AANP poll: Americans behind on health screenings, immunizations
More than a quarter of Americans (27 percent) are not up to date with their health screenings and immunizations, according to The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) State of Primary Care in America survey.
The survey also found that nearly one-third of adults, particularly those who are younger, Hispanic, or living in rural areas, have trouble accessing health care services.
"The first step toward a healthier America is to ensure that every patient can access the recommended health checks, evidence-based screenings and immunizations they need," said Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP, president of AANP, in a statement. "Adopting policies that remove barriers to care and ensure all patients can access the preventive screenings and health services they need is essential to improving the health of our nation. These latest results underscore the ongoing crisis of access to primary health care, which cuts across many communities. The survey also highlights the broad public support for legislative proposals that would improve patient access and choice in health care."
The survey also underscores Americans’ widespread preference to be able to choose a nurse practitioner as their primary care provider, with 73 percent of survey participants supporting legislation that would make it easier to do so. The research team noted that the broad support extends across party, race, and age, as well as across urban, suburban, and rural areas. This is an increase from the 67 percent of adults who said they supported such legislation in 2022 and the 61 percent in 2021. The largest increase is support among Black, young, and rural patients.
Survey: Large number of adults affected by suicide, want more action taken
Most American adults have been personally affected by suicide, according to new survey data published this week by Roll Call, which shows 61 percent of adults know someone who has considered, attempted, or died by suicide.
The 2024 survey, Public Perception of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Poll, conducted by The Harris Poll and a collaboration led by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention at EDC, and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, shows the number of adults affected has consistently risen, jumping from 53 percent in 2018 to 55 percent in 2020 and 59 percent in 2022.
The poll, which surveyed 4,394 U.S. adults ages 18 and older from July 15-29,
reveals an overwhelming consensus that more action needs to be taken to address this mental health crisis. The majority surveyed (93 percent) said they believe more action can be taken to prevent and reduce suicide deaths, such as greater access to mental health care, increased education for health care professionals, and increased education for the general public about suicide prevention initiatives.
The survey also found that 25 percent of adults have thought about or attempted suicide themselves. Adults who have experienced thoughts of suicide are also increasingly open to speaking to others, according to the poll, with 82 percent open to this in 2024, a nine percent increase from 2018.
HHS makes agreement with states of Maryland for individuals with disabilities
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced this week it has secured a settlement agreement with the State of Maryland to protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.
Based on federal civil rights laws, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II of the ADA), the agreement requires the Maryland Department of Human Services to take corrective steps to ensure that individuals living in Maryland with disabilities who participate in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, as well as other HHS-funded human services programs that provide financial assistance and medical support, receive the appropriate accommodations and necessary supports.
“Maryland Department of Human Services must take necessary steps to remove barriers to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to access the critical public benefits that it provides,” said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer in a statement. “OCR will continue to enforce the pivotal civil rights laws to ensure equity and fairness in access to human services. We look forward to every state taking proactive steps to comply with federal civil rights laws to ensure access to public benefits and social services for residents.”
The agreement follows numerous complaints made to OCR alleging that the State of Maryland’s Human Services agency failed to appropriately screen individuals for disability-related service needs or provide accommodations for them. OCR conducted an investigation and found systemic concerns regarding Maryland’s oversight of the Departments of Social Services’ compliance with Federal disability civil rights laws, among other concerns.
Under the agreement, Maryland will take corrective actions to resolve outstanding issues and ensure that the agency and its local agencies meet civil rights requirements.
Click here for a full list of corrective actions Maryland will make under the agreement.