Public Health

The Center for Health Care Strategies announced a project reduced the rate of mental health hospitalizations by an estimated 12 percent over two years in Pennsylvania.

The Immune Disease Institute in Boston has officially merged with Boston Children's Hospital, according to a Boston Business Journal report.

American adults made roughly 18.8 percent fewer medical visits in 2010 compared with their visits in 2001, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report (pdf).

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is taking heat for comments in which he suggested those who lack insurance can find their care in a hospital emergency department.

Oklahoma City-based Oklahoma University Medicine announced OU Children's Physicians has opened a new clinic promoting childhood fitness and healthy eating habits.

John Hornbeak, former president of San Antonio-based Methodist Healthcare System, wrote an editorial in the San Antonio Express-News claiming the three new children's hospitals planned for San Antonio will lead to higher costs with little gain in children's health.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is planning a $6 million expansion of its outpatient center in Kennesaw, Ga., according to an Atlanta Business Chronicle report.

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., has broken ground on its new $168 million children's hospital, according to an NBC12 report.

Osage Beach, Mo.-based Lake Regional Health System is opening its new Lake Regional Cancer Center today, according to a LakeNewsOnline.com report.

Houston-based Harris Health System — formerly called Harris County Hospital District — will open its new outpatient oncology center Oct. 1, according to a KUHF report.