Health Issues / Public News Service

Hunger Free America's 2023 Annual Hunger Survey found more than 175,000 people in West Virginia are food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Health center to develop programs to fight WV food insecurity

A West Virginia community health center is participating in a program addressing food scarcity. The National Association of Community Health …

More than 90,000 people in New Hampshire live in a community that does not have enough mental health professionals, according to NAMI New Hampshire. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

NH backs 988 mental health hotline with local resources

Two years since activation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a new report found New Hampshire could improve resources for the mental health …

Hunger Free America's 2023 Annual Hunger Survey found more than 400,000 people in Kentucky are food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Kentucky clinic receives grant to battle poverty, food insecurity

A Kentucky community health center is one of eight facilities nationwide to participate in a program addressing food scarcity. The National …

By age 8, 52% of children have had a cavity in their primary baby teeth. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

NC dentists stress importance of children's dental health during summer

As summer kicks into full gear, North Carolina dentists stressed the importance of maintaining children's dental health. Dr. Miranda Kalaskey…

There are no income or registration requirements for kids to participate in the state's Summer Meals program, which serves breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner to all youths up to age 18. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Summer meals for kids available to-go and by delivery in remote rural areas

With school cafeterias closed for the summer, community groups and nonprofits are working to ensure that Colorado's one in five children who go …

Congress allocated $1 billion for states to develop the 988 hotline amid growing concerns over worsening mental health. (Adobe stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Report: IN’s 988 success sets example but all states must improve crisis support

A new report gives Indiana high marks for its rollout of 988, a mental health crisis hotline, but also highlighted all states need to do more to …

With 988 available nationwide, it is up to states to ensure there are crisis services - 24/7 local crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization options - so 988 callers receive the help they need. (DedMityay/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Mental health advocates: AR lawmakers can do more to support 988 helpline

Mental health workers are urging lawmakers to draft bipartisan policies to expand access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The service …

In 2022, fatal drug overdoses in Philadelphia hit a peak of 1,413, with people of color hit hardest. More than 80% of the overdose fatalities in 2022 involved opioids, almost always fentanyl. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

New Medicaid policy boosts 'street medicine' in PA

Philadelphia is addressing its opioid crisis by deploying mobile medical units to provide Medicaid-funded "street medicine" to the unhoused population…

The approach aims to make nutritious foods more accessible and affordable, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for mothers and their babies. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

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

A southeast Arkansas healthcare system is using grant money to help increase its patients' access to healthy foods. Mainline Health Systems will …

A new report shows the nation is still a long way from having fully functioning emergency mental health systems in place in every zip code. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, July 1, 2024

Report: CO suicide, mental health crisis lifeline system needs more work

Two years after the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was introduced, a new report by the group Inseparable says Colorado and other states …

People living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

MI Alzheimer's Association urges continued efforts beyond awareness month

June was Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, but the Michigan Alzheimer's Association says these should be year-round priorities. More than 200,0…

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children between the ages of 15 and 19, and the leading cause of death for 14- to 15-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

MA boosts funding for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline services

Community groups in Massachusetts will see continued funding to support the state's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Public health officials have …

A report from the nonprofit Inseparable found the rollout of 988 is something with which states are struggling and support is available to get it done. (bnenin/Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

Report: TX lawmakers can do more to support 988 crisis hotline

Mental health workers are urging lawmakers to draft bipartisan policies to expand access to mental health care services. The 988 Suicide and Crisis …

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers providing free and confidential emotional support 24/7. (Derrick/Adobestock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

988 mental health crisis line celebrates 2nd anniversary

The country's new 988 mental health response system turns two years old this month and a new report praised California's implementation while calling …

Hunger Free America's 2023 Annual Hunger Survey found almost 774,000 people in Virginia are food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

VA health center selected for food scarcity innovation program

A Virginia community health center is part of a program addressing food scarcity. The National Association of Community Health Centers' 2024 …

