Health and Medicine
A nationwide settlement between 43 states and Walmart will provide more than $60 million toward state efforts to battle the impacts of opioid and fentanyl addiction. The states alleged that Walmart contributed to the national opioid crisis by improperly managing the the drugs’ distribution at their stores. The settlement totals $3.1 billion in all, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares says the commonwealth’s share goes to the state’s Opioid Abatement Authority, created to help people dealing with addiction. The authority distributes proceeds from this and other other opioid-related settlements, along with various grants and donations, to localities statewide. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones:
Photo: Diabetic-friendly options at The Neighborhood Pantry
A local non-profit aimed at addressing food insecurity has cut the ribbon on its newest hunger-busting strategy. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has that story:
Dr Ala Stafford HHSsubmitted
COVID-19 is still killing more than 300 Americans every day, the flu season is back stronger this year and now there is RSV – which mainly impacts children under 5 and has been filling up pediatric wards in hospitals nationwide. There are ways to fight back, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
The Grandin Theatre will host a local organization’s screening of a documentary that highlights an often-overlooked issue. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has more:
Photo: Salem Rescue Squad Crew
Ahead of a major anniversary, one volunteer paramedic explains why she volunteers. Darlene Gee has been a part of an all-volunteer EMS operation since she was a junior in high school, earning “Life Member” status. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with that story:
Kimberly Whiter (Elder Care Solutions) at left.
1 in 5 people in the U.S. are now classified as a family caregiver – that’s according to data revealed by Elder Care Solutions, which is based here in Roanoke. CEO and owner Kimberly Whiter works with an advisory team to help families deal with the overwhelming cost of long-term care. Whiter joined us live in studio this morning to talk about that issue – and about a major conference she is organizing at Hotel Roanoke later this month (Nov 14-16) – The Care Colloquium. Hear the full conversation below:
Restoration and innovation were the words of the day to describe the NW Initiative at its unveiling. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with more on what that initiative will mean to the community:
Dr. Cynthia Morrow/VDH-VT photo
By now you’ve probably heard about the respiratory virus known in shorthand as RSV, and how it can be serious for infants and older adults. The CDC says RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia and inflammation of airways in the lungs for children younger than 1 year old. Cases of flu have also spiked early in the season. Dr. Cynthia Morrow with the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts on RSV today:
