Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Facility Fees Often A Surprise; US Needs Remembrance Day To Heal From Covid Losses
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Tick-Borne Powassan Virus Kills One Person In Connecticut
The fatality is also the second case of the virus this year in the state. Also in the news: Maine’s plans for paid family and medical leave; Florida’s Gov. DeSantis, a Republican, may push to investigate parents who take kids to see drag shows; efforts to close Colorado’s infant mortality gap; and more.
Extreme Heat Warnings, Advisories In Place For Southwest, California
Over the weekend, millions of Americans will feel triple-digit heat in the Desert Southwest and California, then the weather will also hit central regions. Fortune, meanwhile, covers a survey showing that workplace mental health benefits can reduce workers’ sick days.
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, covid, hospice, “emotional perfectionism,” parental burnout, and more.
Trial Of RSV Vaccine Shows Safe, Positive Results
The respiratory syncytial virus vaccine has been developed by GSK Plc, and Bloomberg notes the positive results are a boon for the drugmaker, which fell behind in making covid shots. Also: the FDA’s endorsement of Bluebird Bio’s gene therapy, a new heart attack risk detection method, and more.
With Some Ambulances Getting 4 MPG, EMS Fuel Costs Are ‘Through The Roof’
In Fort Worth, Texas, MedStar Mobile Healthcare says its fuel costs increased from $96,548 last May to an eye-popping $223,583 this May. None of the first responders interviewed said they were changing how they respond to emergencies, but they are making small changes to try to save fuel, such as an effort in Pennsylvania to turn off the engines in ambulances when they arrive at the scene.
Preparations Begin As Millions Of Covid Shots Ordered For Under-5s
Five million doses are expected to be available in the initial release, around half of them Pfizer’s version of the covid vaccine and half Moderna’s, and preparations to distribute them are beginning. In Maryland, for example, about 65,000 doses will be ready on June 20.
Some Local Officials On Alert About Price Gouging For Infant Formula
Officials in several cities announce efforts to stop any retailers from profiting from the shortages of formula. Also, Politico reports on the initial lax White House response and finds that officials were in the dark about the scope of the shortages because they misjudged manufacturers’ reserve stocks.
Troubling Path Possible For Monkeypox, Other Diseases On Rise
Monkeypox is just one of the global viruses that were suppressed during the height of the covid pandemic that are now flaring up again. Meanwhile, public health experts worry that monkeypox could become a larger, persistent problem if not controlled now.
Man Arrested Outside Kavanaugh’s Home Said He Needs Psychiatric Help
After arriving at the Supreme Court justice’s house, authorities say Nicholas Roske called police and told them he had flown across the country to hurt Brett Kavanaugh. But he also said that his gun was locked in a suitcase and that he needed mental health services, authorities say. Also, as the Supreme Court nears a decision on the fate of Roe v. Wade, news outlets report on abortion issues.
Health Care CEOs Join 220 Companies Imploring Senate To Act On Guns
Hundreds of chief executives of big U.S. businesses sent senators a letter Thursday asking them to take “bold urgent action to address our gun violence epidemic,” while delicate negotiations over potential new controls continue on Capitol Hill. (Note: KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.)
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid and abortion.
Potentially Deadly Error: NH Hospital Loses 7 Gallons Of Fentanyl Solution
The synthetic opioid had been reported missing over several months at a New Hampshire medical center, leading to an investigation and license suspensions of several staffers. In Massachusetts, new data show more people died of opioid-related overdoses in 2021 than in any previous year.
Ukraine War Is Compounding Global Suffering, UN Says
The U.N. Global Crisis Response Group blames the Russian invasion for raising food and energy prices, worsening financial crises, and hurting U.N. efforts to end extreme poverty and improve life for people around the world. Meanwhile, in South Africa, child covid cases are soaring.
Research Roundup: Parkinson’s; Antibiotics; Rectal Cancer; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Study Finds Surprising Link Between Eating Fish And Skin Cancer Risk
The study’s author, reported in The New York Times, takes pain to note the data don’t support calls to quit eating fish, but the study does raise questions about diet and melanoma risks. Also: Meta is accused of using algorithms to “hook” young users in eight new lawsuits.
Study: 1 In 20 Americans Under 30 Identifies As Transgender Or Nonbinary
New data from Pew Research Center shows while about 1.6% of the general U.S. population identifies as transgender or nonbinary, for those under 30, it rises to 5%. Separately, a survey found over 25% of LGBTQ+ college students has considered dropping out for mental health reasons.
Deadline Pushes Nursing Homes To Certify Temporary Nurse Aides
Some pandemic-era emergency waivers allowing nursing homes flexibility in hiring temporary aides have expired, leading to a rush to bring workers into compliance. Also: California rules union dues can be deducted from Medi-Cal payments; an Oregon Hospital COO is ousted; and more.
