COVID-19 Funding Cuts May Impact Local Health Departments
According to the KFF Health News Minute on September 12, if Congress stops funding for COVID-19, local health departments could struggle. Moreover, it outlined private company-controlled computer systems as frequently making mistakes, leading to the public losing out on assistance.
Rural Hospitals Cease Offering Cancer Care
On September 5, the update highlighted a crisis in rural health as hundreds of hospitals stopped offering cancer care. The report also noted the rise in anti-abortion policies, underscoring the challenges faced by clinics in some states considering legalizing abortion.
Montana Combats Opioid Overdose with Vending Machines
August 29’s bulletin mentioned an innovative approach in Montana: vending machines that distribute free opioid overdose medication. Meanwhile, lawmakers are grappling with the mental health risks posed by social media to children.
New Treatments for RSV and the Deadly New Wave of Opioids
By August 22, some progress was evident as new treatments and vaccines became available for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, fentanyl-laced stimulants were identified as causing more opioid-related deaths.
The Two Sides of Social Media’s Impacts on Teenagers
The week of August 15 brought to light the complex relationship between teenagers and social media. Policymakers are wary of the potential harm caused by social media, but the mental health benefits it can provide can’t be ignored. In addition, elderly residents in nursing homes are missing out on essential COVID-19 vaccinations.
Workers at Risk in Rising Temperatures
The week beginning August 8, highlighted the struggle of women performing unsafe self-induced abortions, while some states moved to protect workers from deadly heat, particularly outdoors.
Drones Could be Saving Lives, Paperwork Isn’t
The first week of August reported on how drones could expedite life-saving treatment in emergencies. In contrast, paperwork mishaps could leave patients with unnecessarily large medical bills.
Philadelphia’s Approach to Reducing Gun Violence Trauma
On July 25, the focus was on Philadelphia’s initiative to quickly clean up scenes of gun violence to reduce trauma. This story was juxtaposed against reports of the nation’s 911 system teetering on the verge of a breakdown due to increased demand.
Membership Fees Heighten the Cost of Seeing a Physician
On July 18, KFF reported increased interest in sterilization methods among young folks and highlighted the new obstacle to healthcare—high membership fees required to see doctors.
Subheading: Emergency Room Branding Causes Confusion
By July 11, confusion due to hospital branding was the talk of the KFF segment, bringing to light concerns over who should set federal health rules following a new Supreme Court ruling.
HIV Doctors and Aging Patients, Struggle for Abortion Rights
The week of July 4 was about how HIV doctors are learning to care for aging patients. It also spotlighted the protracted court battles states might face to guarantee abortion rights.
Communicational Hurdles and Bird Flu Concerns
June closed with problems concerning the prevention of bird flu outbreaks and language barriers between doctors and patients as medical translators worry about the impact of artificial intelligence in medicine.