Author: Al Cross
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Passport sues state over reduced reimbursements, says officials are trying to kill Ky.’s only nonprofit Medicaid managed-care firm
Kentucky’s only nonprofit manager of Medicaid filed suit Friday against the state health secretary, alleging that he and the Medicaid commissioner are trying to put it out of business. Passport...
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Tobacco-free schools bill hits a snag; prospects still appear favorable, but floor leader Carney says ‘Nothing is certain’
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News FRANKFORT, Ky. — The bill to get tobacco out of all Kentucky schools has hit a snag. House Bill 11 passed unanimously out of the...
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Jump in teenagers’ use of e-cigarettes erases years of progress in reducing teen tobacco use; tobacco-free schools bill in Ky. House
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Teens’ use of electronic cigarettes is overwhelmingly responsible for erasing years of progress in reducing teen tobacco use, according to the latest annual National...
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47 Ky. counties have syringe exchange programs, but only half of the 54 at high risk of HIV and hepatitis C outbreaks have them
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Kentucky leads the nation in the number of syringe exchange programs, but passing such programs continues to require great amounts of public education and...
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Flu cases hit a new high for the season in the state’s latest report; season runs through May, so shots can still protect your family
Kentucky Department for Public Health chart — The number of influenza cases confirmed in Kentucky hit the highest level of the season, by far, in the week ended Feb. 2,...
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Tobacco-free school bill moves to full House; passage expected
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News FRANKFORT, Ky. — A bill to make Kentucky school properties tobacco-free passed unanimously out of the House health committee on Feb. 7 and was posted for...
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Bowling Green’s ‘street medicine’ program for homeless serves 60 per month, is one of few in small metropolitan communities in U.S.
Street medicine coordinator Melissa Cowles talks with William Schultz after giving him a new hat and jacket near the Bowling Green Public Library. (Daily News photo by Austin Anthony) — Bowling...
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Poll: Reported heroin, methamphetamine and painkiller use has increased; 44 percent of those needing treatment didn’t get it
Nearly a third of Kentucky adults reported having a family member or friend with a drug problem in the past 12 months, and just over half of those with problems...
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What state-level strategies work against the opioid epidemic?
The opioid epidemic is a major issue in every state, but not all are tackling it in the same ways. The National Academy for State Health Policy, a nonpartisan group of...
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Gubernatorial candidate Adam Edelen endorses statewide smoking ban and raising cigarette tax to national average
Adam Edelen — By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Adam Edelen, a Democratic candidate for governor, has endorsed a statewide ban on smoking in indoor workplaces and an increase in...