First Edition: Monday, Feb. 10, 2025
February 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: We’d like to speak with personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies about what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please share your story at https://kffhealthnews.org/hhs-tips/ , or contact reporter Arthur Allen directly by email or Signal at ArthurA@kff.org or 202-365-6116.
Blood Transfusions at the Scene Save Lives. But Ambulances Are Rarely Equipped To Do Them.
By Michelle Andrews
February 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
More than 60,000 people bleed to death every year in the United States. Many of those deaths occur before the patient reaches a trauma center where blood transfusions can be given.
House Cats With Bird Flu Could Pose a Risk to Public Health
By Sarah Boden
February 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The current strain of bird flu is spreading from wildlife and livestock to house cats. To keep pets healthy, many virologists and veterinarians say, house cats shouldn’t eat raw food and should be kept indoors. Despite no known cases of H5N1 transmission between cats and people, some public health agencies and virologists are warning cat owners to be mindful of the theoretical risks to the health of humans in their households if a pet gets sick.
Gatos domésticos con gripe aviar podrían ser un riesgo para la salud pública
By Sarah Boden
February 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Un pequeño pero creciente número de gatos domésticos se han enfermado con H5N1, la cepa de gripe aviar protagonista del brote actual en el país, después de comer alimentos crudos o beber leche sin pasteurizar.
Leaving Abortion to the States: A Broken Trump Campaign Promise
By Julie Rovner
February 7, 2025
KFF Health News Original
On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump said the power to make abortion policies “has been returned to the states.” In his first two weeks in office, he’s already gone further to restrict abortion than any president who’s held office since the 1973 “Roe v. Wade” decision, writes Julie Rovner.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on CRISPR, MDMA therapy, dementia, gun violence, climate change, and more
After ‘Abortion’ Was Wiped From CDC Website, Users Now Get ‘Adoption’ Info
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
The change was made while federal health care webpages were taken offline. Reproductive health workers call it a “clear attempt” to change the messaging around pregnancy. Meanwhile, health care centers and clinics nationwide are making tough calls after the White House instituted a funding freeze.
Again Targeting DEI, Trump Orders End To ‘Anti-Christian Bias’ In Government
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
Attorney General Pam Bondi, the chief law enforcement officer in the U.S., will lead a task force to spearhead the effort, The New York Times reported. In related news about diversity, equity, and inclusion, the NCAA has banned trans women from women’s sports, saying that the president’s order “provides a clear, national standard.”
Pandemic Response Unit Will Be Led By Bird Flu Expert Gerald Parker
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
The veterinarian brings decades of experience after serving as a top U.S. health aide, HHS principal deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response, and commander at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Bloomberg reports.
Scientists Zero In On When Cells Turn Cancerous, Devise Process To Reverse It
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
In a trial on colon cancer cells, researchers found that at the moment of critical transition — when cancer and normal cells coexist — they were able to flip the molecular switch that allowed normal cells to recover. Also, an early phase trial on a cancer vaccine is showing promise.
Hospitals Ended 2024 On A Healthy Note With Improved Operating Margins
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
“While it’s encouraging to see continued stability in hospitals’ financial well-being over the past 12 months, historically slim margins indicate hospitals are not yet in a fully sustainable position,” an advisory firm executive says. Also in the news: a receivership order for Crozer Health, and more.
Study Links Marijuana Dependence To Nearly Three Times Higher Death Rate
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
A new study found significantly higher death rates among ER patients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder than for those without. Separately in California, officials boosted safety testing of marijuana sold in the state. Also in the news: the fentanyl crisis, autism tests, and pilots’ brain injuries.
Texas Mental Health Program Waitlists 900 Kids Due To Lack Of Funding
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver program serves as an alternative to foster care, but stagnant Medicaid reimbursement rates have lead to provider shortages. Other news from around the nation comes from Florida, Maryland, and Colorado.
Morning Briefing for Friday, February 7, 2025
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
Talk to us. We’d like to speak with personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies — whether you’re currently working or have recently left — who believe the public should understand the impact of what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please get in touch: https://kffhealthnews.org/hhs-tips/ , or contact reporter Arthur Allen directly by email or Signal, the encrypted messaging app, at ArthurA@kff.org or 202-365-6116.
Project 2025 Co-Author Takes Reins At OMB; Thousands At HHS May Lose Jobs
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Senate confirmed Russell Vought on Thursday to lead the Office of Management and Budget, which he also led during President Donald Trump’s first term. Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called Vought a “danger” to Americans. Meanwhile, a judge has temporarily halted Trump’s plan to force out federal workers by offering them financial incentives, AP says.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025
February 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: We’d like to speak with personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies — whether you’re currently working or have recently left — who believe the public should understand the impact of what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please get in touch: https://kffhealthnews.org/hhs-tips/ , or contact reporter Arthur Allen directly by email or Signal, the encrypted messaging app, at ArthurA@kff.org or 202-365-6116.
Nueva ley ofrece atención médica a jóvenes que salen de la cárcel
By Renuka Rayasam
February 7, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A pesar de la alta tasa de problemas de salud mental y trastornos por adicciones en esta población, muchas veces regresan a sus comunidades sin cobertura, lo que aumenta sus posibilidades de morir o sufrir una recaídas.
On the Front Lines Against Bird Flu, Egg Farmers Say They’re Losing the Battle
By Kate Wells, Michigan Public
February 7, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Tools used to contain previous bird flu outbreaks aren’t working this time, experts say. The virus has sickened at least 67 people in the U.S. and killed one, with egg producers begging for a new approach. “I call this virus a terrorist,” said one egg farmer, who lost 6.5 million birds to H5N1 in two weeks.
Measles Outbreak Mounts Among Children in One of Texas’ Least Vaccinated Counties
By Amy Maxmen
Updated February 12, 2025
Originally Published February 7, 2025
KFF Health News Original
With hospitalizations and at least nine confirmed cases, health officials race to contain a growing outbreak in a community with low vaccination.
