If based solely by population, Michigan had the 10th worst COVID death rate of any state in the nation. But when adjusted for the state’s older and less healthy population, the state’s handling of the pandemic fares much better.
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.
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Michigan health care reimagined using dirt, worms and fresh veggies
In this Michigan hospital farm, shovels replace scrubs and leather replaces latex in a “food is medicine” effort.
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‘Abortion pill’ under legal scrutiny; what it means in Michigan.
Michiganders now have a constitutional right to abortions, but a Texas court case could complicate access.
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How AI is altering health care in Michigan
Health systems tout AI advances for patient care. Some analysts warn of racial bias.
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As Michigan boosts school security after shootings, how much is too much?
Deadly shootings at MSU and Oxford High spurred the tate to divert millions of dollars for school police officers and other security measures. Research is mixed on whether those measures save lives, and they come with a cost to student mental health.
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Study calls mask mandates into question, putting health experts on defense
A new review from a British research group with a sterling reputation declares that community masking against respiratory viruses like flu and COVID ‘probably makes little or no difference.’ Michigan health officials note the review’s limitations.
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Michigan House votes to repeal 1931 abortion ban
The push to repeal follows passage of Proposal 3, which made abortion a constitutional right in Michigan. Democrats argue it’s time the law was off books. While many Republicans say they worry the repeal will make it more difficult to ensure other restrictions remain.
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Michigan youth in mental health crisis: Could more screening help?
Advocates endorse national panel guidelines to screen children aged 8 to 18 for anxiety disorders.
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Racial disparities in Michigan COVID-19 deaths all but gone, panel finds
African Americans died from the coronavirus at about the same rate as whites in 2022, a state-appointed task force finds
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Food assistance cuts loom for 1.3 million Michiganders. No legislative action yet
Some low-income households will see a loss of more than $500 in monthly benefits beginning March 1.