Health Issues / Public News Service

More than 400,000 people are enrolled in MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. At least 40,000 recipients continue in an

">

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

Children and families in rural Maine would face the greatest harm should proposed funding cuts to the federal Medicaid program be implemented…

One in seven hospitalized patients will need a blood transfusion. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Blood donors needed year-round in VA

This month is National Blood Donor Month, and blood donor groups are making sure people know the importance of giving blood. Blood can't be …

A 2022 report found New York State has one school psychologist for every 648 students, one school social worker for every 773 students, and one school counselor for every 288 students, far exceeding recommended ratios. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

NY schools working to improve kids’ mental health

Schools in New York and nationwide continue to play an important role in bolstering kids' mental health. New York made a $1 billion investment in …

Nearly 41% of children in small towns and rural areas rely on Medicaid for their coverage, compared with about 38% in metro areas. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families showed most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for heal…

Many rural residents in Alaska must travel long distances to see a doctor. Proposed cuts to the Medicaid program could slash funding for those trips, making access to care more difficult and expensive. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Health care advocate says future of Medicaid critical for rural Alaskans

A new report finds that significant cuts proposed for Medicaid funding would disproportionately affect rural and small-town residents in Alaska and ma…

In 2021, Ohio spent approximately $1.3 billion on child welfare services, ranking it among the top states for reliance on local funding, with counties shouldering nearly half of the cost. (Mediaphotos/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Addressing Ohio’s youth care crisis

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

In 2022, 182,000 children were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in Nebraska, almost 53% of total Medicaid recipients in the state. Last year, Nebraska expanded eligibility for kids with special needs who live with their parents. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

Advocates for young Nebraskans worry proposed federal cuts could affect families who rely on Medicaid for their health care. A new national report …

One in five people in the United States lives in an area classified as non-urban. (BJP7images/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Report: Potential Medicaid cuts would hit rural MO hardest

The Medicaid and CHIP programs are vital to rural Missouri, according to a report that says reliance on this safety-net health coverage is much …

A new report from Georgetown University showed the effects a proposed cut to Medicaid would have on rural New Mexico, where residents already have worse health outcomes than those in cities. (Rob/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

With President Donald Trump back in office, Congressional Republicans are eager to extend his 2017 tax cuts, which likely means slashing the Medicaid …

In 2022, 52% of rural hospitals no longer had maternity wards, compared to 36% of urban hospitals. Cuts to Medicaid funding would affect already struggling rural medical facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten rural PA residents, hospitals

Federal safety net programs face major potential cuts as the Trump administration pursues budget reductions, with a House GOP proposal suggesting $2.5…

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Maryland needs more blood donors

This month is National Blood Donor Month, and blood donor groups are making sure people know the importance of giving blood. Blood can't be …

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)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Insurance companies denying coverage for Coloradans' mental health care

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

Around 22% of people in Kentucky are covered by Medicaid, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Proposed Medicaid changes would hit KY and other rural states hard

Nearly one-third of Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block as lawmakers look for ways to reduce the national deficit. A new report found …

Rural Idaho children rely on Medicaid. More than 490,000 Idahoans live in rural communities. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Study: Rural Idahoans depend on Medicaid coverage

Rural communities in Idaho and other states rely heavily on Medicaid for health coverage, according to new research from the Georgetown University …

A 2022 report found Washington state had one school counselor for every 465 students, far higher than the recommendation of one for every 250 students. (Synthex/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

WA falls behind in school-based mental health support

As young people struggle with mental health issues, schools often provide the best avenue for getting them help. However, Washington state has fallen …

More than a half million Mountain State residents rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Experts: Medicaid essential for WV nursing home care

Nearly one-third of Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block as lawmakers look for ways to reduce the national deficit. A new report found …

Among adults younger than 65, about 18% of those in small towns and rural America get their coverage through Medicaid, compared with about 16% in metro areas. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families shows most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for healt…

