Ron French and Robin Erb named Journalists of the year, as Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit reporters take home 23 awards from the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Opioids in Michigan
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Fentanyl came to a tiny UP town. Then the funerals began
One after another, Rapid River’s young people died of overdoses, as a small town learned it can’t escape Michigan’s opioid crisis.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Amid Michigan overdose epidemic, push is on to support kids whose parents died
The state of Michigan and university researchers are increasing efforts to steer resources to impacted youths. One problem: so-called ‘bereavement deserts’ with few resources.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How grieving survivors help shape Michigan drug policy
More than 25,000 Michiganders have died from drug overdoses. From shock and tears comes grit and resolve for change.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Team of scientific sleuths helps sound alert on Michigan's killer drugs
An after-work drink helped launch a one-of-a-kind rapid testing program that offers a lifesaving head start in Michigan’s drug fight.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
The ‘day of death’: How a mystery drug, spate of ODs changed west Michigan
When nearly two dozen overdoses and seven deaths rocked Kalamazoo, police and health officials required a new level of cooperation. The response could teach other communities ravaged by the drug epidemic.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Farmington Hills’ use of opioid funds to backfill budget prompts AG complaint
The money coming into Michigan communities is intended to help with the drug epidemic. The Oakland County suburb is using it to pay itself back for old costs.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
GOP blasts Democrats’ plan to close panel critical of Whitmer opioid efforts
A group that has called for more transparency in how the state fights opioid addiction is the focus of a fight between Republicans and Democrats.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Demand-reduction strategies can help tackle Michigan's opioid epidemic
Demand reduction strategies are vital for reducing the long-term incidence of substance use disorders, especially among our state’s vulnerable minority populations.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Democrats may dissolve panel critical of Whitmer opioid efforts
An internal email lays out plans to dissolve a legislative commission that has pushed for transparency and accountability in how the state spends $1.6 billion in opioid settlement funds.