Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Racism Baked Into Formulas, Algorithms Used To Help Doctors Make Medical Decisions
The new findings cut across more medical specialties than any previous study of race and algorithm-driven patient care, and come at a tense moment when the medical field is examining just how deeply racism runs in the industry. In other news on racism and disparities: hospitalization rates for Black COVID-19 patients, the stress of being the mother to a Black child in America, investigations into possible hate crimes and more.
$600 Unemployment Benefit Has Been Keeping Desperate Americans Afloat, But It’s Ending Soon
Some lawmakers are concerned that people are making more money on unemployment than they did in their pre-pandemic jobs, and have been hesitant to support extending the program. Now, Republicans are starting to coalesce around Sen. Rob Portman’s (R-Ohio) solution: a $450-per-week return-to-work bonus. In other economic news: transparency and the bailout, jobless claims and financial aid for immigrants.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
Working Conditions Have Improved, But Health Workers Struggle With Psychological Toll
In other health care news: Medical schools face backlash over racism and hazing; hospital unions gain strength; hospice nurses step up; and American Girl dolls get a new scrubs outfit.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Once-Controlled Diseases Reemerging After Pandemic Derails Immunization Efforts Across The Globe
Public health experts are growing ever-more concerned with the rise in diseases beyond COVID-19, which have been left to flourish as vaccination rates drop. In other public health news: pregnancy risks, the looming mental health crisis, kids’ health during the shutdowns and more.
Gaps In Federal COVID Data Could Mean The True Toll For Black Americans Will Never Be Known
“Unless we use data and focus concretely on race, we are going to let COVID-19 bake in a whole new generation of disparities,” John Kim, executive director of the racial justice research and policy organization Advancement Project California, told Politico. Media outlets examine the links between racism and the pandemic and how they are impacting Black Americans.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and others.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Compounding the shortages is that the very population the staff serves are the ones most at risk for developing severe cases of COVID-19. News on health care workers is on going to extremes to find PPE, finding ways to destress, disputing unfair treatment, graduating and ready to help, coping in the death care industry, suffering from the virus, finding time to support Black Lives Matters, struggling family physicians, and trying to calm pregnant women, as well.
Majority Of Nation’s Blood Banks Have Less Than One-Day Supply For Some Types
“We are preparing for the worst,” said Chris Hrouda, president of biomedical services at the American Red Cross. In other public health news: school safety, social distancing, gender identity, UV light, mental health, Americans’ drinking habits and more.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care topics and others.
1.5M More Americans File For Unemployment, But Downward Trend Has Some Cautiously Hopeful
Although unemployment is still at levels unseen in many decades, there are positive signs in the weekly jobs report that indicate the free fall has slowed. However, some warn that states are still dealing with a backlog of claims.
Thousands Of Scientists To Strike For Day To Evaluate How Racism Effects Their Research
“Racism in science is enmeshed with the larger scheme of white supremacy in society,” Brian Nord, a physicist, tells The New York Times. “We need to rethink what scientific collaborations should look like. Black people need a seat at the table.” The conversation will be one of many happening across the country as the science and medical community faces a reckoning on its role in the racial divide.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
‘Everyone Is Confused’: Federal Aid Getting Caught Up In Red Tape If It Even Gets To States At All
Congress sent more than $150 billion in aid to states and cities two months ago, but many of the areas that need help the most have found they either don’t qualify or can’t get money. “I haven’t got any money to fight the pandemic. My fight of the pandemic is go in your house and stay there,” says Phil Stang, the volunteer mayor of Kimmswick, Missouri. Meanwhile, lawmakers say another relief package might not be coming until late July.
Pandemic, Protests Shine Light On Deep Health Disparities And Racism Baked Into Medical System
During the pandemic, black Americans have been dying at about 2.4 times the rate of white Americans. But that’s just a snapshot of deep-rooted health disparities in the country. Not only are black Americans at a greater risk of certain diseases, they also face racism in the medical system that can lead to poorer outcomes. Meanwhile, health officials are still worried that the protests will lead to another surge in COVID-19 cases.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care topics and others.
‘Misclassification Error’ Made May Jobs Report Seem Rosier Than It Likely Is
While the government reported that the unemployment rate was 13.3%, the error means that it was more like 16.3%. In other news on the economic toll of the virus: homelessness, signs of improvement, stimulus checks, debt collectors, job losses and more.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care issues and others.
