Updates About Press Releases

MDHHS Reaffirms Support for Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccination Following Federal Delay The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a statement this week in response to the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ decision to delay its recommendation on administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The department stressed the importance of early protection against hepatitis B and encouraged families and health providers to continue following the immunization schedules outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. With an estimated 1.6 million Americans living with chronic hepatitis B, postponing the birth dose could reverse years of progress and lead to avoidable infections. The vaccine has a decades-long record of safety and effectiveness, virtually eliminating hepatitis B among children since universal newborn immunization began in 2002.

According to state Attorney General Dana Nessel, every state and territorial attorneys general in the United States (55 in total) has unanimously agreed to sign onto a $7.4 billion nationwide settlement with pharmaceutical giant Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, over their role in the country’s opioid crisis. The agreement, which would resolve years of litigation, marks the largest settlement to date involving names associated with causing the epidemic. It would permanently end the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and bar them from future opioid sales anywhere in the nation.

Michigan could receive up to $154 million over 15 years to fund addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery programs, with most of the funds distributed in the first three years. Nessel highlighted the progress Michigan has already made from previous settlements with over $1.6 billion secured during her tenure, contributing to a 34% drop in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024. Final approval of the Purdue settlement now depends on bankruptcy court proceedings and local government participation.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking applications for its Civil Monetary Penalty Reinvestment Program, which funds projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for nursing home residents. Eligible organizations, including hospitals, academic institutions, nursing facilities, and nonprofit groups, can apply for grants to support innovative programs that go beyond standard care requirements. A total of $5 million is available for projects running from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

Interested applicants must register for the EGrAMS system and request an application by May 16 at 5 pm, with completed applications due by May 22 at 3 pm. MDHHS will also host a pre-application conference on April 8 at 1:30 pm to provide guidance on the grant process. For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS Health and Aging Services Administration website.