Latest KFF Health News Stories
Labor Union Sues 3 Health Providers, Alleging Racism In Dialysis Care
According to the labor union suing DaVita, Fresenius Medical Care and Satellite Healthcare, Latino and Asian patients are more likely to experience adverse symptoms during hemodialysis. Investment in Black-owned health tech firms and news on the illustrator who drew a black fetus is also reported.
America’s Cancer Death Rate Has Fallen 32% Over 28 Years
The overall risk of dying from cancer continues to drop at an ever-faster rate, too. News outlets cover the data, noting that while millions of deaths have been averted, racial disparities are still a problem when it comes to treatment and detection.
11.5 Hours: New Record Speed For Rare Illness Diagnostic DNA Sequencing
Stat reports on a remarkable case where a young man was suffering mystifying heart problems and an extremely fast diagnosis was possible thanks to speedy gene sequencing. Also in the news, President Joe Biden’s FDA nominee; potential for vaccines to help the opioid crisis; and wider impact of Medicare’s Aduhelm decision.
Blood Shortage Briefly Shutters LA County Trauma Unit
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services hasn’t had to take this sort of action in over three decades. The national blood shortage is so bad that the Red Cross is trying to tempt donors by offering the chance to win Super Bowl 2022 tickets.
6 Army Commanders Relieved Of Duty Over Covid Vaccine Mandate
Meanwhile, cruise lines will no longer be required to follow covid guidance on ships as outlined by the CDC, USA Today reported.
Covid Tests Also Prove Positive When It Comes To Company Profits
For example Abbott, the maker behind the BinaxNow at-home covid tests, reported third-quarter profits up 48% compared to last year’s figure. But while for many finding tests is difficult, some corporations are making it easy for staff. There are also warnings over fraudulent testing services.
Pfizer’s Covid Pill In Short Supply; A New One From Europe May Arrive Soon
Despite the promise of Pfizer’s antiviral covid drug, CNN reports on how it can be tricky to source the pills. Meanwhile, Swiss pharmaceutical firm Novartis is seeking a quick U.S. emergency approval for its own promising experimental covid pill, ensovibep, before results from a big clinical trial arrive.
Delta Hasn’t Disappeared: It’s Still Showing Up In Sewage
In other covid news, Yale researchers have developed a wearable air sampler to monitor personal exposure to covid-19.
Kids Who Get Covid Are At Higher Risk Of Developing Diabetes: Study
And a separate study identifies risk factors that may determine if a child will become severely ill from covid. In related news, despite historic infection levels, less than 20% of American elementary school kids are vaccinated. And debates over protective measures once again rage in schools.
Biden Deploying Help To Hospitals In 6 Strained States; 4 Others Near ICU Breaking Point
President Joe Biden will announce Thursday his administration will send military medical teams to 6 states with overtaxed hospitals. None of the states though are on the list of the 4 that currently have less than 10% capacity in their intensive care units. And hospitalizations are on the rise in many other areas due to the omicron surge.
Omicron Tidal Wave Shatters Covid Records In Hot Spots
From hospitalizations to positivity rates to daily infections, last winter’s terrible covid records are being toppled in many areas by the latest surge. News outlets report on the state of the pandemic from Colorado, Alaska, Hawaii, Utah and elsewhere.
‘Any Mask Better Than No Mask’?: CDC Sticks With Current Guidance
Despite urging from some health experts for people to upgrade from cloth masks to medical-grade ones due to the contagious nature of the omicron variant, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky says that the agency does not plan to change its recommendations. The White House is moving forward with a plan to provide higher-quality masks for free though.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: How Do We Help Exhausted Nurses?; Examining California’s Universal Health Care Bill
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Different Takes: Omicron Requires New Response; Media Should Stop Showing Covid Injections
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
California Assembly Takes Early Step Toward Universal Care
A state Assembly committee advanced a bill that would create a universal health care system and set its rules. A separate bill is planned to fund the proposal at about $163 billion a year. Republicans opposed the bill saying it would cost too much and could even lower the pay for health workers.
Perspectives: Small Businesses Play By Much Different Rules Than Big Pharma
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Vending Machines Full Of Free Narcan Are Popping Up Across The Country
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
CMS To Seek More Private Partnerships To Lower Medicare, Medicaid Expenses
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure tells a financial conference that the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs need to “align goals” with private companies to help lower drug costs and other health expenses.
Hawaii Water Contamination Will Be Fixed, Navy Says
Leaking military fuel from an old dump in Hawaii was blamed for causing discolored smelly water, and symptoms among local people like diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and eye and skin irritation. Facing criticism, the Navy has now promised to clean up the problem.
