Health Issues / Public News Service

From February 2020 to November 2021, the number of workers in nursing homes and other care facilities dropped by 410,000 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 27, 2023

Critical Number of Rural IA Nursing Homes Close

Health-care professionals say low pay and a worker shortage have led a dramatic number of nursing homes in rural Iowa to close their doors. They hope …

Exposure to methane from oil and gas wells is known to cause health problems, including asthma, along with higher rates of leukemia, lymphoma and cancer. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 27, 2023

Stronger Federal Methane Rules Would Benefit NM Residents, But When?

New Mexico residents have two weeks to submit written comments to the Environmental Protection Agency about its proposal to implement stronger standar…

In a national survey, Michigan was ranked 27th among the 50 states for its cost, access and quality of long-term care supports and services. California was ranked first. (Flickr)

Friday, January 27, 2023

MI State of State: Whitmer Promises Seniors Tax Breaks, Better Care

In her fifth State of the State address this week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasized policies designed to put more money in Michiganders' pockets…

According to research from the American Federation of Teachers, there were 55,000 fewer registered nurses employed in the U.S. in 2021 than in 2020. This was the first decrease in five years. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 27, 2023

CT Groups, Unions Call for Public-Health Reforms

Health-care professionals and advocates in Connecticut have said it will take sweeping reforms to bolster the state's flailing public health system…

Both drafty and well-sealed homes can have a radon problem. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Marylanders Encouraged to Test for Radon

January is National Radon Action Month and officials are encouraging Marylanders to test their homes. Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the …

In the past year, consumers saw the biggest inflation hike in 40 years, which took a bite out of grocery budgets. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 26, 2023

SD Enters Debate Mode on Grocery Tax Repeal

A South Dakota legislative committee has begun discussions on a plan to repeal the state's grocery tax. It has been a politically divisive issue …

About 400 fatal crashes happen each year as a direct result of texting and driving nationally, according to Sensiblemotive. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Iowa Lawmakers Push for Drivers' Hands-Free Cellphone Use

Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill which would dramatically reduce the use of cellphones in vehicles. Right now, it is illegal in Iowa to send or …

Research shows that cooking with natural gas can emit toxic fumes such as methane and nitrogen dioxide into the home and the atmosphere. (malkovkosta/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Consumer Warning on Gas Stove Emissions Sparks Controversy

The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and fears of a government ban on the appliances, but a Michigan …

South Dakota's dual-credit program allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn credit toward a diploma, while racking up college credits ahead of schedule. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

SD Plan: More Students Could 'Make the Grade' in Career Readiness

Like other states, South Dakota has a program allowing high school students to take courses offered at universities and technical colleges. Now…

A known risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular, or internal eye, pressure. (Nicholas Felix/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Eye Screenings Recommended for Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. It is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and anyone can have it, so a Pennsylvania expert said it is one …

National health spending is projected to reach $6.2 trillion by 2028, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Task Force Makes Recommendations for NC Public Health

The North Carolina Institute of Medicine is making new recommendations to improve public health in the state. The suggestions focus on expanding …

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes provisions to lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare coverage, including those who take insulin, which went into effect this month. (Sebra/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

New Changes to Medicare Set to Benefit Georgia Seniors

Big changes are underway for Medicare participants, after historic legislation put them in motion this month. More than 1.8 million Georgians who …

The primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease are hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history and advanced age. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Hypertension: A Silent Killer in Communities of Color

About 45% of Black Americans have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, compared to 31% of white Americans. Now, a new program in Southern …

In a recent survey, 62% of Washingtonians said they've experienced at least one health care affordability burden in the past year. (grzejnik1981/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

WA Lawmakers Look to Tackle Staggering Health Care Cost Increases

Lawmakers in Olympia have introduced a host of measures to address one of the biggest issues facing Washingtonians: rising health care costs…

Stigma continues to be one of the biggest barriers for addressing mental health, and telehealth provides a confidential option. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Post-Pandemic Telehealth Visits Remain High for Mental Health

The use of telehealth has dropped since its peak during the height of the COVID-19 public health emergency, but more Coloradans continue to opt for …

Unlike other states, which decided on this issue through ballot initiatives, medical aid in dying was legalized through the state Supreme Court in Montana. (CameraCraft/Adobe Stock)

