Health Issues / Public News Service

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, 18 states currently either ban abortion completely or after six weeks of pregnancy. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

North Dakota's abortion ban overturned

Abortion care restrictions in North Dakota are expected to be lifted in the near future, following a court ruling on Thursday. A state judge said …

According to a poll of 50-64-year-olds, top issues of concern are strengthening the economy (80%), defending against terrorism (76%), and making the Social Security system financially sound (73%). (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Caregiving, financial security among top concerns of older SD voters

Voters over age 50 reliably show up to the polls in large numbers but sometimes candidates overlook them. In 2020, 138,000 South Dakotans ages 45-64 …

AARP says between 3 million and 4 million Medicare enrollees nationwide are estimated to benefit from the new out-of-pocket federal cap every year between 2025 and 2029. Of the total, 40,050 are in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Picture becomes clearer on drug cost savings for older Minnesotans

Consumer advocates have long detailed how older adults struggle to manage the cost of their medications but hope is emerging in Minnesota and elsewher…

More than 20% of Maine students age 6-11 have suffered from two or more adverse childhood experiences, including bullying or living with a parent with a mental illness, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Schools' services help ME kids tackle mental health challenges

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Maine. The state's Department of Health and Human …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

Climate change harms Indigenous people's health. While it causes some health conditions, it is also worsening chronic illnesses to which they are prone. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

EPA awards climate grant to CT tribal nation

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has been awarded a grant to cut climate pollution. It is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate …

Green chiles take center stage next month when New Mexico extension agents offer classes in preservation techniques. (Photo courtesy of NMSU)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

NM experts dish up best techniques for preserving green chile

The growing season is winding down in New Mexico and experts want to make sure the people preserving green chile for the colder months are doing it ri…

Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to income, location, or transportation issues. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

So far, 34 farmers markets, food hubs and retail locations across the state offer Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Pilot program makes fresh Colorado produce accessible to more families

As Colorado's fall harvest kicks into high gear, people participating in SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps, can now get up to $60 per …

Childhood vaccines are stored in temperature-controlled refrigerators at pediatrician Eric Ball's practice in Orange County, Calif. (Jackie Forti�r/KFF Health News)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Pedatricians cut back on COVID shots as interest wanes

By Jackie Fortiér for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public Ne…

A program at Montana State University has shown success in reducing the rate of youth suicide by educating students about alternatives. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Experts want more school mental health services

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Montana. Research shows kids who need services are …

Community health workers provide a trust-based relational framework for addressing nonmedical health drivers of health and connecting families to medical resources and social services. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

A program in Georgetown, in Williamson County, is working to improve health outcomes for low-income residents by helping them gain access to …

In a 2024 poll from Rural Democracy Initiative, rural voters said they're deeply concerned about rising costs for everyone, especially housing, healthcare, and childcare. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Connecting Minnesota policies to rural needs

Recent Minnesota policy moves are in the national spotlight, with Gov. Tim Walz on the Democratic presidential ticket. Rural areas within the state …

The mental health advocacy organization Inseperable recommended there be one school psychologist for every 500 students. (Adobe Stock)

UT struggles with mental health; school-based services could help

School is back in session across Utah and mental health advocates want to ensure children and parents can access adequate school-based services…

Renewal Village's strong partnerships, including with the the Colorado Division of Housing and Adams County, helped tap four million federal dollars to create a new home for families experiencing homelessness. (Galatas)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Renewal Village adds 215 housing units for Denver's unhoused residents

Renewal Village, a converted Clarion Inn featuring 215 units of permanent supportive and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported social determinants of health prevent many people from racial and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical and emotional health. (PNW Production/Pexels)

FL advocates highlight philanthropy's role in supporting Black maternal health

While the United States has made strides in improving maternal care, disparities in access to quality health care persist, particularly for Black …

An AARP report showed Medicare drug plan enrollees nationwide who reach the new out-of-pocket cap will see average savings of roughly $1,500, or 56%, in 2025 for their prescription drugs. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

Ohioans struggling with rising prescription drug prices may find relief in a new law, which caps annual out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D …

By 2029, Connecticut's estimated share of enrollees benefiting from Medicare's out-of-pocket cap will be higher than 30 states and the District of Columbia. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicare cap helps reduce CT prescription drug costs

A new report found Connecticut residents will benefit from Medicare's new out-of-pocket cap. An estimated 49,000 people in the state would see …

The number of states allowing syringe service programs has nearly doubled since 2014, especially in Southern, rural and Midwestern states, influenced by outbreaks of HIV and hepatitis C. (Mars0hod/Adobe Stock)

Syringe services ease drug abuse impact in MO

Between 2016 and 2023, more than 14,000 Missourians died from drug overdoses, making it the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-44 in the state…

