Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Viewpoints: The Punishment Phase Of Ending Roe Has Begun; Post Roe, Don’t Assume Online Privacy
Opinion writers discuss abortion care in post Roe America.
UK Health Service Will Try Drone Drug, Medical Equipment Delivery
Bloomberg says the U.K.’s National Health Service will trial using drones to deliver key medicines like chemotherapy drugs to speed up access. Separately, AP says covid cases are rising across the U.K., up more than 30% in the last week, with new omicron subvariants blamed for the surge.
CDC Advises Disposing Of Florida Ice Cream Linked To Listeria Outbreak
At least 24 people have been sickened by listeria, with one death, in a recent outbreak that is now linked to Florida ice cream brand Big Olaf Creamery by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Care for adults with Down syndrome, salmonella in ground chicken products and more are also in the news.
Covid, Drugs Are Behind Slip in Colorado’s Life Expectancy
The fall in life expectancy through 2021 was the second in two years, according to state health department data. Meanwhile, Iowa has detected its first probable case of monkeypox, and New York is working toward fixing its public restroom crisis.
CMS Works To Tighten Rules In Nursing Homes, Rural Hospitals
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced last week that it will use payroll data to make sure nursing homes have enough staff. CMS also proposed that hospitals participating in the new “Rural Emergency Hospital” model must meet similar criteria to critical-access hospitals.
With Covid Killing Hundreds Of Americans Daily, Focus Falls On BA.5
Media outlets cover the ever-expanding death toll of covid in the U.S. The San Francisco Chronicle draws particular attention to the highly infectious omicron subvariant BA.5, which one expert calls a “different beast.” Reports say subvariants are driving the spread of the virus across California.
Kansas Will Vote On Abortion Constitutional Amendment During Primary
Kansas will be the first state to put the issue in voters’ hands since the Supreme Court empowered states to determine abortion rights. But critics question the timing of the vote, which will be held during the August primary instead of the November general election, when more people would turn out.
Ohio Six-Week Abortion Ban Forces Some To Bulk-Buy Plan B
The Columbus Dispatch reports on how Ohioans are considering reproductive care options under the new abortion ban, with some stocking up on Plan B, and one woman describes how she’s considering sterilization as an option. Also: more on Plan B, employer abortion aid, and impacts on doctors.
Texas Supreme Court Rules 1925 Abortion Ban Stands
The court’s decision overruled a district judge in Houston who had temporarily blocked the nearly century-old law from going into force. Other reports cover a “flood” of calls from Texas to a New Mexico abortion clinic, abortion rights groups suing over Oklahoman abortion bans, and more.
Opioid Distributors Win In West Virginia Lawsuit Over Pill Epidemic
In a bench trial lawsuit, a federal judge ruled that McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen did not create a public nuisance in a West Virginia county where 81 million opioid pills were distributed over 8 years.
‘Uniquely American Plague’: Gun Violence Wrecks July 4 Celebrations
A gunman targeted an Independence Day parade in Illinois, where an obstetrician rushed to help the wounded. And two police officers were shot at a fireworks event in Philadelphia.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: The Effects Of Overturning Roe Have Begun; US Should Follow France On Abortion
Editorial writers weigh in on abortion rights, cancer, and gun control.
Opinion writers break down issues regarding covid, quarantine, pollution, and trauma.
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 the fall of Roe v. Wade, IVF, covid, the mental health crisis, and more. Plus, The New York Times takes a deeper dive into McKinsey’s unknown work for opioid makers.
Ohio Law Requires Insurers To Cover Extra Breast Cancer Screenings
The increased screenings are designed to help beat difficulties presented by dense breast tissue, which can complicate standard screening techniques. The Pearl Harbor fuel-water contamination matter, free care from military medical staff in Southern Missouri, and more are also in the news.
California Covers Free Health Care For Low-Income Immigrants
In covering the news, AP notes California is the first state to make such a move for all low-income immigrants living in the country illegally. The bill will extend coverage to around 764,000 people. Separately, California lawmakers approved a bill allowing Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco to create legal drug injection sites.
Officials Link 23 Listeria Cases, 1 Death To Florida
Though federal health officials have linked the multi-state outbreak, which has led to a death and the loss of a pregnancy, to Florida, the exact source of the infections is still unknown. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is saying the number of child hepatitis cases has hit 320.
