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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
Inspections show death, despair gripped Michigan nursing homes amid pandemic
As the coronavirus ravaged Michigan, nursing home staffers called in sick, faced equipment shortages and struggled to comply with infection controls, inspection reports from the hardest-hit facilities show.
Michigan COVID-19 deaths swell, as state tweaks how it tallies cases
Michigan’s coronavirus caseload has increased by 240 to 5,800 now that “probable” deaths are included. The changing of definitions has caused controversy in other states.
Whitmer eases restrictions on hospital visits as coronavirus spread slows
Families will soon once again be able to visit their loved ones in Michigan hospitals, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer rolled back restrictions put in place in March to tamp down the pandemic.
Insomnia, flashbacks hitting Michigan hospital workers as coronavirus ebbs
Burnout and suicide rates were already high among health care workers. Now, hospital systems and mental health providers are responding to trauma caused by the intensity of responding to COVID-19.
What is my future? How Michigan teens and young adults deal with isolation
Experts expect a wave of mental health issues for adolescents and young adults following months of quarantine during the coronavirus crisis.
Whitmer orders coronavirus protections for Michigan’s migrant farm workers
They harvest much of the fruits and vegetables produced in Michigan. A new executive order will offer them some protections from COVID-19 while they work at farms across the state.
Michigan continues to stumble in tracking coronavirus in nursing homes
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services acknowledges its count of nursing home COVID-19 cases is likely inaccurate. And the agency still cannot accurately list how many senior residents have died from virus complications.
Wanted: Michigan blood samples — lots of them — in fight against COVID-19
A biobank at University of Michigan is collecting blood samples from both sick and healthy people as researchers search for clues to treatment and a vaccine.
Michigan’s Beaumont Health cancels merger with Ohio system, vague on why
Neither Beaumont nor Ohio-based Summa Health offered specifics on why the deal was nixed. Beaumont said, however, that its decision was unrelated to financial losses during the coronavirus crisis.
Michigan nursing homes linked to 1 in 4 coronavirus deaths. Tally will grow.
As questions swirl about transparency of Michigan nursing home data, a Democratic lawmaker slams Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s policies that required homes to accept COVID-19 patients as an ‘epic fail.’
Nearly killed by COVID-19, Michigan doctors, nurses return humbled, smarter
Two new studies suggest 1 in 100 health care workers involved in the care of coronavirus patients may have become infected themselves. Bridge Magazine spoke to some of them about how their experiences changed them.
Backlogged surgeries from coronavirus shutdown could take months to reschedule
Catching up on backlogged appointments — like delayed mammograms, prostate exams, colonoscopies, knee and hip replacement surgeries, and other procedures — won't happen overnight, hospital officials warn.
Michigan appeals court sides with vape shop, against flavored vaping ban
The Michigan Court of Appeals panel upheld a trial court’s injunction against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency rules against flavored vaping products.
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.