Latest KFF Health News Stories
Despite Decades-Long War On Drugs, Overdose Deaths Still Rose
NPR reports on how policymakers frustrate some efforts to tackle overdose deaths and disease in drug users. The Marshall Project notes President Joe Biden has not taken the war on drugs “down a notch.” CNBC reports that the “war” has cost over a trillion dollars.
2.5 Million Vaccine Doses Head To Taiwan, Tripling Previous US Pledge
The doses of Moderna’s covid-19 vaccine departed from Memphis on Saturday.
VA Aims To Cover Gender-Affirmation Surgery For Transgender Veterans
Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough will back regulatory changes to allow Veterans Affairs health care to cover the procedure.
Federal Judge OKs Cruises From Florida From July 18, Overruling CDC
The ruling said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s covid rules limiting cruise ship sailings were likely unconstitutional. Meanwhile, a test cruise from Royal Caribbean set sail from Miami. Separately, travel restrictions to Canada are extended to July 21.
Lotteries May Not Be The Answer As Officials Search For Ways To Hike Vaccinations
Money, scholarships, prizes, threats to jobs: What will it take to convince the remaining unvaccinated to get a shot?
Push For 9/11-Style Covid Investigation Commission
As the covid lab-leak hypothesis is reported in several news outlets, the AP reports on efforts to begin a full investigation into covid’s origins. Separately, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said no “threats or ultimatums” will be made to China to investigate the source of the virus outbreak.
Delta Variant ‘Probably’ Headed Toward Dominant Status, Could Spur Fall Surge
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pointed toward the high transmissibility of the delta variant in suggesting it may likely become the dominant strain in the country in the coming months. And although the U.S. has reached 300 million vaccine doses administered, states with low vaccination rates remain at risk.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Democrats See Window Of Opportunity To Expand Medicare, Medicaid
On the heels of last week’s Supreme Court providing more security for the Affordable Care Act, congressional Democrats are moving on measures that could expand Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health programs.
Viewpoints: 3D Bioprinting Of Transplant Organs Stalled By FDA; Shifting Away From Abelist Language
Editorial writers explore these various public health topics.
Opinion writers examine these Covid and vaccine issues.
Kabul’s US Embassy Locked Down As Covid Surges Locally
Afghanistan’s health care system is reported to be at “its limits” as covid surges. Meanwhile, the G7 summit may have left a lingering covid footprint in Cornwall, U.K., and thanks to the delta variant the U.K.’s overall daily case rate is over 10,000 — the highest in four months.
Japan’s Medical Experts Warn That Olympic Spectators Are A Covid Threat
Separately, Canada says people who’ve had AstraZeneca covid shots should switch to Pfizer or Moderna for their second shot for better immune coverage. South Korea will also mix doses, due to supply delays. Meanwhile, China is set to administer its billionth covid shot.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on the coronavirus, covid vaccines, IVF, Bill Gates, the human brain and more.
New Mexico’s Aid-In-Dying Law Takes Effect Today
The law is aimed at allowing people with terminal illnesses to end their own lives. Meanwhile, Texas requires wellness checks on medically fragile people during power-outage situations. Adult day care centers, covid tests, medical bills and cannabis sales are also in the news.
Record Heat Wave Hits The West; Utility Suppliers Threaten Shut-Offs
Electrical grids are under strain from air conditioning, prompting utilities in Texas and California to say they may shut off power. Forever chemicals in groundwater, hacking of California’s water supply, child tax credits and poverty’s impact on children’s teeth are also in the news.
Shortage Of Donated Blood Forces Delayed Surgeries
Separately, Sutter Health cuts 400 jobs in California, a San Diego doctor is charged with negligence over “scam” diabetes treatments, gender bias in patents may impact biomedical innovation, hospitals merge and more.
Many Have Mixed Feelings About Using Alzheimer’s Drug, Poll Finds
People say they are concerned about the FDA’s regulatory process but are excited about the drug itself. In other pharmaceutical news, the FDA has granted its “Breakthrough Therapy” designation for Novartis’ experimental therapy targeting advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Covid’s Long-Term Trouble: Irreversible Brain Loss, Double-Lung Transplants
Former FDA chief Dr. Scott Gottlieb says the destruction of brain tissue could explain why covid patients lose their sense of smell.
Only Fully Vaccinated Should Take Cruises, CDC Says
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed its overall warnings over cruise travel. Meanwhile, Kentucky, D.C., Louisiana and Nevada try more vaccine incentive schemes, and California and Michigan relax and tweak their covid restrictions.
