Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Administration’s Abortion ‘Gag Rule’ Blocked In Maryland By Appeals Court
The rule bans doctors and other medical providers who receive government funding from referring patients for abortion services. In this latest ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit permanently blocked the measure in Maryland. The cases is expected to make its way to the Supreme Court.
‘Very, Very Low Chance’: Top Vaccine Adviser Downplays Chance Of Early Approval
Dr. Moncef Slaoui, the chief scientific adviser for the White House’s “Operation Warp Speed” vaccine program, spoke to NPR about the possibility that a COVID-19 vaccine could be granted Emergency Use Authorization before final clinical trials wrap up: “I think it’s extremely unlikely but not impossible.”
Panel Will Review WHO’s Pandemic Response; Globe Passes 26M Cases
The 11-member independent panel will examine the early spread of the coronavirus and how the World Health Organization managed the public health crisis.
US Threat To Withhold Anti-Doping Funds Could Ban American Athletes From Olympics
The head of the World Anti-Doping Agency warned that U.S. athletes could be barred from participating in international sporting events if the Trump administration makes good on its efforts to pull back $2.7 million in annual funding.
Labor Day Celebrations Bring Fears Of More COVID
With COVID-19 cases still “unacceptably high,” as Dr. Anthony Fauci put it, the holiday weekend could bring even more outbreaks.
Tyson Foods Will Open Health Clinics For Employees Near Some Meat Plants
The Springdale, Arkansas-based company processes about 20% of all beef, pork and chicken in the United States. Earlier this year, the families of three Tyson workers in Iowa who died from the coronavirus sued the company, saying it knowingly put employees at risk. Other coronavirus public health news is on flu season, sleep disruptions and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Will Labor Day Weekend Bring Another Holiday COVID Surge?
Epidemiologists are having a hard time predicting whether Labor Day will be like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, when celebrations fanned the flames in coronavirus hot spots around the South and West.
As Threat of Valley Fever Grows Beyond the Southwest, Push Is On for Vaccine
Efforts are underway to bring to market a vaccine for valley fever, a fungal infection with COVID-like symptoms that occurs in the deserts of the Southwest. The illness is getting more attention as cases rise and a warming climate threatens to spread it through the West.
HHS Plan to Improve Rural Health Focuses on Better Broadband, Telehealth Services
The proposal details a wide-ranging agenda to remedy the gaps in health care and myriad challenges in rural America. In addition to more telehealth options, it includes shifts in hospital payments and expanded funding for school-based mental health programs.
In Legislative Shuffle, California Prioritizes Safety Gear and Sick Leave During Crisis
Lawmakers are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign bills that would address the challenges of the current COVID-19 crisis and help the state prepare for future pandemics.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Pushing Out An Early Vaccine; All Eyes Focus On The FDA’s Integrity
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Research Roundup: COVID; Acute Myocardial Infarction; COPD; Giant Cell Arteritis
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Families Question Why Hospitals Told Black COVID Patients To Go Home
A ProPublica investigation in Louisiana found what it called “a striking pattern: Before they died, about two dozen patients first sought care at a hospital, which then discharged them, in many cases sending them home to die with hospice care. All were Black. The vast majority came from Ochsner Health, the largest hospital network in Louisiana.”
COVID Has Killed More Health Workers In Mexico Than Anywhere Else
Global developments are also reported out of Thailand, Britain, Japan, Switzerland, Congo and other nations.
Mental Health Study: Depression Rates Soar During Pandemic
Half of U.S. adults surveyed by Boston and Brown universities reported at least some signs of depression, such as hopelessness, feeling like a failure or getting little pleasure from doing things.
Medicare To Pay Hospitals $3.5B More For Acute Inpatient Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a final rule estimated to boost Medicare spending by 2.7% for acute care inpatient hospital services.
How Back-To-School is Going (College Fraternity Edition)
Unleash teenagers from close parental supervision for the first time–what could go wrong? Involve fraternity parties and it gets worse.
More Sickened From Onions In Salmonella Outbreak
According to the ongoing investigation, red onions are the “likely source of this outbreak.” Public health news is also on updated 911 procedures, a pharmacist charged with diluting drugs, fat-shaming, West Nile, and eye strain.
Hall Of Fame Pitcher, Mets’ Legend Tom Seaver Dies Of COVID, Dementia
Seaver, 75, died Monday. During the right-hander’s career, he turned around the fortunes of the New York Mets. Sports news also covers the U.S. Open and Iowa State football.