Latest KFF Health News Stories
Free Home Visits: Nurse Aides Strive To Help Discharged Patients
News is on a free Houston program that has reduced some readmissions by 80%, systemic racism in health care and more.
Studies Reveal More About Covid
Two studies show antibodies last eight months. Another study found that 17.4% of air samples from hospital environments near covid patients contained the coronavirus.
Biden Taps 3 Officials To Coordinate Vaccine, Testing And Supply Strategy
The president-elect selected Bechara Choucair, a Kaiser Permanente executive, to be the nation’s covid vaccine coordinator; Carole Johnson, the commissioner of New Jersey’s human services department, as the nation’s new covid testing coordinator; and Tim Manning, a former deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to be the nation’s new covid supply coordinator.
Holidays Inflame Covid Crisis With Superspreader Events
Gatherings and events in California, New York, Washington state and elsewhere have already been linked to mass outbreaks.
No Motive Found In Vaccine Sabotage Case
Police says they haven’t uncovered a motive of the Wisconsin pharmacist who allegedly spoiled covid vaccines.
‘Incredibly Worried’: Virus Variant In South Africa Raises Alarms
Britain’s health minister says that the variant found in South Africa poses greater risks than the one found in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, scientists rush to study the new strains.
UK Becomes First Nation To Roll Out AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid Shots
British health officials highlighted the nation’s aggressive vaccination program as the first British residents receive the AstraZeneca shot. More news on Britain’s vaccination efforts.
US Drastically Off Vaccination Target: Only 4.2M Have Received Shot So Far
The federal government aimed to inoculate 20 million Americans by the end of 2020, but distribution missteps have put the nation far behind that pace.
Half Doses Of Moderna Vaccine Considered To Speed Up Distribution
Moncef Slaoui, the head of Operation Warp Speed, said that the idea of cutting dosages has been discussed with FDA officials and Moderna. Meanwhile, disease experts and scientists debate the wisdom of deviating from tested protocols.
Trump Thinks Covid Deaths Are Exaggerated
He’s wrong, of course. “The deaths are real deaths,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, responds.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Prolonged Stress Of Pandemic Fight Takes Toll On Health Workers
Many hospitals face shortages, especially as cases again surge. Deaths among health care workers also climb tragically upward — The Guardian and KHN have been tracking and find over 2,900 losses.
Viewpoints: New Strain Tests Leadership; Lessons On Blaming Victims
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed: The Holiday Edition
The end of 2020 is finally here — whew! This week, we’re giving you double the goodies to keep you busy while KHN goes on holiday break. Today’s selections include stories on COVID, Santa Claus, Elvis, words of the year, pharmacies, dialysis, French dressing and more. See you in 2021, everyone.
Show Me Where It Hurts: New Orleans Unveils Video Chat For 911 Calls
Someone experiencing an emergency would still need to call or text 911 to use the software, which comes at no additional cost to residents. The operator then texts them a link.
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.”
