Author Archive

Martha Bebinger

Martha Bebinger covers health care and other topics at WBUR, the NPR affiliate in Boston.
Management

They Call It ‘Tranq’—and It’s Making Street Drugs Even More Dangerous

Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, is increasingly being found in drug samples.

  • By Martha Bebinger, KFF Health News
Management

As Covid Vaccinations Slow, Parts of the US Remain Far Behind 70% Goal

Vermont and Massachusetts lead the nation, with more than 70% of adults having had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Southern states like Tennessee lag far behind.

  • By Martha Bebinger and Blake Farmer, KFF Health News
Management

Contact Tracers in Massachusetts Might Order Milk or Help With Rent. Here’s Why.

Massachusetts includes a specific role in its COVID-19 contact-tracing program that’s not common everywhere: a care resource coordinator.

  • By Martha Bebinger, KFF Health News
Management

New Coronavirus Hot Spots Emerge Across South And In California, As Northeast Slows

The U.S. is still seeing roughly 20,000 new cases a day.

  • By Martha Bebinger, Blake Farmer and Jackie Fortiér, KFF Health News
Management

Massachusetts recruits 1,000 'contact tracers' to battle COVID-19

Contract tracing may help Massachusetts control a second wave of infections that could come when stay-at-home orders and advisories are lifted.

  • By Martha Bebinger and Kaiser Health News, GCN
Management

Meth Trip Or Mental Illness? Police Who Need To Know Often Can’t Tell

Police in many areas of the country where meth has maintained a steady presence have more experience making an assessment, but in many parts of the Northeast, the onslaught of meth is new.

  • By Martha Bebinger, KFF Health News