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The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Idaho's abortion ban will have ramifications for health-care providers in the state. (JudithAnne/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

ID abortion law before SCOTUS this week

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week on Idaho's near-total abortion ban. Idaho v. United States is on the docket for Wednesday…

Mental health treatment is rare in jails and prisons, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (eddows/Adobe Stock)

Criminal Justice Month: Alternatives to incarceration for mental health issues

March is National Criminal Justice Month and advocacy groups are drawing attention to how people with mental illness are overrepresented in jails and …

Many people do not realize heart disease is the top cause of death for women. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Focus on women's health during American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on potential cardiovascular risks. Health experts said women, especially, should consider their …

Researcher Luke Montrose installed air quality monitors into four nursing homes in Idaho in 2020. (Patrick Sweeney/Boise State University)

Indoor air quality in long-term care facilities suffers during wildfires

By Kylie Mohr for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Northern Rockies News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News …

An Idaho law blocking gender-affirming care for youth went into effect this month. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

Roundtable highlights push to protect trans rights in ID

The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence is taking part in a meeting with a U.S. health official this week to discuss ways to make …

In 2018, Idaho voters approved a measure to expand Medicaid in the state. (bizoo_n/Adobe Stock)

Voting linked to better health, physicians' group says

Voting is not only good for democracy, it is also good for your health, according to one of the nation's largest medical associations. The American …

People can donate blood up to six times a year. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Blood Donor Month: A timely drive

As the calendar turns to January, organizations are calling for donations during National Blood Donor Month, a designation first proclaimed in 1970…

Of more than 150,000 people evaluated, Idaho found only about 30,000 were eligible for Medicaid after extended protections went away this year. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Children lost health coverage in ID's Medicaid unwinding process

Idaho acted quickly to remove people from Medicaid after special COVID-19 protections expired in April, including health coverage for tens of …

Abortions have increased in states bordering Idaho since the beginning of the year. (Fitz/Adobe Stock)

Federal judge puts ID abortion travel ban on hold

A federal judge has temporarily blocked an anti-abortion law in Idaho restricting people's ability to travel to other states for the procedure…

For many migrant agricultural laborers in Idaho, language is a barrier to mental health services. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Advocates seek to expand mental health services among ID's Spanish speakers

Spanish-speaking Idahoans face a lack of mental health resources and advocates in the state want to change it. Kurtis Pugh, mental health manager …

Idaho outlawed abortions in nearly all situations in 2022. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

In restrictive ID, stage show aims to reduce abortion's stigma

A stage show hopes to normalize how people talk about abortion in Idaho, a state with some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country…

Idaho saw a 22% increase in opioid overdoses between 2020 and 2021. (Kimberly Boyles/Adobe Stock)

Bills in Congress Would Extend Medicaid to Incarcerated

Organizations in Idaho are calling on the state's congressional delegation to support access to health coverage and substance-use treatment for the in…

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs case last year sent abortion rights to states to decide. (Heidi/Adobe Stock)

Legal Challenges Bog Down Idaho's Abortion Travel Ban

An Idaho law banning interstate travel for abortion care to people under age 18 is facing legal challenges. This week, a federal judge barred …

Idaho ranks fifth in the nation among states in the Family and Community category of a new report on child well-being. (Douglas Hughmanick/Adobe Stock)

ID Ranks High in Child Well-Being, But Child Care Costs Concerning

Idaho ranks fairly high compared to other states in a new report on children's well-being, but the high cost of child care lurks as a burden for …

Ideal Option's mobile clinic for substance abuse treatment is operating in the small eastern Idaho town of Rexburg. (Ideal Option)

Mobile Clinic Aids in Addiction Treatment in Rural ID

A mobile clinic is bringing drug treatment to rural Idaho. The organization Ideal Option's first treatment clinic on wheels is in Rexburg. Ideal …

A lack of social connections can increase the risk of premature death by more than 60%. (DREIDREIEINS Foto/Adobe Stock)

Mental, Heart Health Could Be Directly Connected

It's mental health awareness month and mental well-being is connected to a person's overall health, including heart health. Dr. Jennifer Shalz is …

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May since 1949. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Awareness Month: Combating Stigma in the Workplace

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and stigma can be a barrier to talking about this issue, especially in the workplace. Beth Markley is the …

In 2020, 35% of Idaho mothers had Medicaid at the time of their child's birth. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

ID Lawmakers Fail to Address Health Concerns for Pregnant Women

With concerning trends emerging for pregnant and postpartum women, frustration is growing that Idaho lawmakers could end the session without …

