Smaller Employers Establish Their Own Clinics to Fix Scarce Primary Care
Smaller employers are finding a solution to the scarcity of primary care by opening their own clinics. Laurel Grocery Co., a wholesaler in London, Kentucky, opened a health clinic to help reduce the company’s health costs and employee sick leave. With margins being tight, every expense matters, and having their own clinic has proven to be beneficial for the company.
New Era of Vaccines Raises Unanswered Questions about Prices
The success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has paved the way for a new era of vaccines. Scientists now have the ability to tailor shots to a virus’s structure, leading to the development of new vaccines. The recent arrival of new immunizations against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is just one example. However, there are still questions surrounding the prices of these new vaccines.
California and Federal Government Invest in Health Care for Homeless People
California and the federal government are making efforts to expand street medicine, a field that focuses on treating homeless people wherever they are. Street medicine providers in California are now being paid more consistently through the state’s Medicaid program. With growing homelessness, cities are increasing their street medicine teams to address the accompanying drug use and mental illness.
New House Speaker’s Record on Health Issues Remains Unclear
After a month of bickering, House Republicans have elected a new speaker, Louisiana Republican Rep. Mike Johnson. While Johnson is known for his opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, his positions on other health issues remain uncertain. Additionally, a recent study found that the number of abortions actually increased in the year following the overturn of Roe v. Wade.
Mental Health Concerns Surround Suspected Maine Gunman
The suspect in the shootings in Lewiston, Maine, had alarmed people around him to the point of being hospitalized and receiving mental health treatment earlier this year. Reports suggest that he had described hearing disturbing voices and had become fixated on the places where the shootings occurred. The incident raises concerns about mental health and its connection to acts of violence.
Maine’s Attempt to Prevent Mass Shootings Falls Short
Four years before the recent shootings in Maine, the state passed a law aimed at preventing mass shootings. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to strengthen gun safety measures, such as implementing red flag laws. While the law was a step in the right direction, it has not been enough to prevent tragedies like the recent shooting.
Maine Congressman Calls for Assault Weapons Ban
After the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, Congressman Jared Golden is calling for an assault weapons ban. He acknowledges his past opposition to such a ban but expresses a desire to put an end to these terrible shootings. His constituents and the community affected by the shooting are seeking support and forgiveness as he takes action.
Donations Fill Up Quickly to Help Victims of Maine Shootings
Many people in Maine are seeking to donate blood to help the victims of the recent mass shooting. The local Red Cross Blood Center had to close due to the incident, but appointments have been filling up quickly as people come together to support those affected by the tragedy.
Guns and Mental Health: An Insider’s Perspective
Gary Sodini, a former gun industry insider, has witnessed the impact of mental health challenges among gun owners. He founded Walk the Talk America, a nonprofit organization aimed at bridging the gap between gun owners and the mental health world. Sodini hopes to raise awareness about mental health issues and prevent suicides among gun owners.
Decline in Military Suicides, But Challenges Remain
The number of suicides among U.S. military members and their families slightly decreased in 2022 compared to the previous year. However, suicides among active-duty troops saw a slight increase, particularly in the Marine Corps and the Air Force. The military is working on prevention and treatment programs to address this ongoing issue.
New House Speaker Affirms Support for Rule of Law
New Speaker of the House Mike Johnson clarifies his stance on same-sex marriage, emphasizing that he is a “rule of law guy.” He respects the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage becoming the law of the land. Johnson wants to make it clear that he respects the rule of law and holds no personal animosity towards people’s lifestyle choices.
Abortion Policy Divide Challenges Newly United House GOP
The newly elected speaker, Mike Johnson, is facing a test of his ability to resolve an intense intra-GOP fight over abortion policy. While a majority of House Republicans support a provision in the food and agriculture funding bill that would ban mail delivery of abortion pills nationwide, some Republican centrists oppose federal curbs on a widely used abortion pill.
New Labels for Abortion Debate Ahead of 2024 Election
The traditional labels of “pro-life” and “pro-choice” are losing favor among lawmakers and advocates in the abortion debate. These labels are being replaced by more nuanced positions and terms as the issue of abortion continues to be a major factor in elections. The 2024 election is expected to see a continued focus on abortion rights as a defining issue for many voters.
