Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 27, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Research Roundup: Mpox; Covid; Genetic Variants; Autism
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Lower Opioid Overdose Rate Noted Among Diabetic Semaglutide Users
Although the new findings are “unclear,” researchers are curious to see if appetite suppressants could be used for addiction treatment. A separate study found that fentanyl users trying to kick the habit benefited from taking higher doses of buprenorphine, a medication to reduce side effects.
Texas Disenrolled People From Medicaid Faster Than Other States
The Texas Tribune and ProPublica report that after the pandemic-era Medicaid agreements expired, Texas moved faster in kicking more people from Medicaid rolls than other states, ignoring guidance and warnings. Separately, Kaiser Permanente stays on as a Maryland Medicaid provider.
FDA To Consider Approving First New Schizophrenia Drug In Over 30 Years
During clinical trials, Bristol Myers Squibb’s KarXT was said to offer better treatment with fewer side effects. Meanwhile, Pfizer’s sickle cell disease treatment Oxbryta was withdrawn from all markets over concerns about the risk of a painful complication and death.
Starting January, Hospitals Will Report Quality Data On Older Patients’ Care
The effort, which will give compensation to hospitals providing quality data to support “age friendly” medical care, is designed to boost private-sector efforts to pivot toward care for an aging population. Exeter Hospital, Mount Sinai Health System, Guardian Pharmacy, and more are also in the news.
NY Resident’s Death Is 10th Fatality In Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak
The Washington Post notes that the listeria outbreak tied to Boar’s Head deli meat is the largest such outbreak since 2011, as two more hospitalizations were announced by the CDC. Separately, in Los Angeles, a cluster of dengue cases has now grown to four in just over two weeks.
Judge: EPA Must Reexamine Risk To Kids From Fluoride In Drinking Water
“The scientific literature in the record provides a high level of certainty that a hazard is present; fluoride is associated with reduced IQ,” wrote U.S. District Judge Edward Chen in San Francisco. In other public health news, the VA looks into PFAS and kidney cancer; 36% of children and teens around the world are near-sighted; and more.
200+ Women Faced Pregnancy-Related Charges After Roe’s Fall
Just one charge was tied to an abortion ban — a state law that was subsequently overturned — and four others were abortion-related. Many stemmed from allegations of substance use that might affect the health of a growing fetus.
Biden Wants More Study On Childhood Trauma From Active-Shooter Drills
President Joe Biden’s executive order directs several federal agencies to prepare a report about when and how to implement drills, which sometimes include pellet guns or fake blood. The executive order also takes issue with 3D-printed firearms.
Number Of Suicides In 2023 Holds Steady At Nearly Highest Level
Provisional data from the CDC show that a little over 49,300 suicide deaths were reported last year, compared to just under 49,500 in 2022. CDC information also shows more women are using firearms in suicide deaths — traditionally men die by suicide at higher rates, and often do so using guns.
Democratic Lawmakers Push For Permanent ACA Tax Credits
Legislation announced Wednesday would help cut the cost of Obamacare plans. Vice President Kamala Harris said she would make the tax credits permanent if elected president, The Washington Post said. Also: the Senate has voted to hold Steward Health Care’s chief executive in contempt.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
Watch ‘Meet The Makers’: Behind The Scenes Of ‘Silence In Sikeston’ Project
KFF Health News’ Midwest correspondent Cara Anthony sat down with WORLD executive producer Chris Hastings to discuss the origins of our “Silence in Sikeston” project, a multimedia collaboration from KFF Health News, Retro Report, and WORLD that explores the impact of a 1942 lynching and a 2020 police shooting on a rural Missouri community.
Contaminated Missouri Creek Will Get Radiation Hazard Signs
Coldwater Creek in suburban St. Louis has exposed generations of children to radioactive material left after World War II, the Missouri Independent reports. Meanwhile, the EPA’s data on the Ohio train derailment is said to obfuscate contamination levels.
Cellphone Carriers Start To Shift 988 Callers To Local Help Centers
New cellphone systems mean callers to the 988 suicide and crisis line will have their calls routed to help centers based on their location. Among other news, the former clinical director of Maryland’s main state-run mental hospital had his medical license suspended for a harassment issue.
FDA Approves Drug For Rare Niemann-Pick Disease Type C
The genetic disorder, which is fatal, affects the nervous system and other organs — IntraBio’s drug Aqneursa was shown to help reduce symptoms compared to a placebo. Separately, Amgen reported success for eczema and myasthenia gravis treatments.
CrowdStrike Chief Rues Software Flaw That Shut Down Systems Worldwide
Adam Meyers, a senior vice president, testified to a House panel about what caused the global outage in July that affected major industries, including health care.