Florida offers a 211 phone line for people to call for information and referrals regarding health and social services resources, including Mobile Response Teams. (Liza Summer/Pexels)

Florida aims to build a comprehensive crisis response system

Florida is getting attention for its efforts to create a comprehensive crisis response system for mental health needs. A new report by the mental …

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was rolled out nationwide in July 2022. (7N23/Adobe Stock)

Report on 988 crisis line rollout highlights OR youth suicide prevention

A new report examines the rollout of the 988 mental health crisis line in each state and found Oregon has more work to do. The national three-digit 9…

The mental health crisis line 988 was activated nationwide in July 2022. (7N23/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA 988 crisis line rollout successful but more work needed

A new report examines the rollout of the 988 mental health crisis line in each state and finds Washington state has fared well but still has more work…

The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed an appeal in an abortion case from Idaho, making the procedure still available in emergency situations. (Jude/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS decision in ID case allows emergency abortions – for now

A ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court Thursday will allow for abortions in emergency situations in Idaho - for now. The justices said they were …

Between 2011 and 2021, suicide rates increased more than 26% in rural areas-more than double the 12% increase in metro areas, according to KFF data. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming localizes mental health crisis response

Wyoming ranked highest in the nation for suicide rates four consecutive years through 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and …

With the End-of-Life Options Act, Delaware would join ten other states and Washington, D.C., that have authorized medical aid in dying. (Adobe Stock)

DE Legislature approves End-of-Life Options Act for terminally ill patients

The Delaware General Assembly has approved legislation to allow terminally ill adults access to prescription drugs so if they are suffering, they can …

The Gettysburg-Whitlock Bay Development Corporation, a grant recipient, will help gardeners make use of an empty lot. (Adobe Stock)

Five SD communities receive Community Challenge grants

AARP has announced its 2024 Community Challenge grant recipients this week, including several in South Dakota. Nearly $4 million is going to about 35…

People with HIV who know their status, take HIV medicine as prescribed, and get and keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives. (Adobe Stock)

Know your status on National HIV Testing Day

There are over a million people living with HIV in the United States and just over 3,400 call Utah home. Today, on National HIV Testing Day…

Amazon sold a chemical used for suicide at high concentrations but said it cannot be held responsible for how customers use products. (michelangeloop/Adobe Stock)

Amazon responsible for selling chemical used for suicide, lawsuits allege

Lawsuits are seeking to hold Amazon accountable for selling a chemical used by people for suicide. The substance is known as sodium nitrite and is …

Some 17% of people in Indiana with HIV are unaware of their status, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

IN center hosts sites for National HIV Testing Day

Today is National HIV Testing Day. First observed in the U.S. in 1995, anyone who is sexually active is urged to get tested to know their HIV status…

HIV continues to have a disproportionate impact on certain populations, particularly racial and ethnic minorities and gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. (Adobe Stock)

'Know your status' on National HIV Testing Day

More than a million people live with HIV in the United States, and more than 18,000 of them call Arizona home. Today, on National HIV Testing Day…

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits brought more than $700 million to local Colorado economies in 2017, creating more than $1.25 billion in economic activity. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bill proposal would cut SNAP food assistance by $30 billion

One proposed version of the next Farm Bill, introduced by the Republican chair of the House Agriculture Committee, would cut the Supplemental …

American Heart Association research showed short-term exposure to extreme heat can increase inflammation, interfere with normal immune system function and can accelerate the progression of cardiovascular disease. (Adobe Stock)

VA doctor gives advice on staying heart-healthy in heat

Virginia doctors are reminding people how important it is to stay heart healthy in extreme heat. Temperatures across the U.S. have skyrocketed…

Rather than seeking help, men are more likely to externalize emotions, which leads to aggressive, impulsive, coercive and/or noncompliant behavior, according to a study by the American Psychological Association. (Adobe Stock)

OH advocates seek to change attitudes about men's mental health

June is Men's Mental Health Month and advocates in Ohio and elsewhere are working to eliminate the shame or judgment guys often face when they struggl…