Democratic Lawmakers Push for Paid Leave After Pregnancy Loss
Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require employers to provide at least seven days of paid time off following a pregnancy loss. Miscarriages are common, affecting 10% to 20% of known pregnancies, but there is no national paid leave program in place for such cases. This legislation aims to address the need for support and recovery after a pregnancy loss.
Bipartisan Legislation Supports Funding for Community College Nursing Programs
Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) have introduced a bipartisan bill to provide additional funding for nursing programs in community colleges. The bill aims to expand eligibility to the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention Program, supporting the growth of nursing workforce and ensuring access to quality healthcare.
Republicans Delay Funding for PEPFAR
Republicans have delayed over $1 billion in funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) due to a broader political fight around abortion. PEPFAR, a lifesaving HIV program, has been facing complications and delays in its efforts to address the global HIV/AIDS crisis.
Planned Parenthood Offers HIV Prevention Drugs in Wisconsin
Planned Parenthood clinics in Wisconsin are now offering two drugs, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), to individuals at risk of HIV exposure. These essential medications aim to prevent HIV infection and promote accessible and affordable healthcare for all individuals regardless of their insurance or immigration status.
Limited Uptake of New COVID-19 Booster Shots in the US
A month after the recommendation for new versions of COVID-19 vaccines, only 7% of US adults and 2% of children have received a booster shot. This low uptake is concerning, and experts describe the rates as “abysmal.” Efforts need to be made to increase vaccination rates and protect more people from COVID-19.
Pfizer and BioNTech’s Flu-COVID Shot Shows Promise in Trial
A vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech to prevent both flu and COVID-19 has shown a strong immune response against strains of the viruses in an early- to mid-stage trial. The companies plan to conduct a late-stage trial in the coming months. This combination vaccine has the potential to simplify immunization practices and lessen the impact of both respiratory diseases.
Contract Dispute Halts Wastewater Testing for COVID-19 Surges
A contract dispute has resulted in the shutdown of a quarter of the nation’s wastewater testing sites, a crucial method for tracking COVID-19 surges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to replace the current firm responsible for wastewater testing, but the transition has been delayed due to the protest filed by the Massachusetts-based Biobot. This disruption hampers efforts to direct public health resources effectively.
Study Finds No Ongoing Infection or Brain Damage in Long-COVID Patients
A study on long-COVID patients found no signs of ongoing infection or brain damage. The study highlights that patients who experience persistent symptoms do not have ongoing infection and should focus on managing their symptoms. However, the study also found that COVID-19 patients had a higher risk of shortness of breath and memory loss compared to uninfected participants.
Statin Drug Shows Promise in Critical COVID-19 Cases
A study from the ongoing REMAP-CAP trial suggests that simvastatin, a widely available statin drug used to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, could improve outcomes for critically ill COVID-19 patients. The drug has a high probability of improving outcomes and survival rates. This finding could lead to more effective treatment options for severe COVID-19 cases.
FDA Warns Against Probiotics for Preterm Babies
The FDA is warning against giving probiotic products to preterm babies in hospitals. These products, which contain live organisms, can lead to invasive and potentially fatal infections or diseases in premature infants. Care should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of preterm babies in hospital settings.
340B Drug Pricing Program Policy Reversed by HRSA
Hospitals participating in the 340B drug pricing program must now register offsite clinics with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and list them on Medicare cost reports to maintain eligibility. This reverses a previous policy and aims to ensure compliance and proper reporting within the program.
Hospitals Warn Medicare’s Drug Payment Fix Could Be Unlawful
Hospitals are warning that a proposed remedy for underpaid drug discounts, which involves clawing back $7.8 billion, could be unlawful. They argue that such action would violate legal agreements and that they may take legal action if the plan is implemented.
Medical Societies Call for Increased Payment for Primary Care
Medical societies and healthcare organizations are urging policymakers to focus on primary care amid a growing physician shortage. They are calling for increased Medicare reimbursement for physicians providing primary care and greater funding for graduate medical education to support the training of primary care providers.
Decline of Envision Healthcare Forces Hospitals to Rethink Physician Costs
The bankruptcy of staffing companies like Envision Healthcare and American Physician Partners has prompted hospitals to evaluate high physician staffing fees. Inflated labor costs, particularly in emergency medicine and anesthesiology, have led hospitals to reconsider their reliance on staffing companies and explore more cost-effective employment options.
