Health Issues / Public News Service

Roughly 50% of small-business owners in the United States offer health insurance, but some worry about being able to keep it if costs continue to rise. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 23, 2022

Health-Care Subsidy Extension a Relief for WI Small Businesses

Average Affordable Care Act premiums in Wisconsin would have been 56% higher this year without temporary subsidies from the federal government…

Friday, September 23, 2022

IA Small Businesses Get a Lifeline with ACA Credit Extension

Average Affordable Care Act premiums in Iowa would have been 72% higher this year without temporary subsidies from the federal government, and small-…

Some 46% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, but research shows 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. (Orawan/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Suicide Prevention Month: A Focus on 'Zero Suicides' in Georgia

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to shed light on what continues to be one of the toughest topics to discuss for many …

Trouble sleeping and insomnia are often overlooked symptoms of anxiety disorders. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Treating Anxiety Not Seen as One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Expanded anxiety screenings could have a long-term positive impact on the health of Missourians, according to mental-health advocates. The U.S…

After a positive anxiety screening, an assessment from a mental-health professional can determine if a patient should be diagnosed with a specific anxiety disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Anxiety: Experts Say Don't Suffer in Silence

Expanded anxiety screenings could have a long-term positive impact on the health of Ohioans, according to mental-health experts. The U.S. Preventive …

Minnesota recorded 570 gun-related deaths last year, and a majority of them were listed as suicides. That's promoted calls for increased education about the safe storage of firearms. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

MN Report Amplifies Concerns About Guns, Suicide Link

For the second year in a row, suicides represent nearly 70% of all gun deaths in Minnesota. Those working to stop gun violence hope the new data …

The World Health Organization links indoor air pollution, including pollutants from burning natural gas, to increased chances of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. (Vladimir Semenov/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Groups Plead with Public Utilities Commission to 'Supercharge' Electrification

Nevada needs to move away from natural gas and toward clean energy - that's the view of climate action groups that spoke up on Tuesday at an open foru…

Falls among adults age 65 and older caused more than 34,000 deaths in 2019, making it the leading cause of injury death for this group, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Risk of Falling Increases with Age; Prevention Tools Can Help

One in four Americans age 65 and older takes an unexpected fall each year. During Falls Prevention Awareness Week, experts are encouraging older …

Falls among adults age 65 and older caused more than 34,000 deaths in 2019, making it the leading cause of injury-related death for the age group, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Across MD, Community Workshops Help Older Residents Prevent Falls

One in four Americans age 65 and older take an unexpected tumble each year, and during Falls Prevention Awareness Week, experts are encouraging them …

Annual suicides by non-elderly Hispanic adults increased by nearly 36% from 2010 to 2020, while the rate for Hispanic women spiked by 40%, according to a study by the University of New Mexico. (pttcnetwork.org)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Study: Hispanic Suicide Rate Increasing, Highest in Southwest

A study by New Mexico State University shows the number of suicides among U.S. Hispanics is on the rise, in part because they are buying more guns…

In Tennessee, more than 800,000 people are facing hunger, and more than 230,000 of them are children. (Africa Studio/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Advocates Calling on Congress for Better Investment in Kids

Advocates for children's well-being are in Washington, D.C. today, calling on lawmakers to invest in kids. The Save the Children advocacy summit is …

New technology can pinpoint methane sources to within 15 feet, and using a high-resolution imagery, can connect plumes to individual pieces of equipment. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

New Maps Expose Methane 'Super-Emitter' Sites

A new study mapping methane pollution across five oil and gas production basins in states including Colorado found a small number of sites account for…

Persons with health insurance in Gwinnett County including children make up 82.3% of the population, meaning 17.7% are uninsured. (Gwinnett Coalition)

Monday, September 19, 2022

Gwinnett Coalition Improves Health-Care Access For Residents

Gwinnett County's uninsured population of 15.6% is slightly higher than the state rate of 15.3%, according to 2020 U.S. census data. Renee Byrd-…

According to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap report, nine out of 10 counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Innovation Lab Aims to Spur Creative Solutions to End Child Hunger

A new initiative is providing funding to individuals and grassroots groups across the Commonwealth with creative solutions to reduce hunger among rura…

Federal health officials say falls result in more than three million injuries each year that require an emergency-room visit. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 19, 2022