MT Bill Aims to End Medical Aid-in-Dying Options

A bill in the Montana Legislature would roll back access to medical aid-in-dying options at the end of someone's life - access that has been guarantee…

Anyone can get lung cancer from radon, including people who have never smoked. (Adobe Stock)

Officials Encouraging Missourians to Test for Radon

January is National Radon Action Month, and officials are getting the word out. Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the natural breakdown of …

The U.S. oil and gas industry emits 16 million metric tons of methane annually, which has the same near-term climate impact as 350 coal-fired power plants, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rules Would Target Flaring at WV’s Oil, Gas Wells

Under proposed rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, oil and gas well operations across the nation would be required to strengthen …

Unburned gas from stoves and building pipelines collected in the greater Boston area contained twenty-one different hazardous air pollutants known as volatile organic compounds, including benzene, which increases risks for asthma, cancer, and other illnesses. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ventilation Key to Reducing Health Risks from Gas-Burning Stoves

The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and unfounded fears of a government ban on the appliances, but …

Studies show a variety of dental conditions such as untreated decay and tooth loss can cause a profound impact on self-esteem in adolescents. (pixabay)

Oral Hygienist Highlights Dangers of Dental Disorders in Children

Dental hygienists are trying to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene, noting dental pain is one of the most common reasons for school …

In 2021, the total cost of the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was around $113 billion. The significant increase from the previous year's total of $79 billion was in large part the result of extra pandemic-related benefits. (Adobe Stock)

IA Lawmakers Propose Severe Restrictions for Food Assistance

A Republican-backed bill in the Iowa Legislature seeks to put strict new limits on which foods people could buy at the grocery store using public-assi…

Cases on workplace injuries can sometimes turn contentious. (Freer/Adobe Stock)

Under Bill, WA Workers Could Record Med Exams in Injury Cases

Washington state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would address some workers' concerns about the thoroughness of medical exams performed in worke…

Nearly one in five new mothers participating in Wyoming's Medicaid Pregnant Women Program lose their health insurance 60 days after giving birth. (Adobe Stock)

WY Lawmakers Consider Extended Health Coverage for New Moms

New mothers in Wyoming enrolled in the Medicaid Pregnant Women Program lose their health insurance 60 days after giving birth, but a new bill making …

Every four in a half minutes a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Elena/AdobeStock)

National Birth Defects Awareness Month in PA

This is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. Birth defects are common, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and they can …

Vitalant said it is seeing 20% fewer blood donations than before the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

AZ's Blood Supply Drops to Lowest Level in a Year

Arizona's blood supply is at its lowest level in a year. Vitalant is encouraging Arizonans of all blood types to donate blood, especially universal …

The Oregon Nurses Association represents about 15,000 nurses across the state. (allexxandarx/Adobe Stock)

OR Nurses Push for Safe Staffing Levels

Oregon nurses say they are struggling under high patient loads, and they want state lawmakers to do something about it. The Oregon Nurses …

Child poverty rates worsened nationwide in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but improved slightly in New Mexico. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)<br />

Report: NM Child Well-Being Fared Better Than Expected During Pandemic

New Mexico's Voices for Children has released its latest Kids Count Data Book - noting some quality-of-life improvements despite COVID, but also …

The requirement for the state to maintain continuous Medi-Cal health insurance coverage regardless of eligibility will end March 31. (Lordn/Adobestock)

State Projects Millions Could Lose Medi-Cal as Renewals Start Back Up

Starting in April, an estimated 2-3 million people could be dropped from Medi-Cal, the state's health insurance program for low-income people…

Those behind a new report calling for a more robust behavioral health workforce say that, as with other professions, the pandemic has placed a lot of strain on provider networks around the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Crisis: Report Offers Clues in Beefing Up Care Network

Most South Dakotans live in federally designated mental-health professional shortage areas, and a new report recommended steps Congress and other …

Those behind a new report calling for a more robust behavioral-health workforce say like other professions, the pandemic has placed a lot of strain on provider networks around the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Mental-Health Workforce Has Capable Help Waiting in Wings

Like many other states, Minnesota has its share of provider gaps when it comes to mental-health care, and a new report cited steps Congress and other …

Under Colorado's clean air law, major polluters including coal mines are required to obtain and comply with air pollution operating permits. (WildEarth Guardians)

