Robin Erb

Michigan has been expanding treatment services for those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Now, it offers a mapping tool so consumers can find that help. (Shutterstock)

Prentiss Jones leads a unique toxicology program at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine. Alongside the medical examiner in Kalamazoo, the program, known as ‘STORM,’ quickly identifies drugs behind overdose deaths. (Bridge photo by Mark Bugnaski)

Nancy King’s daughter, Marissa, died of a heroin overdose in 2012. In the aftermath, King began distributing the first Narcan (naloxone) in Kalamazoo and established the city’s first needle exchange program. (Bridge photo by Robin Erb)

Stevie Hatch grew up with cousin Dustin Marshall, a jokester to his family and a chef at several Kalamazoo restaurants. He was one of at least seven people who died of an overdose in April 2023. (Bridge photo by Mark Bugnaski)

From brown teeth in Colorado to a national experiment in Grand Rapids, research once led to widespread acceptance of US fluoridated water. Decades later, some say it’s time to rethink that approach.

Plan First, a trimmed down Medicaid plan, offers reproductive-services insurance for about 20,000 Michiganders — some who don’t realize they’re covered. (Shutterstock)

The CDC recommends nearly everyone over 6 months old receive a yearly flu shot. (Shutterstock)

Portions of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which called for a reduction in drug prices, continue to click into place, including a $2,000 cap in 2025 for some Medicare beneficiaries. But there are limits.

Healthier meals for some low-income Michiganders are part of a “food as medicine” effort and theoretically cut overall health care costs, according to some experts.

Dr. Arnold Beresh, a former foot surgeon, sits with his wife, Michele Beresh, at their home. Diagnosed with early-onset dementia at 61, Dr. Beresh is among a national group of people with dementia challenging perceptions of the condition. (Bridge photo by Brayan Gutierrez)