Of the 10 states with abortion ballot initiatives this November, Nebraska's

NE Supreme Court to hear 3 abortion ballot initiative cases Monday

In an unusual set of circumstances, the Nebraska Supreme Court will hear arguments in three lawsuits about the two abortion-related ballot …

The mental health advocacy group Inseparable has published a checklist to promote mental health in schools, advocating annual well-checks for all students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Delaware schools emphasize mental-health assessments for students

With mental health challenges on the rise among youths, Delaware officials said school-based services have become essential in addressing issues…

80% of Wyoming adults say that EMS should be considered an essential service, according to a 2024 AARP survey. (Kirill Gorlov/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

Some emergency medical services, or EMS, are consolidating or closing across Wyoming, while the need for services is increasing. In 2021, Wyoming EMS …

Nearly three in five households surveyed are not participating in SNAP. For those that are <br />participating, nearly two-thirds report that their SNAP benefits are exhausted in two weeks or <br />less each month. (mdurson/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has recently sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in the state's hunger relief network, with food insecurity …

Liquefied gas export terminals have zeroed in on the Texas Coast for a major expansion of the industry. (AA+W/Adobe Stock)

Climate activists along TX coast want LNG ban

Climate and environmental activists along the Texas Coast are celebrating after receiving favorable news from an insurance company covering liquefied …

According to Planned Parenthood, roughly 4,000 crisis pregnancy centers operate in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Debating ND government's connection to crisis pregnancy centers

Legal disputes still surround North Dakota's abortion ban. Underneath the court activity is the influence of "crisis pregnancy centers" and debate …

Nearly three of four Colorado voters surveyed want lawmakers to ensure full funding for Healthy School Meals for All. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado parents face September 30 deadline to help fund school meals

Colorado students will not go hungry this school year, thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All initiative approved by voters in 2022. Their …

Research indicated between 50% and 70% of coaches are not educators in their school buildings. Although they have community support for athletics, they often miss out on the training and daily interactions that are part of being a teacher. (Anela R/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Coaching beyond the game for student growth in Ohio and elsewhere

The Coach Beyond program, started by Ohio State University's Life Sports, is making waves across Ohio by helping coaches address more than just the …

A letter signed by more 500 faith leaders was delivered to Citibank headquarters, calling on them to stop funding climate destruction and aggressively enable a green energy transition. (P�ter M�cs/Adobe Stock)

LA climate activists target Wall Street

Environmental activists of various faiths and denominations are spending the summer protesting on Wall Street to highlight the effects financial marke…

Purdue University students Jason Packard and Rebecca Siener are trying to break the stigma around the Indiana Lifeline law and its effect on underage drinking.

Calls for broader legal safeguards under Indiana Lifeline Law

By Kody Fisher for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Co…

Beginning in January, new federal changes will cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 annually for 56 million Americans with Medicare drug plans. (Adobe Stock)

Some older Kentuckians will save on prescription drugs next year

Around 60,000 Kentucky seniors will save more money on their medications in the New Year, according to a new AARP report. Under the federal …

Amirah McCree, a Charlotte paralegal, with her family. McCree said nurses rushed her to deliver her second child. (Courtesy Amirah McCree)

NC woman sheds light on medical mistreatment of Black mothers

By Kylie Marsh for the Charlotte Post, with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North …

The recommended ratio of school counselors to students is 250 to 1. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health in focus as MD kids head back to school

As kids head back to school, advocates are calling for expanded access to school-based mental health services in Maryland and nationwide. The …

According to the Center for Women and Politics, registered women voters have traditionally outnumbered men by 10 million. In 2022, the number decreased to 7.4 million. (Adobe Stock)

IN women voters expected to outpace men in 2024 election

A Democratic woman of color vies against an embattled former Republican president in this year's historic Nov. 5 election and a new survey of 801 …

Ohio public schools have about 100,000 teachers, averaging 16 students per teacher and 220,000 non-teaching staff, averaging seven students per non-teaching position, with nearly all teachers holding a bachelor's degree or higher. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

The quiet preparation: Ohio teachers before the first bell

As Ohio students head back to school, many parents may think the return to the classroom begins when the first bell rings but for educators, the …

On price negotiations alone, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the Inflation Reduction Act will generate more than $100 billion in savings over 10 years for those using Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

With new caps, WI Medicare enrollees expected to save $1500 next year

Older Wisconsin residents struggling to manage prescription drug costs, have new data on how much they might save as a new federal rule kicks in …

Medicare enrollees will not have to spend more than $2,000 annually on prescription drugs, starting next year. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Report: New prescription drug cap for Medicare means big savings

Hundreds of thousands of older Californians will see huge savings on prescription drugs starting in January, according to a new report from AARP…

Studies show mental health literacy and life skills decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help children succeed. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Experts recommends PA educators, parents prioritize student mental health

Experts are advising schools and parents to prioritize student mental health as Pennsylvania children return to learning. A new checklist from the …

A coalition of national medical groups said equitable access to voting is a way to safeguard public health and avoid restrictive laws that result in adverse health effects, such as higher COVID-19 mortality rates. (Adobe Stock)

Go ahead and vote this fall; your health might thank you

Election Day is a little more than two months away and North Dakotans turned off by the political environment are urged to consider their long-term he…

A new online resource helps LGBTQ+ people navigate end-of-life decisions.(Cultura Creative/Adobe Stock)

New online tool aids LGBTQ+ people in making end-of-life decisions

LGBTQ+ Americans are twice as likely to experience discrimination in health care, including as they age, according to a new survey from the Kaiser …

Actions by the Biden administration reduced the number of people with medical debt on their credit reports from 46 million in 2020 to 15 million Americans in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Nationally proposed medical debt policies can aid NYers

New Yorkers could see relief from medical debt if several national proposals move forward. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a new …

A new online resource helps LGBTQ+ couples navigate advance planning decisions (Felix/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

End-of-life decisions made easier for LGBTQ+ people with new online toolkit

LGBTQ+ Americans are twice as likely to experience discrimination in health care, including as they age, according to a new survey from the Kaiser …

Based on input from 162 caseworkers and 85 families, respecting, listening, and being vulnerable were the most important caseworker behaviors in the PACT Behavioral Research Project. (D Lahoud/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Building bridges: How PACT is redefining child welfare through relationships

The Public Children's Services Association of Ohio has launched a groundbreaking new initiative called Practice in Action Together, aimed at …

School-based mental and behavioral health services help prevent issues and enhance educational achievement and future employment opportunities. (Coyot/Pixabay)

New mental-health checklist aims to support returning Florida students

With mental health challenges on the rise among youths, school-based services have become a critical component in addressing the issues. A new …

According to state data, one in eight Georgia teens suffers from depression. (Adobe Stock)

Back-to-school mental-health checklist aims to support GA students

With students back in classrooms, the mental health of Georgia's youth is a top priority and one group is working to make sure students have access …

The 2024 Indiana Girl Report emphasized actionable steps for families and stakeholders to enhance the well-being of Hoosier girls. (Adobe stock)

Report: IN girls struggle with bullying, yet excel academically

A new report highlighted girls in Indiana face higher rates of bullying and sexual dating violence compared to boys. The 2024 Indiana Girl Report…

More people are traveling farther and across multiple state lines to access abortion care, according to data from the Guttmatcher Institute. (Adobe Stock)

WV voters worried about abortion care, reproductive health access

New polling found an overwhelming majority, 85% of Americans believe abortion access should be allowed in some situations. Two years ago in the …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 13, 2024

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Health

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

North Dakota's abortion ban overturned

Caregiving, financial security among top concerns of older SD voters

Picture becomes clearer on drug cost savings for older Minnesotans

Schools' services help ME kids tackle mental health challenges

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

EPA awards climate grant to CT tribal nation

NM experts dish up best techniques for preserving green chile

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

Pilot program makes fresh Colorado produce accessible to more families

Pedatricians cut back on COVID shots as interest wanes

Experts want more school mental health services

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

Connecting Minnesota policies to rural needs

UT struggles with mental health; school-based services could help

Renewal Village adds 215 housing units for Denver's unhoused residents

FL advocates highlight philanthropy's role in supporting Black maternal health

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

Report: Medicare cap helps reduce CT prescription drug costs

Syringe services ease drug abuse impact in MO

NE Supreme Court to hear 3 abortion ballot initiative cases Monday

Delaware schools emphasize mental-health assessments for students

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

Climate activists along TX coast want LNG ban

Debating ND government's connection to crisis pregnancy centers

Colorado parents face September 30 deadline to help fund school meals

Coaching beyond the game for student growth in Ohio and elsewhere

LA climate activists target Wall Street

Calls for broader legal safeguards under Indiana Lifeline Law

Some older Kentuckians will save on prescription drugs next year

NC woman sheds light on medical mistreatment of Black mothers

Mental health in focus as MD kids head back to school

IN women voters expected to outpace men in 2024 election

The quiet preparation: Ohio teachers before the first bell

With new caps, WI Medicare enrollees expected to save $1500 next year

Report: New prescription drug cap for Medicare means big savings

Experts recommends PA educators, parents prioritize student mental health

Go ahead and vote this fall; your health might thank you

New online tool aids LGBTQ+ people in making end-of-life decisions

Nationally proposed medical debt policies can aid NYers

End-of-life decisions made easier for LGBTQ+ people with new online toolkit

Building bridges: How PACT is redefining child welfare through relationships

New mental-health checklist aims to support returning Florida students

Back-to-school mental-health checklist aims to support GA students

Report: IN girls struggle with bullying, yet excel academically

WV voters worried about abortion care, reproductive health access