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.
Opioids in Michigan
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.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Dems blast Mike Rogers over opioid stance in Congress
Democrats are trying to throw part of the blame for the opioid crisis on U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers, who advocated for greater pain med access two decades ago.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How does Michigan use its opioid dollars? Here’s how Bridge found out
Without a central reporting requirement, Michiganders can be left in the dark at how their communities are using funds to combat the drug crisis. Bridge’s investigation is the most exhaustive to date.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Amid drug crisis, one Michigan city is using money to help backfill budget
Farmington Hills has used about $120,000 from an opioid lawsuit settlement to repay itself for past drug-fighting costs. Almost all other cities are using the money to help current users or future drug-fighting efforts.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How is your Michigan community spending opioid settlement money? Look it up
Use Bridge’s database to search how opioid settlement funds are being allocated by community in Michigan. Most of the money is being spent on recovery, drug courts, defibrillators and the like.