Stable and secure relationships with parents are among the building blocks for positive experiences among children. (Afshar Tetyana/Adobe Stock)

ID Conference Spotlights Importance of Positive Moments for Children

This year's Strengthening Families Training Institute in Boise is highlighting the importance of positive experiences for children. Dr. Robert Sege…

Clinical preceptors help give apprentices hands-on education, even away from North Idaho College. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Medical Apprenticeship Program Fills Health Worker Gaps in ID

It's tough to find workers for Idaho's health clinics right now, but an apprenticeship program is hoping to address these woes. Nearly three years …

Recent research has found having a lot of positive childhood experiences, even if kids also experience trauma, can greatly improve mental health. (dimmas72/Adobe Stock)

ID Pediatricians Ask About Parents' Childhoods to Improve Their Kids' Lives

Pediatricians in Idaho are exploring a novel approach to mental health - by asking parents about their past traumas and positive experiences. Dr…

Congress approved the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2020, and it was rolled out this year. (Orawan/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month: Raising Awareness that People 'Aren't Alone'

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting a pressing issue in Idaho. The state had the fifth-highest suicide rate in the country …

Many kids are nervous on their first day of school. (Maria Sbytova/Adobe Stock)

How to Ensure Positive Start to School Year for ID Kids

School is starting up again for Idaho kids and teachers, and community members and parents can help keep the focus on positive experiences. Kim …

The Kids Count Data Book ranks Idaho 9th among states in its

Report: ID Child Well-Being Improves; Mental Health Top Concern

Idaho has made improvements to help the lives of children, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released its annual Kids …

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization sends abortion rights back to states. (lucky-photo/Adobe Stock)

Resources for Idahoans After SCOTUS Overturns Abortion Access

Abortion is set to be prohibited in Idaho at the end of July after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last week. The …

The spike in gas prices means many people are likely to modify their summer vacations this year. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

Traveling Safely Key to Summer Fun Vacations

The busy summer travel season is kicking off this weekend, and a few tips can help ensure hitting the road is as painless as possible. Matthew Conde…

Activities like hikes can help improve Idaho kids' mental health. (Brocreative/Adobe Stock)

HOPE Week Promotes Positive Experiences for Kids' Mental Health

May is mental health awareness month. As part of that, groups in Idaho are using HOPE Week to help kids in crisis and reduce the state's worrying …

Idaho lawmakers on March 14 approved a measure allowing immediate family members to sue abortion providers. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

ID Advocates Look to Future as Abortion Access Curtailed

Access to abortion care will be significantly reduced in Idaho after the Legislature passed one of the most restrictive laws in the country. The …

Nearly 200,000 Idaho kids were covered through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program in June 2021. (nyul/Adobe Stock)

Tens of Thousands of ID Kids' Health Coverage in Peril

A change to Medicaid enrollment in the coming months could put health coverage for millions of children across the U.S., and thousands in Idaho…

Cerca de 200,000 ni�os y ni�as de Idaho estaban cubiertos por Medicaid o el Programa de seguro m�dico para ni�os en junio de 2021. (nyul/Adobe Stock)

En riesgo decenas de miles de coberturas de salud para niños

Un cambio en la inscripción de Medicaid en los próximos meses podría poner en riesgo la cobertura de salud de millones de niñas y …

The first New Knowledge Adventure course for Idahoans in on March 15. (Koto Amatsukami/Adobe Stock)

Learning Program for Older Idahoans Aims to Keep Brains Active

Keeping our brains active as we grow older is key to our health, and an offering of courses in Idaho is helping people stay engaged. New Knowledge …

Hannah Sharp and three other defendants in Idaho challenged the state's pregnancy exclusive in advanced directives. (Courtesy of Hannah Sharp)

Lawsuit Dismissal Secures Pregnant Idahoans' Right to Decide Living Wills

A landmark victory on the rights of pregnant people when securing living wills has been settled in Idaho. A lawsuit over a 2005 law prohibiting …

About half of Idaho children have had at least one adverse childhood experience. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

ID Resolution Recognizes Impact of Traumatic Childhood Experiences

A resolution making its way through the Idaho Legislature encourages educating state officials and agencies on the impact of traumatic childhood event…

Opponents of a religious exemption to child medical neglect are in Boise again for the 2022 legislative session. (Wirestock/Adobe Stock)

