Next Week in Public Health, September 12, 2025

It’s been a little too quiet this week on the policy front, but I suppose we should be grateful for that. Here’s what’s in the research.

We are working on a project involving Lil Sis to help understand the special interests driving these policy changes, so we can hopefully have that done soonish.

And we we can see across the news.

101 West: Who’s caring for our health?

The U.S. healthcare system is facing significant challenges, with a concerning rise in hospital closures, especially in rural areas. Over 700 healthcare facilities are at risk, largely due to financial pressures from rising operational costs, insufficient government reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, and workforce shortages. This situation is critical as it affects access to care, particularly in underserved regions, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms to sustain healthcare services and infrastructure. In the Mahoning Valley, local efforts focus on expanding outpatient services and integrating urgent care to address these gaps, demonstrating a push toward innovative solutions and collaborations to maintain access to quality healthcare.

Pollen season is lasting longer, worsening allergies and altering pollinators

Chicago is experiencing a worsened allergy season, particularly with high ragweed pollen counts, due to climate change factors such as shorter winters and longer growing seasons. This results in increased pollen production, alongside a surge in insect activity, affecting outdoor activities and public health. The lengthening and intensification of pollen seasons are leading to more allergy symptoms and asthma attacks, prompting residents to take preventive measures and highlighting the broader implications of climate change on health.

Dual Outbreak Concerns: H9N2 Flu in China and Ebola in Congo

Officials in China have confirmed four more H9N2 avian flu cases in young boys, bringing the six-month total to 19 cases, with most occurring in children. This is significant because it underscores the ongoing risk of H9N2 virus circulation in China, which typically causes mild infections but can be severe, highlighting the importance of monitoring and preventive measures. Additionally, the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a growing Ebola outbreak in Kasai province, with international advisories issued due to outbreak response challenges, emphasizing the need for robust public health interventions in affected regions.

This Pharma Billionaire Is Developing A Cannabis Painkiller To Replace Dangerous Opioids

Vertanical, a Munich-based pharmaceutical company, is advancing a novel cannabis-derived painkiller, Ver-01, which has shown promise in clinical trials by being more effective than opioids with fewer side effects. Founded by Clemens Fischer, the company seeks to have Ver-01 approved in the EU and later in the U.S., aiming to establish it as the first cannabis-based painkiller prescribed by physicians and covered by insurance, positioning it as a significant alternative in the multi-billion-dollar chronic pain market plagued by opioid-related challenges. This endeavor is part of a broader shift towards non-opioid pain relief options, a critical need given the ongoing opioid epidemic and associated risks of addiction and overdose.

7 Ways RFK Jr.’s ‘Make Our Children Healthy Again’ Report Could Reshape Food Policy

The “Make Our Children Healthy Again” report, released by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlights the U.S. government’s strategy to address childhood chronic diseases by focusing on diet, chemical exposure, physical activity, and stress. The report proposes research initiatives, updates to dietary guidelines, and reforms like banning synthetic dyes in food and improving food labeling but has been criticized by experts for lacking detailed action plans and regulatory measures. This framework’s importance lies in its potential to influence public health policies and nutrition education, although its effectiveness may depend on future specifics and implementation.