Health isn’t just influenced by the choices we make. It’s also determined by public policy.

A new report reached this conclusion after examining how health in Michigan is limping behind others around the country. On average, resident lifespans are shorter, infant mortality rates are higher, and Michiganders are more likely to suffer from cancer and other diseases than their peers in other states. 

Karley Abramson is a health policy research associate for the Citizens Research Council, which published the report. She spoke with host Robyn Vincent.