Helping Older Populations Reduce Their Risk for Falls

From COVID infections to dangerously hot weather, older South Dakotans have had a lot of warnings the past couple of years to adhere to. But experts …

Children of color are more likely than white kids to experience the death of a parent, as are children living in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Conference on Grieving in Lincoln to Focus on Supporting Kids

Nebraska is one of six states participating in "No Child Grieves Alone," a series of regional conferences aiming to help communities recover after the…

Wildfires near farms in Whatcom and Skagit counties have made work in the fields hazardous for workers. (Alfredo Juarez)

Monday, September 19, 2022

Amid Wildfires, Heat, WA Farmworkers Call for Greater Protections

Washington state farmworkers are facing harsh conditions in the midst of wildfires and late-summer heat. They're calling for greater protections from …

North Carolina is one of 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid, worsening the burden on already scarce rural health-care providers. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Decades of Progress, Health-Care Challenges Remain in Rural NC

As state lawmakers continue negotiations over Medicaid expansion, advocates say decades of funding community-based initiatives have helped create …

According to data from Connecticut's Public Health Department, one in nine adults in the state reported having poor mental health for 14 days or more in a month. Meanwhile, one in six adults in the state has been diagnosed with depression. (Adobe Stock)

CT Aims to Keep People Safe During Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which spotlights the issues in Connecticut and across the U.S. Although suicide rates in …

Children ages 5 to 17 miss nearly two million school days in a single year due to dental-health problems, according to the Healthy Schools Campaign. (teeth.org.au)

Health Screenings Seen as Important Factor for Student Success

School students across Wisconsin are still getting settled as the new academic year unfolds. And experts say it's important to get them in for a …

Research shows around a quarter of Americans find it difficult to afford prescription drugs because of high out-of-pocket costs. (Adobe Stock)

Biden’s Insulin Cap is a Start, But WV Residents Can’t Afford Other Prescription Meds

The Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden last month caps the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors who have Medicare…

According to a 2021 report, about 80% of residents in the mostly immigrant-populated city of Chelsea were deemed essential workers, meaning they had to continue working during the less knowledgeable early days of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

New Internship Program Focused on Immigrant Health

A new internship program is looking to investigate health disparities among Massachusetts' immigrant population. The Immigrant Scholar Internship …

Nearly 20 million Americans may have received inaccurate diagnostic test results, according to a Pew poll. (totojang1977/Adobe Stock)

WA Senator Sponsors Bill to Provide More Oversight for Medical Lab Tests

Accurate lab tests are crucial for medical treatment, and Congress is considering a measure to provide more oversight. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.…

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, So chances are you or someone you know has been affected. (Arisha Ray Singh/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month an Opportunity to Address Stigma

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to shed light on a what has been a highly taboo and stigmatized topic. The Centers for …

In 2016, the FDA issued a safety warning on risks associated with ovarian cancer screening tests, including false negatives could result in delayed treatment. (Adobe Stock)

NC Lawmaker Pushes for FDA Regulation of Clinical Blood Tests

Congress is considering legislation to place more oversight on diagnostic lab tests currently not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration…

Pickleball, one of the events at this weekend's Virginia Senior Games, has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, according to Forbes magazine. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

Hundreds to Compete at Virginia Senior Games This Weekend

Experts say part of the secret to living a long and healthy life is to keep moving, which is one of the goals at this week's Virginia Senior Games in …

A new statewide poll in South Dakota showed a majority of likely voters, including 94% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans, don't want the state to hinder implementation of Medicaid expansion if voters approve the idea this fall. (Adobe Stock)

Latest Poll Shows Continued Support for Medicaid Expansion in SD

New poll results released today showed a majority of South Dakota voters support the expansion of Medicaid. This fall, South Dakotans will be asked …

More than 75% of democratic voters say the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade makes them more likely to vote, according to an NPR/Marist Poll. (Adobe Stock)

KY Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 11, Abortion Amendment on Ballot

With only four weeks left before the state's voter-registration deadline, advocacy groups say they are sounding the alarm on a ballot initiative …

According to a 2021 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there was a reduction in symptoms of depression, PTSD and anxiety when those surveyed used telehealth. However, there are some who feel little things could be lost in the conversion to a virtual world. (Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

