Healthcare & Life Sciences

Minnesota Uninsured Rate Rises Sharply

The Minnesota Department of Health released data showing the state's uninsured rate increased from 3.8% in 2023 to 5.8% in 2025, the highest in six years. This rise is attributed to a decrease in public coverage and affects all demographic groups, with notable disparities for Hispanic, Black, and American Indian Minnesotans.

Minnesota Department of Health: Groundwater Awareness Week Guidance

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a news release for Groundwater Awareness Week, urging private well owners to test their water annually for contaminants like nitrate, coliform bacteria, arsenic, lead, and manganese. The release highlights specific testing recommendations and available resources, particularly for residents in southeast Minnesota.

Q2 MQA Quarterly Performance Report Released

The Florida Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) has released its FY 2025-26 Q2 Quarterly Performance Report. The report details key trends in licensing, enforcement, financials, and accomplishments as required by Florida Statutes.

MQA Quarterly Performance Report Released

The Florida Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) has released its Q1 FY 2025-26 Quarterly Performance Report. The report covers key trends in licensing, enforcement, financials, and MQA activities as required by Florida Statutes.

Florida Health Care Bills Impacting Professions

The Florida State Medical Board has summarized several bills passed during the 2025 legislative session that will impact health care professions. These changes, effective July 1, 2025, cover areas such as substance administration, background screening, death certification, and newborn screenings.

MQA FY 2024-25 Q4 Performance Report Released

The Florida Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) has released its FY 2024-25 Quarter Four Performance Report. The report covers licensing, enforcement, and financial trends from April 1 to June 30, 2025.

Wyoming Measles Cases Update

The Wyoming Department of Health reported five new measles cases in Fremont County, bringing the state's total for 2025 to fourteen. The cases are linked to out-of-state exposure and involve unvaccinated adults and children. The department is advising residents to ensure they are up-to-date on MMR vaccinations.

Wyoming Health Department Warns of Whooping Cough Spread

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has issued a notice regarding the ongoing spread of pertussis (whooping cough) across the state. Officials are concerned about the high number of cases reported in 2025 and early 2026, particularly in Fremont County, and are urging residents to stay up-to-date on vaccinations.

Wyoming Confirms Measles Case in Park County

The Wyoming Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in a Park County resident. The individual was fully vaccinated but had extensive exposure abroad. The department is notifying potentially exposed individuals and reminding residents to stay up to date on MMR vaccines.

Wyoming Offers Free Radon Test Kits During National Radon Action Month

The Wyoming Department of Health is offering free radon test kits to residents during National Radon Action Month in January 2026. The initiative aims to raise awareness about radon's health risks, primarily lung cancer, and encourage home testing.

Wyoming Child's Death Highlights Influenza Seriousness

The Wyoming Department of Health issued a notice highlighting the seriousness of influenza, particularly the H3N2 virus, following the death of a child. The notice emphasizes the importance of annual flu vaccination and preventative measures.

Vermont Health Department Confirms Measles Case

The Vermont Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in the state, issuing a news release on February 12, 2026. This notice serves to inform the public and healthcare providers about the confirmed case and related public health information.

Vermont Health Department Past News Releases Summary

The Vermont Department of Health provides a summary of past news releases from 2022-2025, highlighting key public health challenges and responses. Topics include infectious diseases like measles and flu, vaccination efforts, substance use disorder treatment, and environmental health concerns.

Wisconsin Confirms First Measles Case of Year in Waukesha County

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed the state's first measles case of 2026 in Waukesha County. The case is linked to international travel. DHS is urging residents to check their vaccination status and ensure they are up-to-date on MMR vaccines.

DHS Announces Measles Exposure in Milwaukee County

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a confirmed measles case with potential exposures at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on January 29, 2026. This case is linked to a confirmed case in another state and is the first detection of measles in Wisconsin wastewater.

Wisconsin Applies for Food is Medicine State Officer Program

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has submitted a letter of intent to apply for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program. This initiative aims to build capacity for food-based interventions to improve health outcomes, with a decision on funding expected later this year.

Wisconsin Confirms Second Measles Case of the Year

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the confirmation of a second measles case in Dane County for 2026. The case is linked to international travel and is unrelated to a previous case. DHS is working to identify and notify potentially exposed individuals.