Deadline for State to Act on Coal Mine Air Pollution Permit Back in Court

Environmental groups are headed back to court this Friday in hopes of setting a clear deadline for Gov. Jared Polis' administration to start reining …

Maryland's nursing shortage is anticipated to grow to over 13,000 RNs by 2035. (Adobe Stock)

Maryland Hospital Capacity Strained: High Demand, Staffing Challenges

Maryland's health officials are appealing to the public to take precautions as the state's hospital bed availability is once again strained. Many …

In addition to an aging population, 11% of Mainers have serious mobility impairments requiring targeted and inclusive long-term planning to ensure accessibility to public spaces across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Livable, Healthy Communities: Goal of AARP Planning Event

AARP Maine will sponsor an online workshop this week on long-range planning for health equity, with a focus on housing, community services and safe …

According to Mental Health America's 2023 state rankings, Virginia ranks 34th for access to care and 38th overall. For adult mental health care the state ranked 14th, but youth mental health was ranked 48th. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Plan Better Funds VA Mental-Health Programs

A recently proposed plan has been devised to better fund Virginia's mental-health programs. The new Right Help, Right Now plan calls for $230 …

Oregon was the first state to legalize medical aid in dying. Its

MD Gov.-Elect Expresses Support for Medical Aid in Dying

Advocates of medical aid in dying are cheering recent statements by Gov.-Elect Wes Moore in support of patients having the option. The governor-…

Almost 98 of every 100,000 African Americans have died from COVID-19, a mortality rate one-third higher than for Latinos, and more than double the COVID death rate among whites. (Adobe Stock)

NAACP Workshops Aim to Teach Medical Self-Advocacy

A series of online health workshops from the NAACP of Manchester aims to address health disparities in communities of color, and also help people …

According to the 2022 America's Health Rankings Report, one of the challenges with health equity in Connecticut is the state's high level of income inequality. (Adobe Stock)

Grant Funding Aims to Uncover CT Health Disparities

Several hospital systems and community health centers in Connecticut have been awarded grants to help fight health inequity. The Connecticut Health …

Currently, six states have prescription drug affordability boards, while states like Massachusetts and New York have similar arrangements. Other states, including Connecticut, are considering legislation. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing Homes, Prescription Prices Top Concerns for AARP Virginia

Nursing home staff shortages and rising prescription drug prices are two of the big legislative priorities this year for AARP Virginia. The group …

Black renters receive a disproportionate share of eviction filings and experience the highest rates of eviction filings and eviction judgments, according to the publication Sociological Science. (WayhomeStudio/Adobe Stock)

Study: TX Cities Spend More on Police, Less on Community Supports

The five largest cities in Texas are spending far more money on criminal justice than on community services, according to a new study. The Social …

As many as 1 million military and civilian staff and their families might have been exposed to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NC Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims Continue to Climb

After federal legislation reduced red tape, military families who were exposed in past decades to drinking water laced with industrial solvents…

The CDC reports about one in every 10 babies born in the United States is a preterm birth. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

New Research in MI on Preterm Births, Environmental Toxins

Wayne State University has received an $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate how volatile organic compounds contribu…

The CDC reported only 15.4% of people 5 years of age and older have received the most updated booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. (Adobe Stock)

Omicron Subvariant Could Fuel Next AZ COVID Surge

The newest Omicron subvariant could be the reason Arizona starts to see COVID-19 cases rise again. The Arizona Department of Health Services …

In October 2021, Nevada became the 16th state to adopt clean-car standards to provide consumers with more options for cost-saving and pollution-free light-duty cars, trucks and SUVs. (Adobe Stock)

New Laws Help NV Reach Clean-Energy Goals, Limit Air Pollution

Some Nevada laws going into effect this year aim to move the state's clean-energy goals forward and help reduce air pollution. Senate bill 448 aims …

One billion people currently need assistive technology products, and more than two billion people around the world are expected to need at least one assistive technology product by 2030, according to the World Health Organization. (Adobe Stock)

Americans With Disabilities Act Website Gets User-Friendly Upgrades

The Americans with Disabilities Act website has gotten a makeover, with updated navigation tools and easy-to-find answers to common questions on …

