Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on mental health, covid, addiction, HIV, homelessness, menopause, coffee drinking and more.
Other Countries Struggle To Get Residents Vaccinated
Russia and Slovakia are in a dispute over the Russian Sputnik vaccine. News on vaccination programs is also from Germany, Italy and Japan.
Another Pandemic Impact: A Mountain of Discarded PPE
The sheer volume of used and discarded masks, gowns and other protective gear generated by the pandemic might cause a problem. In other health care industry news, Michigan hospitals curb elective surgeries because of yet another covid surge there.
Florida Governor Wants Cruise Ships Sailing
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is suing the federal government over cruise line prohibitions. News is also from Texas, Maryland, Indiana and Louisiana.
Fauci Says PPE Shortages Led To Many Health Worker Deaths
In other news about health care workers, Congress is urged to increase funding for training for pediatricians, and a nurse at an assisted-living center was charged with assault after breaking the fingers of a patient.
Study: Learning Stunted By Pandemic
A Dutch study says school closures hurt learning, one of many that have reached that seemingly obvious conclusion. But questions are being raised whether measuring that learning loss harms children.
Suicides Drop During The Pandemic
In other news, a baby comes home from the hospital after 700 days, and a woman discovers she is pregnant the old-fashioned way after getting pregnant through a medical procedure.
Many Lack Health Coverage Before Pregnancy And After Giving Birth
A new study looks at the problems for women getting proper care for pregnancy. Medicaid often provides health care once a woman is pregnant, but in those important months before conception and after the birth of her baby, a woman may not have access to the federal-state program. Some states, including Florida, are looking at extending coverage after the woman delivers her child.
Housing Secretary Unveils Stimulus Grants Aimed To Cut Homelessness
The $5 billion in new funding will help with rental assistance, affordable housing and other programs. In other economic news tied to the pandemic, jobless claims were up this week, and some consumers are having trouble getting federal help on their COBRA premiums.
CDC’s Director Sets Sights On Health Threats Of Systemic Racism
Racism is a “serious public health threat” according to Director Rochelle Walensky, as she revealed a new “Racism and Health” initiative, which is intended to drive change as well as study the issue.
20 Million AstraZeneca Doses Stockpiled In US
In other news from across the country, hucksters tout fake coronavirus cures, and Hollywood thinks it can help correct vaccine misinformation.
Florida’s Covid Hospitalizations Spike After Spring Break
One week after the end of college spring break, Southwest Florida’s hospitals are reporting big increases in covid patient numbers, as the state’s overall daily case numbers hit a total not seen since mid-February.
Study Finds Covid Deaths Of Black Women Are 3 Times White Male Rate
In other medical research news, doctors in Japan have achieved the first living-donor lung tissue transplant for a patient suffering covid lung damage, and the hunt continues for simple and effective treatments for the coronavirus.
J&J Shot Deemed Safe To Use Despite Reactions In Colorado, North Carolina
The CDC and state health officials said they didn’t find any safety issues after several dozen people suffered immediate adverse reactions ranging from dizziness to nausea.
Covid Vaccine Deliveries Are Nearing Public Demand Rates
As covid vaccination eligibility expands, some states are experiencing low uptake, with the AP reporting on Trump-supporting Alabama counties as one example. Elsewhere, vaccine-dose errors hit efforts in Montana, but analysis shows over 50% of U.S. rural residents either already have or are likely to get a shot.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy; Vaccine Equity More Important Than Passports
Opinion writers weigh in on vaccine and covid issues.
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Research Roundup: Covid; Antibiotic Use; Parkinson’s Disease; Melanoma
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Food Aid Cuts Begin In Wisconsin
In other news from the states, Iowa passes changes in mental health funding, and six Atlanta schools will get more access to mental health services.