The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s efforts are aimed at finding ways to mitigate heat hazards. Also in the news, the departure of a Florida official overseeing the state’s Medicaid program, a second trial against Sterigenics, the measles outbreak in Ohio, and more.
KUNR Public Radio: Federal project aims to reduce health effects of extreme heat in two western mountain towns
The 18-month project, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, supports state and local efforts to reduce the health effects of extreme heat in Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, Miami, Florida, and Charleston, SC, according to the report NOAA’s work in each city is specific to local needs and includes things like heat monitoring, identifying strategies to reduce heat risk, and improving services for the most vulnerable citizens. (Rödel, 22.11.)
In other health news from the US –
Florida News Service: Marstiller resigns as secretary of Florida’s Medicaid Agency
Agency for Health Care Administration secretary Simone Marstiller is stepping down from her job, which includes overseeing Florida’s massive Medicaid program. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is about to serve a second term, announced the move in a Twitter post Monday. (22.11.)
Crain’s Chicago Business: Sterigenics Approved by Cook County Jury in 2nd Trial
A Cook County jury ruled in favor of Sterigenics, concluding that the Oak Brook-based medical sterilization company should not accept responsibility for cancer in a woman who lived near the company’s factory in suburban Willowbrook. (Davis, 11/22)
ABC News: What you need to know about measles after Ohio outbreak sickened 19 children
According to statistics provided to ABC News by the Columbus Public Health Department (CPHD), 19 children have contracted the virus as of Tuesday afternoon. Almost half of these children were hospitalized due to severe symptoms of the infection. Almost half were under five years old. (Cahan and Kekatos, 11/23)
New Hampshire Public Radio: NH Executive Board refuses to fund sex education program
The Republican-controlled New Hampshire Executive Council on Tuesday blocked funding for a long-running sex education program and said it wanted state education officials to weigh the curriculum. (Gibson, 11/22)
New Hampshire Public Radio: NH Commission is exploring ways to strengthen direct care workforce
New Hampshire is already facing shortages of nursing assistants, home nurses and other direct care workers. But a state commission says thousands more will be needed as the population ages. (Cuno status, 22.11.)
Police intervention in mental health emergencies
Detroit Free Press: Police, community search for mental health strategies after 2 dead
Officers trained in crisis intervention responded to emergency calls in both incidents, police said, but were unable to de-escalate either situation. Five officers fired 38 rounds at Burks in three seconds and hit him 19 times after police said he lunged at them. Three officers fired four rounds at Miller during an alleged fight over a gun. (May Sahouri, 22.11.)
Salt Lake Tribune: ‘Help Me’: Bodycam shows officers shooting at man after mental health crisis team appeals to police for assistance
Two officers responded to the residence to provide riot assistance, police said. When they arrived at the garage around 11:40 a.m., a member of the crisis team spoke to one of them about the man’s recent drug use, past interactions with police, and the team’s safety concerns, according to a Tuesday news release from Salt Lake police. (Peterson, 22.11.)
This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.