Between 2016 And 2019, US Gender-Affirming Surgeries Almost Tripled
August 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
The figures then dipped slightly in 2020, the New York Times reports, with breast and chest surgeries being the most common. But researchers think real totals may be much higher than their analysis suggested. Separately, a Georgia senator’s efforts to target gender-identity rights faces criticism.
The Only Hospital In Eugene, Oregon (Pop. 178,000) To Close
August 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
PeaceHealth is moving the hospital because, as AP reports, it’s “underutilized.” Eugene’s Sacred Heart Medical Center University District currently employs hundreds of staff members. Meanwhile, in Leominster, Massachusetts, UMass Memorial Health is closing a hospital’s maternity unit and will instead transport patients elsewhere to give birth.
Hospital In Indiana Warns Hundreds Of Possible TB Exposure
August 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
An employee at Clark Memorial Health recently tested positive, prompting notifications to about 500 patients. Also in the news: Eastern equine encephalitis virus; leprosy in Florida; chaplains decry Texas school boards’ efforts to install chaplains in schools instead of counselors; and more.
First Edition: Aug. 24, 2023
August 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Timing and Cost of New Vaccines Vary by Virus and Health Insurance Status
By Julie Appleby
August 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Flu. Covid. RSV. When and how to get vaccinated against them can be confusing. Here are some of the most important things to know.
Dangers and Deaths Around Black Pregnancies Seen as a ‘Completely Preventable’ Health Crisis
By Sandy West
August 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Studies show that high rates of Black fetal and infant deaths are largely preventable — and part of systemic failures that contribute to disproportionately high Black maternal mortality rates.
After Backlash, Feds Cancel Plan That Risked Limiting Breast Reconstruction Options
By Rachana Pradhan and Anna Werner, CBS News and Leigh Ann Winick, CBS News
August 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services backed off from a plan that could have curtailed access to a type of reconstructive surgery known as DIEP flap. Breast cancer patient advocates are relieved.
Viewpoints: How Early Did Wuhan Doctors Know About Covid?; Leprosy In Florida Being Overblown
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine the beginnings of covid, leprosy in Florida, HIV and health care costs.
Influential Panel Backs Expanded Range Of HIV Prevention Drugs
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gave its highest or “grade A” recommendation to three medications approved for PrEP. Just one pill was previously endorsed, and the move may require private insurers to cover the drugs without a co-pay or deductible under the Affordable Care Act.
Many Women Mistreated By Medical Staff During Pregnancy, Survey Finds
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Of about 2,400 women polled, 20% reported that they had been verbally abused, had their requests for help go unanswered, had their physical privacy infringed upon, or received threats to withhold treatment, the CDC survey found. Plus, news on breast cancer, Plan B, abortion in Illinois, and more.
Power Outage Forced Hundreds Of Hospital Patients To Evacuate In LA
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on the impact of a succession of power outages that hit a Los Angeles hospital. A baby was born amid the chaos, the Los Angeles Times said. Separately, a study found ChatGPT may be as good as recent med school graduates in making clinical decisions.
Rising Mental Health Needs Will Cost Large Employers In 2024: Survey
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Politico reports about 77% of large employers reported an increase in mental health needs of their staff, possibly related to recovery from the pandemic. CBS News covers news that FDNY members, and their families, are seeking mental health care in record numbers.
5 People In Florida Died From ‘Flesh-Eating’ Vibrio Infections This Year
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Health News Florida, reporting the sad toll, also notes that 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus were reported in the state so far in 2023. Meanwhile, in Connecticut, the Department of Public Health reported that four local residents have tested positive for Powassan virus, the first cases in the state this year.
New Bill Would Require Sex Ed To Be Taught Nationwide
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act would make sex education a requirement nationwide, The 19th reports. Just three states require comprehensive lessons now. Meanwhile in Georgia and Missouri, legal battles over trans gender care continue.
Weight-Loss Drugs Have Extra Benefits; Antibiotic Manufacturing Report Suggests Improvements Are Needed
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, August 23, 2023
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Covid vaccines, uptick in infections, Medicaid “unwinding,” HIV, maternal health, weight loss drugs, and more are in the news.
HHS Allocates $1.4 Billion To New Covid Vaccine, Treatment Development
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Biden administration announced grants Tuesday aimed at developing news tools to combat the future path of covid: $1 billion will go to covid vaccine trials while awards totaling $400 million will go to 2 research projects on treatments.
Mask Up Again? Experts Say High-Risk People Should Be On Guard With Covid Uptick
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
As a scattering of businesses and schools bring back requirements, health experts say it may be time to for some to mask again as covid cases tick back up. News outlets report on the latest virus trends.
Lawsuit Blames Florida Health Officials For Improper Medicaid Terminations
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Three residents allege state agencies aren’t informing low-income or disabled people properly about Medicaid redeterminations. Meanwhile, HHS is moving to pause Medicaid coverage terminations in Texas.