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Monday, March 18, 2024

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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

WI: Health

After a dip in the early stages of the pandemic, the Wisconsin Hospital Association says patient volumes have rebounded and remain high, stretching health systems thin as they deal with staffing shortages. (Adobe Stock)
Pressure eases, but WI still faces health-care workforce woes

Critical, but stable. That's how an industry group describes the state of Wisconsin's health-care workforce. Amid some brighter spots, shortages loom …

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The Wisconsin Hospital Association estimates about one in five nurses around the state is moving on from their profession. (Adobe Stock)
For-profit colleges complicate WI's nursing shortage efforts

Wisconsin faces a big staffing shortage of registered nurses. Advocates hope for key solutions to bear fruit amid unease about the emergence of for-…

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The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health said the health-care workforce still has not recovered from the earlier stages of the pandemic when staff experienced burnout after being thrust onto the front lines. (Adobe Stock)
Rural health leaders: WI task force should address regulatory issues for hiring

Gov. Tony Evers announced a new task force this week to address hiring issues within health care in Wisconsin. Those speaking up for rural health …

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Wisconsin's New Freedom Transportation Program, which enlists volunteer drivers to help older people and those with disabilities get to the doctor, serves more than 40 counties. Program officials estimate they are at least 20 drivers short of where they need to be. (Adobe Stock)
WI hospital closures add urgency to need for volunteer drivers

This week, a Midwest health care system announced the closure of two hospitals of two hospitals in western Wisconsin. Those who help transport older …

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Vaccination rates among U.S. kindergartners for routine childhood shots have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with just 93% of students meeting vaccination requirements, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)
Experts: Misinformation movement harming vaccination rates

Public health experts say the rapid spread of health misinformation online is contributing to a dangerous decline in vaccination rates in Wisconsin an…

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Latinos account for 47% of agricultural field workers and 46% of construction laborers in the U.S. and face extreme summer heat threats due to climate change. (Adobe Stock)
Report brings to light climate-change impact on Latinos' health, heritage

As climate change makes extreme weather events more common globally, new findings show Latinos often face the most significant effects on their …

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According to United Health Foundation's latest America's Health Rankings report, Wisconsin is 26th in the nation when it comes to adult tobacco use. (Adobe Stock)
WI in top half for health rankings, but resources low for public outreach

Wisconsin ranks 22nd in the country when it comes to a range of health measuring sticks, and local public health officials said more resources could …

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an estimated 9% of women of childbearing age in the United States have high blood pressure. Policy experts say expanding health coverage can open up more access to screenings, helping new moms avoid health complications. (Adobe Stock)
WI remains outlier in not fully extending postpartum Medicaid coverage

Wisconsin lawmakers are in the midst of their fall session and they face renewed calls to approve a plan to help new mothers with limited resources ma…

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Health coverage assistance groups and providers warn that if you wait until the last minute and rush your enrollment for an insurance plan, you could end up in the wrong program or with benefits that don't suit your needs. (Adobe Stock)
Health coverage experts: Sidestep intimidation, prepare to enroll

The fall season is here, meaning many Wisconsinites will soon make decisions about their health coverage. Experts say early preparation with trusted …

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According to the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, more than half a million children have been disenrolled from Medicaid in just 21 states that post child enrollment data on a more-timely basis. (Adobe Stock)
WI Kids Losing Health Coverage in Medicaid Unwinding

As Wisconsin kids head back to school, families who rely on Medicaid are reminded to ensure their children still have health insurance. States are …

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Health equity groups said dental therapists can go out into settings like schools and federally qualified community health centers, and provided much-needed oral health care to underserved populations. (Adobe Stock)
Dental Therapists Touted as Key to Advancing Dental Care Equity

The term "food deserts" is used a lot in the fight against hunger, but groups calling attention to the shortage of oral health care professionals say …

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This year, six Wisconsin communities received Community Challenge grants from AARP. Improving pedestrian safety and accessibility was a common theme among awarded projects.
Amid Concerning Data, WI Cities Carry Out Pedestrian Safety Projects

A recently released report shows pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. remain at alarming levels. In Wisconsin, local communities are stepping up with …

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