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As California Taps Pandemic Stockpile for Bird Flu, Officials Keep Close Eye on Spending

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kffhealthnews.org – Don Thompson – 2024-11-14 04:00:00

SUMMARY: California is using state and federal stockpiles to provide up to 10,000 farmworkers with safety gear as the state reports 21 human cases of bird flu. The state began distributing protective equipment in May and has confirmed bird flu at over 270 dairies. Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, California is improving emergency responses and maintaining a stockpile that includes millions of face masks. However, due to financial constraints, funding for disaster supplies has been cut, and some preparedness programs were reduced or eliminated. A ballot measure to increase pandemic preparedness funding failed after its key financial supporter was convicted.

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Ex-Eye Bank Workers Say Pressure, Lax Oversight Led to Errors

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kffhealthnews.org – Madelyn Beck, WyoFile and Rae Ellen Bichell – 2024-11-20 04:00:00

SUMMARY: William Lopez, a former employee of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, recounts a troubling experience from June 2017 involving a request to contact a deceased friend’s spouse for eye donation, which he refused. Over three years, he witnessed numerous issues, including damaged tissue and lack of transparency. Criticism has emerged about the eye bank’s operations, highlighting high employee turnover and inadequate training, leading to errors. Despite its crucial role in restoring sight through cornea transplants, former employees express concerns over oversight and the pressure to fulfill international demands at the expense of quality. Stricter regulation of tissue donation practices is called for.

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FTC, Indiana Residents Pressure State To Block Hospital Merger

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kffhealthnews.org – Samantha Liss – 2024-11-19 14:54:00

SUMMARY: Indiana residents and officials are opposing a proposed merger between two rival hospitals in Terre Haute, which would create a healthcare monopoly. Union Health, a nonprofit, aims to acquire the for-profit Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Critics, including the FTC, warn that this merger will lead to higher prices, reduced care options, and negative impacts on the local economy. The Indiana Department of Health has received extensive public feedback largely against the deal. Union Health claims the merger will enhance care and efficiency, while experts predict it could worsen public health outcomes and job losses for the community.

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A Closely Watched Trial Over Idaho’s Near-Total Abortion Ban Continues Tuesday

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kffhealthnews.org – Sarah Varney, KFF Health News – 2024-11-18 15:37:00

SUMMARY: In a trial in Boise, Idaho, physicians and four women are challenging the state’s near-total abortion ban, arguing it endangers women’s health by forcing them to carry fetuses with fatal anomalies or endangering their lives without medical intervention. The case, which aims to introduce medical exceptions into the current law, highlights personal testimonies of severe pregnancy complications. Opposing counsel criticized the plaintiffs’ testimonies, framing abortions negatively. Advocates fear that a loss in this case could limit future challenges to similar bans nationwide. The trial follows previous legal setbacks in Idaho and Texas regarding abortion rights.

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