Updates About Public Health

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.

Michigan celebrated a milestone in maternal and infant health this year, reporting its lowest infant mortality rate on record. In 2023, the state recorded 607 infant deaths—down from 650 the year before—bringing the overall rate to 6.1 per 1,000 live births. While disparities remain, there was notable progress among Black infants as well, with the mortality rate falling to a historic low of 11.9 per 1,000 live births. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) attributes this encouraging trend to continued investment in programs that strengthen community-centered care, expand access to resources, and support new parents throughout pregnancy and early childhood.

Through its Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative, MDHHS has expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and invested in evidence-based care models like doula services and CenteringPregnancy. Doulas, particularly those serving with organizations like the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, have played a vital role in improving outcomes for women of color by providing trusted emotional and educational support. Meanwhile, programs such as the Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaboratives and MI AIM are working at the hospital and community level to improve access to prenatal care, promote safe sleep practices, and implement safety protocols to reduce complications.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a warning that proposed reductions to the Food Assistance Program’s administrative budget could lead to staffing shortages, reduced access to whole foods, and longer wait times for families seeking support. One of the programs most at risk of significant disruptions is the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which serves pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under five by providing nutritious foods through more than 1,400 contracted vendors across Michigan. Under the Senate’s proposed MDHHS budget, administrative funding would be reduced by $15 million compared to the current fiscal year.

According to department officials, the cuts could result in longer processing times for applications and renewals, especially as federal emergency aid phases out. While core program funding for benefits would remain in place, losses in administrative capacity may hinder the timely delivery of services to eligible families.

You may review the MDHHS presentation on the WIC program here.