Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
'There Is No Happy Day At Work': How Gun Violence Takes Toll On A Trauma Ward's Staff
Over the past five years, Ryder’s medical teams have treated 2,753 gunshot victims, an average of 550 a year, or more than one patient a day, every day of the year.The demographic stays pretty constant—mostly young men, mostly poor, often people of color without any way to pay for lifesaving surgery. Of those 2,753 victims, 45% were uninsured, according to Jackson, which is a public, not-for-profit hospital. (Korten, 6/25)
When first responders went into Pulse nightclub to retrieve victims' bodies from the floor, a symphony of familiar ringtones met their ears. They knew each ring meant families of the dead were desperately trying to reach their loved ones after learning of the mass shooting. (Doornbos, 6/25)
And, the fund to help victims of the Orlando mass shooting pay for health care is expected to fall short —
Victims of this month’s mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida continue to receive medical care. But while Florida has set aside special funds to help these people pay their bills, the money is expected to fall short of the total tab. (Gorenstein, 6/23)
