public health

People protest during a rally calling for more government action to combat the spread of monkeypox at Foley Square on July 21, 2022 in New York City.

Critics say 'monkeypox' is a racist name. But it's not going away anytime soon

3:34pm August 01, 2022

by Bill Chappell

Scientists call the name "discriminatory and stigmatizing." The World Health Organization agrees. But no progress has been made on finding a new name. And some say the name doesn't need changing.

A man waits in line to receive a monkeypox vaccine in Brooklyn, N.Y., earlier this month.

As monkeypox spreads, know the difference between warning and stigmatizing people

2:50pm July 26, 2022

by Rachel Treisman

While the current monkeypox outbreak appears to mostly affect men who have sex with other men, others are still at risk. History and public health experts say it's dangerous to suggest otherwise.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (right) has sued the CDC over its air travel mask mandate, while Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt (left) has sued and sent cease and desist letters to dozens of school districts over mask mandates.

Conservative blocs unleash wave of litigation to curb public health powers

5:00am July 18, 2022

A coalition of religious groups, conservative think tanks, and Republican attorneys general have chipped away at local and state authority, altering how the nation can respond during health crises.

Health & Safety

COVID-19 booster shots available for kids 5-11 at Forsyth County Department of Public Health

3:35pm May 23, 2022

by April Laissle

COVID-19 booster shots are now available in North Carolina for children ages 5-11. The news comes amid a surge in cases.

President Joe Biden speaks at the virtual Global COVID-19 Summit on Sept. 22, 2021, in Washington, D.C. On May 12, the White House will host the second Global COVID-19 Summit.

5 big ideas for the White House's Global COVID Summit

5:18pm May 11, 2022

by KAMALA THIAGARAJAN

We asked experts from around the world: What would they like to see on the agenda for this virtual event. Their ideas include fair pay for all health workers — and a makeover for foreign aid.

Health & Safety

COVID-19 hospitalizations remain stable in NC, despite uptick in cases

10:49am April 29, 2022

by April Laissle

COVID-19 cases are up again in North Carolina.

A child receives a polio vaccine in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 14, 2022.

Vaccine-derived polio is on the rise. A new vaccine aims to stop the spread

6:18pm April 26, 2022

by Ari Daniel

Countries in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia are counting more cases of vaccine-derived polio. One reason for this, say experts, is that vaccination efforts have lapsed during the pandemic.

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A U.S. Border Patrol agent processes a group of migrants in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Democratic lawmakers and immigrant advocates are urging President Biden to end Title 42 border restrictions.

Pressure to end pandemic restrictions mounts as Ukrainians reach the U.S. border

7:02pm March 11, 2022

by Joel Rose

One Ukrainian family was allowed to enter the U.S. after being denied entry under border restrictions known as Title 42. The Biden administration faces renewed pressure to end the Trump-era policy.

Opinion: 5 steps we must take to vaccinate the world's vulnerable—and end the pandemic

7:05pm January 19, 2022

Three doctors present their proposal to get vaccines to everyone in the world. "We already have the resources, knowledge and systems," they write. Global leaders just have to make it happen.

Race

The rising numbers and lasting impacts of Triad area gun violence

7:49am January 18, 2022

by David Ford

2021 was a year marked by violence in the Triad. Winston-Salem saw a 50% rise in homicides from the year before. It was a 35% jump in High Point.

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