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Latest IN HEALTH NEWS
Douglas County launching local program to restore people’s legal competency as they await trial
People who are booked into jails statewide have long waited several months — even more than a year — for beds at state mental hospitals, so their competency to understand court proceedings can be restored. Douglas County is now working on a local solution to that problem.
See the latest COVID-19 stats for Lawrence and Douglas County on The Lawrence Times’ stat dashboard at this link.
Find out where you can get the free COVID-19 vaccine at this link.
MORe HEALTH NEWS
Kansas judge hears first post-Roe challenge to abortion restrictions
Abortion providers are suing over a handful of new and old abortion restrictions they say violate Kansans’ right to abortion. AG Kris Kobach says the rules are necessary.
Hospitalizations in Kansas and nationwide signal ‘summer surge’ of COVID-19
A national summer uptick in COVID-19 cases has arrived, but Kansas physicians are still waiting to see if cases in the state follow national trends.
Kansas birth rate hits all-time low as women contemplate health and finances
Kansas documented the state’s lowest-ever recorded birth rate for the 2022 year, according to a preliminary report.
Lawrence training session teaches how to use Narcan to save someone from an opioid overdose
Chrissy Mayer of DCCCA led a free training session this week on how to acquire, store and administer Narcan in case someone overdoses on opioids.
Local therapist to host workshop on BIPOC wellness during awareness month
Racial trauma passes down through generations and takes form in people’s minds and bodies, Lawrence therapist Nicole Rials says.
Black and Indigenous Kansans are more likely to die from pregnancy
Black maternal mortality in Kansas now exceeds neighboring states, new research finds, and the state saw one of the greatest increases in mortality for Indigenous mothers.
New Lawrence clinic tailors health care to Spanish-speaking community members
When Natalia Leistner saw a need for local medical options that cater to Spanish-speaking community members, she took action.
KU Cancer Center accepts $143 million for new building to advance research, care
The University of Kansas Cancer Center accepted a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and secured $43 million in federal funding to build a state-of-the-art facility to advance research and treatment of cancer.
Kansas abortions rose 57% in 2022, fueled by out-of-state patients
Kansas reported its highest number of abortions in decades last year, after the overturning of Roe sent thousands of out-of-state patients to Kansas clinics.
Kansas may be outlier in national decrease in abortions since Dobbs decision
In Kansas, where abortion rights are still protected, a surge is predicted for the 2022 year due to out-of-state abortion seekers.
Kobach and Kansas clinics agree to delay enforcement of ‘abortion pill reversal’ law
Kansas will not enforce its new “abortion pill reversal” law, set to take effect July 1, until a court rules on abortion providers’ request for a temporary injunction.
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health board selects new director
The board of Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health has selected Jonathan Smith, of Lawrence, as the next director of the health department.
Red tape is costing 45,000-plus Medicaid coverage in Kansas. The state blames slow mail
The Kansas Medicaid disenrollment rate is one of the highest in the country. Almost two-thirds of Kansans have lost coverage because of procedural issues.
Former tenant seeks accountability for water leaks, mold issues in rental home
Hillary Jones, a single mom and disabled veteran, felt frustrated and powerless when water leaks sprang up at her former Lawrence home. She blames mold for aggravating her kids’ asthma and wants accountability within a system she views as once helping her family but ultimately failing it.
Kansas faces mental health crisis for kids suffering from COVID-19 pandemic, anti-LGBTQ legislation
Kansas mental health needs are at a crisis point, especially for teenagers, and increased funding could help the state move forward.