Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Details More Hospitals At Risk From Future Flooding
Inside Climate News covers Harvard research that details which hospitals are at risk of flooding — an issue in the spotlight after recent impacts on health services from Hurricane Ian. Separately, the merger of UnitedHealth and Change Healthcare complete their $13 billion merger.
HHS, Labor Dept. Grants $346 Million To Boost Health Worker Training
The series of grants are aimed at training nurses, community workers, and public health professionals. Other news includes hospital bottlenecks from post-acute staffing gaps, a new contract for Michigan Medicine nurses, a death in an Iowa nursing home, and more.
Threats Against Gender Care Suppliers Prompt Calls For DOJ Action
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the Children’s Hospital Association wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland asking for investigations into the threats and also pressed social media platforms to suppress misinformation.
Anti-Abortion Senate Candidate Accused Of Paying For Girlfriend’s Abortion
The Daily Beast reports that Herschel Walker, who opposes abortion with no exceptions as a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Georgia, reportedly paid for his girlfriend to have an abortion in 2009. He denied the allegation and threatened to sue.
Planned Parenthood’s First Mobile Abortion Clinic To Roll Out In Illinois
Planned Parenthood’s goal is to shorten the distance some patients have to travel as abortion access becomes more restricted in the U.S. The RV-based clinic, which will start out in Southern Illinois, will offer consultations and dispense abortion medications.
CDC Drops Nation-By-Nation Covid Travel Notices
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says its ability to accurately advise Americans about international covid hot spots is hampered by other spotty testing and infection data. The agency tells travelers the best way to stay safe is to keep up to date with vaccines.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Nobel Prize In Medicine Goes To Scientist For Evolution Discoveries
Swedish scientist Svante Pääbo won this year’s Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for accomplishing “something seemingly impossible: sequencing the genome of the Neanderthal,” the Nobel committee announced.
Worries Over Biden’s Reluctance To Reform Federal Marijuana Laws
Politico reports that since the president seemingly has “no interest” in loosening federal drug laws, despite progress in some states, courts may ultimately have to force the issue. Other news on legal and illegal drugs is from Ohio, Colorado, Texas, and elsewhere.
‘Shock To The Body’: Mental Health Damage Left In Ian’s Wake In Florida
A doctor explains how a hurricane can be an emotionally traumatizing event. Other news from around the nation includes transgender youth in California; paramedic home visits in Missouri; public health crises in New York; and more.
Studies Examine Monkeypox Virus Prevalence On Skin, Body Parts
A study reported by CIDRAP examined where the monkeypox virus concentrates in the body, finding lower levels in blood and urine than elsewhere. Other research looked at transmission risks in health care settings. Listeria, sleep apnea, and smartphone detection of car crashes are also in the news.
New $314M Mental Health Funding Targeted At Schools, Emergency Depts.
The new $314 million funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration is aimed at mental health professionals in schools and in emergency departments. Separately, Boise State Public Radio News reports that roughly $1 billion in federal grants will go to support student mental health.
Spotlight Shines On Texas Health Hospitals’ High Prices
The Dallas Morning News reports the region’s largest health system charges roughly a third higher than the average for the state, and over three times Medicare rates. And it wants to raise prices still more. Separately, a Michigan-based hospital system lays off hundreds amid the worker crisis.
Newer Covid Strains Lurking In US; Coronavirus Cases Swell In Europe
Health experts worry that another winter wave might be on its way. Meanwhile, a new study found that more than 16,000 Americans who died in the first 10 months of the pandemic had suffered from a combination of covid and cancer.
Arizona Judge Declines To Suspend Ruling Blocking All Abortions
Pima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson said abortion providers would likely fail in their appeal that challenges her ruling that a Civil War-era law should be enforced. Meanwhile, Reuters reports how Vice President Kamala Harris is encouraging female Democrats to fight for abortion rights.
Newly Approved ALS Drug Priced At $158,000 Annually
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals revealed its recently FDA-approved Relyvrio drug would cost about $12,500 per 28-day prescription. The drugmaker noted it would give the drug free to certain uninsured patients. Separately, reports say the “Ice Bucket Challenge” actually helped fund Relyvrio’s development.
Rural Medicare Programs Extended In Short-Term Spending Bill
The congressionally-passed bill that keeps the federal government funded through mid-December included two Medicare programs. The Medicare Dependent Hospital program would have otherwise expired, while the Low-Volume Hospital program would have lost expanded eligibility criteria, Modern Healthcare reports.
New Supreme Court Term Opens On Heels Of Far-Reaching Abortion Ruling
The conservative-majority court is back in session starting Monday. Environmental protections, election law, and gay rights are already on the justices’ docket, and other health-related cases are expected.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
