Daily Edition for Monday, November 8, 2021
Monday’s summaries of California health news covers covid cases rising again, vaccine mandates, boosters, mental health, schools and more.
‘Drinking Through a Lead Straw’ — $15B Approved to Fix Dangerous Water Pipes
By Sandy West
The infrastructure bill passed Friday funnels $15 billion into lead pipe remediation. Water quality experts say the cost of getting rid of all lead pipes could ultimately cost $60 billion. Still, some health advocates say the new funding will be transformative in allowing communities such as Houston’s Fifth Ward to fix its pipes.
As Constituents Clamor for Ivermectin, Republican Politicians Embrace the Cause
By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio
Hospitals and doctors are facing more demands for ivermectin as a covid-19 treatment, despite a lack of proof it works. In some Republican-dominated states, pushing for ivermectin interventions has become a conservative rallying cry.
A Judge Takes His Mental Health Struggles Public
By Mark Kreidler
Tim Fall, a sitting judge in California’s Yolo County, decided to break the silence on his mental health issues with a book published during a campaign year. Depression and anxiety, he says, shouldn’t disqualify candidates from any profession.
Journalists Follow Leads on Curbing Violence, Improving Psych Care and Crowdsourcing Covid Safety
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Daily Edition for Friday, November 5, 2021
Parochial Schools To Allow ‘Personal Belief’ Exemptions For Vaccinations: The San Diego Catholic diocese, as well as other dioceses across the state, will allow students at parochial schools to use personal belief exemptions to avoid covid vaccinations, despite a recent vaccine mandate put in place by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Read more from Voice of San Diego.
Despite Restraints, Democrats’ Drug Pricing Plan Could Still Aid Consumers
By Michael McAuliff
A last-minute agreement among lawmakers restored a provision seeking to hold down rising costs of prescription medicines. Although details on which drugs will be targeted remain sketchy, the legislation would help patients buying insulin and cap Medicare beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 a year.
Democrats Plan to Expand Medicare Hearing Benefits. What Can Consumers Expect?
By Rachana Pradhan
KHN answers questions for seniors about how this new benefit might work.
‘Covid Hit Us Over the Head With a Two-by-Four’: Addressing Ageism With Urgency
By Judith Graham
In light of the pandemic’s shocking death toll among seniors, organizations are trying new strategies to help older Americans get better care.
