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Happy New Year, Colorado!
We have a big announcement coming from our On Jan. 26, we will publish the winners of our youth essay contest in the newspaper and on our website. For the contest, we asked . We received more than 40 submissions from across the state and I can’t wait to share some of them with you. So make sure to mark your calendars!
Update: No measles cases found after exposure at airport and hospital
Local health officials identified more than 250 individuals who might have been exposed to measles while at the emergency department at Children’s Hospital Colorado. So far, the Tri-County Health Department has not discovered additional cases of the illness.
Last month, health officials warned that individuals at the hospital’s Anschutz Campus Emergency Department may have been exposed to measles after three children with the illness sought treatment. Officials also warned travelers through Denver International Aiport that they were at risk of the disease as the children traveled to Colorado from New Zealand via Los Angeles International Airport.
Read more here.
Health must-reads
- DZǰ’flu season has kicked off with an unusual twist.
- El Paso County Sheriff’s Office plans to increase the size of its unit responding to calls involving mental health crises.
- A Colorado family turns to an experimental drug to stop their son from “turning to stone.”
- while diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.
- As Americans struggle with the rising cost of health insurance, many have joined Christian health care sharing organizations — but payments aren’t guaranteed.
New year, new health care laws
My colleagues Alex Burness and Jon Murray wrote a roundup of new laws that took effect this week and among the new measures are ones aimed at cutting health care costs.
In 2020, Colorado becomes the first state in the nation to prevent people with diabetes from paying more than $100 a month out of pocket for insulin. The state’s bill to address “surprise” medical bills also goes in effect, meaning providers and insurance companies have to notify patients before they receive care from someone outside of their network.
Read more here.
Here’s what I’m reading
- A Texas judge ruled that a hospital can — The New York Times
- The Trump administration will prohibit fruit, candy, mint and dessert flavored e-cigarettes, — Associated Press
- Addiction treatment is expensive and — Vox
Have a story tip or other feedback? Email me at jseaman@denverpost.com. You can also follow me on Twitter at And don’t forget to become to The Post!
See you in two weeks!
Jessica
