KHN Weekly Edition: April 1, 2022

‘American Diagnosis’ Episode 6: ‘Water Warriors’ Tap Diné Resilience to Increase Access on Navajo Land

Over decades, federal and state policies have left many tribal communities without access to clean, running water. This episode explores what separates some Diné and other Native people in the western United States from this critical resource.

As US Nears 1 Million Covid Deaths, One Hard-Hit County Grapples With Unthinkable Loss

Phil Galewitz

The United States is nearing 1 million deaths from covid — an almost incomprehensible number of lives lost that few thought possible when the pandemic began. Pennsylvania’s Mifflin County offers a snapshot into how one hard-hit community, with over 300 dead, is coping.

‘The Danger Is Still There’ ― As Omicron Lurks, Native Americans Are Wary of Boosters

Rachana Pradhan

Federal data shows that vaccination rates for American Indians and Alaska Natives were some of the highest in the nation, but tribes say resistance has slowed efforts to boost members.

Covid and Schizophrenia: Why This Deadly Mix Can Deepen Knowledge of the Brain Disease

April Dembosky, KQED

Recent studies from around the world have found that people with schizophrenia are as much as five times as likely to die from covid-19 as the general population. Scientists think the findings suggest schizophrenia is not just a disease of the brain, but also a disease of the immune system.

Delays for Autism Diagnosis and Treatment Grew Even Longer During the Pandemic

Andy Miller and Jenny Gold

Despite increased public awareness, research advances, and wider insurance coverage for autism therapies, children often wait months — in some cases more than a year — to get an autism diagnosis and begin intervention services. The waits can be longer for Black and Latino children, and families in rural areas are also disadvantaged, without access to providers.

Pandemic Funding Is Running Out for Community Health Workers

Lauren Weber

Illinois used federal pandemic money to hire community health workers who connect people with food banks and rental assistance programs, just like public health officials have long hoped to do. What will happen to the community trust that has been built up when the federal money runs out and the workers disappear?

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Funding for the Next Pandemic

In his proposed budget, President Joe Biden called for a boost in health spending that includes billions of dollars to prepare for a future pandemic. But that doesn’t include money he says is needed immediately for testing and treating covid-19. Also this week, federal regulators authorized a second booster shot for people 50 and older yet gave little guidance to consumers about who needs the shot and when. Amy Goldstein of The Washington Post, Jennifer Haberkorn of the Los Angeles Times, and Rachana Pradhan of KHN join KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey to discuss these issues and more. Plus, Julie Rovner interviews KHN’s Julie Appleby, who reported and wrote the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” episode about a very expensive air ambulance ride.

Big Pharma Is Betting on Bigger Political Ambitions From Sen. Tim Scott

Rachana Pradhan and Victoria Knight

The South Carolina senator led the congressional pack in pharma campaign contributions for the second half of 2021. There are clear reasons.

Pharma Cash to Congress

Elizabeth Lucas and KFF Health News Staff

A KFF Health News database tracks campaign donations from drugmakers over the past 10 years.

Despite Doctors’ Concerns, Pharmacists Get More Leeway to Offer Treatment With Testing

Michelle Andrews

In the battle against covid, pharmacies became a key place for consumers to seek vaccines and testing. Some states are expanding pharmacists’ work to include directly prescribing drugs for customers who seek some routine, point-of-care tests, such as those for flu or strep throat. But doctor groups oppose the move.

Tennessee Offers to Expand Dental Schools as Medicaid Coverage Stretches Need

Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio

As states expand Medicaid’s dental benefits, they’re running up against a shortage of dentists willing to work on those patients, especially in rural communities. So Tennessee is helping dental schools expand and offering to pay off student loans for those who work in high-need areas.

As Red States Push Strident Abortion Bans, Other Restrictions Suddenly Look Less Extreme

Julie Rovner

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority has yet to make clear its stand on Roe v. Wade. But state lawmakers aren’t waiting to consider a variety of extreme measures: bills that would ban abortions in cases of ectopic pregnancies, allow rapists’ families to object to terminating a victim’s pregnancy, or prohibit the procedure in the case of fetal disability. Do these proposals make the less extreme restrictions seem more mainstream?

Colorado Doubles Down on Abortion Rights as Other States — And the High Court — Reconsider

Rae Ellen Bichell

The Supreme Court is expected to overturn or weaken “Roe v. Wade.” If that happens, Colorado may become an abortion-access island, nearly surrounded by a sea of anti-abortion states. The state is bracing for impact, and advocates are trying to shore up its abortion defenses.

Black Students Experiencing Racism on Campus Lack Mental Health Support

Melba Newsome

Black students at many predominantly white colleges are speaking out about the racial hostility they’ve experienced, which contributes to depression, elevated stress levels, and anxiety. But the students are often not getting the mental health help they need on campus.

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