Category: NPR

Can The U.S. Crowdsource Its Way Out Of A Mask Shortage? No, But It Still Helps

The shortage of masks and other protective gear has left medical staff pleading for help. Several pop-up volunteer groups are matching individual donors with local hospitals most in need.

VA Wants Retired Health Care Workers Back To Treat Surge In Vets With Coronavirus

In the last days, the VA has put out calls on social media for retired doctors and nurses to return to work.

How Hospitals May Ration Lifesaving Supplies In The Event Of A Shortage

Testing kits and masks are already running short. Ventilators may soon be. NPR’s Ari Shapiro talks with Dr. Lee Daugherty Biddison about the ethical guidelines doctors use to allocate scarce supplies.

ER Doctor In Seattle, An Early COVID-19 Epicenter, On The Challenges Ahead

NPR’s Ari Shapiro talks to Dr. Sachita Shah, an emergency physician at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, about the challenges of the coronavirus response for hospitals and doctors.

Coronavirus: New York Infection Rate Is ‘Doubling About Every 3 Days,’ Cuomo Says

“We were looking at a freight train coming across the country – we’re now looking at a bullet train,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. The state now has more than 25,000 cases.

People With Disabilities Say Rationing Care Policies Violate Civil Rights

People with disabilities are asking the federal government to stop state and hospital policies that they fear will ration care in favor of younger and healthier people.

‘Steaming To Assist,’ Mercy Sails To Los Angeles In Coronavirus Hospital Crunch

The hospital ship, designed to treat war casualties, has left port in San Diego for Los Angeles. Its mission: treating patients who do not have COVID-19 to free up hospital beds.

Why Hoarding Of Hydroxychloroquine Needs To Stop

Despite Trump’s public remarks, infectious disease experts say it’s premature to think hydroxychloroquine will help against COVID-19. But patients with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis rely on the drug.

Traveling Nurses, Doctors Fill Gaps In Rural Coverage Ahead Of COVID-19

There was already a shortage of medical personnel in rural America before the coronavirus. Medical staffing firms are now trying to send health workers to underserved small towns.

Disability Groups File Federal Complaint About COVID-19 Care Rationing Plans

People with disabilities are asking the federal government to stop what they say are care-rationing plans from states and hospitals, which could possibly deny them treatment for COVID-19.