Health Issues / Public News Service

In Georgia, abortion is legal up to the point at which a detectable fetal heartbeat is present, which happens at around six weeks of pregnancy. State law defines it as the

Friday, September 20, 2024

GA women detail life-threatening impact of abortion ban at Senate hearing

Women and health care providers testified before the Human Rights Subcommittee, chaired by Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., in Atlanta this week, detailing …

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is anticipated to save over $350 million annually on electric bills for 900,000 low-income households nationwide and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million metric tons over five years. (Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Ohio's most vulnerable communities are set to benefit from more than $312 million in federal funding aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting envi…

Florida's new law, House Bill 433, preempts

Friday, September 20, 2024

New OSHA rule aims to protect Florida workers from deadly heat

A new federal proposal to protect workers from extreme heat is being hailed as a potential lifesaver by labor advocates, even as Florida faces …

Black pregnant and postpartum people in Colorado were 1.9 times more likely to die during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy compared to the state's overall pregnant population, according to analysis of data between 2016 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than overall population

September is Health Literacy Month, and a Denver-based group is working to help health professionals break a persistent pattern of discrimination …

Medicaid has covered more than $28.6 million in claims for dental services since expansion began, according to state data. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Thursday, September 19, 2024

NC dentists warn of crisis due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates

In North Carolina, the gap between Medicaid reimbursement rates and the actual cost of dental care has reached a crisis point, impacting both …

In the latest AARP Wisconsin poll, the most important policy issues for older voters in the Badger State include immigration and border security, the economy and jobs, and inflation and rising prices. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI

Like polling from other battleground states, the race for the White House remains close in Wisconsin. But fresh numbers out this week show some …

So far in 2024, community health centers in North Dakota have screened 11,580 patients for food insecurity. Through those screenings, more than three thousand box meals have been distributed. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Nutrition takes a seat at the doctor's office in underserved areas

September is Hunger Action Month. In North Dakota, it isn't just food banks trying to help underserved populations get nutritious items. Health …

IU Health is expanding its suicide prevention efforts by training staff to better support individuals from different backgrounds. (Adobe stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Suicide rates rising among Indiana's diverse communities

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

Some 36,000 Arkansas Medicare beneficiaries used insulin in 2020. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

AR seniors to benefit from Medicare prescription drug cap

Arkansans who are on Medicare will see big savings next year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. The Act will cap prescription drug costs…

Groups fighting hunger will hold a panel discussion in Los Angeles, called

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Feeding the unhoused in LA.: Searching for best practices

California is home to more than 181,000 people who are unhoused, with 75,000 in Los Angeles alone, so the Los Angeles Food Policy Council will host a …

The American Heart Association said caregivers often experience personal and spiritual growth, discovering their own resilience, competence and capacity for sacrifice as they help a friend or loved one. (Justlight/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

MO Heart Association urges caregivers to prioritize self-care

September is Self-Care Awareness Month and the American Heart Association in Missouri is urging caregivers to take some much-needed time for themselve…

A student at Portland Opportunities and Industrialization Center uses the organization's new self-measuring blood pressure cuff. (American Heart Association)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

First self-measuring blood pressure site sets up in OR community center

Self-measuring blood pressure sites are coming to the Northwest, starting with a community organization in Portland. The American Heart Association …

At least 25 state prison systems and federal prisons offer copay waivers for chronic conditions and 13 states provide copay exemptions for pregnancy-related care. (photogeek/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons

Researchers have found that higher copays for health care obstruct access to receiving care behind bars, even as prison populations in Mississippi …

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the cost for a single cycle of IVF to range from $15,000 to $20,000 and can exceed $30,000 if a donor egg is involved. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

As U.S. Senate votes down IVF bill, MN parent speaks out

A bill to bolster protections for in vitro fertilization treatments failed in the U.S. Senate Tuesday and as the political debate plays out, a …

Minnesota's Center for Rural Policy and Development said in rural settings, parents are often forced to take a child to the emergency room during a mental health crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Rural MN families have few options for youth mental healthcare

Gaps in mental health care are a common research topic right now and for Minnesota youth in rural areas, a new report showed their families face big …

About 3.2 million Medicare enrollees are expected to save money in 2025 under a new law capping prescription drug costs. (Scott Hales/Adobe Stock)

Report: Oregonians to save money with prescription drug cost cap in 2025

Tens of thousands of Oregonians are expected to see savings next year when prescription drug costs are capped, according to a new report from AARP…

Orange glow in Albuquerque night sky lights up Hunger Action Month

New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank sent a "glowing" invitation to encourage food and financial contributions during September's Hunger Action Month…

Iowa seniors list the out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications as one of their main health-care concerns, according to AARP Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

Prescription costs soon to be capped for Iowa seniors

A new report from AARP Iowa predicts thousands of seniors on Medicare Part D in the state will save money on their prescriptions, thanks to a cap on …

Around 2,250 adults with serious mental illness each year, on average, receive psychiatric treatment at the University of Louisville Hospital. (Adobe Stock)

DOJ report finds Louisville overuses its psychiatric hospitals

A U.S. Department of Justice investigation has found Kentucky is failing to provide access to community-based mental health services for people who …

According to the research website Definitive Healthcare, consumers spent $603 billion on prescription drugs in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

IN residents await price reductions on costly prescriptions

Indiana ranks 20th among states for its prescription drug spending and especially for older adults, some help is on the way. The Inflation Reduction …

One cow can produce up to 264 pounds of methane every year, and it's estimated that livestock production is responsible for 30% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. (Adobe Stock)

How livestock farming fuels climate change

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

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

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)

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 …

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)

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)

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 …

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)

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 />

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)

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)

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 …

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 …

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

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…

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)

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 …

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)

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 …

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)

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)

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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Health

GA women detail life-threatening impact of abortion ban at Senate hearing

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

New OSHA rule aims to protect Florida workers from deadly heat

Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than overall population

NC dentists warn of crisis due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI

Nutrition takes a seat at the doctor's office in underserved areas

Suicide rates rising among Indiana's diverse communities

AR seniors to benefit from Medicare prescription drug cap

Feeding the unhoused in LA.: Searching for best practices

MO Heart Association urges caregivers to prioritize self-care

First self-measuring blood pressure site sets up in OR community center

Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons

As U.S. Senate votes down IVF bill, MN parent speaks out

Rural MN families have few options for youth mental healthcare

Report: Oregonians to save money with prescription drug cost cap in 2025

Orange glow in Albuquerque night sky lights up Hunger Action Month

Prescription costs soon to be capped for Iowa seniors

DOJ report finds Louisville overuses its psychiatric hospitals

IN residents await price reductions on costly prescriptions

How livestock farming fuels climate change

North Dakota's abortion ban overturned

Caregiving, financial security among top concerns of older SD voters

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

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

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

NM experts dish up best techniques for preserving green chile

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

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

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

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

Delaware schools emphasize mental-health assessments for students

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

LA climate activists target Wall Street

Calls for broader legal safeguards under Indiana Lifeline Law