Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio

@flakebarmer

In The Fight For Money For The Opioid Crisis, Will The Youngest Victims Be Left Out?

KFF Health News Original

The opioid epidemic is intergenerational, with tens of thousands of babies born every year dependent on opioids. Advocates worry that settlement dollars resulting from lawsuits against the drug industry might not benefit these children.

‘Food Pharmacies’ In Clinics: When The Diagnosis Is Chronic Hunger

KFF Health News Original

It’s hard to manage chronic conditions without a steady source of healthy food. That’s why more health care providers are setting up food pantries — right inside hospitals and clinics.

Some Academics Quietly Take Side Jobs Helping Tobacco Companies In Court

KFF Health News Original

Faced with lawsuits from sick smokers, tobacco firms argue the health risks were “common knowledge” for decades, and they often pay professors to help make that point as expert witnesses.

Hospitals Take Shot At Opioid Makers Over Cost Of Treating Uninsured For Addiction

KFF Health News Original

A few hundred hospitals have banded together to sue drugmakers in state courts, but far more are staying on the sidelines to avoid ‘unflattering attention’ about their role in the opioid crisis.

At This Summer Camp, Struggling With A Disability Is The Point

KFF Health News Original

At a camp for kids in Nashville, physical therapists use “constraint-induced movement therapy.” It makes life tougher, temporarily, in hopes of strengthening the campers’ ability to navigate the world.

Coordinating Care Of Mind And Body Might Help Medicaid Save Money And Lives

KFF Health News Original

Tennessee’s innovative Medicaid program is offering bonuses to mental health providers who help make sure their Medicaid patients get preventive help and treatment for physical ailments, too.

On A Mission To Help People Control Diabetes — And Save Money On Insulin

KFF Health News Original

Patients with Type 2 diabetes are often steered toward medicine or insulin treatment. But with additional support, it’s possible to use diet and exercise to control blood sugar. The rising price of insulin drives patients to lower their dependence on the medicine.

Amid Opioid Prescriber Crackdown, Health Officials Reach Out To Pain Patients

KFF Health News Original

After dozens of health care workers were charged with illegally prescribing opioids in Appalachia, local health agencies are trying to make sure chronic pain patients don’t fall through the cracks.

Economic Ripples: Hospital Closure Hurts A Town’s Ability To Attract Retirees

KFF Health News Original

Celina, Tenn., has long lured retirees, with its scenic hills and affordability. These newcomers help fuel the local economy. But a recent hospital closure makes the town a harder sell.

Patients Question How FDA Approves Medical Devices

KFF Health News Original

High-profile failures of implantable medical devices — such as certain hip joints and pelvic mesh — have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to revise its assessment process.

Support Circle: Family Caregivers Share Stories And Tips To Ease Alzheimer’s Toll

KFF Health News Original

As the number of people with Alzheimer’s climbs, so does the number of loved ones caring for them. The health of 16 million unpaid U.S. caregivers has become a focus for Alzheimer’s advocacy groups.