As part of an effort to tamp down the spread of respiratory viruses before they take hold, the Biden administration is reopening a program to send free tests to the nation’s households.
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
Lone Democrat could kill Medicaid for abortions in Michigan, other reforms
State Rep. Karen Whitsett won’t support the repeal of abortion restrictions, leaving Democrats little room to pass bills in a tightly divided Legislature.
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New COVID-19 vaccine arriving in Michigan. Here’s what to know
As the weather cools and viruses circulate, health experts note that Michiganders have three different vaccines to protect them from respiratory illness.
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Can magic mushrooms help fibromyalgia? U-M wants to know, needs volunteers
Banned as a controlled substance and dismissed as a hippy trip for decades, psychedelics are getting a closer look to treat a variety of mental and physical ills. U-M is studying its benefits for pain associated with fibromyalgia.
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Michigan abortion bills take spotlight at packed legislative hearing
In Lansing Thursday, doctors and advocates lined up to fight for, and against, legislation that would remove numerous restrictions on abortion access in Michigan.
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Michigan Democrats move to allow Medicaid to cover abortions
Along with eliminating a 24-hour waiting period, legislators want Michigan to wipe away decades-old laws banning the use of Medicaid to fund abortions for low-income residents. Protests are planned.
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New COVID shot approved, could be in Michigan this week. What to know
The new shots are one part of a new triple-vaccine protection against three respiratory threats: COVID, flu and RSV. Here’s what the experts say about which groups should get what.
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New COVID shot clears FDA, may be Michigan-bound later in week
The newly formulated COVID vaccine is designed to take a swing at more recent variants as the fall respiratory season arrives. Final approval and guidance from the CDC is expected on Tuesday.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
More over-the-counter Narcan to hit Michigan shelves amid opioid epidemic
Access to the drug should increase in coming days after thousands of kits are shipped. Michigan has allowed over-the-counter sales since 2017, but not all pharmacies carried the drug that reverses overdoses.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID hospitalizations surge in Michigan. Doctors remain cautiously optimistic
Confirmed cases and hospitalizations are on the rise yet again, but deaths remain low because of better treatments. Also, symptoms in this latest wave seem mild.