Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
State Highlights: Growing Number Of States Approving Marijuana To Treat PTSD; Program Aims To Tackle Ohio's High Rate Of Diabetes
The Associated Press: Veterans Are Key As Surge Of States OK Medical Pot For PTSD
It was a telling setting for a decision on whether post-traumatic stress disorder patients could use medical marijuana. Against the backdrop of the nation's largest Veterans Day parade, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this month he'd sign legislation making New York the latest in a fast-rising tide of states to OK therapeutic pot as a PTSD treatment, though it's illegal under federal law and doesn't boast extensive, conclusive medical research. (11/26)
Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Doctors Urged To Screen Patients For Prediabetes To Prevent Problems
A new statewide initiative aimed at curbing Ohio’s high rate of type 2 diabetes is encouraging physicians to screen more people for prediabetes and refer those who are at risk to programs that spur lifestyle changes. ...The AMA is partnering in the project with the Ohio State Medical Association, which will reach out to physicians through its website, magazine, e-newsletters, emails and social media, to provide them with prediabetes-specific tools and resources. (Viviano, 11/26)
Politico Pro: Texas Governor, Who Fought Obamacare, Ignores State's Health Woes Ahead Of Reelection Effort
By any measure, Texas' health care system is a mess. But Gov. Greg Abbott, expected to coast to reelection in 2018, scarcely gives it a mention. ...Texas’ 16.6 percent uninsured rate leads the country, its maternal mortality rate is the worst in the developed world and rural hospital closures have hit large swaths of the state hard. (Rayasam, 11/27)
The Washington Post: Teenager Dies After Being Found Unresponsive At Behavioral Center In Virginia
Authorities are investigating the death of a teenager who was reported to be unresponsive and not breathing at a behavioral treatment center in Northern Virginia. Officials responded at 3:37 p.m. Sunday to a call at North Spring Behavioral Healthcare on Victory Lane in Leesburg, Va., according to Kraig Troxell, a spokesman for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. ... The teenager was taken to a hospital where he later died. Troxell did not provide the youth’s exact age or other details, citing the ongoing investigation. The cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy. (Silverman, 11/24)
Columbus Dispatch: Officer Helps Others By Sharing How PTSD Changed Him
The training program that [Jamie] Ingles developed educates officers and dispatchers about PTSD, how to recognize its symptoms, questions to ask veterans about their service and experiences, and where to take or refer them for help. He also encourages follow-up with the veterans after the initial contact, much like the work that Officer Goudy has done with the man who used to call 911. (Futty, 11/24)
CT Mirror: How Do You Want To Die? Write It Down …
Last April, the Connecticut Hospital Association launched Care Decisions Connecticut, a statewide initiative aimed at increasing public knowledge and awareness about end-of-life planning and implementing best practices for providers across Connecticut. The group includes representatives from hospitals, state agencies and insurance companies, as well as long-term, home, hospice and palliative care. (Rigg, 11/16)
Star Tribune: University Of Minnesota Research Was Pivotal In Landmark Gene Editing Trial
A bold attempt this month to cure a lethal genetic disease by editing DNA inside a patient was carried out in San Francisco and made headlines around the country — but it was based largely on mouse research at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Now, the second, third and additional attempts may occur in Minneapolis — as researchers race to prove the safety and effectiveness of editing genes inside patients. (Olson, 11/25)
Texas Tribune: Without Recovery Funds, More Than 50 Texas Day Cares Close After Harvey
Across Harvey-affected counties, 52 child care centers have permanently closed and an additional 65 are voluntarily suspended and expected to reopen with three months, as of Nov. 10, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. ...With so many day cares closed and more in danger of closing, parents face difficulty moving back to their homes and getting back to normal, with no one to take care of their kids when they're at work. (Swaby, 11/27)
Miami Herald: Medical Marijuana Advocate Won’t Run For Governor As A Democrat — Or Stay In The Party
One of Florida’s most prolific Democratic donors, a bourbon-swilling, salty-tongued lawyer with his own slogan and medical marijuana as his pet cause, is out. In a series of tweets Friday morning, John Morgan announced his flirtation with running for governor as a Democrat is over, as is his affiliation with either political party. (Harris, 11/24)
