To get these headlines delivered to your inbox every week, sign up for our weekly health news roundup.
National baby formula shortage leaves Connecticut families stressed and searching
Nicole Leonard, Connecticut Public Radio, May 14
A national shortage of baby formula has left Connecticut parents scouring the internet and local businesses for formula they need to feed their children. Just a third of Connecticut babies are exclusively fed breast milk through 6 months old, meaning that the majority of parents rely on baby formula to some degree. Many Connecticut parents have turned to social media to sell or offer excess formula and find leads on which stores have certain products in stock.
CT helping dozens of undocumented immigrants covered through HUSKY
Liz Hardaway, Greenwich Time, May 15
More than 200 pregnant, undocumented residents in Connecticut have already signed up to get their prenatal care completely covered, thanks to the expansion of Medicaid that went into effect on April 1. While delivery has always been covered under emergency Medicaid for non-citizens, prenatal care can be an invaluable facet to a child’s long-term health.
As COVID hangs on, the ‘new normal’ is leaving many behind
Jenna Carlesso and Katy Golvala, The Connecticut Mirror, May 15
Connecticut leaders are seeking to move toward a “post-pandemic” era, but COVID cases are climbing. With restrictions more relaxed than ever, those who are most at-risk for contracting the virus – including immunocompromised people and their loved ones – are being left behind.
‘Food farmacy’ opens in Hartford, targets food insecurity among city residents
Nicole Leonard, Connecticut Public Radio, May 11
Food insecurity refers not only to quantity of food, but also quality – it occurs when a person lacks access to enough affordable, nutritious options. To combat this, a new center on the grounds of Hartford HealthCare is offering free, locally sourced food to Hartford residents. Nutritionists are also on site to help people with their selections.
How the Buffalo mass shooting causes trauma throughout Black communities in Connecticut
Deidre Montague, Hartford Courant, May 17
The racially motivated shooting that killed 10 people, mostly Black, in Buffalo, New York is being felt throughout many communities of color in Connecticut, causing feelings of anguish, fear, and pain. Several community organizations in Hartford are recognizing the variety of trauma responses this may cause throughout the community, encouraging people to take advantage of networks of support.
Related: Reflections on the tragedy in Buffalo, my hometown, Tiffany Donelson, CT Health blog