Tag

Department Of Health And Human Services

All articles tagged with #department of health and human services

politics1 month ago•113 min saved

RFK Jr. Presses for Breakthrough as Alzheimer’s Panel Stalls

Health Secretary RFK Jr. has blocked meetings and removed leadership from the USPSTF, delaying new guidance on cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s screening for roughly 17 months. Experts warn the move could allow political influence to reshape the evidence-based panel, as its recommendations determine insurance coverage for preventive care. The USPSTF may reconvene in August with up to eight new members, highlighting ongoing tensions over Alzheimer’s research funding, screening, and health policy reform.

via The Daily Beast|

#alzheimers-disease #department-of-health-and-human-services #politics

politics2 months ago•115 min saved

RFK Jr. MIA at HHS as Leadership Vacuum Roils Agency

A New York Times exposé portrays RFK Jr. as largely absent from running the Health and Human Services Department, leaving morale at a low and a widening leadership vacuum as crises like Ebola loom; staff say he concentrates on his own priorities, delegates key decisions to adviser Stefanie Spear, and stays in touch mainly with an interim figure (Dr. Jay Bhattacharya) while vaccine-skeptic views guide his approach.

via The Daily Beast|

#department-of-health-and-human-services #jay-bhattacharya #politics

health-care2 years ago•2 min saved

"Feds Unveil Portal for Reporting Anticompetitive Health Care Practices"

The Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Department of Health and Human Services have launched an online portal, HealthyCompetition.gov, for the public to report potentially unfair and anticompetitive health care practices. This initiative aims to promote competition in health care markets, lower costs, and ensure fairer access to quality care for all Americans. Complaints will be reviewed and may lead to formal investigations, and privacy and confidentiality policies are in place to protect the information submitted through the portal. This is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to address anticompetitive practices in the health care sector and ensure economic opportunity and fairness for patients, providers, payers, and workers.

via Department of Justice|

#anticompetitive-practices #department-of-health-and-human-services #federal-trade-commission

politics2 years ago•3 min saved

"Biden Administration Faces Congressional Scrutiny Over Marijuana Rescheduling Plans"

Congressman Earl Blumenauer is seeking clarification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding its reported request for a legal opinion from the Justice Department on the potential implications of marijuana rescheduling. The Biden administration's review of marijuana scheduling has sparked tension, with opponents of reform urging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to keep cannabis in Schedule I due to international treaty concerns. Legal experts and lawmakers have disputed this argument, emphasizing that rescheduling to Schedule III would better align with international obligations while promoting public health and safety. Blumenauer and Rep. Andy Harris have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in implementing cannabis research legislation.

via Marijuana Moment|

#biden-administration #congressman #department-of-health-and-human-services

politics-government-shutdown2 years ago•8 min saved

"Impending Shutdown Looms Over Immigration and Border Funding Battle"

With a critical government funding deadline approaching on March 22, negotiators are working to avoid a partial shutdown affecting several key departments, including Homeland Security, Defense, State, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Education, and Labor. If a deal isn't reached, millions of federal workers and military personnel could be affected, with potential disruptions to airport security, border operations, tax processing, education funding, labor statistics, and health services. This would mark the fifth funding deadline since September, with Congress previously passing stopgap bills to keep the government running.

via CNN|

#department-of-defense #department-of-health-and-human-services #department-of-homeland-security

health2 years ago•0 min saved

"North Carolina Sees 22 Flu Deaths Despite Decreased Flu Shot Rates"

North Carolina has reported a total of 22 flu-related deaths this season, with the majority of the victims being 65 or older. Last flu season, the state recorded 196 flu-related deaths, including three children.

via WITN|

#children #department-of-health-and-human-services #elderly

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Requirements for Free COVID-19 Test Kits Delivered to Your Home"

The US government is offering free COVID-19 test kits to households in the country. Every household is eligible to request four free home tests, with the option to place two orders for a total of eight tests. To request the tests, individuals must visit the covid-19.gov portal and fill out a form with their contact information and address. The tests may arrive with past expiration dates, but the FDA has extended the validity of most approved tests. Orders will be shipped for free starting the week of November 27th.

via AS USA|

#covid-19 #department-of-health-and-human-services #free-test-kits

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Increased Availability of Free COVID-19 Tests for Holiday Season

Americans can now order four additional free COVID-19 tests as health officials anticipate a resurgence in cases. The U.S. Postal Service will ship the tests for free starting the week of November 27. Households that did not order their first batch of tests can now place two orders, totaling eight free rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. Federal health officials are urging Americans to continue using COVID-19 tests, along with vaccinations and masking, to reduce the spread of the virus during the holiday season. The tests can also help determine if Pfizer's Paxlovid treatment is necessary.

