Carcinogen Among 3 New Toxic Chemicals In Ohio Train Incident
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
An evacuation order has been lifted in the aftermath of a train derailment in Ohio, but three more chemicals have been discovered in the train’s rail cars, the EPA said, with ethylhexyl acrylate being particularly worrying. NBC News says residents in the area have been finding dead fish and chickens.
Eating Lots Of ‘Free Sugars’ Linked To Heart Disease, Stroke Risk
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
Researchers have uncovered more proof that sugar consumption has harmful effects, with a new study linking diets high in free sugars to heart disease and stroke risk. Separately, a new study links healthier school lunches with less obesity. And the ongoing baby formula shortage is among other news.
Analysis Shows How Often FDA OKs Drugs Despite Mixed Or Failed Results
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
The joint Harvard-Yale research found that of 210 new therapies approved from 2018 through 2021, 21 of the drugs didn’t meet one or more of their goals, or end points. Those 21 drugs were approved to treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other illnesses, USA Today reported.
Cigna Rebrands Into 3 Business Units
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
Cigna Corp. will become Cigna Group, Cigna Healthcare, and Evernorth Health Services — which includes its PBM Express Scripts. Meanwhile, a report says Amazon’s merger with One Medical may fall afoul of the FTC. Hospital labor shortages, medical debt, and more are also in the news.
South Dakota Bans Gender-Affirming Health Care For Minors
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
The bill signed by Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, outlaws surgical and non-surgical interventions for trans minors. Meanwhile, in Arkansas, Republican lawmakers are said to be targeting minors’ trans care again with an effort to reinstate an earlier ban by enabling easier malpractice lawsuits.
White House Orders 1.5 Million More Novavax Covid Shots
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Wall Street Journal reported that the deal would ensure a supply during the period before private buyers take over purchases, which the government expects would be in the fall, according to people familiar with the planning.
Testimony From Fauci, Biden Officials Sought In House GOP Covid Probe
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
The House’s new Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic kicked off its investigation by sending letters to Dr. Anthony Fauci and other Biden administration officials seeking their documents and testimony.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, February 14, 2023
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
Medical debt, the teen mental health crisis, nursing homes, abortion pills, covid, and more are in the news. Plus, your health Valentines.
States Turn Up Their Efforts To Overturn FDA’s Abortion Pill Approval
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets note the state of Alaska joined a federal lawsuit Friday seeking to overturn a decades-old approval of a pill used for abortions. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey are reportedly “urging” the judge to effectively ban medication abortion.
5th Anniversary Of Parkland Massacre Marred By Yet Another School Shooting
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
At Michigan State University on Monday night, a gunman killed three people and injured five others. The gunman, who killed himself, was not a student or employee. The shooting happened as the nation remembers the 17 students and teachers killed five years ago in Parkland, Florida. Little has changed since then: There have been at least 67 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year.
CMS Proposes Greater Transparency By Private-Equity Backed Nursing Homes
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
With research showing that ownership can impact quality of care, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a draft rule that would require nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid to disclose more information about care that is backed by private equity companies or real estate trusts.
Teen Girls Experiencing ‘Alarming’ Levels Of Sadness: CDC Report
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
An annual CDC survey provides more evidence of a growing mental health crisis among distressed American adolescents — with an increase that is particularly high for girls, Black youth, and LGBTQ+ teens who are more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts.
First Edition: Feb. 14, 2023
February 14, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
It Takes a Village: Foster Program Is a New Model of Care for Indigenous Children
By Arielle Zionts
February 14, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A foster care program on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota is attracting attention from officials elsewhere as they search for ways to reduce trauma inflicted on Indigenous families, who’ve faced generations of high rates of family separation.
Special Delivery: Heart-Heavy Health Policy Valentines
February 14, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KHN shares the cream of the crop of creative valentines about health policy submitted by readers and tweeters. Our favorite is anointed with an original illustration and bragging rights as “the one.”
Your Money or Your Life: Patient on $50,000-a-Week Cancer Drug Fears Leaving Behind Huge Medical Debt
By Fred Schulte
February 14, 2023
KFF Health News Original
When Medicare stops paying for a pricey drug that prolongs life, an Ohio man considers giving up treatment to spare his family enormous debt.
1 In 2 Kids Doesn’t Get Enough Follow-Up Care After Mental Health ER Visits
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new study into care for kids after crisis ER mental health visits, reported on by CNN, found that less than a third had supporting outpatient mental health visits within seven days, and only 55% within 30 days. Separately, a new 988-related bill hopes to tackle the fact that Wyoming is the national leader for suicide deaths.
Lawsuit Calls For Medical Testing, Care After Ohio Train Derailment
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
A federal lawsuit has been filed to get the rail operator to pay for medical screenings and care in the wake of the Ohio train derailment and subsequent toxic chemicals problem. Meanwhile, in Texas, officials instituted a shelter-in-place order Sunday after a chemical gas leak.
Critics Say Nebraska Medical Moral Objection Bill Targets LGBTQ+ Care
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
AP reports that Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill allowing medical providers to cite religious, ethical, or moral beliefs to deny some medical care. Critics say it’s overbroad and targets abortion rights and the LGBTQ+ community. In Florida, lawmakers tightened a ban on gender care.