Michigan House Rep. Carrie Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor, represents Michigan's 47th District, covering parts of Jackson and Washtenaw counties. She was elected in Nov. 2022 and began her term in Jan. 2023. (Rep. Carrie Rheingans)

Lawmaker fights for better health, housing for Michiganders

More Michigan residents need access to affordable housing and health insurance, according to a lawmaker pushing for change. Rep. Carrie Rheingans…

In his 2025 State of the State address, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp highlighted the efforts of the GRACE Commission. He noted the state has investigated over 330 human trafficking cases, secured 49 convictions and rescued about 200 trafficking survivors. (Adobe Stock)

State of the State: Kemp proposes GA tax cuts, tort reform

Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his 2025 State of the State address Thursday, emphasizing tax cuts and tort reform as key priorities for Georgia. Kemp …

President-elect Trump's pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is a fan of raw milk, which can contain dangerous pathogens and spread zoonotic diseases, like avian flu. (Adobe Stock)

Cabinet nominees push deregulation of America's food systems

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration…

The CDC says Listeria is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness, with about 260 fatalities per year. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Raw milk carries higher health risks

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Zamone Perez for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

Dental clinics operated by local health departments can be found in 45 out of 89 rural Tennessee counties, as well as in four of the state's six metropolitan areas. (luckybusiness/Adobe Stock)

TN community health centers meet growing demand for dental care

Community Health Centers are stepping up to meet a critical need for dental care across Tennessee. Dental visits at these clinics have increased by 1…

Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such sa Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural America would feel pain of deep Medicaid cuts

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

Policy experts said rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such as Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Report: If Congress guts Medicaid, rural America would notice

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

According to the Texas Tree Foundation, the lack of trees and green spaces contributes significantly to the

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

By María Ramos Pacheco for The Dallas Morning News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

The Oregon Nurses Association says Providence Health has been spending more than $25 million per week on replacement nurses, or $1,400 per nurse per day. (ONA)

Striking health care workers in OR return to negotiations with Providence

After five days of Oregon's largest health-care strike, including the state's first doctors' work stoppage, Providence Health announced it is ready …

Women of color are often the sole providers of care for their families and communities and are far too often the last to receive nurturing care, rest and recreation for themselves. (Women's Wilderness)

Mountain retreat to 'pamper' Colorado’s caregivers of color age 50+

If you are a woman age 50 and older, and you provide care for a parent, a child, a loved one or neighbor, you are invited to sign up for a weekend …

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

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…

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

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)

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 …

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 />

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)

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 25 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - January 21, 2025

2025Talks - January 21, 2025

The Yonder Report - January 16, 2025

Health

Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

Blood donors needed year-round in VA

NY schools working to improve kids’ mental health

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

Health care advocate says future of Medicaid critical for rural Alaskans

Addressing Ohio’s youth care crisis

Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

Report: Potential Medicaid cuts would hit rural MO hardest

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten rural PA residents, hospitals

Maryland needs more blood donors

Insurance companies denying coverage for Coloradans' mental health care

Proposed Medicaid changes would hit KY and other rural states hard

Study: Rural Idahoans depend on Medicaid coverage

WA falls behind in school-based mental health support

Experts: Medicaid essential for WV nursing home care

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

Lawmaker fights for better health, housing for Michiganders

State of the State: Kemp proposes GA tax cuts, tort reform

Cabinet nominees push deregulation of America's food systems

Expert: Raw milk carries higher health risks

TN community health centers meet growing demand for dental care

Report: Rural America would feel pain of deep Medicaid cuts

Report: If Congress guts Medicaid, rural America would notice

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

Striking health care workers in OR return to negotiations with Providence

Mountain retreat to 'pamper' Colorado’s caregivers of color age 50+

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

RSV rise puts Indiana hospitals on alert

Kentucky works to reduce overdose deaths in Black and brown communities

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

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

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

Rising risks of toxic PFAS chemicals in CO drinking water

Heart tips to stay healthy in Indiana's winter cold

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