via CBS News|

#covid-19 #department-of-health-and-human-services #free-tests

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Record-Breaking 4 Million Americans Receive Updated COVID Vaccines in September"

Approximately 4 million Americans received updated COVID-19 vaccines in September, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Biden-Harris Administration has been working with manufacturers and distributors to ensure the vaccines are available at various vaccination sites. The updated shots from Pfizer and Moderna target the Omicron subvariant of the coronavirus, which was dominant in the U.S. earlier this year. Another updated COVID shot from Novavax was authorized but is not yet available. Public health officials hope that Americans will embrace the new vaccines, similar to an annual flu shot, as demand for COVID vaccines has significantly declined since their initial availability in 2021.

via Reuters|

#covid-19-vaccines #department-of-health-and-human-services #health

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Department of Health and Human Services Resumes Mailing Free COVID Tests to Combat Winter Surge"

The Department of Health and Human Services will resume mailing free COVID-19 tests to help alleviate the financial burden on individuals. Starting September 25, households can request up to four rapid tests through COVID.org, with an extended expiration date until the end of 2023. With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, hospitals have seen an increase in admissions and deaths. The HHS plans to invest $600 million in creating and distributing 200 million rapid home tests. Over 755 million tests have already been distributed to two-thirds of U.S. households, including underserved communities.

via Cord Cutters News|

#covid-19 #department-of-health-and-human-services #free-tests

health3 years ago•2 min saved

West Nile Virus Spreading in Nebraska: Mosquitoes Test Positive

The Department of Health and Human Services in Nebraska has reported a high number of positive West Nile virus samples among mosquitoes in the state. Sixty mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus so far in 2023, compared to an average of three pools in previous years. The department advises people to use insect repellent containing active ingredients such as DEET, wear protective clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk. Checking properties for standing water, where mosquitoes breed, is also recommended. Most infected individuals do not develop symptoms, but those who do may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or months, and in rare cases, severe illness of the central nervous system can occur.

via KETV Omaha|

#department-of-health-and-human-services #health #mosquitoes

health3 years ago•1 min saved

"New Office Established by Biden Administration to Tackle Long COVID Crisis"

The Biden administration has established an Office of Long COVID Research and Practice to coordinate the government's response to the long-term impacts of COVID-19. Long COVID refers to symptoms and conditions that persist or develop after initial infection, affecting up to 23 million Americans. The office will work to improve the lives of those experiencing long-term effects and will oversee clinical trials to assess potential treatments. As COVID-19 cases rise again in the US, the move solidifies long COVID as an ongoing priority for the administration.

via HuffPost|

#biden-administration #centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #department-of-health-and-human-services

politics3 years ago•2 min saved

Tragic Deaths of Migrant Children in US Custody Confirmed by Officials

A 17-year-old Honduran migrant child has died in US custody at a shelter in Safety Harbor, Florida. The White House confirmed the death and the Department of Health and Human Services has opened a medical investigation. The Honduran government has requested an investigation and if there is any responsibility, to apply the full weight of the law. The news comes amid concerns of a looming surge at the border now that Title 42 pandemic-era restrictions have expired.

via ABC News|

#department-of-health-and-human-services #honduras #investigation

politics3 years ago•3 min saved

Tragic Deaths of Unaccompanied Migrant Children in US Custody

A 17-year-old unaccompanied migrant child from Honduras has died in government custody in Florida, according to officials. The child was being held at a shelter used to house unaccompanied children in Safety Harbor, Florida. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) acknowledged the death in a statement but provided few details about the circumstances. News of the child's death comes as the U.S. implements strict new asylum and deportation policies meant to deter illegal migration following the expiration of Title 42, a pandemic-related restriction that expired at midnight on Thursday.

via CBS News|

#department-of-health-and-human-services #florida #politics

health3 years ago•4 min saved

Hospitals Violated Federal Law by Denying Emergency Abortion, Says HHS

Two hospitals, Freeman Health System in Joplin, Mo., and University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., are under investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services for violating the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) by refusing to provide an emergency abortion to a woman with life-threatening pregnancy complications. The National Women’s Law Center filed the initial complaint against the hospitals after doctors refused to terminate the pregnancy of Mylissa Farmer, who had lost all of her amniotic fluid and was at risk of severe blood loss, sepsis, or death. Farmer ended up traveling to an abortion clinic in Illinois for emergency treatment.

via The Hill|

#abortion #department-of-health-and-human-services #emergency-medical-treatment-and-labor-act