Latest KFF Health News Stories
Failed Search For Alzheimer’s Drugs: Hypothesis About Amyloid Plaques Likely Reason Why
A new understanding of the disease is emerging, researchers and advocates say, and that treatment will have to be individualized instead of relying on a single drug. Industry news is also on cancer treatments.
A Disproportionate Number Of African-Americans Are Dying, But The U.S. Has Been Silent On Race Data
“COVID is just unmasking the deep disinvestment in our communities, the historical injustices and the impact of residential segregation,” said Dr. Camara Jones, a family physician. Jones said the outbreak reflects similar outcomes for African-Americans in terms of disproportionately high rates of maternal death, low levels of access to medical care and higher rates of asthma. But without data, any efforts to address the disparities are undermined.
In The Era Of Coronavirus, Scientists Are The New Rock Stars
After a long period of popular backlash against experts and expertise, people are turning to scientists for hope. Dr. Anthony Fauci’s rise in popularity is just one example of many around the world. In other science and innovation news: a look at how one patient survived, the mysterious heart damage that comes with the disease, and the hope hidden in survivors’ blood.
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, California, District of Columbia, New York, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, Kansas and New Jersey, as well.
Tech Companies Team Up With Health Groups For Pandemic Response Hackathons
Technology companies come together to focus on solutions to a wide range of problems created by the pandemic, Modern Healthcare reports. Last weekend, several thousand developers met over Zoom and via Slack at a Datavant event that touched on public health information-sharing, epidemiology, keeping health workers safe and social impact. More tech news looks at Quil’s efforts to help patients find trustworthy information, the lowering of telemedicine barriers, and timely funding for digital startups.
China and Italy continue to cope with the fallout from massive coronavirus outbreaks, while experts look to Germany to examine how that nation has, so far, avoided one.
Southern States Late To Social Distancing Dealt With Strained Health Resources Even Before Pandemic
Experts worry that states in the South that only recently issued stay-at-home orders will be hit hard next. With rural hospital and health systems already stretched thin, it could be especially devastating. Hospital news comes out of California, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, as well.
Panel Of California Judges Rules Against Mass Release Of State Inmates, For Now
News is on how the prison systems in California, Alabama, Louisiana, Wisconsin and Massachusetts are handling the virus outbreak crisis.
First Pandemic Since Health Law Was Instituted Will Put It Through The Wringer
A pandemic-created recession is expected to test the health law like it’s never been tested before. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s decision not to create a special enrollment session surprised even his own advisers.
Tragedy In Nursing Homes: Consequence Of Failed Testing, Shortage Of Protective Gear For Workers
Nationally, at least 400 long-term care facilities have at least one resident infected, but Politico reports that’s likely an undercount for an industry that has a tough time getting equipment and is slow to respond to change. Just last week, CMS recommended nursing homes separate those with Covid-19 from those who don’t have the infection, but without adequate testing that proves difficult to do. Nursing home news is from Massachusetts, Florida, Rhode Island, Washington, Texas and Georgia, as well.
Army Of Workers In Amazon Warehouses Voice Concerns About Workplace Safety
Amazon’s inconsistent response to the epidemic has unsettled many of the 400,000 workers helping to fill orders that have soared at least 50% for groceries. Infections have occurred in at least 50 of its 500 warehouses. Other supply chain news is on protections for grocery store workers and wasted food, as well.
Governments, Advocates Race For Ways To Protect Victims Of Domestic Abuse Amid Stay-At-Home Orders
“It’s almost like a petri dish for violence to increase within families,” says Barbara Paradiso, director of the Center on Domestic Violence at the University of Colorado Denver. In other public health news: the voice behind the hotlines, the environmental impact of the outbreak, a changing world view, how LGBTQ youth are impacted, and more.
Captain Of Aircraft Carrier Who Was Fired After Sounding Outbreak Alarm Tests Positive For COVID-19
Capt. Brett Crozier was relieved of duty after a memo he wrote about his concerns for the crew of aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt went public. Top administration officials say they stand by the decision, despite harsh criticism. Some worry that a pattern of such actions could have a chilling effect for those who are concerned about soldiers’ health and well being.
Republicans Were Counting On An ‘America Vs. Socialism’ Dichotomy For 2020. Then Came The Pandemic.
The coronavirus is unending political plans on both sides, but has hit Republicans particularly hard as more and more Americans turn to the government for help. Meanwhile, Democrats refocus their message to point to how quickly the economic success voters attribute to President Donald Trump has been wiped out. And Wisconsin mayors call on state officials to postpone Tuesday’s primary.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly doing well and undergoing routine tests after he was hospitalized with COVID-19. Queen Elizabeth II took the rare step of addressing her nation just before the news was released.
Experts weigh on when the country will know it can start to re-open. But a foundational piece of that is testing, an area where the United States has repeatedly fallen short. In other news on the economy: stimulus package distribution, sick leave, mounting debt, and more.
Special Committee To Oversee Stimulus Spending Will Be ‘Forward-Looking,’ Clyburn Says
While some Democrats want the special committee to investigate the Trump administration’s early missteps, top House leaders said it will be focused on “the here and now.” House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn will head the panel. Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans are already clashing over a potential fourth coronavirus package.
“Even though we’ll end up picking at most two of them, we’re going to fund factories for all seven, just so that we don’t waste time in serially saying which vaccine works and then building the factory,” Bill Gates said. The strategy means billions of dollars will be wasted, but Gates said the loss would be worth it in the long run.
Flouting Advice From Experts In His Own Administration, Trump Again Touts Malaria Drug’s Potential
Although the malaria drug has shown promising results, the studies so far have been far too small to offer a true look at the treatment’s potential. President Donald Trump, though, continues to push for its use, despite a shortage for patients who use the medication for other illnesses. Meanwhile, patients rush to get into clinical trials for experimental drugs.
“It’s ‘Lord of the Flies: PPE Edition’,” said Jeremy Konyndyk, a former U.S. official who specializes in disaster response. “We need some global solidarity, and instead we have global competition.” In other news on health care workers: staff shortages, tales from the front lines, rationing gear, and more.
