Washtenaw County Health Department

The Washtenaw County Health Department has closed Independence Lake Beach in Whitmore Lake due to high levels of E. Coli bacteria. WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports.

This is the first significant rise in cases since before the pandemic. WEMU's Taylor Bowie has more.

Racism exists, and it is called a lot of things. One of the more under-represented ways it is characterized is as a public health crisis. All of the evidence shows that is right on target. WEMU's David Fair is joined by the Washtenaw County Health Department's health equity manager, Charyln VanDeventer. She tells us how and where racism shows up as a public health crisis and what's being done about it in our community.

A new report by the Washtenaw County Health Department shows a decrease in the local suicide rate in recent years, but it’s too early to determine if it’s a trend. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

The county has identified its first rabid bat since 2022. WEMU's Taylor Bowie has more.

Washtenaw County is looking to make some changes to its Pollution Preventive Regulation Plan, which oversees protection from hazardous waste spills. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

Washtenaw County Health officials are warning residents of a sharp hike in Lyme disease originating locally. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

The department will now tackle improving access to mental health resources, health care and health food. WEMU's Taylor Bowie has more.

The opioid epidemic is alive and well in Washtenaw County. In addition to prescription medications, fentanyl and heroin continue to claim lives. Fortunately, Narcan is saving lives. The Washtenaw County Health Department has put a focus on harm reduction and recovery when it comes to drug use. through the "It Is Possible" campaign. Communications coordinator Beth Ann Hamilton joined Rylee Barnsdale to discuss educating the efforts.

According to the Washtenaw County Health Department, there were 56 opioid-related deaths in the county in 2023. As WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports, Eastern Michigan University is working to help prevent such deaths on campus.