Author: Melissa Patrick
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More intellectual and developmental disability waiver slots open in Kentucky , but wait list remains huge
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Kentucky legislators approved funding in the latest budget cycle for additional “waiver” slots to help more residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These waivers...
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Lexington VA Health Care System joins Markey Affiliate Network, expanding cancer care for Kentucky veterans
By Elizabeth Chapin University of Kentucky The Lexington VA Health Care System is now affiliated with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center....
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Covid-19 is now the 10th leading cause of death; And, yes, it’s still more severe than the flu.
By Andrea Tamayo Your Local Epidemiologist Throughout the pandemic, many have longed to understand Covid-19 in the context of flu. It makes sense — they’re both respiratory viruses with similar...
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With a new mental health emergency unit, University of Kentucky seeks to decrease stigma
By Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern This story mentions suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at...
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Kentucky Association of Health Plans offers free rides at Ky. State Fair to people who get a flu shot at its site there
Kentucky Health News The Kentucky Association of Health Plans is hosting a flu shot pop-up clinic at the Kentucky State Fair and — while supplies last — will give away...
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More health bills pass as legislative session ends; one would require doctor’s OK to play student athletes after concussions
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Several more health-related legislation passed in the final two days of the General Assembly’s session. House Bill 524, sponsored by Rep. Addia Wuchner, R-Florence,...
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Big drug bill heads to governor’s desk; has harsher penalties and limits most prescriptions for acute pain to 3 days
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News A bill that would limit most painkiller prescriptions to a three-day supply for acute pain, and change how synthetic-opioid traffickers are prosecuted, flew through...
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Without dissent, General Assembly overrides governor’s veto of bill allowing courts to require outpatient mental-health treatment
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Cheers of celebration rang in both the Senate and House chambers as lawmakers overrode Gov. Matt Bevin’s veto of a bill meant to end the revolving door...
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More than half of Kentuckians have a gun in the house,15% are loaded and unlocked; among those with children, 12%
More than half of Kentucky adults have a firearm in the home and 15 percent of those guns are loaded and unlocked, according to a the latest Kentucky Health Issues...
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Colorectal cancer has declined, except in people under 30; overall, it’s more common in Kentucky than in any other state
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Colorectal cancer has become less common since the mid-1980s, but has been increasing steadily in people younger than 50, according to a recent American...