The state’s health department struck down a red tape obstacle to “gold standard” treatment that can help patients with addictions.
Opioids in Michigan
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan opioid deaths finally going down, but not for black residents
Overdose deaths for opioids and other drugs fell in 2018, the first drop since 2012, with state policies restricting painkiller prescriptions cited. But drug deaths for black residents spiked in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan surgeons offered more money to limit opioids for pain
Blue Cross offers 35 percent boost in insurance reimbursement when doctors rein in opioid prescriptions after common surgeries. The effort shows some promise in a state hammered by opioid deaths.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Treating stigma to prevent opioid overdose deaths
Michigan and other states have started to see a decline in deaths from opioid overdoses -– proof that strong action can help save lives. However, one critical barrier remains: stigma.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
In the spring, Gov. Whitmer praised an opioid clinic. In the fall, a veto.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s vetoes in the Michigan budget included funds for Andy’s Place, an opioid recovery project near Jackson that she endorsed months ago. The planned facility is in the district of Republican budget and political foe Mike Shirkey.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
U-M study finds surprising abusers of opioids: new mothers. The fix is easy.
A University of Michigan study of national data finds that 1 in 100 new moms or more kept refilling prescriptions long after babies arrived.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan doctors not trained to treat opioid abuse ‒ and don't want to be
A statewide survey found most primary care physicians don’t want training to administer the “gold standard” treatment of opioid abuse, even as overdose deaths tripled in Michigan.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Children in Michigan are also victimized by opioid abuse
Opioid abuse and deaths have a huge impact on children in affected families. Michigan needs to figure out how to help them.
Posted inMichigan Government
Here’s how Michigan should spend Bloomberg’s $10 million to fight opioids
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg invests $10 million for “high impact” solutions. Experts tell Bridge Magazine where investment would help most.
Posted inChildren & Families
Suicides, often linked to opioids, spike in rural Michigan and among young
A new study finds links between two grim causes of death, but also poses some proven ways to reduce rates