Even a University of Michigan institute dedicated to firearm injury prevention and research isn’t sure why mass shootings 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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Monkeypox isn’t in Michigan. Yet. Here’s what you need to know
At least one case of monkeypox has been confirmed in the U.S., and health officials expect more. But it’s unlikely to wreak havoc like COVID-19.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Suicide stalks rural Michigan
The 15 Michigan counties with the highest suicide rates from 2005 through 2020 were all rural. Experts point to isolation, job loss and lack of mental health care as key contributors to rural despair.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Northern Michigan braces for tourists as counties move to high risk for COVID
Up North is bracing for big crowds and travel, as vacationers weigh personal risk and the third pandemic summer is set to start.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Man v. Microbe: Drug-resistant superbugs gain a toehold in Michigan
The overuse of antibiotics — in ERs, dental offices, and for your steak dinner — means microbes are gaining ground in a microscopic arms race. Next time you ask for antibiotics, your doctor may say “no.”
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID-19 booster approved for Michigan children ages 5 to 11
The FDA decision Tuesday extends boosters to everyone who has had their first COVID vaccines. Children younger than five have yet to be approved for a COVID vaccine, but that may come this summer.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan suspends contact tracing contract as COVID cases surge
In another sign that messaging around the pandemic has changed, 67 contact tracers hired in 2020 are being laid off.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Feds offer Michigan more free COVID tests. Here’s how to get yours.
With the latest effort, some Michigan households could stock up dozens of tests. Also still available: free COVID treatments for high-risk Michiganders, which covers a lot of residents.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How programs in Kent County and Detroit are reducing Black infant mortality
Infant mortality rates have dropped significantly over the decades, but remain far higher in Michigan for Black infants. But small programs are improving outcomes by helping women manage stress, get to doctors, and even arrange transport when their cars won’t start.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
‘Implicit bias’ training deadline looms for 420,000 Michigan health workers
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the requirement in an effort to reduce health care disparities.