioners — led by Ottawa Impact — have been locked in a legal battle that began with COVID-era mask mandates.