Health

Pilot programs in Atlanta and New Orleans are testing unrestricted cash payments to pregnant Black women, showing reduced stress, better birth outcomes, and fewer preterm births. As Medicaid cuts loom and federal support for direct aid stalls, advocates push guaranteed income models like Michigan's Rx Kids, even amid political pushback against race-conscious maternal health initiatives.

Although the increased security costs are said to total $7 million, HHS cut $12 million from the Office of Minority Health to cover the expenses.

President Donald Trump’s order to levy 100% tariffs on certain patented pharmaceutical products and ingredients takes effect on Tuesday.

Dr. Theopista Masenge was at the hospital in Mbeya, Tanzania, rolling out new treatments for children with high HIV viral loads when she got the call: Stop work, now.

A new study in JAMA Network Open finds 12-year-olds with smartphones are more likely to develop eating disorder symptoms by 14 than peers without devices. Researchers say social media exposure to curated images fuels body dissatisfaction. Experts recommend delaying phone access, setting guardrails, and maintaining open conversations about online content and body image.

The mistrial in Lindsay Clancy's murder case has spotlighted postpartum mental illness nationwide, exposing gaps in maternal care especially for Black mothers, who face lower screening and treatment rates despite rising depression risks. New polling reveals widespread dissatisfaction with postpartum support, prompting Massachusetts to propose expanded funding for mental health screening and home visiting programs for new families.

A growing number of Americans, especially Black teens and young adults, are turning to AI chatbots instead of licensed professionals for mental health crises, even as suicide rates climb and insurance coverage shrinks. Experts warn chatbots lack guardrails, can manipulate vulnerable users, and sometimes worsen crises rather than provide genuine therapeutic support.

Black Americans remain underrepresented in clinical trials despite research showing they're willing to participate when asked. A Congressional Black Caucus Foundation panel explored barriers like historical distrust, transportation, and awareness gaps. Merck's Dr. Adrelia Allen and lung cancer survivor Barry Nelson shared personal stories, highlighting efforts like "Let's Talk Trials" to boost representation and improve outcomes for underrepresented communities.

A new Gallup and Pivotal survey reveals one-third of US women struggle to have their symptoms taken seriously by doctors, with 51% reporting negative healthcare experiences versus 39% of men. These disparities affect work, family life, and overall wellbeing, prompting experts to call for systemic change alongside patient advocacy strategies.

Brad Pitt’s admission that he now drinks in “a more restrained manner” after years of sobriety has reignited debate over addiction recovery. Experts explain how medical definitions of alcohol use disorder have evolved beyond strict abstinence, why AA’s “once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic” model persists, and what nuanced recovery can actually look like.