Iowa news
A Des Moines-area health coalition is empowering Black women’s health
Organizations like Black Women 4 Health Living are empowering women to take control of their health. The Des Moines-based organization hosts a monthly Black Women’s Health Coalition to link women with resources. It offers resources like health and mental assessments, group physical activities, and provides a healthy meal, all while connecting Black women to health care providers. (WHO Des Moines)
MercyOne in Dyersville offers a better doorway to care
MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center now will offer a more secure and easier-to-navigate gateway to its facility. Since August 2022, the hospital has been remodeling its emergency room entrance, which previously was the source of some confusion and a few safety concerns. Patients now have well-defined waypoints to follow, and the updates eliminate any stress experienced by staff if they come upon an unknown person who could be lost in the complex. (Telegraph Herald)
Iowa raises awareness about tickborne diseases during Lyme disease awareness month
With warmer weather now here, Iowans are more likely to come across native creatures, which carries some risks if not adequately prepared. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and it’s important to know of the risks associated with tickborne diseases. Last year in Iowa, 154 cases of Lyme disease were reported throughout the state. (KCIM)
National news
Patient’s death reignites calls to reopen Alabama hospital
Leaders and community members in Carrollton, Alabama, are calling for the reopening of Pickens County Medical Center after a woman believed to be suffering a heart attack died May 10 en route to a hospital more than 30 minutes away. Pickens County Medical Center closed March 2020, citing reduced federal funding, lower reimbursement from commercial payers and declining patient visits. Pickens County leaders have since been lobbying to reopen the hospital. On March 27, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey set aside $10 million to reopen the hospital, though the funding still needs to be approved by the state legislature. (Becker’s Hospital Review)
HRSA announces new maternal mental health hotline number, toolkit
The Health Resources and Services Administration announced a new toll-free number and promotional toolkit for its National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for pregnant and postpartum women with mental health concerns. Since its launch on Mother’s Day 2022, the hotline’s professional counselors have provided free and confidential emotional support, resources and referrals to nearly 12,000 people seeking help for themselves or someone else, with the average response time under 30 seconds. The top three reasons for contacting the hotline were feeling overwhelmed, depression and anxiety. (American Hospital Association)
Hospitals create police forces to stem growing violence against staff
This May, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law that boosts criminal penalties for assaults against hospital workers and allows health care facilities in the state to create independent police forces. The law is a response to hospital lobbying and data documenting a rise in violence against health care workers. In enacting the law, Georgia joined other states attempting to reverse a rise in violence over the last several years through stiffer criminal penalties and enhanced law enforcement. (Iowa Public Radio)