Public News Service

AARP data shows the prices for the top 25 Medicare Part D drugs tripled since they were introduced. (Adobe Stock)

VA advocates upset about prescription drug affordability veto

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has vetoed legislation making prescription drugs more affordable. The bill would have created an independent body to evaluate …

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a request for information about updating Essential Health Benefits requirements. It is the first time comments have been requested since 2014. (Adobe Stock)

VA Senator calls for updates to ACA health coverage

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., wants to update the 14-year-old Affordable Care Act. He and Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., are asking for updates to the Act's …

En 2022, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE. UU. public� una solicitud de informaci�n sobre la actualizaci�n de los requisitos de Beneficios de Salud Esenciales. Es la primera vez que se solicitan comentarios desde 2014. (Adobe Stock)

Senador de VA pide actualizaciones de la cobertura de salud de ACA

El senador de Virginia Tim Kaine quiere actualizar la Ley de Atención Médica Asequible, ACA por sus siglas en inglés, vigente hace 14 …

Up to 50% of eligible residents in Virginia's counties were enrolled in a dual-eligible special needs plan in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

VA seniors can benefit from dual-eligible special-needs plans

Virginia seniors can see daily health and well-being benefits from certain health-care plans. Dual-eligible special-needs plans offer Medicare and …

Advocates urge VA governor to sign prescription-drug affordability bill

With the approval of the Virginia General Assembly, a bill reducing prescription drug prices is sitting on Gov. Glenn Youngkin's desk. The bill …

A Bankrate/YouGov poll finds 32% of U.S. adults estimate they would need more than $1 million to retire comfortably. However, 45% of workers say it's unlikely they'll be able to save that much. (Adobe Stock)

AARP event prepares Virginians for life after 50

The goal of an AARP Virginia event this weekend is to help people prepare for their 50s and beyond. The "Life at 50-Plus Academy" is a half-day …

Cavities are a consistent problem for kids. The CDC found more than half of kids ages 6-8 have had a cavity in at least one baby tooth. And more than half of kids ages 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one permanent tooth. (Adobe Stock)

VA pediatric dentists find online appointments growing

As part of Children's Dental Health Month, Virginia pediatric dentists are working to improve kids' dental health habits. Recent surveys indicated …

On average, school divisions across the country receive 14% more per student than those in Virginia, or about $1,900 more per student than Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

VA child advocates calling for increased school funding

Virginia child advocates are calling on state lawmakers to improve school funding. The concern grew when several bills focused on building up school …

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found between January 2022 and January 2023, more than 4,200 drugs had prices rising 46% higher than the rate of inflation. (Adobe Stock)

AARP VA calls on General Assembly for legislative changes

As the General Assembly session begins, AARP Virginia is calling on lawmakers to tackle key reforms. In particular, they're looking to establish a …

Between 2020 and 2022, 16.1% to 18.5% of Virginia adults engaged in excessive drinking. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Chronic conditions on the rise in Virginia

Virginia lost ground in a national health report. The state ranked 19th in this year's America's Health Rankings report, down from 14th in 2022…

A 2022 Southern Environmental Law Center study found Enviva wood pellet plants in Virginia and North Carolina harvest 60,300 acres of forests per year. Research shows clear-cutting trees at such a magnitude can destroy necessary ecosystems and damage water quality. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Biomass outpaces emissions of other fossil fuels

A new report found woody biomass is worse for the environment than other fossil fuels. The study showed biomass facility emissions are almost three …

Un estudio del Southern Environmental Law Center de 2022 encuentra que las plantas de pellets de madera de Enviva en Virginia y Carolina del Norte cosechan 60,300 acres de bosques por a�o. La tala de �rboles de esta magnitud puede destruir ecosistemas necesarios y da�ar la calidad del agua. (Adobe Stock)

Informe: Biomasa supera a las emisiones de otros combustibles fósiles

Un nuevo informe encuentra que la biomasa leñosa es peor para el medio ambiente que otros combustibles fósiles. El estudio encuentra que …

