Health Care
Overdose deaths are down nationally, but up in many Western states
Despite an encouraging national dip in the past year, overdose deaths are still on the rise in many Western states as the epicenter of the nation’s continuing crisis shifts toward the Pacific Coast, where deadly fentanyl and also methamphetamine are finding more victims. Overdose deaths remain sharply higher since 2019. Many states are working on […]
Long-awaited Kansas City psychiatric hospital sparks resistance among neighborhood residents
Residents in Kansas City’s historic Northeast neighborhood say plans for a state psychiatric hospital on the site of a former housing project and city park clash with plans for revitalizing their community. They’re losing patience with efforts to base ever more social services near their homes that they fear could make their streets a dumping […]
Kansas City Chiefs owners fund radio ad campaign opposing Missouri abortion amendment
The family business that owns the Kansas City Chiefs is one of the biggest funders of a political action committee opposing a proposed amendment to overturn Missouri’s abortion ban. Unity Hunt, the business that controls the assets of the late Lamar Hunt, including the Chiefs, in late September donated $300,000 to the Leadership for America […]
Missourians to vote on paid sick leave and minimum wage hike next month
A measure that would guarantee paid sick leave for over 700,000 Missouri workers who currently lack it, as well as gradually raise the minimum wage to $15, will appear on voters’ ballots next month.
Planned Parenthood will close 3 Missouri clinics, expand telehealth services
Three Planned Parenthood clinics in eastern and southern Missouri will shut their doors next month, though the organization’s leaders insist the moves will ultimately expand access to reproductive health care. As part of the consolidation effort, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers will be expanding telehealth services and hours at its remaining St. Louis clinics. The moves […]
Ruling on Missouri transgender health care restrictions expected by end of year
A ruling on Missouri’s restrictions on gender-affirming care is likely to come by the end of the year, with the trial complete and attorneys’ reports due within 30 days. After a 13-day trial ended last week, Wright County Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter waived closing statements and asked instead for plaintiffs and defendants to submit […]
CDC conducting extensive probe into bird flu contracted by Missouri resident
WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should have results later this month that provide more insight into how a Missouri resident, who hadn’t had any contact with infected animals or food, contracted a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at […]
‘Employment is intervention’: How Missouri’s Veterans Urban Farm combats suicide
After nearly losing their farm and experiencing divorce, U.S. Navy veteran Ash Mae Stuckenschneider tried to take their own life. But despite their struggles with mental health, Stuckenschneider took a chance on life, by accepting a second call to service at the Veterans Urban Farm in Columbia. They say that decision changed their life. With […]
More women are seeking sterilizations post-Dobbs, experts say
In the months after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion, there was a spike in the number of women seeking sterilizations to prevent pregnancy, a recent study shows. Researchers saw a 3% increase in tubal sterilizations per month between July and December 2022 in states with abortion bans, according […]
Credibility of state’s expert witnesses questioned in Missouri transgender health care trial
Missouri’s defense of a state law barring minors from beginning puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones will depend on whether the judge in the case puts stock in expert witnesses touting retracted studies and conspiracy theories about Jerry Sandusky. Wright County Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter, who is presiding over a lawsuit challenging Missouri’s gender-affirming care […]
Disabled Missourians and seniors could lose at-home care under new eligibility algorithm
Nearly 8,000 seniors and Missourians with disabilities could lose their at-home care over the next year after a new eligibility algorithm went into effect this week, a spokesperson for the state health department told The Independent.
200+ women faced criminal charges over pregnancy in year after Dobbs, report finds
In the year after the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022, more than 200 pregnant women faced criminal charges for conduct associated with their pregnancy, pregnancy loss or birth, according to a new report. The report was produced by Pregnancy Justice, a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of […]