Health Issues / Public News Service

Many municipalities are now testing drinking water for PFAS but contamination is often widespread and difficult to remove. (show999/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

MSU study highlights long-term impact of PFAS in drinking water

A new study from Michigan State University researchers revealed lasting PFAS effects in a Michigan community's drinking water near an old paper mill l…

The report found, youth mental health hospitalizations increased 61% over the past decade, with suicide now the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 10 to 14. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Ohio voices call for early mental health support

As youth mental health challenges rise and federal restructuring threatens key programs, former Ohio Gov. and 2016 Republican presidential candidate …

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. <br />(Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

American Stroke Month: AHA raises awareness in Missouri

May is American Stroke Month and the American Heart Association wants Missourians to know the signs and take action. Stroke is the sixth leading …

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently said he will veto a measure passed to remove barriers set up 80 years ago that make it harder for workers to join a union, which have historically advocated for worker safety over profits. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

5,283 workers nationwide, including 83 in Colorado, killed on the job

In Colorado, 83 workers were killed on the job in 2023, according to the AFL-CIO's latest "Death on the Job" report. The report comes after the …

Some reports suggest the Pentagon will look at medical records to see if service members have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Trump admin to begin transgender military ban after court ruling

The Pentagon will begin removing transgender troops from the military after the Supreme Court ruled last week that a ban could be enforced as lawsuits…

Public health departments said when all children living in a certain area receive their MMR vaccine, it prevents major disruptions from measles outbreaks, including having to quarantine a whole school. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

ND health official: Don't take measles lightly

On the heels of measles cases popping up in North Dakota, local health officials stress the importance and safety of immunizations for young children…

The Mayo Clinic reported most people born or living in the U.S. before 1957 are immune to measles because they've had the infection and can only get it once. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

IL health officials work to combat vaccine hesitancy, stop measles spread

At least two people have tested positive for measles in Illinois and public health officials are working to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's PFAS action plan focuses on tackling the most pressing compliance issues and responding to concerns from Congress and drinking water systems regarding national primary drinking water regulations for specific PFAS chemicals. (Somphong/AdobeStock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Will the EPA’s PFAS plan improve Tennessee drinking water?

An environmental group is voicing concern about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to tackle PFAS pollution. The EPA recently …

As part of its training standards, community health workers are required to complete initial training, either in-house or through outside programs, within 30 days of their start date, before they begin working with clients on their own. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 9, 2025

Accreditation for TN community health workers can improve health outcomes

Despite uncertainty about Medicaid funding in Congress, Tennessee is moving ahead to help improve people's health outcomes with a program for …

Military families are more likely to have a child with special or mental-health needs that require more coverage, compared with civilian families. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 9, 2025

Medicaid cuts risk health care access for VA military families

Republican lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, but a new report finds those spending cuts might impact health-care …

Since 2023, the caucus has secured more than $200 million in new Momnibus and maternal-health funding through the federal budget process. That money is now reaching community groups, universities, health providers and researchers nationwide. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Black maternal health remains focus of PA lawmakers

With Mother's Day coming up, some Pennsylvania lawmakers are backing a set of bills that could help improve maternal health. The Black Maternal …

The American Lung Association reports more than 2.6 million Ohioans, including over 600,000 children and 500,000 people with asthma, are at higher risk from air pollution exposure. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio cities brace for impact of federal EV rollback proposals

As air pollution levels rise in parts of Ohio, new federal proposals could roll back protections that limit emissions from gas-powered vehicles…

On average, military families are more likely to have a child with special or mental-health needs compared with civilian families. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD military families rely on Medicaid, critical to national security

Republican lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. But a new report finds those spending cuts might impact health-care …

Memory, language, and thinking problems are the first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, followed by changes in a patient's personality or behavior, such as apathy, confusion and increased suspicion and fear. (Adobe Stock)

More Hoosiers facing Alzheimer's diagnoses as caregiver costs rise

A new study showed costs are rising for caring for Hoosiers with Alzheimer's disease and forms of dementia. The report indicated nearly 122,000 …

The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act included tax credits and incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption in New Mexico. (See Less/Adobe Stock)

