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.
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
Michigan has first measles case since 2019 as cases climb nationwide
Michigan has detected a first case of measles this year, as the vaccination rates against the highly infectious, airborne disease drop.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Meth makes a comeback in Michigan, even as drug fight focuses on opioids
New data confirms law enforcement suspicions about a surge in meth and cocaine. Michigan has spent millions to treat opioids, but treatments don’t work the same for meth.
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Rescue services a challenge for Michigan's rural communities
The biggest obstacle for fire and rescue stations in rural areas is the distance between someone in need and the station.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID-positive? Five-day isolation still recommended in Michigan
Amid conflicting reports about CDC guidelines and loosening standards in other states, Michigan’s recommendation remains to stay home for five days with positive tests.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Deadly nationwide listeria contamination impacts salad kits sold in Michigan
Rizo-López Foods, Inc. recalled several dairy products including queso fresco, cotija and oaxaca after the life-threatening bacteria Listeria was found in the products.
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MSU shooting, one year later: What science says about trauma and healing
On a day of conflicting feelings from survivors, growing research shows how the brain reacts to ‘fight-or-flight’ instincts that can manifest themselves in guilt, anxiety and even gratitude.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Has the opioid crisis hit your family? We seek Michigan stories
Michigan is set to receive a huge influx of money to address the opioid crisis. How has the epidemic affected your family? Share your story.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan county ‘hit ground running’ with opioid plan. Then came the complaints
The county moved with urgency to direct opioid settlement funds to help addicts. But subsequent disagreement highlights a tension between law enforcement and treatment that will likely be repeated statewide.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan won’t know how $725M is spent on opioids help. Other states do it better
Advocates slam ‘abysmal’ transparency surrounding opiods settlement in Michigan. Unlike many other states, Michigan set up few controls over how cities, counties spend their 50% share of the money.