Category: NPR

New Zealand changes its tack on surging COVID-19 cases

Experts say New Zealand’s actions have likely saved thousands of lives by allowing the nation to mostly avoid earlier, more deadly variants and buying time to get people vaccinated.

Finding help for teens who grow up caregiving for their disabled military parents

More than two million American children and teenagers live with a wounded or ill military parent. Many help with their care and face challenges like stress, anxiety and social isolation.

Delaware is shrinking racial gaps in cancer death. Its secret? Patient navigators

The state’s program of free cancer screening and treatment is reducing inequities. Key to its success is robust outreach by patient navigators who connect with those least likely to seek care.

Death toll nears 6 million as pandemic enters its 3rd year

Health care experts say that confirmed deaths represent a fraction of the true number of deaths due to COVID because of limited testing.

Purdue Pharma, Sacklers reach $6 billion deal with state attorneys general

The deal, hashed out over weeks of intense negotiations, raises the amount paid by the Sacklers by more than $1 billion. In exchange, the family members win immunity from civil opioid lawsuits.

More Black Americans are buying guns. Is it driving up Black suicide rates?

Gun buying among African Americans has soared in recent years. So have suicide rates among young black men. Gun safety efforts and suicide prevention need to address race and cultural differences.

Why billions in Medicaid funds for people with disabilities are being held up

Almost a year after the American Rescue Plan Act allocated up to $25 billion to home and community-based services run by Medicaid, many states have yet to access the funds due to delays and red tape.

Plan to fix Postal Service shifts retirees to Medicare, along with billions in costs

Some lawmakers worry that pushing future post office retirees’ health costs to Medicare could hurt the health program’s outlook.

Plan to fix Postal Service shifts retirees to Medicare, along with billions in costs

Some lawmakers worry that pushing future post office retirees’ health costs to Medicare could hurt the health program’s outlook.

Doctors find limited use for less effective COVID pill

The antiviral pill molnupiravir was authorized and distributed by the government late last year. But it’s not doctors’ first choice of treatment, except for a narrow slice of patients.