U.S. veterans who hold elective office want environmental investments restored

A bipartisan group of current and former elected officials said the continued use of fossil fuels threatens global security and they want funding for …

More than 180,000 Iowans gained Medicaid coverage when the state enrolled in an optional expansion in 2013, part of the Affordable Care Act. (Adobe Stock)

Threatened Medicaid cuts would hobble Iowa's child-care workforce

A new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families said the Trump administration's proposed cuts to Medicaid would hobble Iowa…

Ohio ranks eighth nationally in the number of children in rural communities who rely on Medicaid for health coverage, with 30% of rural kids enrolled. (Adobe Stock)

Health coverage holds up Ohio’s child care

Ohio's child care system is under strain and a new national report highlighted how Medicaid helps support the workforce behind early childhood care…

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $7.4 million in grants to boost urban farming and food access in struggling communities. (Joshua Resnick/Adobe Stock)

Community leaders in MO take action amid threats to SNAP benefits

As the national debate intensifies over cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits and school meal funding, Missouri food system leaders are …

As of 2023, half of likely undocumented immigrant adults and one in five lawfully present immigrant adults reported being uninsured, compared with less than one in 10 naturalized citizens and U.S.-born citizen adults, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

AZ hospitals could be required to ask patients about legal status

State lawmakers in Arizona are considering legislation to mandate hospitals to ask patients whether they are in the country legally. Rep. John …

Davis, Duchesne, Salt Lake, Tooele, Uintah, Utah and Weber counties all received a letter grade of

Multiple UT counties get 'F' in clean air report

Utah counties are struggling when it comes to clean air, according to a new report from the American Lung Association and advocates said Utahns will …

Eduardo Mata Montessori in Dallas received a technology award package valued at $1,000, which included their choice of tech

National program makes sure TX students are technology ready

Across Texas, 63 schools are participating in a Parent Teacher Association digital literacy program known as "PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go!." The …

More than 40% of families with an early childhood educator rely on one or more public assistance programs. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid cuts could hurt VA early childhood education workforce

As Republicans in Washington, D.C. consider steep cuts to Medicaid, a new report showed the early childhood education workforce in Virginia heavily …

Experts say social, economic, personal and environmental factors are the major influences on a person's well-being. They hope families keep these things in mind, especially mental health, when assessing the state of their household. (Adobe Stock)

Checking underneath the 'family wellness' hood

May is Family Wellness Month, and Minnesota households are encouraged to work on goals beyond the surface level of success. One expert said family …

More than one in three Ohio parents with children under 5 report serious problems paying rent or mortgage, according to a statewide Groundwork Ohio poll. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio families left waiting as child tax credit stalls

A refundable child tax credit aimed at helping families with young children was proposed in Gov. DeWine's budget but was stripped out by the Ohio …

As of May 1, 2025, a total of 935 confirmed measles cases were reported by 30 jurisdictions nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY confirms second measles case, doctors urge vaccination

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is reporting a second confirmed measles case in March, in a child who was traveling through the …

Lead can enter drinking water when a chemical reaction occurs in plumbing materials that contain lead, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa bill would require lead water line disclosure

Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill that would require property owners to disclose the presence of lead water service lines during a real estate tra…

The American Lung Association lists asthma triggers as smog, vehicle exhaust, burning leaves, cigar, cigarette, or pipe smoke, and wood-burning fireplaces. (Adobe Stock)

Report shows air quality is poor for Hoosiers with asthma

May is Asthma Awareness Month and a new American Lung Association report shows that Indiana's air is harmful for those with the condition. Between 2…

An American Heart Association program is helping Washington food pantries tailor their supplies by adopting nutritional guidelines for the food they distribute. (Adobe Stock/AI)

WA food pantries implement new policies to provide healthy nutrition

Research shows people experiencing food insecurity often suffer from chronic health conditions due to a lack of proper nutrition. Now, a group of …

Nebraska health care providers grapple with binge drinking

Mental health counselors focused on Nebraska's high rate of binge drinking during Alcohol Awareness Month, which just wrapped up. Alcohol abuse is …

