SUMMARY: Lisa Trumble, reliant on IV nutrition due to severe intestinal issues, faced a sudden hospital discharge cancellation when CVS stopped providing her home care. With 25,000 U.S. patients similarly affected, Hurricane Helene’s destruction of a key North Carolina factory exacerbated an existing IV fluid shortage. CVS’s subsidiary Coram exited the parenteral nutrition and IV antibiotic market, leaving many patients without critical supplies. Despite FDA emergency measures, replenishing supplies remains uncertain. Patients like Trumble, as well as their families, are struggling with health risks and financial strains during this crisis, highlighting the urgent need for reliable infusion care.

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SUMMARY: California Governor Gavin Newsom recently affirmed the state‘s commitment to reproductive rights, critiquing national Republican efforts to restrict such freedoms. He signed legislation mandating insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization, introduced safeguards for reproductive health service access, and backed a ban on synthetic food dyes in schools. However, he vetoed multiple bills aimed at increasing health and safety regulations due to cost concerns. Among the enacted laws, Medi-Cal will cover psychiatric emergency treatments and medical debt won’t impact credit scores. Newsom’s mixed stance reflects a balance between progressive initiatives and fiscal constraints amid a heated election cycle.

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The post California Continues Progressive Policies, With Restraint, in Divisive Election Year appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Before Hurricane Helene, residents of Asheville, North Carolina, felt insulated from climate disasters, believing their mountainous region was safe. However, after the hurricane caused severe flooding and infrastructure damage, leaving at least 72 dead in Buncombe County, that sense of security vanished. The storm disrupted power and water supplies, risking lives, particularly for those dependent on medical equipment. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with FEMA providing essential supplies. Community leaders express concerns about the mental health impact of prolonged power and water outages. Many residents are left grappling with the aftermath and adapting to a new reality shaped by climate change.

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