Of the 17 states that have enacted music therapy legislation, 11 have placed the law in its own statute chapter, and others have grouped it with other forms of therapy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Group aims to get music therapy licensure in Wyoming

Advocates in Wyoming trying to get music therapy licensure recognized in the state are hitting roadblocks. Members of the Wyoming Music Therapy …

As of June 2023, about 5% of Americans had unpaid medical bills on their credit reports - down from 14% in March 2022, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

WV advocates: eliminate medical debt from credit scores

West Virginia healthcare advocates are applauding a recent proposed rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical bills from cred…

Among 3- and 4-year-olds in Texas, 58% are not in school. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Texas remains near bottom in kids well-being

Texas is near the bottom in this year's annual Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Book, which studies trends in child well-being. The report …

Port Richmond on Staten Island has the highest amount of lead/possible lead service line in all of New York City, 60.67%. (Adobe Stock)

Critics: NYC bill takes wrong approach to lead pipe removal

A New York City bill is a catch-22 for removing lead pipes. The so-called "Rotten Apple Bill" makes city property owners remove their home's lead …

Nationally, the child poverty rate decreased from 17.2% in 2021 to 15.9% in 2022, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Annie. E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

NC kids face challenges at school, but rising economic well-being

A new report sheds light on children's well-being in North Carolina, and highlights the need for greater academic support. According to the latest …

The living wage for a person in Maine who lives alone with no dependents is $22.04, or $4.65 more than the median wage for a home health aide, according the MIT Living Wage Calculator. (Adobe Stock)

Low wages, burnout cited for ME direct-care worker shortage

A critical shortage of direct care workers in Maine is leaving residents without needed health services, according to a new report. It showed more …

Male fertility has been dropping worldwide in the past few decades, especially in countries that produce a lot of chemicals known to disrupt hormones, including PFAS substances. (Adobe Stock)

WSU study reveals PFAS chemicals in men affect their offspring

A groundbreaking report from a team of Wayne State University researchers revealed fathers pass down more than genetics to their children. They are …

In 2015, the Supreme Court extended marriage equality to all 50 states in Obergefell v. Hodges. Almost all same-sex couples surveyed reported the decision affected their lives. More than 60% of couples were married post-Obergefell even though their relationships started before 2015. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Report: Marriage equality strengthened families but many worry for future

Twenty years after the first state permitted marriage equality, a majority of same-sex married couples said it had a profound positive effect on …

The World Health Organization says globally, one in two people can be considered

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

Members of the group Radical Elders are participating in a Chicago tech conference this weekend to explain the impact of technology on older Americans…

Nevada Health Link's texting initiative is estimated to reach more than 80,000 Nevadans. (Adobe Stock)

NV Health Link extends special enrollment period, launches SMS outreach

Nevada's marketplace insurance program wants people who no longer qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program to know it has exten…

In 2023, Arkansas' Farm to School Kitchen Equipment Grant Program increased the capacity to process and serve more specialty crops to students through the school cafeteria. (Cheangchai/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas students learn importance of healthy foods through school gardens

School children in Arkansas are learning how to grow their own fruits and vegetables through the Farm to School and Early Childhood Education program …

Rhode Island has one of the nation's highest percentages of students enrolled in early childhood education programs. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Building a brighter future for Rhode Island children

Rhode Island has ranked 12th in the nation for child well-being according to the 2024 Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The …

A majority of board members of the newly merged Clinica Family Health and Wellness will continue to be patients who receive services, working alongside community volunteers. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado health merger aims to unify behavioral and medical care

Clinica Family Health and Mental Health Partners have announced plans to merge operations by September of this year. Mental Health Partners co-CEO …

The Alzheimer's Association is seeking 55,000 volunteers for more than 180 clinical trials to study the disease at younger and younger ages. (Adobe Stock)

IA researchers say brain shows changes 20 years prior to Alzheimer's symptoms

Researchers in Iowa say changes in an Alzheimer's patients' brain can occur at least 20 years before they are diagnosed with the disease and they are …

