Latest news with #CBSNewsDetroit
CBS News
19-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Michigan officials warn against touching foam on lakes, rivers
The foam people can find on shorelines in Michigan doesn't just smell a little gross; state officials say it's dangerous to touch and accidentally consume. Officials say a combination of water movement, pollution, or natural contaminants causes foam to form. The foam developing at Thompson Lake in Livingston County is similar to what you'll find in lakes and streams across the state. "Just when water is churned up, foam can occur, and it can be a bright white foam. It can be an off white or brown color," said Andrea Keatley, a manager in environmental assessment with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Keatley said MDHHS is trying to get the word out as more people go to the water as the weather warms. "We want to make sure that people are avoiding that contact of that foam and really important to have them to wash it off if they do come in contact with it, just to reduce their exposure to what could be in that foam," said Keatley. She said the foam can have bacteria and pollutants like forever chemicals, also called PFAS. "We're really concerned about people that it accidentally get it into their mouth and swallowing it," said Keatley. She told CBS News Detroit that the foam on the shoreline doesn't mean you must avoid the water altogether. Instead, ensure you rinse off after being in lake or river water. "Clear water is good to rinse off," she said. The same goes for pups. They shouldn't be allowed to eat the foam; if they go into the lake water, they need a bath with fresh water when they get home. "Break down the dirt and the stuff that could be trapped in the fur or on your skin is always really good practice," Keatley said.
CBS News
05-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Michigan recovery support organization turns to community after federal funding cuts
Recovery Advocates in Livingston (RAIL) in Southeast Michigan says its federal government funding has been cut. Now, the organization is turning to the community to help those in need. Matthew Barton, a RAIL coordinator, tells CBS News Detroit that the funding cut was abrupt but not entirely unexpected. "(It was) terrible news because it is definitely a large part of our funding structure," said Barton. He said RAIL was receiving funding from American Rescue Plan dollars. However, the Trump Administration cut billions of dollars in March, which is a significant blow to the recovery house they run in Howell. RAIL is asking for donations to keep its sober house open in the coming months. An anonymous donor has offered to match donations up to $20,000. "The stop work order will definitely put the house in jeopardy," said Barton. The house is still up and running, just on a month-to-month basis, with money from Community Mental Health Services of Livingston County. "These women need stability; they need to be able to focus on their recovery and their sobriety," Barton said. "So to have in the back in their mind the fear that they could be homeless is just something we don't want to put them through." The recovery house has six beds and it's staffed 24/7 for support. Barton estimates each bed costs about $500 a month. "No matter what happens in Washington or in Lansing, these women's lives continue in Howell," he said. "They still have to get up every morning, put their foot forward, realizing they want to be sober and they want to better their lives, and they need the support."
CBS News
04-05-2025
- CBS News
1 dead, 1 in custody after shooting on Detroit's west side
14-year-old lured to Northville Township home; Pistons season ends in playoffs; more top stories 14-year-old lured to Northville Township home; Pistons season ends in playoffs; more top stories 14-year-old lured to Northville Township home; Pistons season ends in playoffs; more top stories A male is dead and another person is in custody after a shooting on Detroit's west side Sunday morning, according to police. The incident happened on the 700 block of Grand Boulevard around 10:30 a.m. Detroit police Commander Ian Severy says a dispute between the male and another person led to shots being fired. The male died from gunshot wounds. The other person involved in the dispute is in custody, and officials say they're cooperating with investigators. CBS News Detroit It's unknown if the two people knew each other. Severy says Sunday's shooting had no impact on Detroit's Cinco de Mayo parade, which happened around four miles west of the incident.
CBS News
29-04-2025
- CBS News
Two teenagers critically injured as a result of a shooting in Hamtramck
Farmington Hills deer decision; Trump to speak in Warren; Pistons in playoffs; and more top stories. Farmington Hills deer decision; Trump to speak in Warren; Pistons in playoffs; and more top stories. Farmington Hills deer decision; Trump to speak in Warren; Pistons in playoffs; and more top stories. Two teenagers, a 16-year-old female and a 17-year-old male, were injured during a shooting Monday night in Hamtramck, Michigan. Both victims were listed in critical, but stable, condition by Tuesday morning, Hamtramck Police Chief Jamiel S. Altaheri said. A suspect has been identified although is not yet in custody. Officers are looking for him and the investigation is continuing. The shooting happened about 8:27 p.m. in the area of Circle Drive and Grand Haven in the Colonel Hamtramck Homes neighborhood. After police arrived, officers provided immediate medical attention and the two were then transported to Detroit Hospital. Multiple shell casings were recovered during a search for evidence. "We appreciate the community's help in identifying the suspect and our prayers are with both victims. ... No officers were injured and there is no threat to the community at this time," Altaheri said about the shooting. "We have good relations with the community here, everyone here, from the elders, the young," he said. "We had a couple of events here. Just at this location — we had a turkey giveaway, Christmas event, a coat drive. So everybody here is very supportive. It's just unfortunate, this situation does not represent the entire community." Police investigate a shooting incident April 28, 2025, in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan. CBS News Detroit
CBS News
25-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
A look into medical bill debt in Michigan
From utilities to car payments, millions are paying bills. In Michigan, 116 nonprofit hospitals receive over $1 billion in tax benefits thanks to the Affordable Care Act. The purpose is to make healthcare accessible for everyone. Jared Walker is with DollarFor, a nonprofit that aims to help patients access financial assistance. The organization sees thousands of patients weekly who need help with medical debt. "Hospitals have been able to keep their tax-exempt status for a long time and not provide the community benefit that they are supposed to," Walker said. According to tax data from the Henry Ford Health system, the organization collected over $16 million from patients who were eligible for community benefits in 2022. Experts say many hospitals aren't telling patients that help is out there. "If it's available, they should offer it to you," Donald Pintor said. Pintor and his wife, Laura, from Rock, Michigan, have been together for over 40 years. In October 2023, tragedy struck when Laura Pintor experienced severe neck pain. "Once we got up to Marquette in the emergency room, I don't remember anything. I was out," she said. After two hospitals couldn't determine what caused the medical emergency, she was life-flighted to Henry Ford Health in Detroit. It was determined that she was bleeding in her brain. Doctors said it was a medical mystery. "Most people don't get here, they told me. She should have died," Donald Pintor told CBS News Detroit. Eventually, doctors told the family that Laura Pintor's bleeding had suddenly stopped. That's when she was able to head home. "The community pulled together, and it still amazes me," she said. Fundraising helped the Pintors collect half, but they still had to fork over another $10,000. "A patient should not be able to leave the hospital without knowing what they are eligible for with their financial assistance," Walker said. Data shows that Henry Ford uses federal poverty guidelines to determine if someone qualifies for free care if their income is at or below 250%. For example, it would total just under $38,000 for one person. But there's also a sliding-scale discount of up to 400%. Experts say the system needs a significant overhaul. "You can get a discount if you're single, making $60,000," said Walker. "A lot of people leave the hospital having no idea that these (discounts) exist, and I think that's by design." Henry sent CBS News Detroit the following statement: "As a non-profit healthcare institution that has served our community for 110 years and counting, caring for all our patients – regardless of socio-economic status – is central to our identity and mission. We are proud to have a variety of resources available to help our patients navigate the financial side of their care, including embedding financial counselors in our emergency departments, in our hospital inpatient units, and at our cancer center. To further summarize our financial assistance, we: Provided over $85 million in financial assistance to 240,000 patients in 2024 alone, resulting in a partial or full discount to their balances. Provide financial assistance for about 20,000 patients per month. Connect patients to financial assistance programs, both within and outside our organization. Help our patients apply for financial assistance programs. Offer financial counseling to patients to explore whether they qualify for coverage like Medicaid, Medicare, or Marketplace subsidies. Work with patients to create payment plans personalized to their unique circumstances. Aim to provide financial assistance to qualified patients who lack financial means. "We communicate about these resources clearly and in a number of ways, including paper billing statements, email, text message, MyChart message and more. Beyond that, we encourage our patients to either call (313) 874-7800 or visit to learn more about the vast resources at their fingertips, or go to MyChart to complete an online financial assistance application." Laura Pintor's health has since improved. It's been over a year, and the family is still paying medical bills. The family is within the 400% eligibility. They're baffled to know…they may have been able to get help. "It was such a shock. It was like right after Christmas. And I'm like, 'Oh boy, Merry Christmas,'" Laura Pintor said. The family is within the 400 percent eligibility. They're baffled to know they may have been able to get help.