Social Workers Go Virtual, Leaving Nonprofits Shorthanded

Nonprofit social workers in New York are seeing a shortage of people coming into the field, abdicating it for telehealth work. Early in the COVID-19 …

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched its School-based Health Center initiative in 1987. (Adobe Stock)

CO Students Can Access Mental, Medical, Dental Care at School

With school now back in session, many Colorado kids are accessing medical, behavioral and dental care through School-based Health Centers, fully …

Research suggests that with intensive support, parents can overcome addiction and be reunited with their children as part of their recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Recovery Month: Ohio START Shows Success in Reuniting Families

September is National Recovery Month, and a program in Ohio is showing success in healing families who have struggled with addiction. Ohio START (…

In a 2021 Harvard survey, at least two-thirds of the public said they trust nurses, and that healthcare workers and doctors know

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Faith & Health Event Spotlights Wellness for North Carolinians

A faith-driven community event in Greensboro this Thursday offers a full day of free workshops on healthy eating, mental health, HIV prevention and …

Health experts say making sure children are current with all their check-ups is important to their health and academic success. (Pixabay)

Experts Urge Checkups for Florida Kids, Including Mental Health

Experts are reminding parents to schedule time to get health screenings for kids - and to also think beyond the basic back-to-school physical…

In 2021, there were fewer than 12,000 coal miners employed in West Virginia, according to state data. (Adobe Stock)

West Virginians Draw from Within to Rebuild Communities

By Quincy Gray McMichael for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service, Reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …

Earlier year, the FDA temporarily banned all Juul products from the market, but was forced to reverse that decision after the company challenged the agency in court. (Adobe Stock)

TN to Receive $13 Million in Juul Deceptive Marketing Settlement

After an investigation found the e-cigarette maker Juul Labs deliberately targeted young people using a variety of marketing practices, Tennessee is …

The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute estimates rural Georgia could see its uninsured rate climb to more than 25% by 2026. (fernandozhiminaicela/Pixabay)

Fellowship Aims to Bridge Gaps in Georgia's Health-Care System

Navigating the complex maze of health insurance can be daunting even for seasoned professionals. In Georgia, one woman is hoping to make the process …

The Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program brought in $10 billion in capital to Connecticut during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

CT Small Businesses Survived Pandemic, Face New Challenges

Although many small businesses in Connecticut have weathered the pandemic, it has not been the easiest of circumstances. And how are they doing now? …

Doctors say sickle cell disease patients rely on a diverse and available blood supply to treat the effects of the disease. (belyjmishka/Adobe Stock)

Sickle Cell Awareness Month Aims to Inform, Educate about Genetic Disease

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time when doctors and patient advocates hope to spread awareness of a complex and often misunderstood …

Susie Martinez of the Nevada AFL-CIO speaks at a news conference organized by the Cortez Masto campaign on Wednesday. (Tony Hernandez)

Cortez Masto, Laxalt Campaigns Trade Abortion Accusations

U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and her Republican challenger, former state attorney general Adam Laxalt, are accusing each other of …

Concerning levels of PFAS have been discovered in the environment, water and wildlife of the Great Lakes region. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Advances Efforts on Dangerous 'Forever Chemicals'

The federal government is taking new steps to protect people in Illinois and other states from "forever chemicals." PFOA and PFOS are two types of pe…

According to the 2022 Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy Data Book, the use of health-care services among children covered by Medicaid and CHIP declined during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy Habits Important as Kids Return to School

As kids return to school, New York parents are encouraged to ensure their kids are getting yearly checkups. According to the U.S. Health Resources …

Suicide prevention professionals say if you are concerned that someone you know is considering suicide, talk with them about finding help. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month Aims to Remove Stigma of Asking for Help

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting a pressing issue in Arizona and across the country. Arizona has one of the highest …

Increased awareness of the dangers of unlocked medication has led to a 33% drop in emergency-room visits for suspected accidental poisonings in children younger than age 6 between 2012 and 2020 worldwide, according to research by Safe Kids Worldwide.(Adobe Stock)

Medicine Storage Campaign Aims to Reduce Accidental Poisonings Among Kids

Small children are landing in the hospital because of accidental poisoning from ingesting medication meant for adults. Experts are working to give …

