Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC: Suicide Rate Fell In US In 2019
Suicide deaths dropped by 2.1% in 2019 compared with 2018. Preliminary data shows that suicide deaths did not continue to fall this year.
COVID Pandemic Is Now Truly Global
The coronavirus has reached Antarctica. Other news on the virus from Peru, Taiwan–which just had its first locally transmitted case of COVID–and Mexico.
Insurance Regulation, Hospice Reforms On End-Of-Term Docket For Congress
As the year winds down, lawmakers rush through a flurry of final work. And one bill with global reproductive health implications is dropped due to political pressure from the White House.
Pandemic Surge Constricts Mental Health Services To Breaking Point
Hospital and medical centers have been forced to reallocate psychiatric beds to treat COVID-19 patients, diminishing options for people who need inpatient care. The fall spikes have also further ravaged nursing homes, particularly in South Dakota according to an analysis by the Center for Public Integrity.
Walmart Sued By Government Over Opioids
The civil lawsuit against the giant retailer claims the company’s pharmacies fueled the opioid crisis by not giving its pharmacists the authority to refuse to fill prescriptions from known “pill mills.”
Pfizer To Provide US With 100M Additional Doses By July
HHS Secretary Alex Azar says the deal assures that there will be enough COVID vaccine for all Americans “who wants it” by summer. Other news on the vaccine includes an experiment with endangered black-footed ferrets.
Stung by criticism that she violated her own Thanksgiving travel warnings by meeting her extended family in another state, the noted AIDS doctor said in an interview that she plans to retire.
Biden Says He Will Push For Another Round Of Relief Checks
In a holiday address, President-elect Joe Biden also voiced empathy for families who lost loved ones to COVID and confidence in the vaccine he recently received.
Vaccine Distribution Hurdles And Successes Will Define 2021
While production and distribution poses a unique set of logistical challenges, the hardest part may prove to be decisions around who gets the shot when.
Hospitals Across The Country Packed
In California, Texas, Tennessee and elsewhere, hospitals are at full capacity because of the COVID surge that followed Thanksgiving.
New COVID Strain Thought To Be In US
Though it hasn’t been identified in the United States, researchers say the mutated virus found in Britain is likely to have infected hundreds of people here already. It has been detected in Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and Gibraltar.
Demanding Bigger Stimulus Checks, Trump Stops Short Of Veto Pledge
“I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000,” President Donald Trump said during a four-minute speech posted on Twitter. While the move threatens to derail relief negotiations that are tied to critical spending legislation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Democrats also support an increase.
Warning: Don’t Travel For Christmas
Although the warning is certain to be ignored by many people, as it was at Thanksgiving, officials beg Americans to curtail travel plans to avoid yet another post-holiday surge.
2020: Deadliest Year Ever in US
Deaths in the United States from all causes, but mainly because of COVID, will hit a record level: 3.2 million.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition is taking a holiday break. Look for it again in your inbox on Jan. 4. Happy holidays!
Opinion writers express views about funding and receiving the vaccine and how to spend the holidays.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of COVID Relief Compromise; More Lessons On Unjust Mask Mandates
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Brazil Completes China’s Vaccine Trial; Russia Plans To Test Drug Combination
News is also from Italy, Japan, Mexico, Canada and South Africa.
Maryland Infections Much Higher Than Reported, Autopsies Show
Media outlets report on news from Maryland, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Arkansas, Ohio, Michigan, New Mexico and California.
Widespread Impacts Of The Pandemic Felt
Fewer people are moving to nursing homes, public school enrollment is down and interest in medical school is up.
