Latest KFF Health News Stories
Undocumented Immigrants Risk Black Market To ‘Treat’ Covid
The New York Times looks at the “wellness” therapies or black market treatments that undocumented immigrants are turning to when they can’t access traditional health care. Meanwhile, KHN reports on covid care from both sides of the California border.
Editorial writers delve into these various public health topics.
Opinion writers tackle these vaccine issues.
Virginia Mental Health Services ‘Dangerously’ Short-Staffed, Crowded
The state’s nine inpatient psychiatric hospitals, with 2,124 beds, are operating at an average 98% capacity. Florida’s new Purple Alert bill, California’s eviction protections, Montana’s tourists and suspected teen suicide attempts spiked in Connecticut during the pandemic.
Japan Allows Olympic Spectators, With Limits, But Bars Public Viewing
Spectators at official Olympic venues are limited to 10,000 or 50% of capacity — whichever is smaller. But as the covid situation evolves, all spectators could be banned. Meanwhile Qatar says only vaccinated spectators will be able to attend the 2022 soccer World Cup.
TB Outbreak In Spinal Surgery Patients Prompts CDC Investigation
A cluster of tuberculosis infections may be related to use of a single bone repair product. In other news, poor sleep is linked to dementia; respiratory infections stem from red tides in Florida; and Guinea signals an end to a recent Ebola outbreak that killed 12 people.
Racial, Economic Biases Widespread In Health Care Algorithms
Algorithms help medical staff manage a huge array of processes, but Stat reports that these mathematical models are “rife” with bias that unfairly affects how they function. Community health centers, health worker buddy systems, elder care, public health spending increases and violence against staff are also in the news.
Red Cross Begs For Donations As ‘Severe’ Blood Shortage Hits Hospitals
The Red Cross says the nationwide shortage is likely driven by a surge in trauma cases and ER visits, alongside patients who’ve deferred care during the pandemic. ABC News reports that some doctors are having to change how they administer care due to the shortage.
Cost-Effectiveness Data Missing From Drugs That Cost Medicare $50 Billion
A report notes a third of Medicare Part D costs in 2016 were for buying drugs that lacked quality analysis of their cost-effectiveness. Stat, meanwhile, reports on the ineffectiveness of a generics-boosting California law banning coupons for brand-name drugs.
Despite Decades-Long War On Drugs, Overdose Deaths Still Rose
NPR reports on how policymakers frustrate some efforts to tackle overdose deaths and disease in drug users. The Marshall Project notes President Joe Biden has not taken the war on drugs “down a notch.” CNBC reports that the “war” has cost over a trillion dollars.
2.5 Million Vaccine Doses Head To Taiwan, Tripling Previous US Pledge
The doses of Moderna’s covid-19 vaccine departed from Memphis on Saturday.
VA Aims To Cover Gender-Affirmation Surgery For Transgender Veterans
Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough will back regulatory changes to allow Veterans Affairs health care to cover the procedure.
Federal Judge OKs Cruises From Florida From July 18, Overruling CDC
The ruling said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s covid rules limiting cruise ship sailings were likely unconstitutional. Meanwhile, a test cruise from Royal Caribbean set sail from Miami. Separately, travel restrictions to Canada are extended to July 21.
Lotteries May Not Be The Answer As Officials Search For Ways To Hike Vaccinations
Money, scholarships, prizes, threats to jobs: What will it take to convince the remaining unvaccinated to get a shot?
Push For 9/11-Style Covid Investigation Commission
As the covid lab-leak hypothesis is reported in several news outlets, the AP reports on efforts to begin a full investigation into covid’s origins. Separately, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said no “threats or ultimatums” will be made to China to investigate the source of the virus outbreak.
Delta Variant ‘Probably’ Headed Toward Dominant Status, Could Spur Fall Surge
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pointed toward the high transmissibility of the delta variant in suggesting it may likely become the dominant strain in the country in the coming months. And although the U.S. has reached 300 million vaccine doses administered, states with low vaccination rates remain at risk.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Democrats See Window Of Opportunity To Expand Medicare, Medicaid
On the heels of last week’s Supreme Court providing more security for the Affordable Care Act, congressional Democrats are moving on measures that could expand Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health programs.
Viewpoints: 3D Bioprinting Of Transplant Organs Stalled By FDA; Shifting Away From Abelist Language
Editorial writers explore these various public health topics.
Opinion writers examine these Covid and vaccine issues.
