Michigan’s pregnancy crisis centers, dismissed as ‘fake clinics’ by some, say they are increasing clinic staff and equipment and uniting for a stronger voice. Abortion providers are expanding services, too.
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
Ransomware update: Ascension can’t fill prescriptions at its Michigan pharmacies
A ransomware attack at Ascension health system has breached medical records, disrupted patient care, and forced the health care behemoth back to paper records in at least some cases.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Drug deaths drop in Michigan as task force weighs how to spend opioid funds
U.S. drug deaths fell last year — ‘heartening’ news, according to the CDC’s medical director. Michigan mirrored that trend. Still, nearly 3,000 people died.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Flint water crisis: Did ‘myth’ of lead harm become self-fulfilling prophecy?
At the height of the water crisis, Flint children had lower lead levels than many others in Michigan. But low expectations, trauma and constant anxiety did more harm than lead. ‘Instead of scaring families, we should be reassuring them.’
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
For children of Flint water crisis, stigma lives on: ‘I feel like a lab rat’
Ten years after the beginning of the Flint water crisis, the city’s youth are scarred as much by low expectations as by the lead-tainted water. ‘People had already decided who we were. They had ideas about IQ and behavior.’
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Blood lead levels continue to fall in Michigan: Look up your ZIP code
In a major public-health success story, lead exposure in Michigan children has plummeted in recent decades, including in Flint.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Ascension, owner of 15 Michigan hospitals, confirms cyberattack was ransomware
Ascension, which operates 15 Michigan hospitals, says its facilities remain ‘open and operational,’ but patients can expect delays as it tries to recover from the ransomware attack.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Cyberattack forces Ascension hospitals in Michigan to reroute patients
A cyberattack that hobbled one of the nation’s largest systems Wednesday continued to wreak havoc Friday.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Beyond methadone: Trio of drugs treat opioid use disorder
Michiganders living with opioid use disorder have three FDA-approved medications they can turn to for treatment: methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. Here’s how they work.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
There’s a proven way to help kick opioids. Not enough in Michigan use it
Federal and state policy changes mean more doctors can prescribe a drug known to help patients fight addiction. But advocates say stigma and other barriers keep Michigan patients from accessing medication assisted treatment.