WinnDems News

For Art Ballard, the local gym was like his second home. The 91-year-old former jeweler relied on his near-daily workouts to stay healthy and for social interaction. But when California instituted its stay-at-home order, Ballard’s physical health suffered. So did his mental health. http://dlvr.it/RZfCvw

As health workers were dying of COVID-19, federal work-safety officials filed just one citation against an employer and rapidly closed complaints about protective gear. http://dlvr.it/RZfCrv

In a decision that surprised both sides of the polarized abortion debate, the Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law that would require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico and Jennifer Haberkorn of the Los Angeles Times join KHN’s Julie Rovner to break down what happened, what comes next and how this case could provide a clue to the one challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. http://dlvr.it/RZcW9c

Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s liberals in the 5-4 decision that strikes down a state law requiring doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. http://dlvr.it/RZbZF3

At $3.6 billion a year, California spends more on prison health care than other states spend to run their entire prison systems. But despite the spending, and federal court oversight, prisons across California are struggling to contain deadly outbreaks of COVID-19. http://dlvr.it/RZZh6K

The use of the word “always” makes this claim a stretch. http://dlvr.it/RZZR3J

The pandemic has been marked by a significant amount of misinformation — some spread on purpose — that could prove deadly. http://dlvr.it/RZZQw7

Easy-breezy guest writer Rachel Bluth fills you in on a healthy dose of news from this past week. http://dlvr.it/RZQmW8

Authorities continue to dismantle homeless encampments despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to hold off during the pandemic to limit the spread of the coronavirus. http://dlvr.it/RZPZ8P

Legislation expands access to health care, drives down costs and strengthens protections for people with pre-existing conditions More than 730,000 Illinoisans would lose coverage without the Affordable Care Act WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) applauded the introduction of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act (ACA), which would make health care and prescription […] The post Bustos Applauds Introduction of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/RZNTr3

While federal and state officials continue to wrangle over coronavirus testing, the population testing positive is skewing younger. Meanwhile, the Trump administration wins a round in court over its requirements for hospitals to publicly reveal their prices, and the fight over the fate of the Affordable Care Act heats up once again. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, Rovner interviews former Obama administration health aide Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, who has written a new book comparing international health systems. http://dlvr.it/RZMftB

California Healthline’s Samantha Young helped lead a discussion about the state’s response to the novel coronavirus. Infections and hospitalizations are surging across the state. http://dlvr.it/RZM3vR

State officials are pointing to reopened bars as a cause of local spikes in coronavirus cases. Bars are tailor-made for the spread of the virus, with a cacophony of conversations that require raised voices and alcohol, which can impede judgment. http://dlvr.it/RZLrHr

Public health officials have been alarmed by the increase in COVID-19 cases linked to family gatherings and socializing. While Gov. Gavin Newsom is defending the state’s reopening, local health officials worry the situation could get worse this summer. http://dlvr.it/RZKmwR

Experts say a bit of extra drinking isn’t a problem for many people, but they recommend watching out for specific behaviors that signal addiction. http://dlvr.it/RZG0DQ

On June 30, Oklahomans can vote on expanding the Medicaid program there. But supporters worry that fear of the coronavirus could diminish turnout or voters could be confused by Gov. Kevin Stitt’s recent change of heart: He now supports Medicaid expansion but not the ballot initiative. http://dlvr.it/RZG0DH

In communities of color, the decision to participate in this moment of collective trauma — whether by watching and sharing the video of George Floyd’s death, discussing racial injustice on social media, or protesting and speaking out in the 3D world — can be one rife with anxiety and profound mental distress. http://dlvr.it/RZG0Cx

Jane Collins and Anthony Blow were stunned to learn last fall that their state tax refund was being reduced by $110 because the Charlottesville medical center said they owed money for care their son received in 2001 and 2002. http://dlvr.it/RZG0B0

Some experts say the United States is arguably still in the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic and history tells us that the 1918 influenza pandemic came in at least three waves. But that’s not necessarily a template for how the coronavirus pandemic will play out, because the coronavirus doesn’t have the same degree of seasonality that influenza does. http://dlvr.it/RZCRfs

