Michigan DHHS News

Michigan Awards Healthy Kids Dental Contract to Delta Dental of Michigan

Michigan DHHS awarded the Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) contract to Delta Dental of Michigan. The program covers approximately 955,000 children under age 21 enrolled in Medicaid. The five-year contract begins October 1, 2026, with three one-year extension options.

MDHHS Encourages Syphilis Testing During STI Awareness Week; Cases Up 50%

MDHHS is urging Michigan residents to get tested for syphilis during STI Awareness Week (April 12-18) following a 50% increase in symptomatic and infectious syphilis cases over the past decade. Preliminary 2025 data show rising rates across all populations, including a record 58 congenital syphilis cases in 2024 — the highest in Michigan in over 30 years. The department recommends regular testing, early prenatal care with syphilis screening in the first and third trimesters, and consideration of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) for exposed individuals.

Michigan Loan Repayment Program for SUD Providers, April 30 Deadline

Michigan DHHS announced the opening of the application period for the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program (MIOTA) through April 30, 2026. The program provides $15,000 to $30,000 in student loan repayment assistance to healthcare providers who begin or expand opioid addiction treatment services. Eligible providers include medical doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case managers, and SUD counselors working in various healthcare settings.

Michigan licenses second dental therapist to help increase access to dental care

Michigan DHHS announced the licensing of the state's second dental therapist, Jamie Toney, who will practice at The Wellness Plan Medical Center in Metro Detroit. The announcement also highlighted Ferris State University's development of Michigan's first dental therapy training program, led by Dr. Deborah Brown, with MDHHS providing $85,000 in federal HRSA grant funding to support program development.

Measles Outbreak Response - Early MMR Vaccination for Infants

MDHHS issued health guidance recommending early MMR vaccination for infants ages 6-11 months in seven Michigan counties due to possible community measles transmission. Eight measles cases have been identified in Washtenaw and Monroe counties. The early vaccination recommendation remains in effect until May 16, 2026.

MDHHS Seeks Applications for Victim Advocacy and Response Services Grant

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking applications for victim advocacy and system response services through the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grants program. Approximately $1.763 million is available, with grant applications due May 1, 2026.

Michigan Launches New Sickle Cell Disease Strategic Plan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has released a new strategic plan for 2026-2030 to improve care and services for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). The plan focuses on reducing barriers to care for adults and builds upon previous initiatives, incorporating community input to expand access and strengthen public health surveillance.

Measles Outbreak Confirmed in Washtenaw County, Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed a measles outbreak in Washtenaw County with three linked cases reported since March 12. Public health officials are urging residents to ensure they are up to date on MMR vaccinations, especially with increased travel during spring break.

MDHHS Public Hearing on Weatherization Plan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting a public hearing on its 2026 Weatherization Assistance Program State Plan. The plan covers July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and includes updates to subgrantees, technical documents, and training plans.

Hometown Health Heroes Honored for Contributions to Michigan Residents

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the 2026 Hometown Health Hero Award winners for their contributions to public health. Ten individuals and organizations were recognized for improving the health and well-being of Michigan residents.

Michigan Behavioral Health Investments and New Psychiatric Hospital

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the upcoming opening of a new psychiatric hospital in Southeast Michigan, slated to open this fall with 264 beds. The state has invested $383.4 million in this project as part of its commitment to expanding behavioral health care services for Michigan families.

MDHHS Severe Weather Safety Tips and Resources

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued guidance on severe weather safety and preparedness resources. This notice coincides with Severe Weather Awareness Week and provides links to emergency planning, carbon monoxide poisoning prevention, and flood safety information for Michigan residents.

MDHHS Director Visits Behavioral Health Facilities

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel visited Hegira Health and Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network facilities to discuss expanding access to behavioral health care. The visit highlighted investments in psychiatric residential treatment facilities and crisis care campuses, including a $60 million appropriation for DWIHN's Integrated Crisis Care Campus.

MDHHS Launches Phase 2 Juvenile Justice Bed Management Tool

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the launch of phase 2 enhancements to its statewide Juvenile Justice Bed Management Tool. These updates aim to streamline youth placement coordination, improve real-time reporting, and enhance residential treatment matching.

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Firefighter Health Screenings

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking proposals for a grant opportunity to provide preventive health screenings for firefighters. A total of $3.5 million is available over three years to fund qualified entities for early detection of occupational illnesses.