Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
While Labeling USS Lincoln Conditions As 'Old News,' Admiral Notes Mental Health Needs Care
The Washington Post: U.S. Commander Calls Mental Health A Priority After He Visits USS Lincoln
The senior U.S. officer overseeing the war in Iran said Sunday that addressing mental health concerns is a high priority for the military, days after reports emerged of burnout and poor conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. But Adm. Brad Cooper also said some of the concerns that had surfaced were “old news.” (Westfall, 8/16)
Bloomberg: Trump Downplays USS Lincoln Carrier Conditions As Deployment Nears Nine Months
President Donald Trump downplayed concerns over conditions for sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, amid an uproar from service members’ families as its deployment to the Middle East approaches nine months. Numerous relatives of the roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier have voiced outrage at reports of food shortages, water contamination, moldy showers and long shifts in wartime aboard the vessel. Some family members have said the situation has deteriorated so badly that sailors have attempted to jump ship. (Dymova, Subramanian, and Judson, 8/14)
The Washington Post: A Mother Has Spent Years Caring For Her Special-Needs Child. The Toll Quietly Grew
Annie Morgan wrapped her arms around her eldest daughter’s waist and guided her toward the minivan, the two of them moving in a slow, sideways shuffle. At 13, Ava was nearly as big as Annie, who stands just five feet flat, 110 pounds. The morning in May had started well. Ava was cooperative and calm, and Annie, 34, smiled as her two other children bolted past them and into the car. Then something shifted. As Annie helped Ava into the vehicle, Ava wailed and slammed her body against the seat. The car rocked. (Eunjung Cha, 8/16)
NBC News: ‘Everything Felt So Real’: Mothers Who Experienced Postpartum Psychosis Speak Out Amid Lindsay Clancy Trial
Three moms who survived postpartum psychosis describe their experiences — and what they want people following the Clancy trial to know. (Melendez, 8/16)
Radio Iowa: Wildfire Smoke May Be Hurting Iowans' Physical And Mental Health
Even with all the recent rain, much of Iowa’s northern half remains under a moderate health advisory due to smoke from distant wildfires, and a mental health expert says that smoke is affecting more than just people’s lungs. Clinical health psychologist Dr. Kristi White says many of her patients are bringing up the smoky conditions during appointments. (8/17)