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced a total of $280,000 in funding from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration. The Bi-State Regional Commission will receive $210,000, while Blackhawk Hills Resource Conservation and Development will receive $70,000. “I’m pleased to announce these federal dollars today […] The post Bustos Announces $280,000 in Economic Development Funding appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/RZ8VWz

KHN Midwest correspondent Cara Anthony spoke with “The 21st” host Brian Mackey about the implications of reopening the U.S. and recent protests. http://dlvr.it/RZ8QTG

After the FDA issues a public warning about the test, one of its senior officials says point-of-care coronavirus tests can miss 20% of cases and still be considered useful. Public health experts are split. http://dlvr.it/RZ6Pnl

If you’ve been in a crowd — a protest or rally — experts have advice for figuring out whether you might have been exposed to the coronavirus, and where and when to get tested for it. http://dlvr.it/RZ6PnM

During the coronavirus pandemic, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and other serious anxieties may struggle to distinguish concerns brought on by their conditions from the fears shared by the general public. But some patients say successful treatment has armed them to handle COVID-19’s uncertainties. http://dlvr.it/RZ6Pdd

Barack Obama shares his views on the importance Juneteenth in a powerful statement posted here. Share the article! [...] http://dlvr.it/RZ0Jpq

Implementation of Electronic Forms Would Assist Rural Veterans and Reduce In-Person Contact Amid COVID-19 WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) – a member of the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – sent a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie requesting information on how the agency plans to […] The post Bustos Advocates for Modernization of Veterans Affairs Process in Letter to VA Secretary appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/RYw6VS

The Trump administration rolled back protections for transgender patients just days before the Supreme Court cemented LGBTQ rights under the Civil Rights Act. So, what now? Meanwhile, coronavirus politics reaches beyond health care settings. Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Tami Luhby of CNN and Shefali Luthra of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health stories of the week they think you should read, too. http://dlvr.it/RYvc5B

Darnell Hill, a mental health caseworker, is teaching black teens in St. Louis how to safely walk through the park, run to the store or handle an encounter with the police. Beyond tangible skills, he offers comfort and a semblance of control to those for whom birding, running or walking down the street hold the risk of racial violence. http://dlvr.it/RYsxKw

The shifting federal guidelines about how to reopen during the pandemic have perplexed many small-business owners, including the Prestifilippos, who dug deep into their wallets to provide a new kind of dining experience they hope is safe. http://dlvr.it/RYsxKH

Check out the revamped video series from KHN — Behind The Byline: How The Story Got Made. Come along as journalists and producers offer an insider’s view of health care coverage that does not quit. http://dlvr.it/RYsx9k

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) released the following statement in response to President Trumps Executive Order on policing: “While President Trump’s announcement today is a small step in the right direction, it falls short of charting a meaningful path forward. Accountability cannot be accomplished without consequential action. Trust cannot be built without first […] The post Bustos Statement on Trump Executive Order on Policing appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/RYq7w7

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia: “Today’s landmark Supreme Court decision recognizing federal employment protections for gay, lesbian and transgender Americans is a major step towards equality for all and recognizes that no one should ever fear for their […] The post Bustos Statement on Supreme Court’s Recognition of Federal Employment Protections for LGBTQ+ Americans appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/RYq7nR

As California begins one of the largest contact-tracing training programs in the country, many of the new recruits will be librarians: who are known to be curious, tech-savvy and really good at getting people they barely know to open up. http://dlvr.it/RYp4n5

Six months after agreeing to a $575 million settlement in a closely watched antitrust case filed by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Sutter Health has yet to pay a single dollar, and no operational changes have gone into effect. The nonprofit health care giant was accused of using its market dominance in Northern California to […] http://dlvr.it/RYp4mF

Wisconsin already faced a shortage of caregivers who offer crucial health services and independence to their clients. Then the pandemic struck. In a survey of nearly 500 Wisconsinites with disabilities and older adults, every respondent said the pandemic had disrupted their caregiving service. http://dlvr.it/RYp4hn

Although the federal government has poured billions of dollars into hospitals to defray their losses from the coronavirus outbreak, new streams of fundraising have emerged — including health worker-themed beer that adds “a drop in the bucket.” http://dlvr.it/RYkHpg

