Public News Service

Through the SMART apprenticeship program in Michigan, a school psychology graduate student earns $25 per hour for 20 hours a week, for 30 weeks. (Monkey Business)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

MI schools seek solutions as pandemic mental health funding ends

Special state funding for mental health staff at Michigan public schools during the pandemic is ending this year, leaving schools scrambling to find …

An emergency order in Michigan bars lactating cattle from being displayed until the state passes 60 days with no new dairy farm detections. (Chanidapha)

Monday, May 6, 2024

Emergency avian flu safety guidelines begin this week in Michigan

Michigan farmers are responding to the new Avian Flu "Extraordinary Emergency" order from MDARD, Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Rural …

Research shows those hospitalized for suicide risk face an elevated risk of dying by suicide post-discharge, making it a critical time for patients to have access to resources, support and care to help keep them safe in the event of a crisis. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Michigan hospitals embrace suicide prevention, support

Recent research shows approximately half of people who die by suicide had contact with a health care professional within the month prior to their deat…

MDHHS reports many cardiac deaths among young people in Michigan could be prevented through screening, detection and treatment. (Rawpixel.com)

MI high school coaches will need CPR, AED certification

Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of about 250 Michigan children and young adults each year. Legislation signed into law over the weekend aims …

In March 1961, Dr. Jack Fishman and Dr. Mozes Lewenstein applied for one of the first patents for naloxone. (oasisamuel/Adobe Stock)

'Lazarus drug' may have competition in MI

After more than 50 years of use, some Michigan lawmakers say naloxone may not be the best choice in an overdose situation. Naloxone is sometimes …

This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the calendar year 2025 rate announcement for the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs. CMS's final ruling from 2022 will lead to the new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan in Michigan. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

MI HealthLink pilot program to transform by 2026

Michigan's HealthLink pilot program is planning to transition into a new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. The new program will …

The Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, formed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and led by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, took a comprehensive look at the state's system and released its report in July 2022 with 32 recommendations for improving Michigan's juvenile justice system. (Oleg Kozlovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees

Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

Mental-health treatment is rare in jails and prisons, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (lagano/Adobe Stock)

Care, Not Criminalization: alternative to MI incarceration for mental health

March is National Criminal Justice Month, and advocates say people with mental illness are over-represented in jails and prisons. According to the …

Motor vehicle emissions contribute to ozone, particulate matter and air toxics, which are linked with premature death and other serious health impacts, including respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems and cancer. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

EPA offers longer rollout for emissions rules on light-duty vehicles

The Environmental Protection Agency is setting stricter limits on vehicle tailpipe emissions through 2032 and giving automakers an additional three ye…

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure the funding for the Western Michigan University project. (VectorMine/Adobe Stock)

WMU secures $2.25 million grant for carbon capture research

Western Michigan University has gotten a significant funding boost, with a grant of more than $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. The …

Although food insecurity can be faced by anyone, Black and Latino children are twice as likely to face hunger because of discrimination based on race. And in 2022, 33% of single-parent families experienced food insecurity. (Piman Khrutmuang/Adobe Stock)

Michigan students get a boost to summer food access

Michigan is planning ahead to make sure kids from lower-income families have enough to eat this summer. The state has opted into a federal food …

The funding increase for community health centers also helps alleviate some of the burdens caused by threats to 340B, the low-cost prescription drug program. A Merck study finds 90% of older adults regularly take at least one prescription drug. (220 Selfmade Studio/Adobe Stock)

MI seniors applaud community health center funding increase

Older adults across Michigan and around the country are applauding a boost in funding for community health centers, thanks to Congress passing a …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in four adults and almost 20% of children in the United States have a seasonal allergy. (Sandor Jackal/Adobe Stock)

How do allergies affect your mood? A Wayne State study hypothesizes

Michigan researchers are examining a possible link between high pollen counts or allergy days and worsening mental health and increased suicide risk…

States including California and Illinois have passed mental health legislation similar to what Michigan is now considering, without seeing increases to insurance premiums. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

MI legislators push for mental-health care access

A House bill aimed at increasing access to mental health care in Michigan could go to a vote on the House floor at any time. Rep. Felicia Brabec…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities in their teeth as those from higher-income families. (Adobe Stock)

MI Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment and what it means for kids

A new Michigan law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in December will expand access to dental care for children statewide. Once funding is approved to …

A 2017 report in the New England Journal of Medicine found, among participants with coronary artery disease, fluctuation in body weight was associated with higher mortality and a higher rate of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Risky post-holiday 'yo-yo' diets can derail heart health

Diet and exercise ads may be all your social media feed is filled with in January, however, resolutions to maintain balance are best for the heart…

