Health stories in Memphis

A recent analysis shows that firearms are involved in three-quarters of veteran suicides, a significant increase since 2001. With veterans making up a disproportionate share of firearm-related suicide deaths, this trend raises urgent concerns about mental health and gun access.

The Trump administration has finalized rules requiring Medicaid enrollees to prove work or participation in job training or education. These changes, effective January 1, 2027, will affect millions and require states to adjust their systems to enforce compliance.

A recent survey found that 46% of U.S. adults faced challenges affording healthcare last year, with uninsured individuals most affected. The report highlights significant disparities in affordability based on race and disability status.

Debbie Izor, a flight nurse at Arkansas Children's Hospital, has turned her personal loss into a driving force for her work. Her experiences guide her in providing critical care to children in need.

The Tennessee Department of Health will begin reporting the immigration status of critically ill immigrant children receiving care through the Children's Special Services program. This directive, effective July 1, raises concerns among healthcare providers about the potential impact on vulnerable children who rely on this essential program.

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has received nearly $900,000 from FEMA as part of a larger $50 million funding initiative for COVID recovery projects across Tennessee. This funding aims to support healthcare facilities in their recovery efforts following the pandemic.

Following a series of crises linked to private equity-owned nursing homes, states are enacting stricter regulations to ensure accountability. Connecticut has introduced a robust law addressing transparency in these facilities, as concerns grow over patient neglect and federal Medicaid cuts.

The Knox County Forensic Center is monitoring five new drugs, including a synthetic opioid that is ten times stronger than fentanyl. This development raises concerns about public health and safety in the region.

Tennessee's Department of Health is requiring families of disabled immigrant children to verify immigration status for public healthcare. This new policy could jeopardize access to critical medical care for many low-income families.

As states grapple with cannabis legalization, the focus shifts to the risks of high-THC products. Lawmakers are considering stricter potency limits amid growing concerns about addiction and mental health issues, particularly among young users.

The Baptist Mobile Mammography Unit will provide services at the Central Library in Memphis on July 9. Appointments can be made by calling 901-227-PINK.

A new weekly show titled 'Girl, Let's Talk' is launching to facilitate discussions on women's health topics. The series aims to provide a platform for real conversations about issues that significantly impact women.

Jaran Claybrook, a Memphis firefighter, has created two AI applications aimed at improving health awareness and tutoring. His initiative was inspired by a tragic medical call that highlighted the need for better nutritional guidance.

Survivors of domestic violence emphasize the importance of telehealth access to the abortion pill, mifepristone, as a lifesaving option. Ongoing legal challenges threaten this access, highlighting the need for continued support and advocacy.

A woman from Holly Springs has been diagnosed with Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness affecting thousands across the U.S. This condition can lead to severe allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal products.

As Mississippi prepares to distribute $206 million in federal funds for rural healthcare, lawmakers express concerns over transparency and the allocation process. The state aims to improve healthcare access and infrastructure in rural areas.

Greenwood Leflore Hospital has informed employees that its closure has been postponed to July 31 as negotiations with the University of Mississippi Medical Center continue. The hospital, which serves a region with limited healthcare access, is currently reducing expenses and maintaining essential services.

A clinic in Memphis has observed a significant rise in patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, and itching over the past two weeks. Some individuals have also reported experiencing eye pain, prompting questions about a potential outbreak.

Looking for a recommendation for a female general practitioner/internist. I would like someone that is in a solo practice. I am currently with a large practice. I tend to wait hours to see the doctor, and she is very dismissive/borderline rude about ongoing concerns. I need someone that is a pro

Mississippi is one of ten states selected for a federal initiative aimed at expanding mental health services through community centers. The program will provide funding to ensure care is accessible regardless of patients' financial situations.

A reporter from Mississippi is investigating the impact of rising insurance premiums on diabetes patients' ability to afford medications. They are reaching out to individuals who have lost their insurance plans for personal stories.

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has reaffirmed that acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is safe for use during pregnancy. This guidance comes after previous warnings from the Trump administration linking the medication to autism, which lacked scientific support.

Genesis Ranch has purchased 86 acres in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, to establish a mental health treatment campus specifically for teenage girls. This initiative aims to address the growing need for mental health services among young females.

Cychlorphine, a potent synthetic opioid, has been linked to approximately 50 suspected overdose deaths in East Tennessee this year. First identified in Knox County, the drug is believed to be significantly more potent than fentanyl.

Black midwives in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi are suing state governments over restrictive regulations that hinder their ability to provide care. They argue that these laws exacerbate racial disparities in maternal health and limit access to essential services for low-risk pregnancies in underserved areas.

Advocacy groups warn that Tennessee's new law restricting data collection on minors' gender identity will hinder LGBTQ health understanding and preventive care. The law, set to take effect in October, has been criticized as unprecedented censorship of clinical practice.

Baptist Memorial Health Care will take over the operations of Merit Health Rankin, investing $70 million to enhance services. This marks the third such transition for Merit Health facilities in Mississippi within two years.

An Arkansas health policy expert has drawn a dramatic comparison between Medicaid work requirements and a Godzilla attack, highlighting the potential chaos these regulations could unleash. This statement reflects ongoing debates about healthcare access and policy in the region.

Recent data reveals that methamphetamine has surpassed fentanyl as the leading cause of overdose deaths in Arkansas. This alarming trend highlights the growing opioid crisis and the need for increased awareness and intervention.

Monica Deyanira Cabrera Barajas, a 26-year-old from Mexico, faced a life-threatening situation when her nose ring migrated dangerously close to her aorta. After two medical procedures to remove it, she vows to avoid piercings in the future.