Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
US Homeless Deaths Spike Wasn't From Covid: It Was Overdoses
USA Today: Drug Overdoses Led To Sharp Increase In US Homeless Deaths, Not COVID
In Los Angeles County, nearly 2,000 homeless people died during the first year of the pandemic in 2020, an increase of 56% from 2019. Of those, 715 were from drug overdoses. L.A. was not alone. Those experiencing homelessness have been dying in greater numbers across the nation throughout the pandemic, reaching new highs in several U.S. cities, according to a USA TODAY review of data in 10 U.S. cities and counties with some of the highest numbers of homeless people. And drugs, not the virus, are largely to blame, the data shows. (Hayes, 5/28)
Oklahoman: Oklahoma's Cannabis Regulations May Stop Black Market Marijuana Sales
Oklahoma's cannabis regulator was busy last week working on final implementation of a "seed-to-sale" tracking system, the latest major update as it prepares to be reformed as a standalone agency this fall. The changes represent a watershed moment for the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority in its nearly four-year history. After launching in 2018 the agency struggled to keep up with the exploding industry that quickly boasted more dispensaries than any other state in the country and has been plagued with black market activity, while also supporting over 380,000 licensed cardholders that regularly purchase more than $64 million of medical marijuana products monthly. (Denwalt, 5/30)
WJCT News: Northeast Florida's Health Care Concerns: From Substance Abuse To Food Deserts
Substance abuse, lack of affordable housing, transportation needs and even groceries all are pressing concerns that must be addressed to improve the health of Northeast Floridians, according to a new study from Jacksonville-area health care providers. The Community Health Needs Assessment is conducted every three years by the Jacksonville Nonprofit Hospital Partnership, utilizing focus group data, select interviews and regional surveys across the region's five counties. Nine concerns listed in the study include cancer treatments, substance abuse, housing, maternal care and transportation. (Troncoso, 5/27)
St. Louis Public Radio: St. Louis To Spend $2 Million On Disabled Accessibility
St. Louis is poised to spend $2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to make more of its public buildings and spaces accessible to people with disabilities. The money was part of a COVID-19 relief bill Mayor Tishaura Jones signed earlier this month and represents one of the largest one-time investments the city has made in boosting compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. “I think it's wonderful that our city has identified this as a need and prioritized this money to help make St. Louis as accessible as possible with the resources that we have,’ said Kim Lackey, senior director of programs at Paraquad, an advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities. (Lippmann, 5/31)
WLRN 91.3 FM: Ocean Rescue Officers In Miami Put Trauma Care Skills To The Test
Groups of ocean rescue teams circle around tan mannequins with bloody limbs splayed on the shores of Haulover Beach in Miami. One has a shark bite on its upper thigh. Gauze covers gashes on a few of the arms. Some had lumps of flesh where limbs should have been. These simulated injuries call for a specific response by trauma care professionals. When timing is everything, one swift action could mean the difference between life or death. Throughout the year, staff members from the Jackson Health Ryder Trauma Center teach various Miami-Dade County agencies about appropriate trauma care aimed at improving patient outcomes. (Ramos, 5/27)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Ex-St. Louis Health Director, City Reach Settlement But Details Aren’t Released
A settlement agreement reached this month between the city and its former health director, Dr. Fredrick Echols, includes no explanation for why he was put on forced leave and no indication whether he was paid to drop his appeal. The agreement, which was released by the city on Friday, states “The parties and their counsel agree that their only comment to any media regarding the disposition of the dispute will be that ‘The matter has been resolved to the parties’ satisfaction.’” (Schlinkmann, 5/27)