Uninsured people are more likely to support public health insurance programs, but are less likely to vote than people with health insurance, according to the American College of Physicians. Studies show this trend has contributed to a lack of Medicaid expansion in states that could benefit from it. (vejaa/Adobe Stock)

Doctors: Nation's health care system can only be improved through voting

Voting is not only good for democracy, it is also good for your health, according to one of the nation's largest medical associations. The American …

In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, studies have shed light on several other potential health benefits associated with vacationing, including decreased depression, less stress and improved productivity. (aanbetta/Adobe Stock)

Heart-healthy holiday travel tips from a cardiologist

AAA is projecting a record 7.5 million air passengers will travel over the next two weeks. Cardiologists and the American Heart Association suggest …

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, reintroduced what is known as the

Small farms, ranches hope for better treatment in new Farm Bill

Congress passed a one-year extension of the current Farm Bill, which means the debate over a new bill will continue well into 2024. Advocacy groups …

The Peterbilt 520 EV, a fully electric garbage truck, made a test run in Portland, Ore., on Nov. 11, 2023. (scharfsinn86/Adobe Stock)

Heavy-duty trucks: Rolling toward electric power?

While lawmakers and environmental groups strive to lower vehicle emissions and the nation's carbon footprint, many truckers see unrealistic …

Stroke is ranked as the second-leading cause of death worldwide, with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million people. (elenabsl/Adobe Stock)

Many good reasons to learn how to spot a stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, so learning how to spot one can be vital in saving your own life, or someone else's…

In the America's Health Rankings report, Michigan ranks 18th among states for childhood immunizations, and 27th for kids getting preventive dental care. (tigercat_lpg/Adobe Stock)

Report shows uptick in mental health concerns for MI women

Michigan women have mental-health concerns at rates higher than the national average, according to a new report. The United Health Foundation …

Climate Change meteorologist Lauren Casey said Halloween pumpkins may rot sooner in the warm October temperature. (climatecentral.org)

Some MI families rethink their Halloween due to climate extremes

Tropical Storm Tammy has sprung back to life over the weekend, sending spooky fears of high winds for trick or treaters along the Eastern Seaboard…

Around 29.6% of nursing homes are experiencing staff shortages in Michigan. Paid leave means families can provide care for their aging relatives at home. MLPP says this could reduce nursing home use and may increase recruitment and retention of staff. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Paid Family Leave up for vote in MI; advocates say it's long overdue

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has asked Michigan lawmakers to give all workers in the state some "breathing room" by creating a new program to offer them …

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Adobe Stock)

Scams, fraud take mental-health toll, especially on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

Michigan obesity rates have more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the last 30 years. (Adobe Stock)

MI adults learn to 'lead by example' for kids' heart health

Heart disease is Michigan's number one cause of death. This is the time of year that parents can step up their efforts to prevent it - in the next …

Climate change board games emphasize teamwork and group success. Either all players win together, or no one survives. (pathdoc/Adobe Stock)

Climate change: Better understood through board games?

By Debra J. Rosenthal for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Michigan News Connection for the Public News Service-Conversation …

The cannabis chemistry certificate can lead to occupations such as medical lab scientist and other specialization. Wayne State University says it can serve as a solid foundation for further training and coursework. (Sharne T/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI students get ahead of emerging science in cannabis

Cannabis is an emerging science in which students can make new discoveries and contributions. Wayne State University in Michigan has introduced an …

Michigan is among 20 states to receive a multiyear grant from the Pritzker Children's Initiative. (SneakyPeakPoints/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI coalition helps get cash influx to improve childcare

The coalition known as "Think Babies Michigan" has advocated for more than $36 million in funding to offer grants to child-care providers for infants …

The EPA is proposing changes to the federal emission standards to ensure 67% of new light-duty vehicles and 25% of new heavy-duty trucks sold in the United States be electric by 2032. (Valeriia/Adobe Stock)

UAW strike continues: Officials say EPA standards must catch up

Amid the United Auto Workers strike, some advocates argued it is time to implement clean car standards. Gary Schlack, a city council member in Allen …

Tonight: Great Lakes Documentary Premieres in Traverse City

They're calling it an "adventure conservation documentary," and the film has its first showing tonight in Traverse City. "Troubled Water" chronicles …

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources. (Aaron/Adobe Stock)

Comments About EPA's Proposed Rules for Blast Furnaces End Today

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Michigan haven't been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

Water Equals Life is a coalition of water justice advocates, environmental groups and social justice groups who have come together in a statewide campaign to ensure everyone's basic human need for access to clean, safe, and affordable water is met, regardless of income. (Bovart/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Residents Pay Among Highest Water Bills in U.S.