In 2023, nearly 18% of U.S. households with children faced food insecurity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio lawmakers consider free meals for all K-12 students

By Lauren Cohen / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. S.B. 109, a bill that …

Families in Colorado and across the nation spend up to 60% of their income on child care, the equivalent of a second mortgage or rent payment. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of affordable child care costs Colorado $2.7 billion annually

The lack of quality child care for infants and toddlers costs Colorado nearly $3 billion each year in lost earnings, productivity and revenue but an …

Assembly Bill 55 would make it easier for birthing centers to accept Medi-Cal, which would expand options for new families. (Bosotochka/Adobe Stock)

Bills aim to strengthen CA health care as Congress considers cuts

Groups advocating for better access to health care have introduced what they call "Care4All California," a package of 13 bills designed to shore up th…

Healthy School Meals for All serves up more than 600,000 meals every school day in Colorado, regardless of a student's ability to pay. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado voters could decide fate of Healthy School Meals for All

As Colorado lawmakers grapple with $1.2 billion in budget cuts, child nutrition advocates are turning to voters to protect funding for the state's …

In Illinois, counties cover the operational costs of juvenile detention centers, while the state reimburses for staffing at more than $40 million per year. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed bills would curb jailing of children in IL

Two bills aimed at reforming the juvenile justice system in Illinois are close to becoming law. Senate Bill 1784 proposes raising the age of …

Title X is the only federal program providing family planning and preventive health services, including contraception, cancer screenings and STI testing. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Many Missourians fear birth control access will decline

A recent poll shows widespread concern among Missourians about the future of birth control access. The survey from the Right Time Initiative reveals …

Some 56,000 military members, veterans and their families in Virginia are dually enrolled in military health insurance and Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts could impact veterans in VA, report finds

As Republican lawmakers in Washington, D.C., consider cuts to Medicaid, a new report has found thousands of veterans in Virginia could be affected…

Residents of rural communities rely on Medicaid more than do their urban counterparts because of lower incomes, fewer private insurance options and higher unemployment rates. (ISKPRODUCTION/Adobe Stock)

GOP budget cuts to Medicaid could fray NM's safety net

Medicaid is a lifeline for many of New Mexico's families, making it one of six states that could be severely affected by cuts Congressional …

Advocates from Compassion & Choices attended a hearing for Senate Bill 403 before the State Senate Committee on Health on April 23. (Patricia Portillo/Compassion & Choices)

Legislative hearing today on bill to extend End of Life Option Act

A bill to make medical aid in dying permanently legal in California goes before the state Senate Judiciary Committee today. The End of Life Option …

According to a study by Harvard University, nearly 25 million Americans live in areas without enough dentists. Dental experts warned taking fluoride out of water in areas with few dentists could lead to more tooth decay. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Some AR communities without fluoridated water also experience dentist shortage

By Brett Kelman for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Co…

Ohio Department of Children & Youth reports more than 15,000 children are in foster care in Ohio - and nearly a quarter have complex needs that make finding the right placement especially challenging. (Adobe Stock)

Hope and healing in Ohio's foster system

As Ohio approaches National Foster Care Month in May, one family's journey highlights how therapeutic foster care can change lives. A 12-year-old …

Montana lawmakers discussed a bill which would have legalized cigar smoking in designated rooms in bars, despite a 2006 declaration by the U.S. Surgeon General there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. (Marco Mayer/Adobe Stock)

Indoor cigar smoking bill, unpopular with voters, fails in Montana House

A bill to legalize cigar smoking in designated Montana barrooms has failed a third reading in the state House. Similar legislation is introduced most …

Lawmakers are considering several bills that would impact small farmers, including bills that would require country-of-origin labels and allow the sale of raw milk at farmers markets. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

TX lawmakers consider bills to help small farmers, home food businesses

Members of a Texas House committee this week will consider a bill that would limit the number of permits farmers must have to participate at farmers m…

Reduced federal funding for Medicaid would lead to widespread coverage losses and tens of thousands of avoidable deaths each year, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

West Virginia Senators push Medicaid cuts

Many residents of West Virginia are at risk of losing health care under a federal proposal to cut Medicaid funding by $880 billion. Sen. Jim Justice…

