Latest KFF Health News Stories
Eli Lilly Type-2 Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Gains FDA Approval
A company press release about the drug noted it was more effective than other treatments for diabetes that were studied. The injected drug lowers blood sugar and can help weight loss. Other pharmaceutical news includes reforms to FDA regulation of dietary supplements, plus race and AI in X-ray analysis.
Federal Judge Blocks Alabama Anti-Trans Youth Medication Law
A law in Alabama had made prescribing gender-affirming meds to a transgender minor a felony, but a preliminary injunction to block its enforcement is now in place during a lawsuit. Also: approval for hospital visitors in Missouri, a Pennsylvania Senate candidate’s stroke, and more.
Staff Allegedly Invented Diagnoses To Justify Treatments In Colorado Mental Facility
“Bogus patient evaluations” were intentionally written by workers at the Mind Springs Health facility, whistleblowers say, and other poor practices allegedly included made-up diagnoses to justify expensive Medicaid-supported treatments.
Study Finds Link Between SIDS Risk And Biochemical Marker
Fox News covers a promising development in the battle against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. But the ongoing pediatric hepatitis outbreak is still puzzling experts, Stat reports, even though researchers have realized it echoes a similar confusing surge in acute flaccid myelitis in children.
Americans Still Tussling Over Mask, Vaccine Mandates And Bans
In Kansas, the Democratic governor vetoed a Republican-led bill to ban mask mandates. And at the Air Force Academy, four cadets will not be able to graduate or take up their commissions since they refused a vaccine mandate. Media outlets cover other battles over these covid protections.
Pfizer Says Its Vaccine Saved At Least 110,000 Lives In 2021
Health experts say these types of studies are essential in the face of skepticism and misinformation because it’s important for people to understand that vaccines save lives. And a lot of soul-searching in the media as America passes the million-deaths milestone and Dr. Anthony Fauci says he would not work with Donald Trump again.
No Jail Time For Convicted Nurse
RaDonda Vaught, convicted of two felonies after accidentally poisoning a patient, is given probation rather than jail time. Her prosecution angered nurses across the country.
Spotlight On Failure Of Mental Health System To Stop Accused Buffalo Shooter
Reports say the 18-year-old white man accused of a racially-motivated shooting spree had previously made threatening comments that resulted in a brief mental health hospitalization. Media outlets cover the possibility that a chance to avert the massacre was missed.
Justice Clarence Thomas Slams Leak; Pelosi Blasts Court As ‘Dangerous’
The Supreme Court is under scrutiny from inside and out as an official decision on abortion rights draws near.
Oklahoma’s Governor Says He’s Wary Of Pro-Choice Policies On Tribal Lands
Reports note a “significant portion” of Oklahoma is tribal land where crimes can only be prosecuted by tribal or federal courts. Speaking on Fox News, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt implied Native Americans, or people fractionally identifying as such, may try to skirt anti-abortion state laws.
Thousands Across US Protest Against Threat To Abortion Rights
News outlets from across the country report on protests that erupted in the wake of the leaked Supreme Court opinion that threatens Roe v. Wade. “Rage,” “fury,” and “fear” are typical reported terms describing how the protesters feel about the threat to abortion rights.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Opinion writers examine abortion and covid.
Missouri Bill To Cut School Water Lead Levels Advances
The legislation, which would force schools to test water and take action if lead is found, is now on its way to the governor’s desk. Meanwhile, efforts to regulate other toxic materials found in schools and elsewhere advance in several states, and lead poisoning in bald and golden eagles is reported.
Covid Now Racing Across North Korea; 6 Dead Already
Like everywhere else, North Korea is now reportedly experiencing the full effects of the pandemic, with nearly 200,000 people quarantined and six officially-reported deaths. The news is a rare admission from the nation. South Korea is said to be offering vaccines to help. The U.S. will not.
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 abortion, sex education, phalloplasty, body issues, opioids, Florence Nightingale, and much more.
Spotlight Falls On Poor Treatment Of Mentally-Ill Inmates In Georgia
125 Georgia inmates have died by suicide over the past five years, and the deaths, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution remarks, are symbolic of a prison system where mentally ill inmates “were neglected, isolated and, in some instances, treated with downright cruelty.” Other mental health matters are also in the news.
Novel Anti-STI Underwear Approved By FDA
The innovative intimate-wear is a first in its type, and was just approved by the Food and Drug Administration — the vanilla-flavored garment protects from sexually-transmitted infections from oral sex. Also: The future of online drug prescribing, CAR-T cancer therapy, and more.
Inspectors Find 1 In 4 Medicare Patients Harmed During Hospital Stays
Before the covid pandemic, hospitals incrementally reduced incidents of temporary harm and more serious “adverse events” among hospitalized patients, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General reports. In 2010, the number was 27%. Other Medicare news is on program reauthorization, safety-net hospitals, and more.
