Latest KFF Health News Stories
Tulane University School Of Medicine Put On Probation Amid Racism Claims
During probation, a school is at risk of losing its accreditation if it doesn’t fix the issues by the next review cycle, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, which issued the citation, has said previously. Aetna, Cleveland Clinic, UnitedHealth and more are also in the news.
Northwest Heat Wave Blamed On Climate Change
Reports say the recent record-breaking temperatures and hundreds of heat-related deaths in the northwest would be “virtually impossible” without human influence on climate. A separate study says climate change is linked to 5 million deaths yearly.
To Avoid Pandemic Drug Shortages, The FDA Bent Its Own Rules, Priorities
A report in CIDRAP explains how the Food and Drug Administration tried to prevent drug shortages by “flexing” its rules and expedited new drug applications and supplements. Separately, reports note Pfizer’s heart meds are bringing in billions of dollars for the drugmaker.
More States Have Cleared The Way For Purdue Pharma’s Bankruptcy Plan
Fifteen states have dropped their objections to the OxyContin maker’s reorganization plan, moving the company closer to transforming itself into a new entity that helps combat the opioid epidemic through its own profits, AP reported.
Death Rates Dipping For Some Of The Most Common Cancers
A new report finds the biggest improvements among the rate of people dying from lung cancer and melanoma. But death rates against major cancers, like colorectal or breast, are either flat or higher.
Gates Foundation’s Future Hammered Out, With Health Charity Work At Stake
As part of their divorce negotiations, Bill and Melinda French Gates agree to continue jointly running their foundation for the next two years. If that arrangement is unsuccessful, he can buy her out after that period.
Texas Republicans Push Back At Biden’s Vaccine Push
Texas’ Attorney General Ken Paxton said “not on my watch!” in reaction to President Joe Biden’s plan to go door to door to promote covid shots. News outlets from different states investigate reasons for vaccine hesitancy, including politics and concerns of side effects.
Lingering Covid Effects Show Up In Fitbit, Apple Watch Data
Data from wearable health tech devices seem to show that long-term effects from a covid infection include an elevated heart rate that persists for weeks or months. Other reports note that low testosterone in men is linked to a severe covid infection.
Covid May Have Killed More Prisoners Than Officially Counted
The New York Times reports on questions over the death toll from the prison system since some prisoners were released before they died of covid. A report from here at KHN notes that while many inmates are vaccinated, their guards are likely not.
Millions At Risk In Unvaccinated Clusters Spanning 8 States: Report
A new report identifies undervaccinated pockets in the Midwest and Southwest that leave local residents unprotected from the delta variant and threaten progress nationwide. Meanwhile, a federal surge team arrives in Missouri, which currently ranks 40th among 50 states in vaccination rates. Elsewhere, new cases are also on the rise in Arkansas, Utah, Iowa, Texas and Colorado.
Dominant Delta, Other Variants Prompt Testing Debate For Breakthrough Cases
Public health experts are weighing any policy changes in light of the uptick in U.S. covid cases in almost half the states.
Covid Claims 4 Million People. And The Death Toll Is Mounting
The World Health Organization warns nations against reopening too soon, as the global death tally surpasses a heartbreaking 4 million humans. In the U.S., it’s estimated that an additional 250,000 lives would’ve been lost by now if it weren’t for vaccinations.
Olympics To Happen Under Covid State Of Emergency, Likely Without Fans
Japan declared a new pandemic state of emergency, which will last though the Olympics. The move means it’s likely that no fans will be permitted at events. Separate reports say Japan is battling to remove vaccine bottlenecks that are slowing rollout efforts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle nursing burnout, mental health and drug prices.
Viewpoints: Should Biden Mandate Vaccination?; Disability Programs Prepare For Covid Long Haulers
Opinion writers consider these covid and vaccine issues.
Perspectives: The Pros, Cons Of Walmart’s Insulin
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
UK’s Unlocking Plan Causes Worries Of Long Covid Surge In Young
The decision by the U.K. government to almost fully unlock on July 19 is stirring fears about its consequences, including a potential surge in long covid among unvaccinated youth. Europe’s vaccine passport, Mexico and South Africa are also in the news.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
California To Compensate Victims Of Forced Sterilizations
Reparations of up to $25,000 each will go to thousands of people forced or coerced into sterilizations by state officials decades ago. Separately, Milwaukee was awarded a $4 million grant to help reduce racial disparities exposed during the pandemic.
