Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
New York Governor Launches Expanded Mental Health Initiatives
Gov. Kathy Hochul is, CBS News says, “doubling down” on her pledge to tackle mental health in the state — including with 1,000 more beds toward in-patient capacity. Meanwhile, in Florida, the Senate is set to pass a broad health care plan that includes efforts to boost the number of doctors.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on mental health, “clown cardio,” padel, and more.
Editorial writers tackle abortion rights, microplastics, prescription drugs and more.
Ohio Won’t Indict Woman Who Miscarried A Nonviable Fetus
Brittany Watts, 34, was arrested after suffering a miscarriage in her bathroom and trying to flush the remains down the toilet. She had previously visited a hospital several times, where doctors ruled the fetus was not viable. On one trip, she waited for eight hours as an ethics board determined what to do, The New York Times wrote.
Depression During Or After Pregnancy Linked To Higher Suicide Risk
New research shows that people who develop depression during pregnancy or soon after are at a greater risk of attempting suicide for a number of years after. Other reproductive health news reports on postpartum depression, midwifery services, and more.
FDA: No Link Between Suicidal Thoughts And Weight-Loss Drugs
In positive news for the millions of people already taking GLP-1 drugs, the pharmaceuticals are not linked to adverse-event reports of suicidal thoughts or actions, preliminary analysis by the FDA found. It wasn’t possible to rule out a “small risk” however, and further monitoring will now happen.
Fentanyl Poisonings Pushed Teen Overdose Rates To Record High In 2022
The fentanyl overdoses came from counterfeit pills, a new study based on CDC data says. Meanwhile, rapper Jelly Roll spoke in front of Congress to tackle the deadly spread of fentanyl across the country. Also in the news: A landmark study finds prescribed opioids can reduce deaths and overdoses.
Hormone-Disrupting Plastic Chemicals Cost US Billions Annually
In 2018 alone, the tally reached $249 billion, a new study found. The endocrine-disrupting chemicals from plastics are linked with illnesses that drive up health care costs, CNN explains. Also in the news: the role “high touch” surfaces like bed rails have in spreading pathogens in hospitals.
In Philly Measles Outbreak, A Child Was Sent To Day Care, Breaking Quarantine
NBC News says that during the outbreak, which has affected at least eight people, an unvaccinated child who had been exposed to measles was then was sent to day care, despite quarantine instructions. Measles in a children’s hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, is also in the news.
Senate Preps For Stopgap Funding Measure While House At Impasse
Lawmakers are now in recess for the holiday weekend, while the clock ticks down on a first deadline before a partial government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson continues to try to navigate between the demands of hard-right Republicans and the rest of his caucus.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: First Edition will not be published Monday, Jan. 15. Look for us in your inbox Tuesday.
FDA Says French Syphilis Drug Can Be Imported To Tackle Shortages
In June, Pfizer warned it would run out of its Bicillin L-A drug in the face of high demand, so the FDA has now temporarily allowed import of a drug from France’s Laboratoires Delbert. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, authorities seized a poisonous solvent that was used in cough syrup.
Spotlight Falls On US Diet Panel Member’s Ties To Alcohol Industry
The New York Times says the national organization charged with assembling a committee to examine evidence about drinking and health has chosen a new panelist who has financial ties to the alcohol industry shortly after it dropped two scientists with financial interest conflicts.
Study Found 60% Of Doctors On DSM-5 Panel Received Industry Payments
The payments totaled over $14 million, the study found, and raise questions about the editorial independence of the psychiatric “bible.” A separate study looked into ADHD treatment during the pandemic and concluded that prescriptions for adults surged, helping to fuel drug shortages.
Your High Rent May Be Hurting Your Health, Shortening Your Life: Report
A recent study linked paying a higher proportion of income on rent with poorer health experiences and a greater risk of premature death. Meanwhile, other researchers found Black Americans are facing higher stroke risks at a younger age than white patients, although overall stroke rates fell.
Reflecting Growing Demand For Care, Gender Dysphoria Cases Are Rising
Nearly every state saw a rise in gender dysphoria diagnoses between 2018 and 2022, a new report shows, with only South Dakota showing a fall. The report suggests increases are due to trans and gender issues being “more accepted by society.” In Ohio, the House voted to restrict gender care for minors.
Editorial writers discuss private equity firms, transgender health care, botox and more.
Research Roundup: Neurodegenerative Diseases; Covid; Mpox; More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Record-Breaking 20 Million Sign Up For 2024 Obamacare Plan
With the Jan. 17 open enrollment deadline approaching, CMS announced Wednesday that over 20 million people have signed up so far for an Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance plan. That number surpasses last year’s record tally of 16 million.