Health & Wellness
Thursday, April 30, 2026 · Lancaster
Shapiro's $50M Push Targets Rural PA Mental Health Crisis
Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled a $50 million initiative to bolster mental health services in Pennsylvania's underserved rural counties, where access lags far behind urban areas. The program builds on bipartisan budget wins and federal funding to bring crisis care closer to home for 26% of Pennsylvanians living rurally. From Altoona to the Northern Tier, it's a lifeline amid rising behavioral health needs.
DEP Issues Fish Warnings for PFAS-Tainted Chester County Rivers
Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection has alerted residents to dangerously high PFAS levels in southeastern waterways near Chester County, advising against fish consumption. These 'forever chemicals' persist in rivers, sediments and fish tissue, posing risks to communities reliant on local waters. Testing reveals concentrations rising downstream toward urban areas.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Cancer Death Rates Continue to Fall, National Report Shows
A new Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer indicates a continued decline in overall cancer death rates. The trend extends to both men and women, as well as various racial and ethnic groups. The report, based on data from 1975-2012, shows progress across most cancer sites.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
CDC to Provide Update on First U.S. Ebola Case
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has scheduled a telebriefing to provide an update on the investigation into the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the United States. Details of the briefing including participants and logistical information are forthcoming.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
CDC Issues Updated Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Chronic Pain Management
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated guidelines for prescribing opioid medications for chronic pain. The recommendations exclude cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care. The guidelines are intended to address the ongoing issue of overdose deaths in the United States.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
CDC Updates Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Chronic Pain Management
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published revised guidelines for prescribing opioid medications to manage chronic pain. The updated recommendations do not apply to cancer treatment, palliative care, or end-of-life care scenarios. The CDC aims to provide guidance amid rising overdose fatalities.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
CDC Report: High Blood Pressure Control Lacking in Older Adults
A new CDC report indicates that approximately 70% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older have high blood pressure. However, only about half of those individuals have the condition adequately managed. This lack of control elevates their risk for serious cardiovascular issues and mortality.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
CDC Reports First U.S. Cases of Emerging Fungal Infection, Candida auris
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the first thirteen cases of Candida auris (C. auris) in the United States. C. auris is a fungal infection that has emerged globally and is sometimes fatal.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Report: Tobacco Use Linked to Significant Portion of U.S. Cancer Cases
A new Vital Signs report indicates a significant link between tobacco use and cancer in the United States. Approximately 40% of cancer diagnoses may be attributable to tobacco.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Continue to Rise, CDC Report Shows
Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a continued rise in drug overdose deaths across the United States. The report highlights the significant role of opioid-related overdoses in this upward trend.
Thursday, April 30, 2026