Health
‘How do you treat a person who isn’t the standard in this post-Roe world?’
Editor’s note: The Virginia Mercury is not using the last names of the women in this article to protect their privacy and safety. The accounts of all three women have been verified with medical records and by a medical professional with knowledge of their experiences. Nisa knew her third pregnancy was a non-starter. She didn’t […]
Harris cautions against Trump’s ‘concepts’ of health care plans, Trump to ‘release more details’
On Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign released a report cautioning against former President Donald Trump’s plans for health care policy. Though he has not formally outlined specific proposals, the report noted previous comments from Trump and his vice presidential pick U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, and previous actions he took when president — such […]
Disability rights advocates say adult changing tables prevent humiliating bathroom situations
By Tony Leys/KFF Health News ADAIR, Iowa — The blue-and-white highway sign for the eastbound rest stop near here displays more than the standard icon of a person in a wheelchair, indicating facilities are accessible to people who can’t walk. The sign also shows a person standing behind a horizontal rectangle, preparing to perform a […]
Northern Virginia counselors challenge Virginia’s ban on conversion therapy
Two counselors from Northern Virginia, backed by lawyers with the conservative group The Family Foundation, are seeking to overturn the commonwealth’s ban on conversion therapy, a practice that attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. On Thursday, the Founding Freedoms Law Center, the legal division of the Family Foundation, announced it filed a […]
After recent school shootings, Virginia NAACP wants more social media education
In the aftermath of the recent school shooting in Winder, Georgia, that left four students and teachers dead, and the threats of violence made online in various Virginia school districts, the NAACP Virginia State Conference has pushed for increased action on social media education, mental health services and a renewed commitment to addressing racism and […]
State emergency department audit finds $33 million deficit, $4 million embezzlement
Virginia’s Office of Emergency Medical Services is considering several reforms to get the agency back on track, following an audit that confirmed a deficit of $33 million and over $4 million in fraudulent charges from a former director in the department. OEMS is currently part of the Virginia Department of Health and oversees funding and […]
Decades of national suicide prevention policies haven’t slowed the deaths
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.” By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock When Pooja Mehta’s younger brother, Raj, died by suicide at 19 in March 2020, she felt “blindsided.” Raj’s last text message was to his college lab […]
Virginia’s rural healthcare committee considers unique challenges, possible solutions
A committee of state lawmakers met in Virginia’s Eastern Shore this week as part of ongoing gatherings to hear from health care providers and other experts about rural health care challenges and possible solutions. The cohort will deliver a report later this year with recommendations. Topics at the meetings have been broadly about rural health […]
Scathing report calls for a ban of prone restraint tactics
A newly released report by the disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) reveals that the death of Irvo Otieno, who was killed at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County during a mental health crisis while in police custody last year, could have been prevented had sheriff’s deputies and hospital staff not used prone restraint, a […]
CHWs are making an impact in Virginia. Let’s find sustainable funding for their future
Lawmakers recently designated $6.4 million to fund Community Health Workers (CHWs) within the commonwealth’s local health districts over the next two years. It’s a critical investment in Virginia’s health care workforce, and one that all of us should be celebrating — but there’s an opportunity for further action. You’ve likely heard of CHWs over the […]
Virginia Department of Education releases final cellphone-free school guidelines
The Virginia Department of Education announced on Tuesday that it has published its final cellphone-free education guidelines. Two months ago, the governor directed the department to develop them to limit students’ time using “addictive” cellphones in schools and eliminate “clear distractions” in the classroom. Va. plans to create cell phone-free education guidelines. Developing them will […]
Science, policy advancements could curb disproportionate breast cancer deaths in Tidewater
Tasha Cade was more than two months pregnant when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For nearly two years, a painful, discolored lump had been growing in the 43-year-old Virginia Beach resident’s left breast. “I find out that I am pregnant, one of the happiest times of my life, only to be dealt such devastating […]