Read this month’s newsletter to see the latest local conversations about…
Vaccines:
Growing measles cases in Michigan fueled false claims that the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine is linked to autism.
In response to new mumps infections in the state, some social media users downplayed the risks of the disease and falsely claimed that the MMR vaccine is unnecessary.
Opioids: A Detroit initiative to install harm reduction vending machines sparked debate about free naloxone and data collection.
Family planning and STIs/STDs: Michigan media outlets reported that several Planned Parenthood clinics in the state will close this month, and some social media users wondered where else residents can access reproductive health care.
Scroll down to read more.
Vaccines
In response to more Michigan measles cases, posts falsely link the MMR vaccine to autism
What’s happening:
Recent news articles reported on rising measles cases in Michigan, including an infected 1-year-old in Ingham County. The child, who had recently traveled out of state, may have exposed others to the virus in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing between April 4 and April 8.
In response, some social media users encouraged vaccination. Others, however, repeated common myths about the MMR vaccine, including the false claim that the vaccine is linked to autism.
Why this matters:
As measles cases rise in Michigan, false claims about the disease and the MMR vaccine continue to circulate. Sharing information about MMR vaccine safety is key to encouraging vaccination and preventing further outbreaks.
The false claim that vaccines cause autism was popularized by a small 1998 study that was later retracted, and the study’s author lost his medical license.
As measles outbreaks and deaths occur across the country, making sure children are up to date on vaccines is critical. The CDC recommends that children receive one dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years.
Adults born after 1957 who have not received any MMR vaccines or aren’t sure of their vaccination status should talk to their health care provider about getting vaccinated, especially before travel.
MMR vaccines are available through some health care providers, local health departments, and many pharmacies.
Share this in response
Suggested caption:
Measles is spreading in Michigan now, and the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect kids. It’s safe, it works, and it’s been studied for decades. Children need two doses starting at 12 to 15 months. MMR vaccines may be available from doctor’s offices, local health departments, or many pharmacies.
Michigan’s ninth mumps infection this year sparks debate about the dangers of the disease
What’s happening:
Oakland County recently reported its first mumps infection since 2022, marking the ninth mumps infection reported in Michigan this year.
Some social media users warned that mumps can cause serious complications and encouraged Michigan residents to get the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Others downplayed the risks and questioned the need for the vaccine.
Why this matters:
Measles is sparking more headlines, but the MMR vaccine also protects against mumps and rubella—two serious diseases that are often overlooked. Clear information about mumps can help the public understand the full value of the vaccine.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Mumps spreads easily through saliva or the air when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks.
It often starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
Mumps can also cause serious problems like brain swelling, hearing loss, and even death.
The MMR vaccine is safe and protects against mumps, measles, and rubella.
Share this in response
Suggested caption:
The MMR vaccine protects against more than just measles. It also prevents mumps—another disease that can cause serious problems and even death—and rubella. With cases rising in Michigan, make sure your child gets the MMR vaccine starting at 12 to 15 months. You can find it at doctor’s offices, local health departments or community health boards, or many pharmacies.
Detroit’s new harm reduction vending machines initiate debate over free naloxone and data collection
What’s happening:
Detroit is installing 25 Harm Reduction Wellness Stations in high-traffic areas, offering free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, Plan B, condoms, and more.
Supplies are available through vending machines, countertop units, and newspaper stands.
While many praised the stations, some social media users raised concerns about privacy, especially the questions about age, race, and zip code in the vending machines. Comments also stated the false claim that free naloxone enables substance use.
Why this matters:
Expanding access to harm reduction tools helps save lives and reduce the spread of infectious diseases. While conversations about privacy and data collection are important, the core goal of these stations is to make it easier for Detroit residents to access lifesaving resources when and where they need them.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It is safe and easy to use.
Everyone can carry naloxone—no prescription, ID, or formal medical training is needed.
Naloxone can stop an opioid overdose from becoming fatal. It can restore normal breathing in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of an opioid overdose. It’s easy and safe to use, and everyone can carry it to save a life. Many locations in Michigan offer free naloxone. Find one near you at Michigan.gov/Opioids/Find-Help.
Planned Parenthood closures prompt questions about alternative reproductive health care resources
What’s happening:
On April 3, Michigan news outlets reported that Planned Parenthood clinics in Jackson, Petoskey, and Marquette will permanently close on April 30 due to federal funding cuts, with final appointments scheduled for April 25. Two Ann Arbor clinics will also be consolidated in early May.
Some social media users celebrated the news, suggesting that the closures will lead to fewer abortions in the state.
Others correctly noted that Planned Parenthood provides a wide range of reproductive health services—including contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections—and expressed concern about Michigan residents losing access to those services.
Why this matters:
Clinic closures mean fewer options for birth control, STI testing, and other essential health services. People may be unaware of reproductive health care resources in their area.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Michigan residents can find local health centers offering birth control and STI testing through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Services like birth control, STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception, and medication abortion are available online through Planned Parenthood’s Virtual Health Center.
Planned Parenthood Direct delivers birth control and emergency contraception to patients’ homes, with no in-person appointments required.
Share this in response
Suggested caption:
Some Planned Parenthood clinics in Michigan are closing. Fortunately, there are other ways to access care: -Find local health centers offering STI testing and birth control through MDHHS (go to Michigan.gov/TakeControl)
-See a provider online through Planned Parenthood’s Virtual Health Center (visit bit.ly/44rKmVV) -Get birth control delivered by Planned Parenthood Direct (go to bit.ly/4cME3hV)
Measles is still spreading in Michigan. Correct common false claims about MMR vaccine safety and inform your community that vaccination is the best way to protect against the disease.
Public Good News is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to community health. We partner with trusted local voices throughout the U.S. to distribute accurate, accessible, and inclusive health news in English and Spanish.
