Colleen DeGuzman

Author's posts

‘Fourth Wave’ of Opioid Epidemic Crashes Ashore, Propelled by Fentanyl and Meth

A report based on millions of urine drug tests found the United States is facing a rise in the use of multiple drugs at once, which not only is often more deadly but complicates treatment efforts.

988-Hotline Counselors Air Concerns: More Training Needed to Juggle a Mix of Calls

Dozens of crisis counselors responded to a survey about their work experiences, painting a picture of uneven training, uncertainty about how long to stay on the line, and different policies on whether to inform a caller when police are on their way.

Insurance Doesn’t Always Cover Hearing Aids for Kids

California’s governor vetoed a bill extending insurance coverage for kids with hearing loss, but most states now require it.

Many People of Color Worry Good Health Care Is Tied to Their Appearance

Many people from racial and ethnic minority groups brace themselves for insults and judgments before medical appointments, according to a new survey of patients that reaffirms the prevalence of racial discrimination in the U.S. health system.

Bernie Sanders will vote no on Biden’s pick to lead NIH, but nomination may proceed

The Vermont senator held up the nomination process for Dr. Monica Bertagnolli to lead the health agency in order to make a point about drug prices. Now, he says he’ll vote against her.

Biden Pick to Lead NIH Finally Has Her Day, but Still Gets Caught Up in Drug Price Debate

Monica Bertagnolli, the president’s choice to head the National Institutes of Health, appeared before a Senate committee this week. Her confirmation has been held up by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has demanded President Joe Biden work more aggressively to lower prescription drug prices.

A Third of Schools Don’t Have a Nurse. Here’s Why That’s a Problem.

School nurses treat children daily for a wide range of illnesses and injuries, and sometimes serve as a young patient’s only health provider. They also function as a point person for critical public health interventions. Yet many states don’t require them, and school districts struggle to hire them.

Cozy Images of Plush Toys and Blankets Counter Messaging on Safe Infant Sleep

Unsafe sleep environments are among the main reasons accidental suffocation or strangulation is a hard-to-solve public health problem.

Texan Activists Thirst for a National Heat Standard to Protect Outdoor Workers

As much of the U.S. faces extremely high summer temperatures, Texas’ Republican governor, Greg Abbott, has taken steps that effectively eliminate mandated water breaks for construction workers. In response, protesters from the Lone Star State came to Washington, D.C., to press for federal protections for such outdoor workers.

A Year With 988: What Worked? What Challenges Lie Ahead?

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a national hotline, reached its first-year milestone this month.