State legislators have entered legislation that would make ‘vaccination status’ a civil rights class and curb the government’s ability to enforce vaccine mandates for children.
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
A steep drop in Michigan overdose deaths, thanks in part to Narcan
About 1,000 fewer Michiganders died in 2024 from overdoses, according to provisional data released Thursday by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. At the same time, advocates note, federal funding for prevention, treatment and recovery remains uncertain.
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Watchdogs: Michigan nursing homes may be hiding profits as residents suffer
A new report on four Michigan nursing home chains scrutinizes their use of affiliate companies to pay themselves for services, as complaints about care mount.
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When will smoke clear in Michigan? What you need to know
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is prompting air quality alerts in Michigan. It’s expected to clear up some Friday – but could be back soon.
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HIV prevention treatment rising among young adults, U-M study finds
Researchers find pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP has seen an eightfold increase in the last decade among young adults. Meantime, a Supreme Court case could reduce access to such treatments.
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Michigan must beef up mental health services for kids under court settlement
A settlement agreement would require the state to offer more services for children with mental illness and their families. But even if a federal judge signs off on the pact, it’s unclear how quickly the changes would happen.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID vaccine not needed for kids, pregnant women, US says. What to know
Some medical experts say the decision to stop recommending the vaccine for these groups makes sense given the lessened severity of COVID-19 infections. Others cautioned that the move makes the vaccines less available to everyone in the long term.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan public health labs try to adjust after loss of federal funds
Six public health departments in Michigan were using federal funds to expand testing for disease and even guard against terrorist attacks, local leaders say. But that funding ended abruptly in March.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Battle over Medicaid boils over in DC; what it means for Michigan
A congressional plan to cut Medicaid funding advanced late Sunday as the battle continues over the safety net program that covers more than 2.6 million Michiganders.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As Michigan ages, funding gaps widen for senior centers. Some call for change
Studies show that recreation is key to healthy aging, but Michigan relies mostly on a hodgepodge of local taxes that advocates say has led to a system of have and have-nots.