An estimated six million children with asthma in the United States are especially vulnerable to air pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Parents, Teachers Advised to Stay Alert for Mental-Health Issues

For some Texas kids, heading back to school creates a lot of anxiety, and experts urge early intervention to solve a youth mental-health crisis …

Congress approved the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2020, and it was rolled out this year. (Orawan/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month: Raising Awareness that People 'Aren't Alone'

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting a pressing issue in Idaho. The state had the fifth-highest suicide rate in the country …

EPA Moves to Take Action on Dangerous 'Forever Chemicals'

The federal government is taking new steps to protect people in Ohio and other states from "forever chemicals." PFOA and PFOS are two types of per-an…

PFAS contamination has been confirmed at 228 sites in Michigan. (Adobe Stock)

Great Lakes Groups Call Proposed EPA PFAS Rule a 'Watershed' Moment

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a rule that will designate two "forever chemicals" as dangerous. PFOA and PFOS are PFAS chemicals …

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Health

Health-Care Subsidy Extension a Relief for WI Small Businesses

IA Small Businesses Get a Lifeline with ACA Credit Extension

Suicide Prevention Month: A Focus on 'Zero Suicides' in Georgia

Treating Anxiety Not Seen as One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Anxiety: Experts Say Don't Suffer in Silence

MN Report Amplifies Concerns About Guns, Suicide Link

Groups Plead with Public Utilities Commission to 'Supercharge' Electrification

Risk of Falling Increases with Age; Prevention Tools Can Help

Across MD, Community Workshops Help Older Residents Prevent Falls

Study: Hispanic Suicide Rate Increasing, Highest in Southwest

Advocates Calling on Congress for Better Investment in Kids

New Maps Expose Methane 'Super-Emitter' Sites

Gwinnett Coalition Improves Health-Care Access For Residents

Innovation Lab Aims to Spur Creative Solutions to End Child Hunger

Helping Older Populations Reduce Their Risk for Falls

Conference on Grieving in Lincoln to Focus on Supporting Kids

Amid Wildfires, Heat, WA Farmworkers Call for Greater Protections

Despite Decades of Progress, Health-Care Challenges Remain in Rural NC

CT Aims to Keep People Safe During Suicide Prevention Month

Health Screenings Seen as Important Factor for Student Success

Biden’s Insulin Cap is a Start, But WV Residents Can’t Afford Other Prescription Meds

New Internship Program Focused on Immigrant Health

WA Senator Sponsors Bill to Provide More Oversight for Medical Lab Tests

Suicide Prevention Month an Opportunity to Address Stigma

NC Lawmaker Pushes for FDA Regulation of Clinical Blood Tests

Hundreds to Compete at Virginia Senior Games This Weekend

Latest Poll Shows Continued Support for Medicaid Expansion in SD

KY Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 11, Abortion Amendment on Ballot

Social Workers Go Virtual, Leaving Nonprofits Shorthanded

CO Students Can Access Mental, Medical, Dental Care at School

Recovery Month: Ohio START Shows Success in Reuniting Families

Faith & Health Event Spotlights Wellness for North Carolinians

Experts Urge Checkups for Florida Kids, Including Mental Health

West Virginians Draw from Within to Rebuild Communities

TN to Receive $13 Million in Juul Deceptive Marketing Settlement

Fellowship Aims to Bridge Gaps in Georgia's Health-Care System

CT Small Businesses Survived Pandemic, Face New Challenges

Sickle Cell Awareness Month Aims to Inform, Educate about Genetic Disease

Cortez Masto, Laxalt Campaigns Trade Abortion Accusations

EPA Advances Efforts on Dangerous 'Forever Chemicals'

Healthy Habits Important as Kids Return to School

Suicide Prevention Month Aims to Remove Stigma of Asking for Help

Medicine Storage Campaign Aims to Reduce Accidental Poisonings Among Kids

More NC Residents See Link Between Pollution, Health

Parents, Teachers Advised to Stay Alert for Mental-Health Issues

Suicide Prevention Month: Raising Awareness that People 'Aren't Alone'

EPA Moves to Take Action on Dangerous 'Forever Chemicals'

Great Lakes Groups Call Proposed EPA PFAS Rule a 'Watershed' Moment