Former HealthSun Executive Charged with Medicare Fraud
A former executive of HealthSun Health Plans Inc., a Florida health insurance company offering Medicare Advantage plans, has been charged with orchestrating a scheme that resulted in overbilling of $53 million to the federal government. The executive fraudulently reported chronic conditions among beneficiaries to increase reimbursements.
Appeals Court Upholds Settlement in Blue Cross Antitrust Case
A federal appeals court has rejected an attempt to revise a $2.67 billion antitrust settlement between Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Home Depot and other employers. The settlement has been ordered to proceed as originally instructed by the district court, favoring fully insured Blue Cross and Blue Shield customers over self-insured employers.
Sanofi to Spin Off Consumer-Healthcare and Pharma Businesses
Pharmaceutical company Sanofi plans to spin off its consumer-healthcare business, joining other major drugmakers in focusing on prescription medicines. The strategic update includes increasing investment in drug development and cutting costs to streamline operations.
Efforts to Erase Medical Debt Gain Momentum
Healthcare systems and municipalities are making efforts to erase medical debt for patients. Local governments are partnering with providers to establish debt relief plans for their communities. They are also exploring long-term solutions to prevent future medical debt and sustain these programs beyond the one-time federal assistance provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Ransomware Attack Shuts Down South Florida Imaging Center
Cybercriminals have conducted a ransomware attack on Akumin, a diagnostic imaging firm based in South Florida. The attack has compromised the health information of hundreds of thousands of patients, resulting in the shutdown of the firm’s operations. This highlights the ongoing threat of cyberattacks in the healthcare sector.
New Law Mandates Higher Minimum Wage for Healthcare Workers in California
California has passed a law mandating a higher minimum wage for frontline healthcare workers. The hourly minimum wage for healthcare workers will gradually increase from $15.50 to $25 over the next 10 years. This law aims to address wage inflation and ensure fair compensation for healthcare workers.
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Receives FDA Approval
The FDA has approved a drug developed by Eli Lilly for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The drug offers a new approach to the management of this chronic inflammatory disease, providing potential relief for patients experiencing gastrointestinal pain and distress.
Suspected Chicken Source Identified in Salmonella Outbreak
A Salmonella enteritidis ST11 outbreak has been linked to chicken and chicken kebab products in multiple countries. At least 335 cases have been reported in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This highlights the need for stringent food safety measures to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.
Rise in Food Insecurity Affects Millions of Families in the US
Hunger in the US has sharply increased in 2022, with 44.2 million people living in households that struggle to get enough food. This represents a significant rise from the previous year, with over 13 million children experiencing food insecurity. Efforts to address food insecurity and provide support to affected families are crucial to ensure the well-being of communities.
Pilot Program Tests Cash Assistance for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
A pilot program in New Haven, Connecticut, is examining the impact of providing direct cash assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals. The program aims to improve health outcomes and address the challenges faced by this demographic. It is one of the first interventions in the US to explore the health effects of cash assistance for this population.
Cannabis Businesses Challenge Constitutionality of Federal Drug Laws
Massachusetts cannabis businesses have filed a lawsuit challenging the enforcement of federal drug laws against state-regulated cannabis companies. The lawsuit seeks to protect these businesses and prevent federal interference. The businesses are represented by a prominent law firm known for high-profile legal cases.
Study Challenges Claims of Cannabis as Treatment for Anxiety
Claims that cannabis can effectively treat anxiety are being challenged by scientific research. While cannabis companies have promoted their products as helpful for anxiety, there is little independent scientific evidence supporting these claims. In some cases, cannabis use has been found to worsen anxiety symptoms, particularly with high levels of THC.
New York Bans Corporal Punishment in Private Schools
New York has become one of the few states in the nation to ban the use of corporal punishment in all private schools. The law was proposed in response to a New York Times investigation that revealed the use of corporal punishment in the Hasidic Jewish community. The ban applies to all private schools in the state.
Murder Suspect Who Escaped Hospital Recaptured
A murder suspect who escaped from police custody at George Washington University Hospital has been captured. The suspect was apprehended in Prince George’s County after a seven-week search across the metropolitan area. No one was injured during the arrest.
Chimpanzees Experience Menopause, Study Finds
A scientific study has discovered that female chimpanzees go through menopause, similar to humans and whales. The study found that menopause occurs in chimpanzees around the age of 50, with a decline in fertility starting at age 30. This finding provides new insights into the reproductive patterns of chimpanzees.