Arizona is a coronavirus hot spot, with the average of daily cases more than doubling from two weeks ago. http://dlvr.it/RYkHjN

Public health officials are asking for more money in California’s state budget. But unlike some rich and powerful health care interests, they don’t have an army of lobbyists to curry favor with lawmakers. http://dlvr.it/RYfXy4

Andre Guest was just fine one day. The next, he was fighting for his life. http://dlvr.it/RYfXnc

Although laws prohibit price gouging on precious resources in times of emergency, states have been forced to compete for a share of the nation’s stockpile of ventilators — used to treat the sickest COVID patients — or pay top dollar on sideline deals. With quality and quantity control lacking, what happens when the pandemic’s second wave hits? http://dlvr.it/RYf4ry

Join the Winnebago County Democrats (IL) and help us prepare for the 2020 elections!The Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee meets at 7 PM on the third Thursday of most months.   This month we meet June 17, 2020 at 7 PM as scheduled.Our meetings are open to all friends of the Democratic Party and are held at:    Labor Temple    212 S. 1st St    Rockford, IL 61104Check our Calendar to confirm meeting dates and to find [...] http://dlvr.it/RYcjZG

The shortages are so dire that nursing homes and other health centers are going to extraordinary lengths for masks, gowns and essential materials. http://dlvr.it/RYTwMb

Health clinics in isolated African American communities in the San Francisco Bay Area provide crucial services to neglected populations. But like thousands of other community clinics around the nation, their finances have been wrecked by the pandemic shutdown. http://dlvr.it/RYTwJV

Months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the public seems more confused than ever. And health officials still are not all on the same page; this week the World Health Organization had to walk back an official’s statement about how commonly the virus is spread by people without symptoms. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, Rovner interviews Michael Mackert, a professor and health communications expert at the University of Texas-Austin, about how health information can best be translated to the public. http://dlvr.it/RYRxl0

Peoria and Rockford to receive second round of support WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) announced a total of $1,953,478 in federal funding in direct response to the passage of the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This is the second round of funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency […] The post Bustos Announces Nearly $2 Million in Federal Funding in Response to COVID-19 appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/RYRWwR

More than 3,000 nursing homes reported less than a week’s worth of supplies, and 653 said they had run out entirely at some point. Stopgap FEMA equipment has not reached many facilities, and packages that have arrived have fallen short of promises. http://dlvr.it/RYQxB5

A New Jersey family tried everything they could to save their father and sister, but faced shortages of protective gear and grim hospital conditions. http://dlvr.it/RYQB6k

Leading national organizations call for Crisis Care Improvement legislation 45 percent of adults reported that COVID-19 has negatively impacted mental health WASHINGTON – As our nation continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the wake of the opioid crisis, U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Susan Wild (PA-07) introduced the Crisis Care Improvement and Suicide […] The post Bustos, Wild Introduce Crisis Care Improvement and Suicide Prevention Act of 2020 As Mental Illness Reaches Epidemic Levels appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/RYNc9m

A public hospital in Cleveland has been trying to keep COVID patients out of its beds. It tried a number of innovations for developing better communication — even better relationships — with patients. Officials think this groundwork helped keep the outbreak at bay — and should be the new business model going forward. http://dlvr.it/RYLVyD

The attorney general's assertion is directly at odds with the description of pepper balls offered by the manufacturer. http://dlvr.it/RYLVxV

Nationwide, coronavirus infection numbers are trending down, but several states are seeing upticks, with the heaviest impact falling on communities of color and nursing home residents. http://dlvr.it/RYLVvW

First, businesses started to reopen; then racial justice protesters flooded the streets. Social distancing is beginning to fade. Are you ready for a second wave of COVID-19 infections ― and a renewed lockdown? http://dlvr.it/RYGgqB

As doctors look for alternative ways to charge patients for care, some Medicare enrollees may lose access to their physicians. http://dlvr.it/RYGgpX

As more and more people drift back into their workplaces, they face a very small space that can create a large logjam: the elevator. http://dlvr.it/RYGgnZ