More Calls to End ID's Religious Exemption for Child Medical Neglect

Today at the Idaho Statehouse, a panel will take up the possibility of ending religious exemptions to medical neglect of children. Idaho is one of a …

If Texas's six-week abortion ban is upheld, the average distance Idahoans would have to travel for care would increase 229 miles. (Jordan Uhl/Flickr)

2022 SCOTUS Decision Could Change Abortion Laws in ID

The U.S. Supreme Court is putting abortion access to the test, and decisions this year could mean big changes in states such as Idaho. Justices have …

Following through on new year's resolutions can be daunting, but changing one's mindset can be key to attaining them. (9dreamstudio/Adobe Stock)

Tips on Attaining New Year's Resolutions for 2022

It is time for a new calendar and, for many people, it also means resolutions to change their lifestyles. It can be a big task for people who have …

About a quarter of Americans nationwide and age 18 or older have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. (Kt Stock/Adobe Stock)

COVID Booster Shot Could Make Holiday Season Safer

BOISE, Idaho -- The holiday season is approaching, and one way to boost this time of year could be with a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine…

A report suggests Idaho lawmakers should commit to ensuring public schools provide age-appropriate sexual-health education. (STOATPHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Crisis-Pregnancy Centers Greatly Outnumber Abortion Clinics in ID

BOISE, Idaho -- A new report investigates facilities that dissuade women from getting abortions. Known as crisis-pregnancy centers, the facilities …

While Idaho is one of the least-vaccinated states in the country, almost 79% of residents age 65 and older are fully vaccinated. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Groups Call to End "Age Discrimination" in ID Care Rationing

BOISE, Idaho - Idaho hospitals are rationing care because of the strain from the pandemic. Some groups are questioning the use of age as one of the …

There are more than four times as many dairy cows in Idaho today as there were 40 years ago. (Cat/Adobe Stock)

Report Finds Contaminant Concern in Magic Valley Ground Water – Again

TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- An annual report finds poor groundwater quality continues to be an issue for the Magic Valley. The Idaho Conservation League …

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. gymnasts alleged the FBI could have done more to prevent abuse in their sport. (gustavofrazao/Adobe Stock)

National Abuse Scandal Reminder it Can Be Prevented

BOISE, Idaho - Simone Biles and other U.S. gymnasts are confronting sexual abuse in their sport, including at a Senate Judiciary Committee this month…

About 95% of the population needs to be immune to measles for the population to reach herd immunity. (natara/Adobe Stock)

After Pandemic Dip, Pediatricians Encourage Families Back for Checkups

BOISE, Idaho -- For many Idaho families, the pandemic may have pushed wellness checkups off the calendar for their kids, including routine …

Smoke from the Bootleg fire in southern Oregon is blowing across Idaho and as far east as New York. (National Interagency Fire Center/Flickr)

Tiny Particles in Wildfire Smoke Pose Health Risks

BOISE, Idaho -- Wildfires are affecting air quality across the West, bringing hidden dangers in smoke that can harm people's health. The Boise-based …

Treating food as medicine is becoming a more mainstream remedy in doctors' offices. (ARTFULLY-79/Adobe Stock)

ID Partnership on 'Farmacy' Treats Food as Medicine

BOISE, Idaho -- Boise State University nursing students and the Idaho Foodbank are teaming up to establish healthy food as crucial medicine for …

In 2019, 109,000 Idaho children lived in households where families spent more than 30% of their income on housing. (sorapop/Adobe Stock)

Pandemic, High Housing Costs Could Stall Progress for ID Kids

BOISE, Idaho -- A new report finds child wellbeing in Idaho had been improving since the Great Recession until COVID-19 hit. The Annie E. Casey …

About one in three Idaho children don't see a doctor for an annual checkup. (lordn/Adobe Stock)

ID Groups Launch Campaign for Health Coverage for All Kids

BOISE, Idaho - A new campaign aims to ensure every kid in Idaho has health-care coverage. Health groups have launched Idaho Kids Covered to close the …

Organizers of Kites for Hope will be distributing free kites across the state on Friday. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

ID Event Creates Right Conditions to Let Kites, Children Soar

BOISE, Idaho -- Families are flying kites in Idaho Friday to lift each other up during Mental Health Awareness Month. Organizations are holding …

Continued education for older people helps keep their brains healthy, but also is a way to make new friends. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

For Older Idahoans, Online Classes Help Fight Social Isolation

BOISE, Idaho - A program designed as a source of continuing education for older Idahoans has a new function during the pandemic: combatting social …

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