Paramedics and EMTs regularly handle the state’s worst medical traumas and receive wages similar to fast-food workers. Even with state assistance to promote workforce development, gaps remain.
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
EMS providers battle money, staffing woes in rural Michigan’s ambulance ‘deserts’
Rural emergency medical services in Michigan are burdened by the high cost of keeping crews ready and insurance payouts that fail to cover calls. Hospital closures and mergers and a lack of local dollars aren’t helping matters, leaving local residents in a bind to keep services afloat.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan measles outbreak: Confirmed cases grow to seven, including child under 5
The Washtenaw County outbreak has seven confirmed cases and one hospitalization. Officials are asking that anyone unvaccinated or not already immune to measles stay away from others for a full 21 days after exposure.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
ICE presence rising at Michigan health care facilities, rights groups say
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center and the ACLU of Michigan have sent guidance to more than 400 hospitals and providers in the state to outline law enforcement changes to ‘sensitive locations’ policy.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan confirms measles outbreak in Washtenaw County: What to know
An initial case was identified in an unvaccinated adult who visited sites in Ypsilanti and Canton earlier this month. Since then, two more related cases have been reported.
Posted inMichigan Government, Michigan Health Watch
Sparing 8,000 doctors, Michigan lawmakers reach medical compact deal
After months of gridlock, Michigan lawmakers say they finally have a deal to renew an interstate medical compact. Without it, 8,000 doctors could lose their ability to practice across state lines.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan boosts bed capacity in ‘horribly underserved’ mental health system
Michigan mental health care providers, patients and their families and law enforcement have said the state does not have enough resources to care for people in psychiatric crisis.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan can ease doctor shortage by raising pay for primary care, group says
The Michigan State Medical Society has weighed in with a 14-point plan to address health care provider shortages that are leading to long waits and higher costs.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Amid Temple Israel horror, a small act of kindness — and pizza in Michigan
As emergency vehicles screamed past and the Soul Cafe went into lockdown, staff continued to do what they know: bake and serve.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan confirms third pediatric flu death, first measles case of year
Michigan health officials confirm a third pediatric flu death, and the state reports its first measles case of 2026.