Latest KFF Health News Stories
Daylong 988 Suicide Line Outage Was Caused By Cyberattack
Federal officials confirmed the Dec. 1 outage was caused by cyberattackers, prompting calls to bolster security. Meanwhile, in Houston, reports say the local crisis hotline center answers nearly half of Texas’ call tally. An IT security issue in Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare is also reported.
Cases Of Hospital-Acquired Sepsis Surged In California During Pandemic
According to state data, there was a 46% increase in cases between 2019 and 2021, the Los Angeles Times says. One possible reason for the increase is that the pandemic may have pulled attention away from other kinds of infection control, experts say.
Ruling May Come This Week In Closely Watched Case Over Abortion Pills
As The Washington Post points out, an appeal of this week’s case could eventually put it into the hands of the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court less than a year after it dismantled Roe v. Wade and 50 years of reproductive freedom.
Less Sugar, More Whole Grains: Stricter Standards May Come For School Meals
The proposed rules, which also address sodium levels and would roll out incrementally in the coming years, were announced by the USDA on Friday and will undergo a comment period.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Ideas To Stay Ahead Of Covid Variants; What We Have Learned About Long Covid
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Connecticut Governor Plans To Cancel Billions In Medical Debt
Gov. Ned Lamont plans to use $20 million of federal pandemic aid to cancel medical debt for thousands of people in the state. Meanwhile, in Texas, concerns over a spike in Alzheimer’s among Latinos, and in Florida, reports say high school athletes may have to disclose their menstrual history.
Banning All Tobacco? Great Idea, Majority Of Americans Say
A new survey published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers showed over 57% of respondents supporting a ban of all tobacco sales. Separately, a study of millions of Medicare beneficiaries shows that spending time in nature may lower risks for dementia.
Some Mexican Pharmacies Selling Fentanyl, Meth In Place Of Real Meds
The Los Angeles Times covers a startling situation where dangerous drugs are being sold in Mexican pharmacies. A report in CNN, meanwhile, says that pressure is rising on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to push China into doing more to stop the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into the U.S.
Medical Translators Are In High Demand
Modern Healthcare says that for lesser-known languages, it can be difficult to find medical interpreters. Meanwhile, the Houston Chronicle reports that Texas is experiencing a shortage of Spanish-speaking nurses and doctors now that the pandemic is tailing off.
Dutch Polio Vaccine Facility Had Lab Breach; WHO Extends Polio Emergency
A containment breach was found in a polio lab in the Netherlands, highlighting the difficulties of keeping the disease from re-establishing itself. Other news is on listeria, chronic wasting disease, RSV, and covid.
Company Recalls Eye Drops Possibly Linked To Bacterial Infections
Both the FDA and CDC are advising against use of EzriCare Artificial Tears, news outlets report. Imports have also been banned after the FDA cited multiple violations of manufacturing regulations. Separately, reports say a blood pressure medicine from Aurobindo Pharma USA is recalled.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on job loss, detox cleanses, cuddling, the Nipah virus, and more.
Mississippi Governor Slammed For Stance Against Medicaid Expansion
A physician claims that Republican Gov. Tate Reeves told him years ago that he knows expansion would help people, but that he refuses to support it “because it’s not in my personal political interest.” Reeves called the accusations “a lie.” Meanwhile, the Mississippi legislature this week shot down more than 15 bills on Medicaid expansion.
Senate Dems Urge Mifepristone Maker To Update Label To Include Miscarriage Use
A group that includes Mass. Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote to Danco Laboratories in an effort to improve access to the pill used in medicated abortions and that is also used to help reduce complications from a miscarriage. Other abortion news is from Nebraska, Virginia, New Mexico, and elsewhere.
Sanders Previews His Priorities For Senate’s Powerful Health Committee
As they take over leadership of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Sens. Bernie Sanders and Bill Cassidy spoke to Stat about their agenda that includes drug pricing, nursing shortages, improving dental health, and other priorities.
White House Unveils 13 Cancer Moonshot Initiatives
Among the measures the Biden administration announced on the anniversary of the relaunched Cancer Moonshot: more access and support for families of kids with cancer, $10 million in federal funds to increase screenings in underserved communities, the launch of HHS’ national accelerator “CancerX,” and other programs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
A Canadian Province Decriminalizes Hard Drugs
In what AFP calls a “radical” policy shift, British Columbia is trying to tackle an opioid overdose crisis by decriminalizing possession of small amounts of hard drugs. Europe’s lagging pharma sector, a surge of covid deaths in Japan, and more are also in the news.