Wisconsin Childhood Vaccination Rates Decline in 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reported a decline in childhood vaccination rates for 2025, with only 66.9% of children vaccinated by 24 months, a nearly 2% decrease from the previous year. The DHS is working with partners to address barriers to vaccination and encourages residents to check their status and consult healthcare providers.

WV Health Seeks Leaders for $199M Rural Healthcare Transformation

The West Virginia Department of Health is seeking to hire leaders to implement a $199 million Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This initiative aims to address critical healthcare needs and strengthen rural communities across the state.

WV Health Alerts Parents to ByHeart Infant Formula Recall

The West Virginia Department of Health is alerting parents and caregivers to a voluntary recall of certain lots of ByHeart powdered infant formula due to a multistate outbreak of infant botulism. The recall was announced by the FDA on November 8, 2025, with 13 cases reported across 10 states.

WV Health Dept Details 2025 Achievements in Efficiency and Public Health

The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) has provided an update on its 2025 achievements, highlighting governmental efficiencies and improvements in public health programs. Key accomplishments include significant updates to EMS protocols, advancements in forensic identification, and critical supply delivery during flood events.

WV Health and Emergency Management Warn of Cold Risks

The West Virginia Department of Health and Emergency Management Division are alerting residents to prepare for cold weather risks. They encourage staying indoors, layering clothing, and utilizing warming centers if necessary. Residents in need of assistance can contact local emergency managers or dial 211.

Roane General Hospital Wins 2025 Community Star Award

The West Virginia Department of Health's State of Office of Rural Health announced Roane General Hospital has received the 2025 Community Star Award for its positive impact on rural health. The award recognizes the hospital's commitment to improving access to care and pioneering innovative services.

Utah Measles Cases Rise; DHHS Urges Vaccination

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued a notice regarding a rise in measles cases across the state, with 358 diagnoses reported as of March 3, 2026. The DHHS emphasizes the MMR vaccine's effectiveness and urges unvaccinated individuals to stay home if symptomatic to prevent further spread.

Utah DHHS Research Highlights Parent-Child Communication Discrepancy

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released research indicating a significant gap between parents' perceptions of their children's comfort in sharing feelings and the children's actual experiences. DHHS has launched a public awareness campaign, CHAT, to address this discrepancy and promote better family communication.

Utah Newborn Screening Added for Hunter Syndrome

The Utah Department of Health has added screening for Hunter syndrome (MPS II) to its newborn screening program. This rare genetic disease affects approximately 1 in 100,000 to 170,000 newborns, and early detection is crucial for preventing severe developmental delays and premature death.

Utah Newborn Screening Program Adds Hunter Syndrome

The Utah Department of Health has added screening for Hunter syndrome (MPS II) to its newborn screening program. This addition aims to detect the rare genetic disorder early, allowing for timely intervention and improved health outcomes for affected infants.

Utah Measles Cases Rise, DHHS Urges Vaccination

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued a notice regarding a rise in measles cases across the state, with 358 diagnoses reported since June 2025. The DHHS emphasizes the 97% effectiveness of the MMR vaccine and urges unvaccinated individuals to stay home if symptomatic.

Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Oconee County; Exposure Reported

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a rabid raccoon in Oconee County, resulting in one human and one pet exposure. The notice advises on seeking medical attention and reporting potential exposures, emphasizing pet vaccination and providing contact information for public health offices.

Measles Outbreak Update: South Carolina DPH Reports 993 Cases

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported two new measles cases, bringing the total outbreak count to 993. The update also provided details on quarantine, isolation, and vaccination status of affected individuals.

Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Saluda County, South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a rabid raccoon in Saluda County, leading to one pet being quarantined. This is the second confirmed case in Saluda County this year, with 16 statewide. Residents are advised to keep pets vaccinated and avoid contact with wild animals.

SC DPH Asks Residents to Submit Dead Birds for West Nile Virus Testing

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is asking residents to submit specific species of dead birds for West Nile virus testing. This surveillance program helps DPH identify increased WNV activity and notify local officials to implement mosquito control measures.

Measles Outbreak Update - South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported three new measles cases, bringing the total outbreak count to 996. The update also noted 30 people are currently in quarantine, with an end date of April 2.

