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Melissa Patrick

Melissa Patrick is a reporter for Kentucky Health News, an independent news service of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, based in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. She has received several competitive fellowships, including the 2016-17 Nursing and Health Care Workforce Media Fellow of the Center for Health, Media & Policy, which allowed her to focus on and write about nursing workforce issues in Kentucky; and the year-long Association of Health Care Journalists 2017-18 Regional Health Journalism Program fellowship. She is a former registered nurse and holds degrees in journalism and community leadership and development from UK.

Kentucky has ‘very high’ rate of respiratory illness

Multiple viruses, including flu, RSV and COVID-19, have contributed to the state’s high activity level.
By Melissa Patrick
CDC-map-acute-respiratory-illness-through-Jan.-11-2025

Medicaid rate improvements boosting health of Kentucky hospitals and their patients

State laws boosting Medicaid payments to hospitals are working well, a legislative committee was recently told.
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Hospital Association President Nancy Galvagni and KHA Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs Jim Musser gave an overview of the success of the Kentucky Hospital Rate Improvement Program at the Jan. 9 House Health Services Committee. (Photo by Melissa Patrick | Kentucky Health News)

Every household can get free COVID-19 tests by mail, starting in late September

The test will detect the current variants and can be used through the end of the year.
By Melissa Patrick
covid rapid test

Kentucky to provide Medicaid coverage to people nearing release from prison, juvenile detention

The program started as a demonstration focused on treatment for substance-use disorder during incarceration.
By Melissa Patrick
prison barbed wire

Ky. nursing-home industry says new rule mandating staffing levels is ‘impossible’ to meet

An industry spokesman in Kentucky said there is no funding or potential staff to support the mandate.
By Melissa Patrick
nursing home room feature

Ky. Senate weakens bill to curb underage vaping, sends to House with days left in legislative session

The bill would require the state to publish a list of compliant products in a directory, which would allow manufacturers, distributors and retailers to know exactly which products could be sold in Kentucky.
By Melissa Patrick
close-up of vape and smoke

Bill to let Kentucky pharmacists give vaccines to children 5 years and older advances

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Danny Bentley, who is a pharmacist, noted that 51 counties in Kentucky do not have a pediatrician.
By Melissa Patrick
(Canva photo)

Bill would make diagnostic breast examinations more affordable

Research shows that one in five women don't get recommended follow-up breast exams because of cost.
By Melissa Patrick
Reps. Lisa Willner, left, and Kim Moser present HB 115 to the House Health Services Committee. (Photo by Melissa Patrick)

CDC urges vaccinations as flu, COVID-19 and RSV rates spike

In Christian County, 41% of residents have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The rate is one of the lowest in the state.
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard

State senator suggests new health system with Medicaid block grants to local governments

The proposal calls for allowing local governments to determine how Medicaid dollars are spent, with an incentive to save money for other local purposes.
By Melissa Patrick
(Canva photo)

Research finds ‘long COVID’ could be linked to changes in cells

The small study underscores the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine.
By Melissa Patrick
Small study finds an inflammatory cytokine called Interleukin 6 (IL-6) could play a role in "long Covid." (Wikimedia Commons)

Ky. COVID hospitalizations more than double, exceed U.S. rate

In the first two full calendar weeks of August — the latest period for which figures are available — Kentucky saw a 110% increase in daily COVID hospital admissions, with an average of 28 patients per day.
By Melissa Patrick
covid tests
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