Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
While Labeling USS Lincoln Conditions As 'Old News,' Admiral Notes Mental Health Needs Care
The senior U.S. officer overseeing the war in Iran said Sunday that addressing mental health concerns is a high priority for the military, days after reports emerged of burnout and poor conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. But Adm. Brad Cooper also said some of the concerns that had surfaced were 鈥渙ld news.鈥 (Westfall, 8/16)
President Donald Trump downplayed concerns over conditions for sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, amid an uproar from service members鈥 families as its deployment to the Middle East approaches nine months. Numerous relatives of the roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier have voiced outrage at reports of food shortages, water contamination, moldy showers and long shifts in wartime aboard the vessel. Some family members have said the situation has deteriorated so badly that sailors have attempted to jump ship. (Dymova, Subramanian, and Judson, 8/14)
- If you need help 鈥
Annie Morgan wrapped her arms around her eldest daughter鈥檚 waist and guided her toward the minivan, the two of them moving in a slow, sideways shuffle. At 13, Ava was nearly as big as Annie, who stands just five feet flat, 110 pounds. The morning in May had started well. Ava was cooperative and calm, and Annie, 34, smiled as her two other children bolted past them and into the car. Then something shifted. As Annie helped Ava into the vehicle, Ava wailed and slammed her body against the seat. The car rocked. (Eunjung Cha, 8/16)
Three moms who survived postpartum psychosis describe their experiences 鈥 and what they want people following the Clancy trial to know. (Melendez, 8/16)
Even with all the recent rain, much of Iowa鈥檚 northern half remains under a moderate health advisory due to smoke from distant wildfires, and a mental health expert says that smoke is affecting more than just people鈥檚 lungs. Clinical health psychologist Dr. Kristi White says many of her patients are bringing up the smoky conditions during appointments. (8/17)