Public Health
Can you improve indoor air quality? These Utahns let sensors track their every move
Reaching for Air: Four Utahns installed sensors built by Columbia University’s Brown Institute in their homes. Here’s what they found.
Report: Electronic case reporting helped states during the pandemic — they need to use it more
A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts highlights an emerging method for improving the sharing and use of public health data.
Public health tech must be agile in post-COVID world, Virginia official says
Agencies had to quickly stand up new systems to track cases and vaccines, among other things. With federal help reduced, they need to be sustainable with their tech investments.
Florida’s Deloitte-run computer system cut off new moms entitled to Medicaid
Florida discovered a glitch in its Deloitte-run Medicaid eligibility system. The problem, alleged in court testimony, led to new mothers wrongly losing their insurance coverage.
Public health surveillance, from social media to sewage, spots disease outbreaks early to stop them fast
COMMENTARY | Rather than winging it when an unusual health event crops up, health officials take a systematic approach. The goal is to quickly figure out what’s going on and squash any outbreak before it spreads.
What voters had to say about abortion rights in 2024
The majority of ballot measures to protect abortion rights passed, but concerns about women’s health outcomes remain.
Inside mobile health clinic efforts to reach more residents, address gaps in care
To increase the accessibility and affordability of reproductive health care, local health departments are giving the green light to mobile solutions.
California to kick off first open enrollment season with automated system
The state piloted using artificial intelligence to help with automatic enrollment. Now this year’s open enrollment period is underway, the new system faces its first test.
A ballot measure on Medicaid funding is poised to pass. Some say it could do more harm than good.
Proposition 35 would change how California funds its public health insurance program to address health care shortages in the state.
Emails reveal how health departments struggle to track human cases of bird flu
Farm owners' resistance to tracking human bird flu infections is creating significant gaps in disease surveillance. But forcing farmers to submit to testing could reignite a backlash against public health efforts.
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Resurgence of congenital syphilis signals ‘urgent need’ for testing, treatment
Congenital syphilis cases have increased significantly nationwide. They're highest are highest in parts of the Southwest, the Midwest and the South.
More states ban PFAS, or forever chemicals, in more products
In total this year, at least 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures.
Bird flu is spreading across the U.S. How worried should you be?
From dairy testing to bird culling, public health officials say there are ways to keep avian influenza in check to avoid widespread disaster.
Woman’s suicide after repeated 911 calls reveals gaps in one city's pioneering crisis response system
Public health departments can tell you how many people they've referred for help and, possibly even, how many people have sought that help. But in Bend, Oregon, officials say it is harder to know how much of a difference the crisis response teams are making in actually saving lives.
Soda tax revenues are falling in some cities. That can be a good and bad thing.
Tax soda, and people drink less of it. But successful soda taxes can create problems for the public health and development programs they support.
How this state is using telehealth to connect more mothers and children with healthy food
Health officials hope virtual appointments, real-time chats and online counseling will help more babies and children grow and thrive.
States, tribes get $1.5 billion to fight the opioid epidemic
The federal funds will support substance use prevention and treatment efforts, workforce capacity building and access to medications to reduce addiction.
FCC to vote on routing 988, crisis callers directly to local resources
Proponents of georouting 988 calls say it is especially important given the transient nature of many areas, including major cities.
Florida’s new COVID-19 booster guidance is straight-up misinformation
The bulletin makes a number of false or unproven claims about the efficacy and safety of mRNA-based covid vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna.
Ballots in two cities aim to keep soda taxes from falling flat
Taxing sugary drinks can raise cities’ revenue and improve people’s health, according to research. But state restrictions and industry pushback have stalled such taxes. Can two ballot measures change that?
