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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.
Articles
Nurses condemn McLaren Health Care for lack of transparency on finances, protective gear
10 unions representing nurses at McLaren hospitals in Michigan say the health care provider is not transparent about finances, PPE.
Coronavirus came to Michigan earlier than thought, records show
Records detailing when coronavirus victims first felt symptoms show that coronavirus came sooner to Michigan than originally believed, and the decline in the state has lasted longer.
Coronavirus is isolating children. How to help them thrive.
For some kids, the loss of school routine, interaction with friends, teachers and relatives compounds the stress of quarantine. Social interaction is the primary way that children learn.
Inflammatory syndrome tied to coronavirus sickens two dozen Michigan kids
Doctors are warning parents to watch for symptoms of pediatric multi-inflammatory syndrome tied to COVID-19 that can impact the heart. They urge parents to call their pediatrician early if symptoms appear.
Anti-vaccine and conspiracy activists tied to Lansing coronavirus protests
Protest organizers include at least six people connected to the “medical freedom” movement, with some promoting conspiracies about the pandemic and vaccine testing. The protest comes as health officials report steep declines in child immunization rates in Michigan.
Independent doctors’ offices in Michigan under threat from coronavirus
Financial pressures from the pandemic could spell the end of more independent medical practices in Michigan, which critics fear will result in less personalized care and fewer doctors in rural regions.
Wednesday Coronavirus Q&A: Antibody tests and marriage licenses
Can my employer force me to come back to work? Will I lose my unemployment benefits? Bridge answers these questions and many more in a feature to address the rapidly evolving health threat.
Health board accuses Michigan State Police of being lax on Capitol protesters
An Ingham County community health board said state and Lansing officials endanger public safety by not cracking down on anti-Whitmer protesters who do not follow restrictions intended to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Police say they will take enforcement action when necessary.
See how the coronavirus has affected regions of Michigan differently
Michigan releases daily reports on case counts from eight regions across the state. There are few cases in northern Michigan and declining ones in Metro Detroit. But the southwest and west parts of Michigan are still seeing elevated case counts.
Bound by faith, a Michigan couple journeys back from COVID-19’s clutches
The Inkster couple who did everything together journeys back from the brink of death. Their story demonstrates that leaving the hospital is just one step in a long way back from COVID-19.
In Michigan, 23K are ‘recovered’ from COVID. Many still feel like hell.
Destroyed kidneys, ravaged lungs and liver — the coronavirus that nearly killed some patients leaves them struggling to do everyday tasks long after Michigan considers them ‘recovered.’
Michigan’s definition of coronavirus ‘recovery’ looser than other states
Michigan counts those “who are 30 days out from their onset of illness” as recovered. The definition reflects the disconnect between data and real life underscores both the shortcomings in reporting.
Michigan launches coronavirus contact tracing. Here’s what you need to know.
Contact tracers are a key to reopening Michigan safely. With some setbacks, the state is on track to meet the need. On Saturday, state officials announced a contract with a company affiliated with billionaire Dan Gilbert to help the effort.
Part nurse, part detective: A day in the life of a Michigan contact tracer
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit Michigan, Christina Zilke has been on a mission to make sure COVID-19 carriers don’t spread the disease. Soon, there will be thousands of others like her tracing the movements and staying in touch with those infected by the illness.
Detroit's $9 million field hospital shuts after treating 39 COVID patients
The 1,000-bed temporary hospital at TCF Center in Detroit releases its final patient. A spokesperson for the federal government stresses the closure isn’t necessarily permanent and will be ready in case there is a second wave of the coronavirus.
Treatment and trials go on, but Michigan doctors split on coronavirus drug
Hydroxychloroquine was touted early on as possible treatment for COVID-19 patients, but a growing body of research points to possibly deadly side effects
Why a coronavirus vaccine takes so long, and some possible shortcuts
Labs across the globe are racing to develop a vaccine, with unlimited funding from governments and philanthropy. Still, human testing takes time and precision, making a one-year prediction optimistic at best.
Plasma may hold promise for Michigan coronavirus patients, but where is it?
Some families turn to social media as doctors work the phones trying to find plasma donors among those who beat the virus, a treatment with early promise but for which proven benefits are not yet known.
With higher suicide risk during coronavirus, Michigan makes plans to help
Mental health advocates highlight a rise in anxiety from the pandemic and economic disruption in Michigan, as experts devise ways to help health care workers and ordinary residents in an extraordinary time.
Detroit children’s hospital ousts 25 pediatricians in war with Wayne State
Wayne State University School of Medicine’s new dean calls the action an “egregious” violation of the Detroit Medical Center’s mission. It’s the latest turn in a years’ long legal drama.