Thu Sep 26 13:01:26 UTC 2024: ## Nursing Aides Suffer PTSD After COVID-19, Lacking Support

**WASHINGTON D.C. -** A new investigation by KFF Health News reveals that nursing aides, who faced horrific conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, are suffering from PTSD and other long-term health issues with little support from employers or the government.

The report, published on September 26, highlights the plight of Debra Ragoonanan, a nursing assistant who experienced a brain aneurysm, which she attributes to the traumatic experience of working in a veterans home during one of the deadliest COVID-19 outbreaks in the country. Many other nursing aides are experiencing similar struggles, with few resources available to help them cope with the psychological and physical toll of their pandemic experiences.

**Senate Race Heats Up with Abortion Stance Clash**

Meanwhile, the Montana Senate race is heating up, with Democratic incumbent Jon Tester attacking his Republican challenger, Tim Sheehy, on abortion. Tester claims that Sheehy’s stance on abortion is too extreme, while Sheehy maintains he supports letting states decide on abortion parameters and includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. The outcome of this tight race could have a significant impact on control of the U.S. Senate.

**Other Health News:**

* **Suicide rates remain high:** Provisional data from the CDC shows that suicide deaths in 2023 remained at nearly the highest level in history, with a slight decrease from 2022.
* **Women using firearms more often in suicide:** New CDC data reveals that more women are using firearms in suicide deaths, a trend that has been increasing since 2020.
* **Bipartisan bill proposes free gun safes for veterans:** A bipartisan bill introduced in the House aims to reduce veteran suicides by providing free gun safes to veterans who request them.
* **Dengue cases cluster in Los Angeles:** Public health authorities in Los Angeles County are investigating a cluster of dengue cases, suggesting that the mosquito-borne virus may be spreading locally.
* **Study links semaglutide medications to lower opioid overdose rates:** New research suggests that people taking semaglutide medications, like Ozempic, for diabetes may be at a reduced risk of drug overdose.
* **FDA to consider approval of first new schizophrenia drug in decades:** The FDA is set to decide whether to approve KarXT, the first new schizophrenia drug in over 30 years, which offers improved treatment with fewer side effects.
* **Texas disenrolled people from Medicaid faster than other states:** The Texas Tribune and ProPublica report that Texas moved faster than any other state in removing people from Medicaid rolls after the pandemic-era agreements expired.
* **Idaho AG accuses American Academy of Pediatrics of potential consumer violations over gender care policies:** The Idaho Attorney General, along with officials from 20 other states, has accused the American Academy of Pediatrics of potential consumer protection violations related to their standards and recommendations for gender dysphoria care for children.

This news roundup highlights a range of health issues currently facing the United States, from mental health struggles and suicide prevention to infectious diseases and access to healthcare.

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