search
Defend Public Health
Trends
- 1Oregon providers challenge rule prioritizing criminal defendants in mental health care▼Oregon mental health providers, hospitals challenge mandate to treat criminal defendants first
Mental health providers and hospitals in Oregon are legally challenging a state mandate that requires them to prioritize treating criminal defendants found unfit to stand trial over other patients. Providers argue the rule strains already limited psychiatric capacity and leaves civilians waiting for care. The dispute highlights Oregon's ongoing struggle with capacity at the Oregon State Hospital and growing waitlists for restoration services.
- 2
Times columnist Janice Turner is facing criticism over a column about ADHD, with many readers accusing her of downplaying the condition and stigmatising those diagnosed with it. Critics, including people with ADHD and mental health advocates, say the piece misrepresents the science and adds to stigma, while some defenders argue she raises fair questions about overdiagnosis.
- 3UN news brief covers Gaza, Mexican activists and Latvia alcohol ban▼World News in Brief: Storm clouds over Gaza, deadly obstacles face Mexican women rights defenders, Latvia booze ban proves lifesaver
A UN News roundup highlights three stories: deteriorating conditions and looming conflict risks in Gaza, the deadly dangers facing women's rights defenders in Mexico, and evidence that Latvia's restrictions on alcohol sales have saved lives. The brief offers a quick snapshot of humanitarian, human rights and public health developments from three different regions for readers following world news.
- 4
Policy discussions are resurfacing over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and its effect on Americans' health. Commentators, including analysts at the American Enterprise Institute, are weighing how the food assistance program shapes dietary outcomes, with some arguing for reforms that would steer benefits toward healthier purchases and others defending recipients' choice.
- 5RFK Jr. accused of lying about cyclosporiasis outbreak●# RFKJr lies about # food safety and the recent cyclosporiasis outbreak. The latest Whopper of the Week from Defend Publ
The advocacy group Defend Public Health is accusing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of spreading false claims about food safety amid a recent cyclosporiasis outbreak, naming him its 'Whopper of the Week.' Critics say his rhetoric downplays contamination risks, and some are using the episode to renew calls for his impeachment.
- 6Motion seeks mental health evaluation in Ohio child endangerment case▼Motion filed Tuesday seeks mental health evaluation in Ohio child endangering case
A motion filed Tuesday in Ohio asks the court to order a mental health evaluation in an ongoing child endangering case. The filing, reported by local outlet KFOX, could affect how the case proceeds, including questions of competency or sentencing. Details about the defendant and specific allegations have not been released in the initial report.
- 7Hyde Amendment Marks 50 Years as Critics Demand Repeal▼The Hyde Amendment’s 50th Anniversary: Enough is Enough
The Hyde Amendment, the decades-old ban on federal Medicaid funding for most abortions, marks its 50th anniversary. Reproductive rights advocates, including Public Health Reproductive Justice groups, are using the milestone to renew calls for its repeal, arguing the policy has blocked abortion access for low-income women for half a century. Supporters of the amendment defend it as a safeguard for taxpayers. The anniversary lands amid ongoing national battles over abortion funding following the fall of Roe v. Wade.
- 8Man Out on Bail for Attempted Murder Charged in Facility Killing●Man out on bail for attempted murder is charged with mental health facility killing
A Minnesota man who was out on bail while facing an attempted murder charge has been charged with a killing at a mental health facility, the Star Tribune reports. The case is drawing attention to bail practices and how defendants with alleged violent histories are supervised while awaiting trial.