Social service groups are filling in the gaps of Illinois’ mental health workforce shortage
Illinois’ current behavioral health workforce can meet the needs of only about a quarter of residents, according to the latest federal data.
Environment & Public Health
Waste, sustainability, climate change and environmental justice. WBEZ covers our surroundings and the way we coexist with them.
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In wave after deadly wave, COVID has claimed 1 million lives in the U.S.
The virus became the third leading cause of death in the U.S., and caused so many to die in the prime of life that the country experienced the biggest drop in life expectancy since World War II.
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FDA authorizes first COVID booster for children ages 5 to 11
The Food and Drug Administration expanded authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID vaccine to enable kids ages 5 to 11 who were vaccinated at least five months ago to get a third shot.
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New analysis shows Chicago’s air pollution hot spots are near heavy-traffic areas
The highest rates of pollution are in Little Village, Austin, Englewood and other neighborhoods, according to data from a new sensor network.
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Is it COVID or something else? Parents of young kids navigate an unusually long flu season
If it feels like everyone you know has been sick recently, that’s because there’s a lot of different viruses circulating — some that are unusual for this time of year.
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What’s in the air?
Fine particulate matter is responsible for an estimated 5% of all premature deaths in Chicago. What is it and where does it come from?
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Chicagoans who live near heavy-traffic corridors are breathing the most polluted air
Data from a new sensor network shows the highest rates of pollution in Little Village, Austin, Englewood, Irving Park and other neighborhoods.
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Staffing shortages could strain abortion providers in Illinois
If Roe v. Wade is overturned, Illinois abortion providers worry they won’t have enough staff to treat a potential influx of out-of-state patients.
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Health care workers burned out during the pandemic. That could impact Illinois’ abortion care.
Tens of thousands more people may seek abortions in Illinois. Hospitals and clinics worry they won’t have enough staff to treat them.
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Paxlovid saves lives. So why is it hard to access?
The antiviral pill has been shown to help COVID-19 patients recover quickly, but some say it’s hard to get a prescription in the first place.