South Dakota Reports First Two Flu Deaths of 2025-2026 Season

The South Dakota Department of Health has reported the first two influenza deaths of the 2025-2026 flu season. The notice reminds residents of preventative measures and recommends annual flu vaccinations.

South Dakota DOH Issues New Fish Consumption Advisories

The South Dakota Department of Health, in collaboration with other state agencies, has issued new fish consumption advisories for 2026 based on comprehensive sampling. These advisories are primarily related to mercury concentrations in specific fish species from various lakes across the state.

South Dakota Rural Health Transformation RFPs Released

The State of South Dakota has released the first round of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for its Rural Health Transformation initiative. These RFPs aim to strengthen rural healthcare systems through digital health modernization, coordinated care, and project management, with funding provided by HB 1044.

South Dakota Rural Health Transformation RFPs - Round 2

The State of South Dakota has launched the second round of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for its Rural Health Transformation initiative. These RFPs focus on digital health modernization, care coordination, and project management, with specific opportunities in doula workforce advancement, maternal health assessment, and rural health training.

Public Health Notice: Potential Measles Exposure in Milbank and Brookings

The South Dakota Department of Health has issued a public health notice regarding potential measles exposures in Milbank and Brookings. The notice details specific locations and times an individual with a confirmed measles infection visited while infectious.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Mission and Resources

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has published a notice outlining its mission to promote healthy behaviors and assure quality healthcare. The notice also provides links to various public health resources, dashboards, and information for different stakeholder groups.

Pennsylvania Department of Health - Public Health Information

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has updated its website to provide public health information and resources. The update includes links to various advisories, dashboards, newsletters, and program information relevant to individuals, families, and healthcare professionals.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Mission and Resources

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has published its mission statement and a comprehensive list of resources for individuals, families, healthcare providers, facilities, businesses, and researchers. This notice outlines the DOH's commitment to promoting healthy behaviors and assuring quality healthcare for all Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Mission and Resources

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has updated its website to outline its mission to promote healthy behaviors and assure quality healthcare. The page provides links to various public health resources, information for different stakeholder groups, and services offered by the department.

Tennessee Department of Health: Influenza Activity Rising

The Tennessee Department of Health has issued a notice regarding rising influenza activity across the state. They are recommending that all individuals six months and older receive an annual flu shot to prevent severe illness and death, especially as cases typically peak in January and February.

Tennessee Health COPA Public Hearing on Ballad Health

The Tennessee Department of Health will hold a public hearing on November 18, 2025, to allow public comment on Ballad Health's Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA). The hearing will take place in Blountville, TN, with options for in-person or written comments.

Tennessee Promotes Breast and Lung Cancer Early Detection

The Tennessee Department of Health is promoting breast and lung cancer awareness through its annual Pink & Pearl Campaign. The campaign highlights the importance of early detection and screening, referencing USPSTF guidelines and available screening programs.

Tennessee Health Urges Tick and Mosquito Bite Protection

The Tennessee Department of Health issued a notice urging residents to take precautions against tick and mosquito bites to prevent diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and West Nile Virus. The notice provides guidance on using insect repellents, reducing mosquito populations, treating clothing, and wearing protective clothing.

Tennessee Public Health Talent Scholarship Program Established

The Tennessee Department of Health, in partnership with tnAchieves, has launched the Public Health Academic Bridge Scholars Program. This initiative will provide $5,000 annual scholarships to 20 students pursuing health-related bachelor's degrees, aiming to bolster the state's public health workforce.

Oregon State Health Improvement Plan 2025-2029 Launched

The Oregon Health Authority has launched its 2025-2029 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), outlining four key priorities for the state's public health system. The plan aligns with the OHA's strategic goals and aims to reduce health inequities by 2030.

Oregon Health Authority: Safe St. Patrick's Day and Spring Break Tips

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued guidance with tips for safely celebrating St. Patrick's Day and spring break, focusing on responsible alcohol consumption and transportation. The notice highlights the risks of alcohol misuse, including impaired driving, and provides resources for safe rides.

Measles Exposure Location Identified at Gresham WinCo Foods

Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County public health officials have identified a measles exposure location at a Gresham WinCo Foods store on March 7, 2026. Individuals who were at the store during the specified time are urged to contact a healthcare provider to assess their risk and immunity status.