Eli Kahan, a freelance journalist and pediatrician specializing in neonatology, discusses pressing public health issues. He delves into the government's legal battle against CVS and Walgreens over their role in the opioid crisis, emphasizing accountability. The conversation shifts to a concerning resurgence of measles, driven by vaccine hesitancy, and highlights the urgent need for improved public health communication. Kahan also addresses troubling trends in infant sleep safety and rising rates of sleep-related deaths, stressing the importance of trustworthy health information.
The U.S. is suing CVS and Walgreens for their alleged role in the opioid epidemic, aiming to enforce systemic changes in pharmacy practices.
Experts highlight rising vaccine hesitancy linked to political divisiveness and misinformation, underscoring the need for effective public health communication strategies.
Deep dives
Department of Justice Lawsuits Against Pharmacies
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against Walgreens and CVS for their alleged contributions to the opioid epidemic by filling questionable prescriptions. These lawsuits assert that the pharmacies violated the Controlled Substances Act by dispensing narcotics with no legitimate medical purpose, and the False Claims Act by submitting false reimbursement claims to Medicare and Medicaid. Evidence indicates that the pharmacies knowingly filled prescriptions for combinations of opioids, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants, referred to as the Holy Trinity, which pose heightened risks of overdose. The legal actions aim not only to hold these pharmacies accountable but also to foster systemic changes to prevent such abuses in the future.
Rising Vaccine Hesitancy and Measles Outbreak
Recently, the U.S. has witnessed a resurgence of measles, with outbreaks linked to increasing vaccine hesitancy, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccination rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine have plummeted below the federal target, leading to alarming public health implications, including the first measles fatalities in a decade. This decline in immunization is compounded by political divisiveness around public health policies and the influence of antivaccine rhetoric, as seen with appointments in the health administration that promote misinformation. Experts emphasize the urgent need for proactive communication strategies to combat misinformation and restore public confidence in vaccination.
Increase in Sleep-Related Infant Deaths
Recent data show a worrying rise in sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), after a period of decline. The increase is notably uneven, affecting specific demographics such as American Indian and Black infants more severely than others. Factors contributing to this trend include the disruption of routine healthcare visits during the pandemic, as well as the pervasive spread of unsafe sleep practices on social media. Experts stress the necessity of improving public health messaging and rebuilding trust with families to effectively communicate safe sleep guidelines, which are critical in preventing these tragic deaths.
The US Is Suing Pharmacies for Aiding in the Opioid Crisis; Texas Measles Outbreak Spurs Call for Stronger Vaccine Advocacy; Study Finds Sleep-Related Infant Deaths Are on the Rise Related Content:
