Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Downsized City Sees Its Health Care Downsized as Hospital Awaits Demolition

KFF Health News Original

A 124-year-old hospital in a midsize Rust Belt city in Indiana will soon be torn down, despite protests from residents and city officials decrying the loss of local health services. The Catholic hospital system said it is downsizing the 226-bed hospital because of a lack of demand for inpatient care, as the organization has been building new hospitals in wealthier suburbs.

Abortion Clinic on Texas-Mexico Border Faces Unique Legal and Cultural Challenges

KFF Health News Original

Just as Texas has tightened its laws surrounding abortion, Mexico has gone the opposite direction, compelling people to seek potentially less-safe procedures south of the border.

Se desploma la asistencia a eventos de vacunación contra covid en Los Ángeles

KFF Health News Original

A medida que las infecciones por covid han ido disminuyendo, también lo ha hecho el interés en las vacunas, a pesar de que estas dosis son altamente efectivas para evitar enfermarse de gravedad y morir a causa del virus.

Covid Precautions Are Part of Hispanic Community’s Efforts to Tend to Community Good

KFF Health News Original

Among many Latinos, especially recent immigrants, there is a cultural emphasis on living in harmony within one’s community — called “convivir” in Spanish. That notion may have helped drive improvements in covid vaccination and testing rates.

‘Heart’ of Little Shell: Newest Federally Recognized Tribe to Open First Clinic

KFF Health News Original

The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana plans to open the nation’s newest Indian Health Service clinic in Great Falls on Jan. 31 — marking the first time the tribe will have its culture reflected in health care offerings.

As Pandemic Wears Down Hospital Staff, One Town Offers Groceries to Say Thanks

KFF Health News Original

To help relieve the stress and time strains on employees at a Park City, Utah, hospital, community leaders created a pop-up grocery store, where workers can get complimentary meals and staples to take home.

Esfuerzo comunitario para que trabajadores agrícolas reciban el refuerzo de la vacuna contra covid

KFF Health News Original

La necesidad de recibir el refuerzo de las vacunas, y la amenaza inminente de la variante omicron, han hecho que la comunicación sobre covid sea más desafiante en la comunidad de los campos.

As Hospitals Fill Up, Paramedics Spend More Time Moving Patients, Less on Emergencies

KFF Health News Original

Gunnison paramedics cover the largest response zone in Colorado. Because of covid and the lack of nearby hospital beds, patients increasingly are transported long distances, leaving few ambulances to respond to emergencies.

Etching the Pain of Covid Into the Flesh of Survivors

KFF Health News Original

Memorial tattoos have grown more popular in recent years. Since parlors reopened after the lockdown, inkers have found that many people are eager to memorialize relatives and friends lost to covid.

Grabando el dolor por covid en la piel de los sobrevivientes

KFF Health News Original

Una encuesta revela que más del 30% de los estadounidenses tienen al menos un tatuaje, y en el 80% de los casos son conmemorativos. La pandemia elevó esta tendencia.

Niños con discapacidades enfrentan retos especiales por covid al regresar a la escuela

KFF Health News Original

Cerca de 7 millones de niños y jóvenes estadounidenses, de 3 a 21 años, con necesidades especiales, han tenido que enfrentar desafíos físicos y mentales para volver a la escuela.

What Will It Take to Boost Vaccinations? The Scene From Kentucky’s Back Roads

KFF Health News Original

With Kentucky in the grip of a covid surge, public health workers are taking their vaccination campaign house to house and church to church, trying to outmaneuver the fantastical tales spread on social media and everyday hurdles of hardship and isolation.