Public Health

The federal government’s Vaccine Injury Compensation Program was supposed to help patients with their medical bills while protecting vaccine supply. But allies of the HHS secretary routinely transfer cases to launch lawsuits against drugmakers.

An estimated 47% of homes already have mold or dampness, leaving residents exposed to spores and associated allergens that can cause respiratory problems.

Local governments received millions for addiction treatment, recovery and prevention. Their 2024 spending was sometimes surprising or controversial. A KFF database documents 10,500+ decisions.

The rule changes could take effect by early December, according to the state Department of Health.

It would include only chickenpox and a few others unless lawmakers decide to extend it to other diseases.

Many parents, doctors and other public health workers worry that diseases controlled by vaccines for decades could resurface.

In Florida, six of the nine existing incinerators are where the percentages of people of color are higher than the statewide average of 46%, according to the EPA. As Miami-Dade is experiencing, there is no perfect location to build a new one.

Ron DeSantis’ record as Florida governor provides some clues to how he would change the health care landscape if elected president.

The network would let parts of the health system share information during emergencies. It still hasn’t been planned, even after the communication and data-sharing failures put on display during the pandemic.

The end of the federal public health emergency’s continuous enrollment provision means changes are ahead. State officials stand divided about the implications for Florida and its people.

At the Multicultural Health Institute, Dr. Lisa Merritt treats patients, of course. She also inspires a new generation to think big when it comes to public health.

Nonprofit federally funded health centers are a linchpin in the nation’s health care safety net because they treat the medically underserved. The average profit margins is 5%, but some have recorded margins of 20% or more in three of the past four years.