Local Health Alerts
This Is Why Prescription Drugs Are So Expensive
High U.S. prescription drug costs are driven by a lack of price regulation, patent monopolies, and complex supply chain mechanics involving pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that incentivize high list prices. Infographics highlight that these factors, combined with extensive marketing spend over R&D, lead…
EPA proposes giving drinking-water systems until 2031 to comply with federal PFOA and PFOS limits
The EPA proposed retaining federal limits for PFOA and PFOS while allowing eligible drinking-water systems to request up to two additional years to comply.
UN Agencies Report 2.1 Billion People Faced Food Insecurity in 2025
A new five-agency UN report finds modest global progress on hunger, but says affordability and regional disparities continue to block progress toward 2030 goals.
GAO Says VA Community Care and Medicare Advantage Need Stronger Payment Controls
A new Government Accountability Office report says the Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare Advantage need additional steps to reduce improper-payment and fraud risks.
Parma moves to lease former police station property for Terry Reilly health clinic
The Parma City Council authorized a lease of the former police-station property to Terry Reilly Health Services for a planned health clinic.
FDA reopens public comment period on BHT in food, sets Aug. 31 deadline
The FDA reopened a 30-day public comment period on butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, after stakeholders requested more time to submit data and scientific information.
WHO Reports Bundibugyo Ebola Increase in Congo as Uganda Tracks Cross-Border Cases
The World Health Organization said confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and deaths had increased substantially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while Uganda reported two confirmed cases in Kampala in May.
Dry Mouth Can Raise Cavity Risk: What Adults Should Know About Their Medications
Dry mouth is more than an annoyance. Some medications reduce saliva, which helps protect teeth, so adults with persistent dryness may need a medication review, stronger fluoride prevention, and earlier dental care.
FDA Investigates Nine-State Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Recalled Iceberg Lettuce
The FDA says Taylor Farms de Mexico was the common supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations where people later became ill. The investigation remains ongoing, and no positive product sample had been confirmed as of July 19.
Medicare drug-plan subsidy ending ahead of 2027 coverage year, raising prospect of higher premiums
The Trump administration is ending a temporary Medicare Part D subsidy that offset an average of $16 per person in 2026. Beneficiaries could face higher monthly costs in 2027 as plans finalize offerings.
Three Companies and Executives Agree to Pay $36.4 Million Over Genetic-Testing Billing Allegations
Access DX Laboratory, former CEO Michael Stewart and Florida businessman Harold Shatz reached settlements with the United States over alleged kickbacks and medically unnecessary genetic testing billed to Medicare and Medicaid.
MaineHealth board votes to close Damariscotta hospital’s labor-and-delivery unit
MaineHealth’s board voted Aug. 6 to close the labor-and-delivery unit at Lincoln Hospital’s Miles Campus in Damariscotta after a review focused on birth volume, staffing and travel times.
