By Esther Claudette Gittens The outcome of the 2024 presidential election has sparked a renewed focus on the future of healthcare policies, particularly in light of the potential impact of Donald Trump’s re-election. This underscores the crucial need for equitable access to healthcare services for all communities, a topic of significant interest and concern for […]
By Nomathemba Chandiwana, THE CONVERSATION It is 40 years since Aids was first identified. Major strides have been made since the spread of the virus reached epidemic proportions in 1995 when 3.3 million people were infected with HIV and just under one million people died. New HIV infections have reduced by 60% since the peak in 1995 and deaths are […]
By Barbara Caress, Center for New York City Affairs “A racket.” That’s how Governor Kathy Hochul has bluntly described a key part of what is unquestionably New York City’s biggest job-creating industry: Medicaid-financed home care. Without home care increases, New York City’s job count would still be less than it was pre-pandemic. Hochul wants to save an […]
By Staff Writer | Editorial credit: Marc Bruxelle / shutterstock.com In a significant move to address the growing obesity crisis in the United States, the Biden administration has unveiled a proposal that would allow Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight-loss medications. This historic policy change aims to improve access to life-changing treatments for millions of […]
By Kenneth Thorpe Congress recently made a number of changes to Medicare’s “Part D” prescription drug benefit. The changes were part of President Biden’s signature legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act. The legislation was intended to make it easier for seniors to afford their medicines. Some of the changes will indeed help seniors. But other changes […]
By Urban Matters | Editorial Credit: Tada Images / shutterstock.com One of New York City’s oldest hospitals currently finds itself in what might be termed critical condition. Acquired over a decade ago by the Mount Sinai Health System, the 799-bed Beth Israel hospital on East 16th Street, founded in 1890, has been slated for eventual […]
By Loneke Blackman Carr, THECONVERSATION | Editorial credit: Krakenimages.com/ shutterstock.com The popularity of weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro continue to reflect Americans’ desire to slim down. While these new drugs have offered a solution for people struggling with obesity, many eligible patients – especially Black adults – cannot afford the high price. These drugs are […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens Fentanyl addiction presents a unique and severe set of challenges, with profound effects on both physical and mental health. Introduction Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has become a focal point in the opioid crisis, causing a dramatic rise in overdose deaths and addiction rates […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens | Editorial Credit: Phil Pasquini / shutterstock.com | Photos Courtesy of Attorney General’s Office The fentanyl crisis represents one of the most pressing public health challenges in the United States, with wide-ranging impacts on Black, Brown, and White communities. This analysis has examined the mental, economic, and social consequences of fentanyl […]
By Pearl Phillip | Editorial credit: Yuri A. / shutterstock.com Corporate wellness programs have become essential to modern workplaces, evolving from mere perks to integral elements of an organization’s strategy for improving employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. These programs are designed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being, addressing diverse needs ranging from fitness […]