According to AARP, there are 6.5 million veteran and military caregivers across the U.S., providing the equivalent of $14 billion in unpaid care per year. (Adobe Stock)

AARP co-hosts webinar on caregiving for veterans

AARP is partnering with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation for a webinar today on the financial impacts of caregiving for veterans. New data show family …

A 2023 March of Dimes report finds almost 14.8% of women in Virginia don't have a birthing hospital within 30 minutes of where they live, compared with 9.7% of women nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA women’s health stagnates despite improvements

Progress in bolstering women's health in Virginia has stagnated, according to a new report. Virginia ranks 14th among the states in the latest …

KFF reported in 2021 the state saw 2,230 opioid overdose deaths, which accounted for 85% of drug overdose deaths in Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

VA group sets record straight on substance-use disorder

During National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a Virginia group is working to help those dealing with substance abuse. The state's Department of …

The National Institutes of Health encourages older people to practice safe sex no matter how old they are, as cases of HIV/AIDS among older people are on the increase. (Adobe Stock)

AARP-VA holds workshops on sexual health, dating after 50

Sex and relationships after age 50 are the topics of a series of online workshops hosted by AARP Virginia, starting tonight. The group says the idea …

According to AARP Virginia, 80% of nursing homes in the state do not meet the staffing requirements set by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

VA long-term care facilities rank low on national scorecard

A new report finds Virginia's long-term care facilities need improvement to better serve their residents. AARP's Long-Term Care Services and …

As August ended, there had been 27 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease associated with Virginia's outbreak, including five deaths. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Faces Meningococcal Disease Outbreak

The Virginia Department of Health has reported a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease. It initially began as a regional outbreak in the …

In an AARP survey, Virginia voters said they would support the idea of importing prescription drugs from wholesalers and licensed pharmacies and/or joining a buying pool offering prescription drug discounts. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Virginia Needs Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Despite partisan divides on many issues, a new survey shows Virginia voters are like-minded about the need to do something about rising prescription …

Between 2018 and 2021, maternal mortality rates spiked, according to the CDC. They peaked in 2021 at around 32%, with mothers age 40 and over having the largest increase in maternal mortality. (Adobe Stock)

VA Group Works to Improve Maternal Health

A Virginia group is working to boost maternal health across the state. Since 2011, maternal mortality rates have increased across the U.S. but …

Virginia ranked 48th in the 2023 State of Mental Health report undertaken by Mental Health America. This indicates higher rates of mental illness among the state's youth and little access to care. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA, US Children Need Better Health Supports

A new annual report found children in Virginia and across the U.S. need better health support. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book …

According to Virginia's opioid cost calculator, which tracks monetary impacts like lost labor, health care, crime, household costs, and state and federal costs, the state is facing a price tag of around $3.5 billion. (Adobe Stock)

VA Group Works to Address Opioid Crisis

As the opioid epidemic continues to take its toll, a Virginia group is working to keep people safe. The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition in Roanoke …

Virginia ranked 48th in Mental Health America's 2023 State of Mental Health report for youth mental health, which indicated higher rates of mental illness among the state's youth and little access to care. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Parents Worried About Student Mental Health

A recent survey from the National PTA found student mental health is a top-of-mind issue for parents across the U.S. The survey showed 72% of …

According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2.8% (14,400) high school students smoke in Virginia. The percentage of high schoolers who use e-cigarettes is 14.3%, slightly higher than the percentage of adults who smoke, 12.4%. (Adobe Stock)

VA Groups Aim to Reduce Youth Tobacco Use

Virginia groups are using different methods to warn young people about the dangers of smoking. Along with tobacco-free parks, the state has taken …

According to a 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation study, 57% of schools reported having insufficient access to licensed mental health professionals. (Adobe Stock)