The United States has announced investments of more than $150 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure since 2021, contributing to a 40% increase in EV sales in 2022, according to the Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

Congress is preparing to vote Wednesday on whether to roll back Ohio's authority to set tougher vehicle emissions standards. New research from …

Sharla Fisher (center, above) says her cardiac challenges, which led to her having a pacemaker implanted, opened her eyes to women and heart disease. (Sharla Fisher)

AZ mom shares heart journey to encourage others to prioritize their health

Mother's Day is fast approaching and an Arizona mom wants women of all ages to make sure they are prioritizing their heart health. Nearly 45% of …

Medi-Cal pays for a range of health services in schools, including aides and equipment for disabled students. (Ermolaev Alexandr/Adobe Stock)

Advocates warn proposed cuts to Medi-Cal will cripple school budgets

Medicaid is in the crosshairs, as Republicans in Congress are expected to lay out proposals in May to cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget…

American Heart Association Alaska executive director Kristin George delivers one of hundreds of CPR and first aid kits to a remote village in rural Alaska. (AHA-Alaska)

Heart Association spreads CPR, AED lifesaving skills across rural Alaska

The Alaska branch of the American Heart Association is helping save lives by teaching the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external …

About 9% of Virginians receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (Adobe Stock)

VA students, local economies would suffer from possible SNAP cuts

As lawmakers on Capitol Hill discuss trillions in spending cuts, opponents warned students on SNAP and free school meal programs would suffer…

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Health

MSU study highlights long-term impact of PFAS in drinking water

Ohio voices call for early mental health support

American Stroke Month: AHA raises awareness in Missouri

5,283 workers nationwide, including 83 in Colorado, killed on the job

Trump admin to begin transgender military ban after court ruling

ND health official: Don't take measles lightly

IL health officials work to combat vaccine hesitancy, stop measles spread

Will the EPA’s PFAS plan improve Tennessee drinking water?

Accreditation for TN community health workers can improve health outcomes

Medicaid cuts risk health care access for VA military families

Black maternal health remains focus of PA lawmakers

Ohio cities brace for impact of federal EV rollback proposals

Report: MD military families rely on Medicaid, critical to national security

More Hoosiers facing Alzheimer's diagnoses as caregiver costs rise

U.S. veterans who hold elective office want environmental investments restored

Threatened Medicaid cuts would hobble Iowa's child-care workforce

Health coverage holds up Ohio’s child care

Community leaders in MO take action amid threats to SNAP benefits

AZ hospitals could be required to ask patients about legal status

Multiple UT counties get 'F' in clean air report

National program makes sure TX students are technology ready

Report: Medicaid cuts could hurt VA early childhood education workforce

Checking underneath the 'family wellness' hood

Ohio families left waiting as child tax credit stalls

KY confirms second measles case, doctors urge vaccination

Iowa bill would require lead water line disclosure

Report shows air quality is poor for Hoosiers with asthma

WA food pantries implement new policies to provide healthy nutrition

Nebraska health care providers grapple with binge drinking

Ohio lawmakers consider free meals for all K-12 students

Lack of affordable child care costs Colorado $2.7 billion annually

Bills aim to strengthen CA health care as Congress considers cuts

Colorado voters could decide fate of Healthy School Meals for All

Proposed bills would curb jailing of children in IL

Survey: Many Missourians fear birth control access will decline

Medicaid cuts could impact veterans in VA, report finds

GOP budget cuts to Medicaid could fray NM's safety net

Legislative hearing today on bill to extend End of Life Option Act

Some AR communities without fluoridated water also experience dentist shortage

Hope and healing in Ohio's foster system

Indoor cigar smoking bill, unpopular with voters, fails in Montana House

TX lawmakers consider bills to help small farmers, home food businesses

West Virginia Senators push Medicaid cuts

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

AZ mom shares heart journey to encourage others to prioritize their health

Advocates warn proposed cuts to Medi-Cal will cripple school budgets

Heart Association spreads CPR, AED lifesaving skills across rural Alaska

VA students, local economies would suffer from possible SNAP cuts