The Buckeye state used federal funds to freely distribute 4.8 million at-home COVID tests at libraries, schools, rec centers and union halls. Michigan is nowhere close to those numbers as the holidays loom.
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 nursing home staff shortage raises peril, adds to hospital woes
On top of continued isolation at many of Michigan’s nursing homes amid COVID, nearly 9,000 fewer workers now care for nursing home residents — raising concern about the well-being of those who live there.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan companies await final legal verdict on Biden vaccine mandate
If upheld in court, about two million Michigan workers will be affected by a Biden administration edict that requires large workplaces to ensure workers are vaccinated against COVID-19. The U.S. Supreme Court may soon jump in to decide the matter.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan has an obesity problem. That could make COVID even worse
With Michigan’s obesity rate climbing, a Stanford University study details how infected fat cells add risk to the coronavirus
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As COVID-19 surges in Michigan, no new restrictions planned by state
Michigan’s hospitals are treating the most COVID-19 patients ever and case counts are rising. State officials say getting vaccines and boosters are critical, but they are not considering any sweeping new restrictions or mandates.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Omicron variant arrives in Michigan. What you need to know
Michigan is at least the 24th state to report a COVID-19 case stemming from an omicron variant. It was detected in a fully vaccinated resident of Kent County.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Breakthrough COVID deaths, illnesses mount, as boosters lag in Michigan
Six months after most vaccinations, a quarter of all COVID deaths and hospitalizations are breakthrough cases. Most severe cases, though, are among the unvaccinated.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan hospitals at COVID-induced capacities, as moods turn angrier
For more than two months, healthcare leaders have warned of packed hospitals. Frazzled doctors, nurses and other staff are sometimes fending off angry patients, some with nowhere else to go.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Bomb threats, school closings tighten student stress after Oxford shootings
A school shooting, “uniquely horrific” on its own, has been layered on top of two years of uncertainty and anger for Michigan’s youth. No one should expect a “normal” school day any time soon, experts say.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
85% of Michigan inpatient and ICU beds are full, some patients turned away
Spectrum Health in west Michigan hit a system-level record high for patients, forcing them to turn away more transfer patients from smaller or more rural hospitals. ‘It’s heartbreaking,’ the system’s president said.