Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers discuss teen mental health, organ donation, patient-doctor relationships and more.
Fentanyl-Laced Suspicious Letters Trigger Officials To Stock Naloxone
Voting centers and government buildings in six states have received the tainted letters. Separately, news outlets explain how older Americans are embracing cannabis more than ever; other drugs, including psychedelics, are becoming more acceptable; Oregon is facing pushback over its drug decriminalization program; and more.
Analysis Debunks Idea That Women Aren’t Good Clinical Test Subjects
The issue centers on ideas that women’s cycles and body temperatures make them less suitable as drug trials subjects. Separately, other researchers find that kids’ sleep problems may be inherited, that a neck injection could help with smelling issues in long covid sufferers, and more.
Bayer Must Pay $1.56 Billion Over Claims Roundup Caused Cancer
A Missouri jury ordered the drug manufacturer to pay the compensation to four plaintiffs who claimed the weedkiller caused injuries. Meanwhile, Bayer also suffered a loss as it aborted a large late-stage drug trail into a new anti-clotting drug because it wasn’t effective.
As More Kids Fall Ill From Lead, FDA Screens Imported Cinnamon
Until now, news headlines have centered around fruit pouches as a source for lead poisoning that’s sickened children across at least 22 states, but now the FDA seems to be narrowing in on a potential cause: some imported cinnamon. Meanwhile, dozens have fallen ill from salmonella from cantaloupes.
Ozempic Set To Change This Year’s Thanksgiving Food-Fest
News outlets report on how weight-loss drugs are changing some people’s perceptions of food as Thanksgiving approaches. The cost of the blockbuster drugs is also forecasted to drive up employers’ medical costs next year. Also: how to help teens battle diet culture.
Senators Ask Drugmakers To Explain Shortages Of RSV Drug For Infants
A group of Senate Democrats wrote a letter to AstraZeneca and Sanofi, asking about low supplies of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody that prevents respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants.
Another Hospital Surrounded By Fighting In Northern Gaza
The AP reports on how heavy fighting broke out today around the Indonesian Hospital, which has been shelled. Meanwhile, the large Al Shifa hospital, which had been the subject of previous military action, is described as a “death zone” by the WHO — though some vulnerable babies were evacuated.
Rosalynn Carter, First Lady And Advocate For Mental Health, Dies At 96
Rosalynn Carter died Sunday at her home in Plains, Georgia. News outlets report on her role as a political partner to her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, as well as her tireless advocacy for mental health causes, and the tributes that are pouring in for her.
Turkey With A Side Of Flu: Cases On The Rise Ahead Of Holiday Season
Flu activity has increased sharply, already reaching high levels in seven states. Covid cases are also ticking up.
Iowa, Florida Republican Governors Try To Brush Off Ohio Abortion Rights Vote
The Des Moines Register says Republicans are blaming skewed ads for a resounding vote by the public to support abortion rights in Ohio. GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie, meanwhile, is arguing against the RNC chair’s assertion that abortion is more than a state’s issue.
First Edition: November 20, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine unions and vaccinations, climate change, seniors using pot, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections include stories on midwifery, drug abuse, the Golden Gate Bridge, tattoos, space burial, and more.
US Has Its First Asthma Death At Work In The Cannabis Industry
The woman, 27, suffered a fatal asthma attack while working in a cannabis cultivation and processing facility. Her death has prompted calls for more preventive efforts by the industry. Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota has launched the state’s first cannabis research center.
Doctors Are Disagreeing Over Fairness Reform For Medicaid Pay Panel
Stat says, perhaps unsurprisingly, that doctors who generally get paid more by Medicaid like the current system but doctors who are paid less wish the secretive system would be more fair. Also in health industry news: the CMS pay-for-performance sepsis measurement; ambulance delays; and more.
Kids In Missouri Will Soon Get To Keep Medicaid Coverage For A Year
Missouri is a state that does not normally offer year-long coverage, but that will change for anyone ages 18 and younger who needs Medicaid coverage from January 1. Among other news, a Florida bill would allow the creation of “remote-site” pharmacies.
Data Show Child And Teen Cancer Death Rates Fell 24% In Last 20 Years
The rate dropped by 24% from 2001 to 2021 according to a report from the CDC, though after 2011 only rates for children 9 and younger showed significant declines. Among other news, the FDA has approved AstraZeneca’s Truqap breast cancer drug combo.
FDA Officials Find Worrying Hygiene At Eye Drop Factory In India
Kilitch Healthcare India manufactures eye drops that were being sold in the U.S. until a recent recall. Inspectors visiting the plant found cracked floors, barefoot workers, and altered records. Separately, the FDA cited Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, another India-based drugmaker, for quality-control issues.
Janet Woodcock To Retire As No. 2 At FDA In Early 2024
Principal Deputy FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock confirmed plans to step down from her post early next year, having worked at FDA since 1986. News outlets look back at her record.