COVID-19 on track to be leading cause of death in Arizona in 2021
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 claimed almost 15,800 lives in Arizona this year, which puts it on track to outpace both cancer and heart disease and be the leading cause of death in the state in 2021.
Vaccine hesitancy, new variants kept COVID-19 infections from falling
WASHINGTON – Almost two years after the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in Arizona, new infections in the state have reached a "bizarre plateau," rising from summertime lows in the hundreds to more than 3,000 new cases a day through the fall.
Trap-Neuter-Return: The most humane way to save stray cats, veterinarians say
LOS ANGELES – This past summer was the worst kitten season in years due to many trap-neuter-return clinics losing funding to continue their services because of COVID-19.
Fentanyl, COVID-19 help drive overdose deaths to record 12-month high
The COVID-19 pandemic and a growing unsafe drug supply combined to push overdose deaths up by 27.6% in the U.S. over a 12-month period from 2020 to 2021, a surge in deaths that was matched in Arizona.
Asians, other minorities fear attacks because of race, survey finds
PHOENIX – An NPR report found that one in four Asian households in the U.S. fear physical and verbal attacks because of their race. Studies show mental health issues related to economic inequalities increased across the country during the surge in COVID-19 cases tied to the delta variant.
Arizona lags in prenatal care, but ranks well in infant deaths, preemies
WASHINGTON - Arizona outperformed the nation on its rates of premature births and infant deaths, despite having some of lowest rates of prenatal care among the states, according to a recent March of Dimes report.
Federal grant funds training of emergency medical services in rural communities
PHOENIX – $5.6 million has been awarded to rural communities for emergency medical services training in overdose and mental-health crisis cases. The grant is meant to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on smaller communities with fewer resources.
‘Add to your world’: ASU student starts initiative to help people without homes
PHOENIX – When Tierra Hopkins began noticing how many people were experiencing homelessness, she combined her passion for fitness with a desire to help those in need.
Nearly two years into the pandemic, theaters and performers adapting to the ‘new normal’
PHOENIX – Many theaters in metro Phoenix are putting on indoor performances for the first time since the pandemic started in March 2020. Despite challenges, the pandemic has allowed for a more mindful approach to planning and staging productions.
Pregnant people aren’t getting COVID vaccine, health providers worry
PHOENIX – In September, the CDC said pregnant people with symptomatic COVID-19 have a 70% greater chance of dying than symptomatic people who aren’t pregnant. However, thousands of pregnant people around the U.S. are hesitant to get vaccinated.
Experts look to providers to improve health literacy amid COVID
PHOENIX – About 80 million adults in the U.S. have limited health literacy, and older adults fare worse. Amid the pandemic, experts are calling for more training of providers to address the problem.
Fading inside: One family’s battle with Alzheimer’s amid the pandemic
MORRISVILLE, Pa. – The COVID-19 pandemic has exacted a grave toll on those with dementia. Some fell ill. Many died. Others saw their disease worsen amid isolation from loved ones. One Cronkite News reporter shares her family’s personal journey of living with Alzheimer’s during these unprecedented times.