Michigan water rates have surged more than 40% since 2010, and it is a trend that's expected to continue as cities and utilities work to upgrade …

Fermi 2 is a 1,198 MWe General Electric boiling water reactor that began operations in 1985.(spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

DTE Energy Nuclear Plant Closed for Almost 3 Weeks

The Fermi 2 Nuclear Plant has been closed for repairs for almost three weeks. Local residents and advocacy groups in Monroe County are voicing …

Some 70% of Michigan residents are either currently providing care or have provided care in the past for an adult relative or friend. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Adults Strive to Stay Mentally Sharp as They Age

AARP Michigan's Vital Voices survey results are in, and more than 700 Michigan adults 45 and older say they are most concerned with staying mentally …

According to the American Heart Association, people feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct chest-compression rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. (9dreamstudio/Adobe Stock)

From Beyoncé to 'Baby Shark,' the Right Tune Can Save a Life

With popular artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift touring Michigan this summer, the American Heart Association is reminding people that some of …

In 2018, Michigan's Proposal 3 was touted as a

Report Cites 'Flawed' Voter Purges as Unfair

There are many good reasons for states to update their voter rolls in preparation for elections, but a new report contended many are too zealous …

Some 710,500 households currently receive SNAP benefits in Michigan, including more than 531,000 Michigan children (Maksim Kostenko/ Adobe Stock)

Major Win for Michigan with SNAP Asset Test Gone

Michigan families no longer need to spend down their savings and be restricted to having only $15,000 in assets to receive SNAP benefits. Gov…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Adverse Childhood Experiences can have lasting effects on a person's health, behaviors and life. (TSViPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Hope for Michigan's Victims of Toxic Childhood Stress

Caregivers should be on alert for stressors among youth during the summer when children are spending more time at home. Adverse Childhood …

Harmful algal blooms typically occur in Michigan during the summer months and can last well into the fall. (sunday_morning/Adobe Stock)

Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms in MI Recreational Waters

Michigan residents are being warned to be prepared for another season of harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes. The Michigan Department of …

A Nov. 2022 report suggested Michigan fund school transportation needs separately from other education costs, because those needs vary so widely. (oneinchpunch/Adobe Stock)

MI Schools Explore Ways to Battle Chronic Absenteeism

It's hard for kids to think about going back to school quite yet but districts in Michigan are already thinking about how to keep them coming to schoo…

Route Zero Relay recently launched a nine-city tour starting in Los Angeles, California; and made a stop in Motor City, Detroit. The initiative centered around promoting a reduction in pollution from automobiles and more environmentally-friendly transportation and public policy across the country. (chartphoto/Adobe Stock)

Detroit Part of National Tour to Promote Electric Vehicles, New EPA Rules

Cleaner cars and lower emissions across Michigan and the nation are the goals of an event by environmental groups. They are calling attention to an …

Black people, especially women and girls, have endured countless hair services, sometimes painful and damaging to the hair, to maintain hairstyles that might make them less likely to encounter discrimination. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Latest State to Make the CROWN Act Law

When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the CROWN Act into law this month, she tweeted she is "proud to take action to make Michigan a more equitable and …

American families say the lack of cost-effective and available child care is a major problem in their lives, according to the 2023 Kids Count Data Book. (Adobe Stock)

MI Finishes in Bottom Half of Child Well-Being Rankings

Michigan continues to be ranked in the bottom half of U.S. states for child well-being, according to the latest Kids Count Data Book. This year's …

Data from the Prison Policy Institute shows that of the approximately 1 million inmates in state prisons across the United States, one in eight, or 13%, is older than 55. (Adobe Stock)

Grant Awarded to Study Improving Health Care for Imprisoned Seniors

Longer sentences handed out for major crimes in Michigan and other states over the past few decades mean a larger portion of people in state and feder…

Michigan reached a historic low in teen pregnancies in 2020, at just over 12 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19. (Nicholas Felix/peopleimages.com)

MI Women's Health Needs Begin in Adolescence

The need for Michigan women to prioritize their health doesn't stop when National Women's Health Month ends this week. One expert said it is time to …

Research has found that about 90% of individuals who die by suicide experience mental illness, which oftentimes is undiagnosed or untreated. (Adobe Stock)

Hospitals Collaborate on Best Suicide Prevention Practices

Trinity Health Michigan is joining a new nationwide network of hospitals collaborating on suicide prevention. Research shows nearly half the people …

In Michigan and elsewhere, dental therapists ensure that in areas where dentists are hard to find, proper, cost-effective oral health care is available. (sofiko14/Adobe Stock)

Dental Therapists May Provide Vital Care in MI's 'Dental Deserts'

Experts agree that proper dental care is an important part of a person's overall health, but a chronic shortage of dentists makes some parts of …

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MI: Health