Anna Gorman

Anna Gorman was a senior correspondent for KFF Health News until April 2019.

@AnnaGorman

Diabetic Amputations A ‘Shameful Metric’ Of Inadequate Care

KFF Health News Original

In California, people who are black or Latino are more than twice as likely as whites to undergo amputations related to diabetes, a Kaiser Health News analysis found. The pattern is not unique to California.

The Homeless Are Dying In Record Numbers On The Streets Of L.A.

KFF Health News Original

Deaths of homeless people in Los Angeles County have jumped 76% in the past five years, outpacing the growth of the homeless population, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis of the coroner’s data. Experts say drug and alcohol abuse are significant factors.

¿Cómo combatir las aterradoras súper bacterias? Cooperación y un jabón especial

KFF Health News Original

En los Estados Unidos, cada año, al menos dos millones de personas se infectan con bacterias resistentes a los antibióticos, y unas 23,000 mueren por esas infecciones. La clave de prevención puede ser simple.

How To Fight ‘Scary’ Superbugs? Cooperation — And A Special Soap

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals and nursing homes in California and Illinois hope that regional cooperation — and a special soap — will help them gain the upper hand against deadly antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

She Was Dancing On The Roof And Talking Gibberish. A Special Kind Of ER Helped Her.

KFF Health News Original

With mental health beds in short supply, emergency rooms increasingly have become the care of first and last resort for people in the grips of a psychiatric episode. Now, hospitals around the country are opening emergency units that calmly cater to patients with mental health needs.

‘Medieval’ Diseases Flare As Unsanitary Living Conditions Proliferate

KFF Health News Original

Outbreaks of infectious diseases such as typhus and hepatitis A are resurging in California and around the country, particularly among homeless populations. Public health officials warn that such diseases could spread broadly.

Detention Centers In California Lack Oversight And Proper Care, Reports Find

KFF Health News Original

Health and safety problems at immigration detention facilities throughout California pose a serious risk to detainees, according to two reports released Tuesday. State Attorney General Xavier Becerra and California State Auditor Elaine Howle concluded that federal and local governments are failing to adequately oversee the facilities, allowing the problems to persist.

Two Crises In One: As Drug Use Rises, So Does Syphilis

KFF Health News Original

A significant portion of syphilis transmission in heterosexuals occurs among people who use drugs, particularly methamphetamine, a new report shows. Public health officials warn that you can’t treat one problem without addressing the other.

Task Force Outlines Strategy To Address California’s Shortfall Of Health Workers

KFF Health News Original

A new report by a coalition of health, education and labor leaders concludes that the state must build a larger and more culturally diverse pool of medical, mental health and home care professionals to meet the needs of a growing population. The findings point to a big challenge for Gov. Gavin Newsom as he seeks to extend health insurance to many of California’s nearly 3 million uninsured residents.

Students With Addictions Immersed In The Sober Life At ‘Recovery’ High Schools

KFF Health News Original

At one Seattle public school, students earn their diplomas while attending daily support groups and meeting with counselors to help them stay off drugs and alcohol. There are about 40 similar schools around the country, both public and private, and more are on the drawing board.

Pain From The Government Shutdown Spreads. This Time It’s Food Stamps

KFF Health News Original

Food stamps for February are being distributed about two weeks early because officials say the federal money to pay for them won’t be available later due to the government shutdown. State and local officials are scratching their heads about what might happen in March if the impasse continues.

Call The Midwife! (If The Doctor Doesn’t Object)

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals and medical practices are battling outdated stereotypes and sometimes their own doctors to hire certified nurse midwives. Research shows that women cared for by certified nurse midwives have fewer cesarean sections, which can produce significant cost savings for hospitals.

Newsom Comes Out Swinging On Day One For Single-Payer, Immigrant Coverage

KFF Health News Original

Just hours into his tenure as California’s new governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom proposed major plans to insure more Californians, including state-funded financial aid for health insurance and a requirement for Californians to have coverage.