skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Historic snow amounts fall in Florida, Louisiana and Texas as a once-in-a-generation storm hits; CO Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality; Report: proposed cuts to Medi-Cal will hurt rural CA the most; Bill aims to broaden Indiana Lifeline Law.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump pardons Jan. 6th rioters, including those convicted of violent crimes, Democrat-led states challenge his executive order to end birthright citizenship, and federal employees warn against moves to privatize government services.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

"We can't eat gold," warn opponents of a proposed Alaskan gold mine who say salmon will be decimated. Ahead of what could be mass deportations, immigrants get training about their rights. And a national coalition grants money to keep local news afloat.

AR health center aims to get more healthy foods to expecting mothers

play audio
Play

Monday, July 1, 2024   

A southeast Arkansas healthcare system is using grant money to help increase its patients' access to healthy foods.

Mainline Health Systems will use the funds to focus on healthy eating habits for people who are expecting.

Work will include showing families how to grow their own fruits and vegetables, and establishing farmers markets that cater specifically to the needs of pregnant women and new mothers.

Health System Registered Dietitian Jane Pelkki said they will teach new moms the basics of eating healthy.

"Eating healthy doesn't have to cost a lot, that it's doable and that there are food assistance programs such as WIC and SNAP, food stamps," said Pelkki. "And we're also going to provide some food to help moms understand what a healthy meal looks like."

Mainline is one of eight health systems nationwide to participate in the National Innovation Incubator program.

It's sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers and the global healthcare company, Abbott.

Research shows almost 13% of U.S. households experience food insecurity - or don't have access to an affordable, nutritious diet.

Merrill Warschoff-Press - senior vice president at NACHC - said the facilities play an integral part in improving the overall health of patients, and address social issues that may cause illnesses.

"They reach far beyond the walls of the traditional exam room, not only to prevent illness and treat it, but also to really address the social drivers that may cause poor health," said Warschoff-Press, "so whether it's food insecurity and poor nutrition or even housing, joblessness, mental illness, substance use disorders."

At the end of the six-month pilot program, results will be shared with 1,400 health centers nationwide. That could impact the overall health of more than 31 million patients across the country.




Disclosure: National Association of Community Health Centers contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
California's Proposition 12 mandated minimum space requirements for egg-laying hens but does not apply to chickens raised for meat. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…


Social Issues

play sound

Finding appropriate placements for youths entering Ohio's child welfare system has become increasingly difficult. Rachel Reedy, outreach and member …

Environment

play sound

Conservation groups are celebrating the end of a Massachusetts-based biotech company's pursuit of bringing genetically altered Atlantic salmon to mark…


Coloradans are nine times more likely to be forced to choose an out-of-network provider for mental health care, than for primary physical care, which leads to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients. (Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

More than 1 million Coloradans are living with a diagnosed mental health condition but insurance companies are denying coverage for care their policie…

Environment

play sound

Kane County officials plan to launch four composting programs at large-scale facilities to reduce food waste, as part of meeting the county's climate …

In 2023, more than 16 million workers were represented by a union, an increase of more than 190,000. (SEIU Local 49)

Social Issues

play sound

The Service Employees International Union is joining the AFL-CIO, a move both groups said will make it easier for more workers to unionize. SEIU is …

Social Issues

play sound

Increasing housing options for the state's seniors is at the top of AARP Iowa's priority list for the new legislative session and the group is pushing…

Social Issues

play sound

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a measure focused on parental rights. Senate Bill 143 has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 9-2 vote…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021