VA Works to Improve Residents' Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Virginia is working to improve the mental health of its residents. In Mental Health America's 2023 State …

Outside of risk factors, like an unhealthy diet, certain mental health conditions can lead to harmful heart health. These include irregular heart rate and rhythm, increased blood pressure, inflammation and reduced blood flow to the heart. (Adobe Stock)

VCU to Study Effects of Stress on Heart Health

Virginia Commonwealth University will be researching chronic psychosocial stress' effects on heart health as part of an American Heart Association gra…

According to a Gallup poll, only 14% of Republicans have confidence in public schools following the COVID-19 pandemic. This is down from 34% in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Congressional Hearing Re-Examines AFT COVID-19 Pandemic Plan

GOP lawmakers are questioning teacher's unions about school closure policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 26, Randi Weingarten, president …

Seg�n una encuesta de Gallup, solo el 14 % de los republicanos tiene confianza en las escuelas p�blicas despu�s de la pandemia de COVID-19. Esto ha bajado del 34% en 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Audiencia del Congreso vuelve a examinar el plan de pandemia AFT COVID-19

Los legisladores republicanos están cuestionando a los sindicatos de docentes sobre las políticas de cierre de escuelas durante la pandemia …

According to the National Association of Community Healthcare Centers, Virginia is one of over 30 states with a medically disenfranchised population over 1 million, meaning there are not enough primary care medical services to meet their local needs. (Adobe Stock)

VA Group Leads Rural Healthcare Workforce Program

A Virginia group is working to bolster the state's health care workforce. The Virginia Rural Health Association's Workforce Initiative is a …

According to an America's Health Rankings report, excessive drinking can be linked to a variety of chronic illnesses, diseases and health problems, including hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, certain cancers, and memory and learning problems. (Adobe Stock)

VA Group Voices Concerns about Underage Drinking

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and Virginia groups are doing their part to educate people about alcohol abuse. The state ranked 22nd for …

According to the World Health Organization's Sodium Scorecard, a quarter of the world's population lives in countries with mandatory policies in place to reduce sodium intake. (Adobe Stock)

New Reports Outline Need for Healthier Eating Habits

Two recent reports take aim at improving health across the United States and the world. A report from the World Health Organization found that the …

According to a report from AARP, Virginia family caregivers provided over 920 million hours of unpaid care to family members in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA Family Caregivers Provide Swaths of Unpaid Help

A new report shows just how much unpaid care Virginia family caregivers provide to loved ones. As part of AARP's Valuing the Invaluable series…

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48% of schools surveyed felt inadequate funding was one reason they couldn't effectively provide mental-health services to students. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation Aims to Improve VA School Mental-Health Services

Virginia's General Assembly is reviewing legislation to improve mental health services in schools. Currently, Virginia ranks 48th among states for …

According to federal research, 72% of kids that will lose their Medicaid converge will remain eligible. It also finds Black and Latino families are at greater risk of losing coverage. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA Kids Could Lose Health-Care Coverage

Medicaid's continuous renewal policy will conclude as the COVID-19 pandemic relief program comes to an end in the spring. Instead, states will have …

Seg�n una investigaci�n federal, el 72 % de los ni�os que perder�n su cobertura de Medicaid seguir�n siendo elegibles. Tambi�n encuentra que las familias negras y latinas corren un mayor riesgo de perder la cobertura. (Adobe Stock)

Informe: Niños podrían perder cobertura de atención médica en VA

La política de renovación continua de Medicaid concluirá cuando la pandemia de COVID-19 llegue a su fin en la primavera. En cambio…

According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the CDC, one in three (30%) of teen girls considering attempting suicide in 2021, a 60% increase over the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Teen Girls Face Record High Levels of Sadness, Violence

The latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds teen girls are experiencing record high levels of sadness and violence…

According to the American Heart Association, men having a heart attack might experience nausea or vomiting and shortness of breath, along with chest pain or pressure. Women might experience fainting, indigestion and extreme fatigue with chest pain or pressure. (Adobe Stock)

