Latest KFF Health News Stories
Scientists Identify Genes Linked To Moderate Autism
A report in the Baltimore Sun covers how previously “overlooked” genes have been linked to moderate forms of autism. In other news, scientists are looking at novel viruses to beat problems in gene therapy.
IVF With Frozen Embryos Tied To Risk Of Hypertensive Issues In Pregnancy
Disorders like preeclampsia are more likely if in vitro fertilization processes use frozen embryos, new research finds. Head injuries from aging artificial turf, a spike in Tourette syndrome cases, childhood obesity, life after a monkeypox infection, and more public health stories are also in the news.
Paramedic-Given Ketamine Overdose Found As Cause Of Death In Colorado
The 2019 death of 23 year-old Elijah McClain has become more complex now that an amended autopsy shows McClain’s death was from a too-high dose of ketamine delivered by paramedics. Also in the news: a Juul settlement in Maine, a wrongful death suit in San Mateo, and more.
Insurers Say Medicare Advantage Saves Money. Experts Say No
Stat says while the insurance industry is still trying to convince the public Medicare Advantage saves taxpayer money, experts point to federal data proving the opposite. Also: CommonSpirit Health’s loss of $2 billion, a hospital chain making money off a poor neighborhood, more.
Kaiser Permanente Therapist Strike Talks Fail
Efforts to end the strike over staffing issues and wait times collapsed over the weekend as union members rejected a contract offer. Other news stories cover New Hampshire Hospital’s closure of 48 inpatient psych beds over staff shortages, and other staffing matters.
Stigma And Data Woes Hurt Efforts To Lower Military Suicide Rate
Media outlets cover the crisis in mental health among U.S. military veterans with real suicide rates higher than federal estimates. Incomplete data and the stigma surrounding mental health are stymying efforts to help. Separately, worries over farmer suicide rates are also in the news.
WHO Adviser: Rich Nations Must Help Poorer Beat Incoming Covid Waves
In an interview, World Health Organization senior adviser Bruce Aylward used strong language, saying richer nations would have “blood on [their] hands” if they held back on helping stamp out the pandemic around the world. This comes as some reports say covid is under control in the U.S.
CDC Tweaks Rules On Mask-Wearing In Nursing Homes, Hospitals
The changes, published Friday, will affect facilities other than those in communities seeing high levels of covid-19 transmission. Also Friday, Moderna submitted a request for an EUA of its updated covid booster in youths ages 6-17.
It Took Almost 2 Years: Senate Confirms Indian Health Service Chief
As its permanent director, Roselyn Tso will help develop health care policy for 2.6 million Indigenous people across the nation, according to Source New Mexico. Other news is on the White House hunger summit and the CDC’s Pathogen Genomics Centers of Excellence network.
Judge Allows Arizona Abortion Ban That Stems From 1864 Law
Nearly all abortions are now illegal in Arizona after a Pima County judge revived a ban adopted before Arizona was even a state. The only exception is to save a pregnant person’s life. Abortion providers are expected to challenge the court ruling.
Democrats Stress Abortion ‘Freedom’ Message Ahead Of Midterms
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a Democratic National Committee rally, stressing the how the upcoming elections will impact federal abortion access. Biden suggested he’d support a vote to change filibuster rules if Democrats gain two Senate seats.
Biden Admin To Give $1.5B To States, Tribes To Help Fight Opioid Crisis
Along with the new funding, the Biden administration published new guidance to facilitate greater access to naloxone products, which treat opioid overdoses, and guidance for employers to create “Recovery-Ready Workplaces,” The Hill reported.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on tattoos, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), monkeypox, CTE, yoga, the science of love, and more.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
NIH Reveals Extra $600 Million Funding To Unravel Brain’s Mysteries
The fresh funding adds to the National Institutes of Health’s existing $2.4 billion investment and will go to scientists across the country who are working to better understand the brain and to devise new ways to treat the brain with therapeutics. Also: falling cancer deaths, research into intelligence, and more.
Most States Try To Limit Opioid Treatment Access, Despite Low Uptake
Though federal data show most people needing opioid disorder treatment don’t get it, Side Effects Public Media reports nearly every state has laws limiting access to the programs. In other news, Black and Hispanic kids suffer more from asthma; the dangers of reusable contact lenses; and more.
Los Angeles Schools To Get Naloxone To Combat Overdoses
The move comes after what the L.A. Times calls a “string” of teen overdoses linked to the nationwide opioid crisis and illegal fentanyl. In Nevada, a free discount card for prescription drugs is launched, and in Oregon, a judge ruled against a county’s ban on flavored tobacco.
States Can’t Punish VA Doctors For Providing Abortions, Biden Admin Says
Meanwhile, an unidentified VA medical center recently performed its first abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The VA did not previously provide abortion services, NBC News reported. In other news, Indiana has temporarily restarted providing abortions.
Inflation Drives Drug Prices To Fall In Real Terms
Data reported in Stat show that brand-name drugmakers lifted wholesale prices 4.9% in 2022’s second quarter, but when inflation is included in calculations, prices effectively fell 3.7%. Meanwhile, Axios says Republicans are calling for the repeal of the new drug price limiting law.