For Black women in Georgia, pregnancy-related maternal mortality is higher at 47 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to white women, at 14.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

Study: Medicaid Expansion Reduces Postpartum Hospitalizations

New research makes a compelling case for expanding Medicaid coverage in states like Georgia that have not. The study examines postpartum …

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more people might renew ACA coverage in 2023 than ever before. (Adobe Stock)

Still Time for New ACA Enrollment or Plan Changes

Open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act ends on Jan. 15 at midnight ET. The federal government reports nearly 16 …

According to a report from the Rand Corporation, almost 60% of Connecticut's 113,000 undocumented immigrants lack access to health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Seek Expansion of CT Public Health for Immigrants

Connecticut lawmakers are being asked to expand HUSKY - the state's Medicaid program - to include immigrants, regardless of their status. Two years …

Senior advocates point out that family caregivers perform a range of tasks such as shopping, transportation, meal preparation, medication management, wound care and home updates, ultimately saving the state money. (Adobe Stock)

WI Sees Renewed Calls for Caregiver Tax Credit

Wisconsin lawmakers are back in session and have a large budget surplus to work with. Advocates for the state's older residents hope any spending …

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Health

Critical Number of Rural IA Nursing Homes Close

Stronger Federal Methane Rules Would Benefit NM Residents, But When?

MI State of State: Whitmer Promises Seniors Tax Breaks, Better Care

CT Groups, Unions Call for Public-Health Reforms

Marylanders Encouraged to Test for Radon

SD Enters Debate Mode on Grocery Tax Repeal

Iowa Lawmakers Push for Drivers' Hands-Free Cellphone Use

Consumer Warning on Gas Stove Emissions Sparks Controversy

SD Plan: More Students Could 'Make the Grade' in Career Readiness

Eye Screenings Recommended for Glaucoma Awareness Month

Task Force Makes Recommendations for NC Public Health

New Changes to Medicare Set to Benefit Georgia Seniors

Hypertension: A Silent Killer in Communities of Color

WA Lawmakers Look to Tackle Staggering Health Care Cost Increases

Post-Pandemic Telehealth Visits Remain High for Mental Health

MT Bill Aims to End Medical Aid-in-Dying Options

Officials Encouraging Missourians to Test for Radon

New EPA Rules Would Target Flaring at WV’s Oil, Gas Wells

Ventilation Key to Reducing Health Risks from Gas-Burning Stoves

Oral Hygienist Highlights Dangers of Dental Disorders in Children

IA Lawmakers Propose Severe Restrictions for Food Assistance

Under Bill, WA Workers Could Record Med Exams in Injury Cases

WY Lawmakers Consider Extended Health Coverage for New Moms

National Birth Defects Awareness Month in PA

AZ's Blood Supply Drops to Lowest Level in a Year

OR Nurses Push for Safe Staffing Levels

Report: NM Child Well-Being Fared Better Than Expected During Pandemic

State Projects Millions Could Lose Medi-Cal as Renewals Start Back Up

Mental Health Crisis: Report Offers Clues in Beefing Up Care Network

Report: Mental-Health Workforce Has Capable Help Waiting in Wings

Deadline for State to Act on Coal Mine Air Pollution Permit Back in Court

Maryland Hospital Capacity Strained: High Demand, Staffing Challenges

Livable, Healthy Communities: Goal of AARP Planning Event

Proposed Plan Better Funds VA Mental-Health Programs

MD Gov.-Elect Expresses Support for Medical Aid in Dying

NAACP Workshops Aim to Teach Medical Self-Advocacy

Grant Funding Aims to Uncover CT Health Disparities

Nursing Homes, Prescription Prices Top Concerns for AARP Virginia

Study: TX Cities Spend More on Police, Less on Community Supports

NC Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims Continue to Climb

New Research in MI on Preterm Births, Environmental Toxins

Omicron Subvariant Could Fuel Next AZ COVID Surge

New Laws Help NV Reach Clean-Energy Goals, Limit Air Pollution

Americans With Disabilities Act Website Gets User-Friendly Upgrades

Study: Medicaid Expansion Reduces Postpartum Hospitalizations

Still Time for New ACA Enrollment or Plan Changes

Advocates Seek Expansion of CT Public Health for Immigrants

WI Sees Renewed Calls for Caregiver Tax Credit