Latest KFF Health News Stories
2 Million Calls, Messages To 988 Mental Health Helpline In First Six Months
“The call volume is, in some instances, well beyond what we anticipated,” Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, assistant secretary for mental health and substance use in the Department of Health and Human Services, told the AP. Also in the news: a rise in mental health telemedicine, severe strep infections among kids, possible lead exposure to kids living near airports, and more.
FDA Head Unsurprised By Aduhelm Approval Investigation
The controversial fast-track FDA approval of Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm prompted a congressional investigation, and now FDA commissioner Robert Califf is said to not disagree with its findings. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal says the FDA is increasingly halting experimental human trials.
Meet The Lawmakers Taking Over Health Power Slots
News outlets spotlight the people who will shape health care policy in the new Congress. And with split control of the Senate and House, deeper budget cuts are anticipated that will likely have particular impact on health programs.
Good News From Planet Earth: As Chemicals Decline, Ozone Is Healing
Progress with the ozone layer offers promise for combatting climate change, scientists say. Separately, Bloomberg reports on moves the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering related to gas stoves, amid worries they can cause detrimental health impacts.
White House Lays Groundwork For What Could Be Last Renewal Of Covid Emergency
With covid again surging, the Biden administration will extend the public health emergency this week. But it could be for the last time — a decision that would have a cascade effect across insurance programs and other public health initiatives. In Congress, House Republicans are using their new majority to launch pandemic-related probes.
House Republicans Aim For Votes On Three Anti-Abortion Measures
One of the planks of the Republicans’ plan includes new rules allowing fast-tracking of legislation permanently banning federal funding of abortion. Separately, it’s still unclear how abortion pills will be available at retail pharmacies, and what prices will be charged.
First Edition: January 10, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
House Republicans Expected To Put ‘Born-Alive’ Bill High On Agenda
With the speakership fight finally settled, House Republicans are expected to move on anti-abortion bills. Separately, the FDA chief talks to Stat about new rules around abortion pills. And access and laws from the states are also in the news.
New Laws In Utah, Other States Aim At Restricting Trans Health Care
News outlets report on a number of efforts across the states to limit gender-affirming health care for transgender people, with Republican lawmakers “zeroing-in on questions of bodily autonomy,” as the AP reports. Laws targeting LGBTQ+ matters in Texas are also in the news.
Nurse Strike In New York City: Thousands May Participate
News outlets note that although headway has been made with contracts for some unions, thousands of NYC nurses may strike today, against what they say are unsafe staffing levels. The “essential” designation for U.S. hospitals, and how it plays into federal funding, is among other industry news.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Drug Against Most Common Pediatric Brain Cancer Achieves Trial Success
The new treatment from Day One Biopharmaceuticals, called tovorafenib, shrank tumors by at least 50% in a majority of children with low-grade gliomas in a study. A new wheelchair from the inventor of Steadicam, honey as a sugar alternative, and more covid research are among other science news.
Animal Sedative ‘Tranq,’ The ‘Zombie Drug’ Worsens Fentanyl Crisis
News outlets cover tragedies of the opioid crisis, with a New York Times report highlighting how animal tranquilizer drug xylazine is being mixed with illicit fentanyl, making its impact “even more devastating.” An expert quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle called the U.S. drug crisis a “national poisoning.”
Opinion writers discuss covid, vaccine disinformation and working while sick in America.
In Suit, Seattle Schools Blame Tech Giants For ‘Youth Mental Health Crisis’
Coverage of mental health also addresses changes happening at Texas schools following the Uvalde school shooting and mental health days off for students in New York. In other public health news: noise pollution, chest pads for young football athletes, alcohol liver disease among young people, and more.
EPA Takes Aim At Respiratory Illness Growth With Tougher Air Standards
As cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases grow, the EPA announced Friday new rules aimed at reducing dangerous particulate matter in the air. Public health advocates air concerns that the standards don’t go far enough, though.
Post-Holidays Covid Surge Sends More To Hospital Across US
The Boston Globe also reminds us that the virus “everyone wants to forget” is still killing people, with data showing a jump in deaths in Massachusetts. But in more upbeat news, the San Francisco Chronicle reports the percentage of adults experiencing long covid symptoms is declining.
Highly Contagious XBB.1.5 Races To Dominance In Northeast
The CDC said Friday that the omicron variant XBB.1.5 makes up 72 percent of new cases in the Northeast of the U.S. The “most transmissible” strain to date is making quick inroads both nationally and globally, further fueling concerns of a winter covid surge.
Childhood Obesity Guidelines Updated: Now Consider Medications, Surgery
News outlets report on new guidance out from the American Academy of Pediatrics addressing the treatment of children who deal with obesity. The recommendations emphasize early intervention, including the consideration of weight-loss drugs for kids 12 and older, and surgery for kids 13 and older.
Cost Is Next Hurdle To Clear For Newly-Approved Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi
The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval Friday for Leqembi, developed by Eisai, for use in Alzheimer’s patients with mild cognitive impairment or who at the mild dementia stage of the disease. The drug is priced at $26,500 annually and current Medicare rules would restrict coverage.
