Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Doctors Write Letter Warning Of Risks From Low Blood Transfusion Rates
The Washington Post: Blood Transfusion Crisis Puts U.S. At Risk, Doctors’ JAMA Op-Ed Says
The United States faces a “bloody transfusion problem” that is fueling preventable deaths and putting national security at risk, three military and civilian physicians write in a JAMA opinion essay. The JAMA op-ed, published Oct. 12, highlights blood transfusions’ importance in emergency care. Emergency transfusions can decrease deaths, especially when given early, the physicians write. But not enough health-care facilities and emergency vehicles are equipped for the procedures, they add, and that presents a “substantial risk to our nation’s security infrastructure.” (Blakemore, 10/15)
Read the editorial —
In other health and wellness news —
NBC News: Raynaud's Disease Phenomenon: Study Pinpoints Genes Which Could Lead To Better Treatments
Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes parts of the body like the fingers and the toes to go cold and numb, likely stems from two genes, a study published Thursday in the journal Nature Communications found. The results of the study — the largest genetic study of the condition to date — could lead to more effective treatments, experts said. (Mantel, 10/13)
The Washington Post: Kids With Rare Condition To Netflix: We’re Not Products Of Toxic Waste
Young people with ichthyosis and their families call on Netflix to remove a movie, Gandeevadhari Arjuna, that negatively portrays children with the genetic condition. (Vargas, 10/14)
AP: Elf Bar Finds An Easy Way Around US Vape Import Ban: A Name Change
Four months after U.S. regulators tried to block imports of Elf Bar, the top-selling Chinese disposable e-cigarette remains widely available thanks to a simple but effective tactic: changing its name. Convenience stores in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York and other cities remain fully stocked with the brightly colored vapes, sold in fruity flavors like strawberry melon and claiming to contain 5,000 “puffs” per device. ... The newer vaping devices bear a different name, EBCreate, and list different Chinese manufacturers than those targeted by the FDA. (Perrone, 10/13)
The 19th: Domestic Workers Fight For Health, Safety Protections On The Job
In the United States, at least one-third of domestic workers are immigrants, although this is most likely an undercount. Many are undocumented, and therefore less likely to respond to polling or other data collection efforts. Many are Latina, and their work makes everyone else’s work possible. They clean houses and care for other people’s children. They care for older and disabled adults who need support to live their everyday lives. They do it for little pay and without recourse if they are abused or injured in their workplaces. (Luterman, 10/13)
CIDRAP: Report Highlights Deadly Botulism Outbreak In France
Yesterday in Eurosurveillance, investigators report on an outbreak of 15 cases of botulism poisoning, including 1 death, last month during the Rugby World Cup held in Bordeaux, France. ... All three initial patients seen at the hospital reported visiting France for the rugby tournament. On September 10, French investigators questioned the three, who all reported eating home-canned sardines in the same bar and restaurant in Bordeaux. (Soucheray, 10/13)
KFF Health News: A Third Of Schools Don’t Have A Nurse. Here’s Why That’s A Problem
Jodi Bobbitt, the school nurse at William Ramsay Elementary in Alexandria, Virginia, is always ready to see children with a wide range of injuries and illnesses. One day during the first week of school, the parade started before the first bell when a little girl walked in with red, irritated eyes. Then it got busy. A student fell from the monkey bars and another tripped while playing tag. Two kids hit each other’s heads with lunchboxes and needed ice packs. A young boy had a stomachache. Bobbitt also saw her regular kiddos: one who has special needs and uses a wheelchair and another who has diabetes and gets his blood sugar checked daily before lunch. (DeGuzman, 10/16)
KFF Health News: Journalists Offer Insights On Mobile Clinics And Suicide Prevention
KFF Health News chief rural health correspondent Sarah Jane Tribble discussed Dollar General mobile clinics on NPR’s “All Things Considered” on Oct. 11. ... KFF Health News senior correspondent Aneri Pattani discussed how talking openly about suicide can be a critical part of deterring suicide deaths — even when having those discussions is challenging — on Connecticut Public’s “Where We Live” on Sept. 29. (10/14)