The current version of the Farm Bill is an extension of the 2018 bill, which expired in 2023 and was extended for one year. (Kenishirotie/Adobe Stock)

MO advocates demand fairness in beef labeling, support for small farms

Family farm advocates are pushing for major changes in the new Farm Bill, including reduced subsidies for large factory farms, mandatory beef country-…

Around 67% of LGBTQ+ people reported needing a mental health service over the past two years, compared with 39% of non-LGBTQ+ people, according to KFF. (Chris Allan/Adobe Stock)

WY theater company talks health care on stage

As Pride Month winds down, health advocates want members of the LGBTQ+ community to know about health care options, despite any challenges to …

Connectus Health received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last year. The funding helps improve health outcomes for patients at the highest risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. (Gorodenkoff)

Tennessee health centers bridging gap in women's health care services

The Tennessee Primary Care Association and its affiliated community health centers are working to increase accessibility to essential women's health-c…

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up almost 6% of the Texas population. Texas ranks third among all states with the largest AAPI population, after California and New York. (Trueffelpix/Adobe Stock)

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in TX face health disparities

Almost half of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who live in Texas are skipping routine healthcare because of cost, according to a survey by …

Participating in the arts may improve older adults' health, well-being and independence, according to the National Institute on Aging. (Adobe Stock)

WY grant supports creative aging through arts

Teaching artists can now apply for grant funding centered on programs for older Wyomingites. The Creative Aging Project Grant, from the Wyoming Arts …

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Health

Health center to develop programs to fight WV food insecurity

NH backs 988 mental health hotline with local resources

Kentucky clinic receives grant to battle poverty, food insecurity

NC dentists stress importance of children's dental health during summer

Summer meals for kids available to-go and by delivery in remote rural areas

Report: IN’s 988 success sets example but all states must improve crisis support

Mental health advocates: AR lawmakers can do more to support 988 helpline

New Medicaid policy boosts 'street medicine' in PA

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

Report: CO suicide, mental health crisis lifeline system needs more work

MI Alzheimer's Association urges continued efforts beyond awareness month

MA boosts funding for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline services

Report: TX lawmakers can do more to support 988 crisis hotline

988 mental health crisis line celebrates 2nd anniversary

VA health center selected for food scarcity innovation program

Florida aims to build a comprehensive crisis response system

Report on 988 crisis line rollout highlights OR youth suicide prevention

Report: WA 988 crisis line rollout successful but more work needed

SCOTUS decision in ID case allows emergency abortions – for now

Wyoming localizes mental health crisis response

DE Legislature approves End-of-Life Options Act for terminally ill patients

Five SD communities receive Community Challenge grants

Know your status on National HIV Testing Day

Amazon responsible for selling chemical used for suicide, lawsuits allege

IN center hosts sites for National HIV Testing Day

'Know your status' on National HIV Testing Day

Farm Bill proposal would cut SNAP food assistance by $30 billion

VA doctor gives advice on staying heart-healthy in heat

OH advocates seek to change attitudes about men's mental health

Group aims to get music therapy licensure in Wyoming

WV advocates: eliminate medical debt from credit scores

Texas remains near bottom in kids well-being

Critics: NYC bill takes wrong approach to lead pipe removal

NC kids face challenges at school, but rising economic well-being

Low wages, burnout cited for ME direct-care worker shortage

WSU study reveals PFAS chemicals in men affect their offspring

Report: Marriage equality strengthened families but many worry for future

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

NV Health Link extends special enrollment period, launches SMS outreach

Arkansas students learn importance of healthy foods through school gardens

Building a brighter future for Rhode Island children

Colorado health merger aims to unify behavioral and medical care

IA researchers say brain shows changes 20 years prior to Alzheimer's symptoms

MO advocates demand fairness in beef labeling, support for small farms

WY theater company talks health care on stage

Tennessee health centers bridging gap in women's health care services

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in TX face health disparities

WY grant supports creative aging through arts