Latest KFF Health News Stories
Care Aide Staffing Shortage Has Biggest Impact In Rural Areas: Study
Axios reports where the shortage of personal care aides has the greatest impact. Meanwhile, understaffing in EMS departments across North Carolina is reported, and Bloomberg explains that the ongoing nursing staff crisis has led to an international bidding war.
Fauci Expresses Regret Over Early Days Of Pandemic Messaging
“It is really unfortunate, that that’s the world in which we live, in that it’s a bunch of sound bites, sound bites that sometimes get cut in half and get misinterpreted,” infectious-disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday at a California seminar.
Wis. GOP Makes Mockery Of Governor’s Request For Abortion Referendum
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers had asked the legislature to create a way for voters to repeal the state’s abortion ban. But it took just 15 seconds for the Wisconsin Senate to gavel in and adjourn the special session. Similarly, the Republican-controlled Assembly took about 20 seconds to end the session.
Biden Announces Abortion, Reproductive Health Protections Under Title IX
During a White House meeting between administration cabinet members and doctors, President Joe Biden warned voters that Republicans will double down on a nationwide abortion strategy if they win back the congressional majority. He also said that steps would be taken to protect contraceptive access at universities.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Kennedy Knew How To Handle US Mental Health Care; Ian Caused More Than Physical Damage
Editorial writers weigh in on mental health, reproductive rights and other public health issues.
San Francisco Proposes Unapproved Treatment To Fight Opioid Addiction
Buprenorphine and methadone are approved by the FDA to treat addiction to some opioids, but San Francisco is proposing to study using hydromorphone as an alternative. Also: The first payments from a $518 million opioid settlement start to reach Washington.
Georgia Slams Brakes On Medical Marijuana
Although it’s legal in the state, it’s still illegal to buy it because no one is producing it in-state. Other health news is from California, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Study: Getting A Dementia Diagnosis Dramatically Raises Suicide Risk
A report in CNN says the risk is more than doubled in the first three months after a patient learns of the diagnosis. The Guardian reminds us that this period thus requires much greater patient support. Other news includes mental health bots, workplace mental health care at Bank of America, more.
No Child Developmental Harm From Antidepressants In Pregnancy: Study
Risk of autism, ADHD, behavioral disorders, and other issues in children up to age 14 are not related to the taking of antidepressants during pregnancy, according to new data. Separately, reports cover scientists researching why CAR-T therapies work against only some cancers.
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.