Heart Month: Learn Difference Between Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attack

February is National Heart Month, and doctors want Virginians to understand heart health a bit better - specifically, heart attacks and cardiac …

According to Mental Health America's 2023 state rankings, Virginia ranks 34th for access to care and 38th overall. For adult mental health care the state ranked 14th, but youth mental health was ranked 48th. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Plan Better Funds VA Mental-Health Programs

A recently proposed plan has been devised to better fund Virginia's mental-health programs. The new Right Help, Right Now plan calls for $230 …

Currently, six states have prescription drug affordability boards, while states like Massachusetts and New York have similar arrangements. Other states, including Connecticut, are considering legislation. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing Homes, Prescription Prices Top Concerns for AARP Virginia

Nursing home staff shortages and rising prescription drug prices are two of the big legislative priorities this year for AARP Virginia. The group …

According to an annual report from United Healthcare, Virginia's strengths included low economic hardship index scores, low percentage of household food insecurity and high adult flu vaccination rate. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Ranks High in Annual Health Report

Virginia ranked 14th in United Healthcare's annual America's Health Rankings report. The state saw a 14% decline in the number of uninsured adults …

According to AIDSvu's 2020 data, 24,046 people were living with HIV in Virginia, and 628 people were newly diagnosed with the disease. (Adobe Stock)

World AIDS Day Reminds Experts of Progress in Fighting HIV/AIDS

On World AIDS Day, experts are reminding people to take precautions regarding HIV/AIDS. According to an annual report from the Virginia Department …

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, 31% of all middle- and high-school students surveyed said they used a tobacco product in the last 30 days. (Adobe Stock)

More Than 3 Million Youths Use Tobacco Products Across U.S.

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration finds a little more than 3 million kids nationwide use …

According to the American Heart Association, a little more than half, 51.9%, of hypertension deaths are women. Black women have a higher percentage of hypertension, 57.6%, than other races or ethnicities. (Adobe Stock)

AHA Red Chair Series Explores Women's Heart Health

The American Heart Association has developed a series of videos to educate women about heart disease. The Red Chair Series is a four-episode series …

According to a 2022 report from the American Heart Association, there are more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the United States each year, 90% of which are fatal. (Adobe Stock)<br />

CPR Education Helps VA Student Save Family Member’s Life

A Virginia high school student has found that the CPR training required for graduation is more helpful than she realized. Anjalia Bryant, a junior …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the states with the highest percentage of adults that have long COVID symptoms are Kentucky at 12.7%, Alabama at 12.1% and Tennessee and South Dakota, both at 11.6%. (Adobe Stock)

New Study Unravels Some Mysteries of Long COVID

A new study regarding long COVID sampling Virginia patients has found some of the most common symptoms of the illness. The study, done by Kaiser …

According to a 2021 study by the American Heart Association, people who take at least 7,000 steps a day have a 50% to 70% lower risk of dying than those who take fewer daily steps. (Adobe Stock)

Walking: A Simple Way to Boost Heart Health

Even for Virginians who think they're too busy to exercise, experts say there's one surefire way to squeeze in a modest workout: walking. Although …

According to the Recovery Ecosystem Index Mapping Tool, 61.8% of drug-related deaths between 2015 and 2019 in the state of Virginia were white people with at least a high school education, ages 15 to 64. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

New Tool Maps Substance-Use Recovery Hotspots

As part of National Recovery Month, a new tool identifies different areas in the U.S. in need of a stronger recovery system for people dealing with …

Studies show women of color who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest often have a poor prognosis, due in part to longstanding racist policies and poor access to health care. (9norg/Adobe Stock)

Lack of Training, Hesitancy to Perform CPR Put Latino Women at Risk

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation can save lives after a heart attack, but in some communities, too few people know how, or are hesitant to, perform the …

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VA: Health