Public Health
The fittest cities in America: See how yours compares
City officials have an important role to play in ensuring the well-being of their communities. Here’s how they can address resident health through policy and resources.
New $255M federal grant will help state, local public health agencies modernize data systems
The program looks to improve data sharing infrastructure and processes for public health agencies to better detect and manage health threats.
Stigma is hindering treatment of opioid addictions. States can change that.
The health care workforce is key to treating patients' opioid use disorders, but experts say stigma toward drug use and treatment among medical professionals remains a barrier to treatment access and positive outcomes.
Missouri is getting more people to the dentist—for more than a pretty smile
Missouri Medicaid plan just started covering routine dental exams for adults, almost a decade after adding coverage for cleanings. Health experts believe the change will help more people get preventative dental care.
A nonprofit’s abrupt closure puts access to public benefits at risk
The Benefits Data Trust said it would close after a ‘careful review’ of its operations and finances. The closure leaves in question the status of its work with numerous state governments.
As public health becomes political, state surgeons general play delicate role
Louisiana just became the sixth state with its own surgeon general.
New data tool looks to cure medical debt woes
As state and local governments grapple with the impacts of medical debt on their communities, a new resource looks to help inform strategies aimed at remedying the financial burden.
A GUIDE to caring for older adults with dementia
The federal program looks to support older adults aging in place and their caregivers, which could help reduce state Medicare and Medicaid expenditures.
How the pandemic led to innovation in one state’s public health response
The Washington State Department of Health has undertaken a major push to transform its offerings, not just by looking to new technologies but reimagining some of its old processes.
A $15M grant program looks to improve maternal mental, behavioral health
Pregnant people are at a heightened risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders, which is why the federal government is investing in a program to improve health care for new parents amid a maternal health crisis.
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Biden administration announces new rule to protect workers from heat-related illnesses
The rule would cover 35 million workers whose jobs include being in the heat and require activities that could raise core body temperatures, like construction, agriculture and landscaping, as well as those in indoor environments, like kitchen workers.
How states are cracking down on rising prescription drug costs
From creating drug price review boards to bulk purchasing medications, state officials are keen on keeping health care costs down amid skyrocketing prescription costs.
Lead water pipes created a health disaster in Flint, but their replacements carry hidden costs
COMMENTARY | Durability and the risk of chemicals being released when pipes heat up are just some of the concerns about plastic pipes.
‘We’re flying blind’: CDC has 1M bird flu tests ready, but experts see repeat of COVID missteps
Three months into the U.S. bird flu outbreak, only 45 people have been tested. Laboratories that are the foundation of diagnostic testing have yet to get approval to detect the bird flu virus. They say their path forward has been slowed by miscommunication and uncertainty from the CDC and FDA.
How matchmaking can address two housing needs
As America’s population rapidly ages and housing costs soar, some states are playing matchmaker and matching young people in need of affordable housing with older adults with room to spare.
How hot weather can tamper with your words
As a heat wave continues to impact many parts of the Midwest and Northeast, a new study finds that politicians tend to use shorter words in speeches on hot days.
¿Cómo Se Dice? California loops in AI to translate health care information
State health policy officials hope to save money and make critical health care forms, applications, websites and other information available to more people in what they call the nation’s most linguistically diverse state.
An overlooked tool for chipping away at the opioid crisis
Too few states are assessing residents for substance use disorders, a practice that one expert says could get drug users into treatment earlier.
Why the fight over abortion pills isn’t over yet
The Supreme Court dismissed a challenge from anti-abortion groups attempting to restrict access to mifepristone, but conservative states are acting on their own to block access to the increasingly popular medicine.
Indiana weighs hospital monopoly as officials elsewhere scrutinize similar deals
Some states are enacting laws that require merged hospitals to agree to conditions imposed by regulators, but the Federal Trade Commission says those agreements increase prices and diminish care.
