Public Health

An increase in influenza symptoms is contributing to overcrowded emergency departments in Illinois, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.

Federal spending on preventive health activities is challenging to track, which makes analyzing the effectiveness of these programs and funding more difficult, according to a Government Accountability Office report.

Many states’ health systems may not be able to respond to major health emergencies, according to a report from the disease prevention advocacy group Trust for America’s Health.

The Health Resources and Services Administration will disperse $80.4 million in awards to create or enhance 197 school-based health centers nationwide, HHS Sec. Kathleen Sibelius announced yesterday.

The results of a new study indicate that a lack of vision insurance may irrevocably affect vision, according to a news release.

The National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems has launched a campaign featuring advertisements and educational materials emphasizing the importance of Medicaid funding.

Many New York City hospitals are continuing to see increased patient volume a month after Hurricane Sandy forced some hospitals to temporarily close their doors, according to a New York Times report.

A growing number of hospitals are charging upfront fees for patients with non-emergent problems who seek care in emergency departments, according to American Medical News.

Emergency department visits have increased 22 percent over the past decade, according to an American Hospital Association report.

Policy changes are needed to sustain hospitals' standby role — providing 24/7 access to care, serving as a safety net and managing disaster readiness and response, according to an American Hospital Association report.