Latest KFF Health News Stories
Joyous Super Bowl Celebration Turns To Horror After Gunfire Erupts In KC
Tens of thousands of people fled the scene in chaos after shots were fired into the crowd, killing one woman and injuring 21 other people, including children. The attack came on the sixth anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 people.
NIH Boosts Long Covid Study Funding By $515 Million
This is a nearly 50% increase on the project’s budget, Stat reports. Separately, research found that the risk of suffering chronic fatigue is much higher among covid patients than for people who haven’t had covid. Scientists also concluded that covid home test accuracy matches clinician-given tests.
Eicos Science Injection Is First FDA-Approved Frostbite Treatment
The drug will be sold under the brand name Aurlumyn and is expected to be available in the spring, though pricing is not yet known. Meanwhile, prescriptions for the first pill to treat postpartum depression are said to be “off to a promising start” after its launch.
To Tackle Staffing Shortage, University Of Georgia Gets A Medical School
The university will launch an independent medical school amid the ongoing shortage of medical professionals. In other industry news, cyberattacks on hospitals are expected to increase; some services are restored at Lurie Children’s Hospital after a cyberattack; and more.
Fitness Tracker Data Hints At Body Temps As A Depression Symptom
A new study found participants with higher body temperatures also reported higher rates of depressive symptoms, though it’s not clear which way the causal link flows. Also in the news: Science finds walking, yoga and strength training can tackle depression as well as therapy.
1,000 People A Day Signed Up In North Carolina’s Medicaid Expansion
When North Carolina launched its Medicaid expansion on Dec. 1, it was estimated some 600,000 people would get coverage over two years. In the first two months, 58% of that goal has been reached. Also in the news: nearly all states have extended postpartum coverage; and California’s new Medi-Cal eligibility rules.
FTC To Investigate How Purchasing Organizations Impact Drug Shortages
Stat reports that the FTC will look into the role that group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and wholesalers play in controlling the availability and cost of critical medicines to hospitals and other medical facilities in the U.S.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss conversion therapy, medical aid in dying, maternal assistance, and more.
Perspectives: Why Is Use Of The ‘Polypill’ Not Being Implemented Everywhere?
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Harvard Awarded CARB-X Funds To Develop Oral Antibiotics
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Talks Among Lawmakers On Medicare Doctor Payments Float Partial Increase
Stat reports that congressional lawmakers are considering a partial adjustment to Medicare physician pay cuts that were enacted this year. Doctors have been lobbying Congress to make the change in the next spending bill.
Senator Says Company Tracked, Sold Data On Planned Parenthood Visits For Anti-Abortion Ads
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote to the FTC and SEC, asking the agencies to investigate allegations that a private location data company, Near Intelligence, tracked visits to 600 Planned Parenthood locations across 48 states and sold that data for use in a targeted anti-abortion ad campaign.
No Change Yet: CDC Says 5-Day Covid Isolation Is Still The Guideline
The potential downgrade in isolation time was reported earlier this week, but NBC News says that discussions surrounding any updates to overall covid guidelines are still in a very early stage. Other covid-related news is on pregnant women who develop long covid, long covid’s effect on relationships, and more. RSV, the plague, and measles are also in the news.
Funding For Women-Led Health Startups Surged Over 2000% In 2023
Bloomberg reported that women-led firms received $52 million in funding — 31% of all funding dollars allocated last year — compared with just $2 million, or 1.4%, in 2022. Other news is from Sanford Health, Merakey, Elwyn, Redesign Health, HCA, and more.
Just 2,000 Patients Are Taking Leqembi, The $26,500-A-Year Alzheimer’s Drug
But Biogen says it expected the slow uptake. Before receiving the drug, patients must have a brain scan or a spinal tap to confirm they are candidates for the treatment.
CDC Data Shows Spike In Maternal Syphilis Rates
Data published by the CDC this week shows that U.S. maternal syphilis rates rose 222% from 2016 to 2022. Other public health news stories report on cancer, depression, and more.
San Diego County Faces Cross-Border Contamination From Sewage Flow
The transboundary sewage stream comes from Tijuana, Mexico, and the chemicals and pathogens are transmitting in California via water, air, and soil. News from across the nation also comes from Texas, Colorado, the District of Columbia, and Massachusetts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Cigar Makers Push Back As White House Mulls Ban On Flavored Tobacco
In related news, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports on plans from Rutgers University to study the proposed menthol cigarette ban and its impact on on Black and Hispanic communities, and the AP reports on which states have banned smoking in cars with kids. Also in public health news: Agent Orange disability benefits and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization.