Health Issues / Public News Service

Despite rising cases, Doehring assures Indiana hospitals remain well-prepared and avoid overcrowding in intensive care units or emergency departments. (Adobe stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

RSV rise puts Indiana hospitals on alert

By Cat Sandoval for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service C…

According to federal data, drug overdose deaths declined by 14.5% yer-over-year in the 12-months ending June 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Kentucky works to reduce overdose deaths in Black and brown communities

Groups across the state are working to reduce overdose deaths among minority populations. According to state data, overdose deaths are on the …

Nationally, just one-third of state lawmakers are women. In the 2025 session, 52% of Colorado lawmakers are women. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Veteran CO lawmaker sets sights on climate, child care in 2025

In 2019, Colorado lawmakers set goals for cutting climate pollution by at least half by the year 2030, and by 90% by 2050 - compared with 2005 levels…

Portsmouth became New Hampshire's first city to regulate single-use plastics in 2020 after state lawmakers failed to pass legislation aimed at curbing its usage. City properties have eliminated plastic bags and and distribute plastic straws only on request. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Environmental groups call for vinyl chloride ban

Environmental groups are calling for a ban on vinyl chloride, one of more than 16,000 toxic chemicals used to manufacture plastic. The Environmental …

With a pending rule excluding medical debt from loan applications, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau predicted an uptick of 22,000 affordable mortgages approved every year because applicants will not have old medical bills upending their loan request.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Marylanders' medical debt off limits to banks, lenders

A new federal rule could ease some of the pressure when Marylanders apply for loans but may face challenges from the incoming Trump administration…

According to KFF Health News, roughly 77,000 Montanans were enrolled in Medicaid expansion last October, a topic expected to get a lot of attention this legislative session as the program is scheduled to expire in June. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Groups rally at MT Capitol to maintain Medicaid expansion

A coalition of Montana groups will rally at the Capitol Wednesday to advocate for the protection of Medicaid expansion, which legislators will debate …

About 20 million people, nearly one in 12 adults, owe medical debt, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

Nevada has about 170,000 adults who report medical debt, which can pose a significant financial hardship. But a new federal rule could ease some …

Some medical records can cost four figures to obtain. (terovesalainen/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

WA lawmakers urged to lower cost to obtain medical records

Obtaining medical records can be a costly endeavor but there is hope Washington state lawmakers could find a fix this session. Medical providers …

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of registered nurses in the U.S. are union members. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

ND nurses hope union vote paves way for stronger rural health care

Labor analysts say doctors have jumped to the front of the line of healthcare workers forming unions while others in the medical field continue to sho…

Over the past five years, the California Parent and Youth Helpline said it has taken calls from more than 110,000 individuals in need. (Bananahealth/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Mental health helpline seeks to expand to help fire victims recover

Mental health groups are stepping up to help victims of the Los Angeles area wildfires deal with the extreme stress brought on by the disaster…

During 2024, 71,864 Kentucky residents enrolled in a health plan through the insurance marketplace, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, January 13, 2025

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

This Wednesday is the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act marketplace health coverage. Advocates say this year is even more critical for …

The 2025 Idaho legislative session began Jan. 6. (Tracy King/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

With state lawmakers back in Boise, changes could be coming to Medicaid. Voters approved Medicaid expansion in 2018, but Republican legislators have …

National reform groups say North Dakota is taking the right steps to improve public health outcomes for those within and without the criminal justice system, but they add a lot more work is needed. (Adobe Stock)

Jail overcrowding in ND elevates reform talk

North Dakota's county jails and state prisons have been bursting at the seams. Elected leaders are calling for meaningful solutions, with legal …

Ohio ranks among the top 10 states in U.S. natural gas production, contributing about 5% of the nation's output and reserves, which is integral to the state's hydrogen hub project. (Calin Tatu/Adobe Stock)

Local concerns rise over Ohio’s hydrogen project

Ohioans are raising questions about the future of fracking and its environmental and community impacts, following the ARCH2 hydrogen hub open house …

Colorado's safety-net community health centers deliver coordinated dental, medical and behavioral health care. (Adobe Stock)<br />

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

The Community Health Provider Alliance improved health care quality and saved $17.3 million in taxpayer money that would have been paid out by Medicar…

If confirmed, Brooke Rollins will direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its 100,000 employees, running on an annual budget of $437 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Texan tapped as ag secretary in upcoming Trump administration

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Pres…

Democratic presidential candidates have won Massachusetts and its 11 electoral votes in each election for more than 60 years, excluding Ronald Reagon's victories in 1980 and 1984. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Rightward shifts in solid blue MA ignite Democrats’ ‘listening tour’

Massachusetts Democrats hope a virtual "listening tour" will help clarify voters' rightward shift in last year's election. While Vice President …

North Carolina faced an estimated $53.6 billion in damages from Hurricane Helene. (Adobe Stock)

NC Dental Society Foundation aids dentists after Hurricane Helene

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many dentists in Western North Carolina faced devastating losses, from damaged practices to destroyed homes…

Even in healthy individuals, the American Heart Association said cold weather can constrict arteries, make blood clot more easily and increase heart rate and blood pressure. (Adobe Stock)

Heart tips to stay healthy in Indiana's winter cold

This week, Indiana's winter blast has left frigid temperatures and more than 7 inches of snow in its aftermath, and health experts urged people to …

Banks, lenders to no longer consider medical debt under new rule

South Dakota is among the states with the highest percentage of residents carrying medical debt but a new federal rule announced this week could ease …

In 2023, 40% of high school students nationwide reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 20% said they seriously considered attempting suicide. (Murda/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report highlights need for mental health reforms for MI youth

The Bipartisan Policy Center has released a new report on reforming the way youth mental health services are delivered, in Michigan and nationwide…

By 2033, the Association of American Medical Colleges forecasts a shortage of 12,500 anesthesiologists, with rural areas expected to face the most acute deficits. (Alfa27/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Could new legislation solve TN's anesthesiologist shortage?

Some anesthesiologists hope this is the year Tennessee passes legislation to allow Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants to practice in the state…

The childhood mental health crisis has been on the rise for years. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the crisis among children in Arkansas and throughout the country. (Viacheslav Yakobchuk/Adobe Stock)

National task force addresses mental health issues for AR youth

A new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center addresses reforms to address mental health issues for youth in Arkansas and nationwide. The group's …

Roads, bridges and overpasses across the state of Texas have been treated with brine in anticipation of a wintry mix this week. (cj2a/Adobe Stock)

Texans encouraged to be heart healthy during coldest temperatures of season

Some Texans are experiencing the coldest temperatures of the season this week. In addition to staying warm, the American Heart Association said it's …

A record 16.6 million individuals have signed up for federal Health Insurance Marketplace coverage which began Jan. 1, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Two million of them signed up for the first time. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Enrollment deadline for ME health insurance marketplace Jan. 15

Mainers who need coverage through the state's online health insurance marketplace have just one week left to apply. The deadline is Jan. 15 to sign …

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in the blood of 99% of Americans, including infants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Rising risks of toxic PFAS chemicals in CO drinking water

More than 143 million Americans are at risk of toxic PFAS, so-called forever chemicals, in their drinking water, according to new test results …

President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been controversial because of Kennedy's positions on vaccinations and questions over medical research and development. (Adobe Stock)

IA progressive advocates warn of 'dangerous' Trump appointments

Progressive advocates are expressing concerns over President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of the U.S…

Colorado lawmakers are hoping better coordination between state agencies, local governments and nonprofits can prevent and reduce homelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Number of CO homeless families up by 134% in single year

The number of Colorado families experiencing homelessness rose by 134%, from 3,600 in 2023 to more than 8,500 families in 2024, according to new …

Patients collectively spent more than 57,000 days in Oregon hospitals in 2024. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock)

Task force tackles Oregon's hospital 'boarding' problem

Oregonians who are ready to leave the hospital but still require care do not have enough places to go, affecting providers and patients at all levels…

Job stress and poor pay are causing a high turnover rate for counselors at crisis centers handling calls for help from suicidal individuals, according to a report from the National Alliance on Mental Health. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates push to bring TX mental health crisis care on par with 911 services

Thousands of calls to Texas suicide hotlines are going unanswered as funding for call centers is millions of dollars short of what advocates said they…

UCHealth, which reports medical outcomes above state averages in many areas, recorded nearly $840 million in 2023 profits. (Galatas)

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

Advocates for patients are calling on UCHealth to end its practice of filing lawsuits over unpaid bills, after a 9News report found that the state's …

A New York State Nurses Association report found the number of nurses leaving the workforce doubled nationally, from 40,000 to 80,000, between 2010 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Many NY hospitals not staffing enough nurses

Some New York hospitals are not adequately staffing nurses, according to a new report. The New York State Nurses Association report showed between …

In 2024, over 771,000 people in the U.S. faced homelessness, meaning about 23 out of every 10,000 residents lived in shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered spaces, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Adobe Stock)

AL expands housing support for people with mental illness

Housing help is on the way for people in Alabama with mental health issues. A legislative committee has approved a new contract to help secure …

Providence's 18 top executives received nearly $200 million in compensation from 2017 to 2022. (D Lahoud/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Doctor supports strike, says Providence Health 'hemorrhaging providers'

Oregon's largest health care strike, including the state's first doctors' strike, is set to begin this Friday if a settlement cannot be reached…

Among the bills to be introduced in Montana's 2025 legislative session is one which would officially recognize Indigenous People's Day across the state. (Hanna Tor/Adobe Stock)

Native health care, voting rights top issues to watch during MT's 2025 legislative session

Montana's 69th legislative session begins today and advocates for the state's Native population will be at the Capitol, tracking bills ranging from …

In Indiana, Marion, Vanderburgh, Madison and Lake counties had the highest number of residents who listed alcohol as their primary substance upon admission to a facility for treatment. (Adobe Stock)

IN substance recovery center supports sober existence

One popular New Year's resolution is to quit alcohol consumption. Although easier said than done, one recovery center said there are modifications …

An Illinois Hospital Association report shows more than 1 million Illinoisans, or nearly 13% of the state's residents, live in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Closure of IL rural hospitals removes services, job growth

The federal government is launching a new program to help hospitals struggling to stay afloat in rural Illinois. Severe financial problems have put 3…

In the winter, heart-related deaths increase by about 20% with cold weather. (Andrii IURLOV/Adobe Stock)

MO doctor shares tips on staying heart healthy in cold temps

January's cold temperatures in Missouri and across the nation can pose risks for those with heart conditions. The American Heart Association has …

Mississippi Blood Services provides donated blood and blood products to Mississippians through donations of whole blood, platelets, plasma and other life-saving products. (Adobe Stock)

Mississippians urged to donate blood amid critical shortage

Holidays are traditionally a slow time for blood donations, but recent events have made the need for people to give blood and plasma in the Magnolia …

Health-care experts say physical therapy is one area that has benefited from the expansion of telehealth. (Adobe Stock)

Rural telehealth sees more policy wins, but only short-term

As the new year unfolds, rural health providers in North Dakota and other states will continue to have extra latitude in using telehealth technology…

Alabama's maternal mortality rate is 36.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is more than double the national average of 17.4. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

With the 2025 legislative session around the corner, the nonprofit advocacy group Alabama Arise said it plans to take aim at poverty and systemic …

According to the National Council of Urban Indian Health, the average age of Indian Health Service facilities is over 37 years and the maintenance backlog was about $515 million in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

SD’s Native population sees 'double whammy' of health barriers

Funding for the Indian Health Service has increased over the past decade but the agency remains underfunded, which affects both the health and …

It typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes to donate blood. (thomsond/Adobe Stock)

Arkansans encouraged to make life-saving blood donations

Blood banks nationwide and in Arkansas are encouraging people to make a blood donation this time of year and possibly save a life. Blood donations …

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported New Hampshire is home to more than 3,000 U.S. Postal Service workers, who earn an average hourly wage of $27.08. (Adobe Stock)

NH rural towns face proposed postal delays in 2025

The Postmaster General has proposed reduced delivery days and other changes starting next year which could particularly affect rural New Hampshire…

On Sept. 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. Two weeks later, on Oct. 9, Hurricane Milton struck as a dangerous Category 3 storm. (Adobe Stock)

This year, FL community health centers took on more than medicine

In this year's devastating hurricane season, Florida community health centers are proving indispensable in disaster response and recovery, providing …

From 2016 to 2023, an estimated 1.8 million toy-related injuries for all ages were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, an average of 226,300 injuries per year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Zarya Maxim/Adobe Stock)

Medical, legal experts warn parents about dangers of toys this holiday season

Utah trauma surgeons are wanting parents to be vigilant about the dangers toys with magnets or button batteries can pose, after they've seen several …

Colorado patients have been hit with surprise bills for ambulance services as high as $2,500. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most ambulance rides in Colorado billed out-of-network

Colorado's surprise billing law does not currently limit out-of-network billing for ambulance services, and new analysis shows the true costs to …

Regional drought and fluctuating snowfall at the head of the Rio Grande basin in southern Colorado in recent years have left El Paso Water officials increasingly unsure how much water will flow through the river into the city each year. (Marcos/Adobe Stock)

Drought brought on by climate change affects West TX water supply

By Diego Mendoza-Moyers for El Paso Matters.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

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Health

RSV rise puts Indiana hospitals on alert

Kentucky works to reduce overdose deaths in Black and brown communities

Veteran CO lawmaker sets sights on climate, child care in 2025

Environmental groups call for vinyl chloride ban

Marylanders' medical debt off limits to banks, lenders

Groups rally at MT Capitol to maintain Medicaid expansion

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

WA lawmakers urged to lower cost to obtain medical records

ND nurses hope union vote paves way for stronger rural health care

Mental health helpline seeks to expand to help fire victims recover

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

Jail overcrowding in ND elevates reform talk

Local concerns rise over Ohio’s hydrogen project

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

Texan tapped as ag secretary in upcoming Trump administration

Rightward shifts in solid blue MA ignite Democrats’ ‘listening tour’

NC Dental Society Foundation aids dentists after Hurricane Helene

Heart tips to stay healthy in Indiana's winter cold

Banks, lenders to no longer consider medical debt under new rule

Report highlights need for mental health reforms for MI youth

Could new legislation solve TN's anesthesiologist shortage?

National task force addresses mental health issues for AR youth

Texans encouraged to be heart healthy during coldest temperatures of season

Enrollment deadline for ME health insurance marketplace Jan. 15

Rising risks of toxic PFAS chemicals in CO drinking water

IA progressive advocates warn of 'dangerous' Trump appointments

Number of CO homeless families up by 134% in single year

Task force tackles Oregon's hospital 'boarding' problem

Advocates push to bring TX mental health crisis care on par with 911 services

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

Report: Many NY hospitals not staffing enough nurses

AL expands housing support for people with mental illness

Doctor supports strike, says Providence Health 'hemorrhaging providers'

Native health care, voting rights top issues to watch during MT's 2025 legislative session

IN substance recovery center supports sober existence

Closure of IL rural hospitals removes services, job growth

MO doctor shares tips on staying heart healthy in cold temps

Mississippians urged to donate blood amid critical shortage

Rural telehealth sees more policy wins, but only short-term

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

SD’s Native population sees 'double whammy' of health barriers

Arkansans encouraged to make life-saving blood donations

NH rural towns face proposed postal delays in 2025

This year, FL community health centers took on more than medicine

Medical, legal experts warn parents about dangers of toys this holiday season

Report: Most ambulance rides in Colorado billed out-of-network

Drought brought on by climate change affects West TX water supply