Evictions on the rise in the Midwest put public health at risk

Evictions on the rise in the Midwest put public health at risk

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The trouble for Rolland Carroll started last fall. That’s when the 61-year-old said his apartment complex in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, informed him that his federal housing aid for his one-bedroom apartment had been reduced months ago. https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s4780019/audio/2023/02/sfx-evictions-krebs.mp3 Listen to this story here. He owed more than $2,000 in back rent. “I…

A new Champaign clinic will focus on equity in abortion care

A new Champaign clinic will focus on equity in abortion care

CHAMPAIGN – The Supreme Court ruling in June overturning Roe v. Wade did away with federal protections for abortion rights. The decision returned the power to ban the procedure to states, rendering the country a patchwork of different abortion laws. Listen to this story here. In Illinois, abortion remains legal. But the procedure is banned…

Three health policy stories to watch in 2023

Three health policy stories to watch in 2023

Considering the country’s divided Congress, Americans shouldn’t hold their breath for major health reform legislation this year. On the other hand, 2023 is shaping up to see some incredibly consequential health policy changes that could impact millions. Here’s a quick look at three of them: State officials are looking to pass new abortion laws and…

If the antibiotics shortage worsens, children with sickle cell risk preventable deaths

If the antibiotics shortage worsens, children with sickle cell risk preventable deaths

INDIANAPOLIS — Mary Warlo has been extremely worried lately. Her baby Calieb, who is six months old, has sickle cell disease. In early December he went for a few days without liquid penicillin, a medication that he – and thousands of other children in the U.S. – rely on to prevent potentially life threatening infections….

When rural hospitals close, access to critical care is put in jeopardy

When rural hospitals close, access to critical care is put in jeopardy

MEXICO, Mo. — A half-dozen Gouldian finches greet patients with their chirps from a cage in the waiting room of the Boone Health Primary Care clinic in Mexico, Missouri. The birds belong to Dr. Peggy Barjenbruch who, alongside Dr. Michael Quinlan, has served the Mexico community for decades. https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s4780019/audio/2022/12/ruralhospitalaccess-feature-se-web.mp3 Listen to this story here. That…

Hospitals look to storytelling to reduce stigma toward people with addiction

Hospitals look to storytelling to reduce stigma toward people with addiction

Belle Smith was using heroin a few years ago and didn’t have access to a clean syringe. A needle broke in her arm and caused an infection. Smith went to a nearby hospital in South Carolina, where she said staff refused to give her anesthesia and opted to use a local numbing agent while they…

Latex gloves are no longer allowed in Illinois food service, next is health care in 2024
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Latex gloves are no longer allowed in Illinois food service, next is health care in 2024

ALTON — Illinois food service providers are now barred from using latex gloves as a new state law takes effect. The Illinois General Assembly passed the Latex Glove Ban Act this year, which Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law in June. The goal of the new law is to protect workers and customers who may…