Health articles
Are abortion pills banned in the US?
Medicated abortions were 53% of all abortions nationally in 2022, the most recent data available. As of May 2026, 13 states have near-total bans on mifepristone and 37 states and Washington, DC legally allow it. Mifepristone is typically used to induce a medical abortion during early pregnancy (70 days or less since the first day of a patient’s last menstrual period) and treat early miscarriages.
How much fentanyl is seized at US borders each month?
About 463 pounds of fentanyl were seized at US borders in April 2026. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used medically as a pain reliever but is also trafficked illegally due to its potency. In 2024, the latest data available, fentanyl was involved in 60% of fatal accidental drug overdoses in the US.
Which states have the highest risk for tick-borne diseases?
Reports of tick bites rise every spring and summer, and, with them, reports of Lyme disease infections. Northeastern states have the most Lyme disease cases; New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey alone accounted for 47.4% of all cases nationwide from 2019 to 2022. And although Lyme disease is the most well-known and most common tick-borne disease, there are others to be aware of.What is Lyme Disease?Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the US — that is, a disease spread via blood-feeding insects like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, fever, and a skin rash. In most cases, the disease can be treated with antibiotics. It can spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system if left untreated. How common is Lyme Disease?Although it’s difficult to know exactly how many people are infected every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 476,000 people are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease annually. The agency based this number on insurance claims from 2010 to 2018 and it may be an overestimate due to people receiving treatment when they weren’t actually infected. There were 89,468 reported cases in 2023, or about 27 in 100,000 people. That was higher than 2022’s approximate 19 cases in 100,000 people.
How many people are on Medicaid in the US?
On average, 88.2 million people or 26% of the US population were on Medicaid during FY 2024. Enrolling about 1 in 4 people in the US, Medicaid is one of the largest single health insurers in the country. Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides free or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
How widespread is the flu right now?
Influenza and other flu-like illness accounted for about 4.6% of all doctor’s visits during the week ending February 7, 2026. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu patients occupied 1.6% of hospital beds nationwide, and one state has “high” or “very high” levels of respiratory illness including flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
How many people skip medical treatment due to healthcare costs?
In 2025, 26% of American adults skipped some form of medical treatment because they couldn’t afford it, according to the Federal Reserve. This is lower than the 28% who avoided care in 2024 and is the lowest percentage since 2022.The probability of declining medical care seems to correlate with income: 38% of people with a family income under $25,000 skipped some medical treatment in 2025, compared to 13% of people with incomes over $100,000.
How many people have died in the US military, and how?
Defense Department data shows that 63,670 active-duty military members have passed away since 1980. Eighty-four percent of these deaths were due to accidents, illness, and suicide or self-inflicted wounds. Two-hundred and sixty military members have died from the beginning of 2026 to May 13. Thirteen of these deaths resulted from Operation Epic Fury.Detailed record-keeping about the ways in which active-duty military members die began in 1980. Historical records from The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) show that approximately 1.2 million service members died between 1775 and 1991.
How have US fertility and birth rates changed over time?
The US fertility rate has declined by more than half over the last century. In 1924, there were 110.9 births per 1,000 women, compared with a fertility rate of 53.8 in 2024, a decrease of 51.5%.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the general fertility rate as the number of live births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44.
How many nurses are there in the US?
In 2024, around 4.3 million people worked as nurses. That’s around 2.8% of all employed people, or about one in 36 employees nationally.
How many drug overdose deaths happen every year in the United States?
There were 79,384 overdose deaths in 2024. That means that for every 100,000 people living in the US, 23 died of a drug overdose. This is the fifth highest the drug overdose death rate has been since data from 1999 became available.
How many measles cases are there in the US?
As of April 30, 2026, 1,814 cases have been confirmed in 2026, 6% of which required hospitalization. There were no reported deaths.
What does the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) do?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a subdivision of the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for administering the nation’s major healthcare programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The agency ensures that beneficiaries have access to high-quality healthcare services while also working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. It was established in 1965.
How many people die by suicide in the United States each year?
About 48,824 people died by suicide in 2024. In other words, there were about 14 suicides for every 100,000 people in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says several factors cause suicide and they exist at individual, community, and societal levels.
How many people are enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans in the US?
About 24.3 million in 2025. That's an estimated 7.2% of the US population based on enrollments by the end of the open enrollment period (which, in most states, typically runs from early November to mid-January of the next year). Qualified health plans are insurance plans certified by the Health Insurance Marketplace that comply with Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements. They provide health benefits and follow established cost-sharing limits, including deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
How many people have a disability in the US?
About 45.8 million, as of 2024. That’s the equivalent to 13.7% of the US population, or 1 in 7 people. In Census data, a person with a disability is someone who reports difficulty with walking or climbing stairs, hearing, vision, self-care, cognition, or independent living.
What does the Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) do?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Health and Human Services responsible for improving the quality and availability of treatment and rehabilitative services to reduce illness, death, disability, and the cost to society resulting from substance abuse and mental illnesses. SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and works to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders and their families. It was established in 1992.
What does the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) do?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Veterans Affairs responsible for providing comprehensive healthcare services to military veterans. The agency operates a nationwide system of medical centers, outpatient clinics, and specialized care facilities, offering services ranging from primary care to specialized treatments for conditions such as PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. It also conducts research and provides training for healthcare professionals. It was established in 1930.
What does the National Institutes of Health (NIH) do?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a subdivision of the US Department of Health and Human Services responsible for conducting and supporting medical research to improve public health. The agency funds and conducts research in various fields of biomedical science, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. It also provides training for researchers and disseminates health information to the public. It was established in 1887.
What does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices. The agency also oversees the safety and security of the nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. It was established in 1906.
What does the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) do?
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is a subdivision of the US Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. The agency conducts inspections, enforces food safety regulations, and works to prevent foodborne illnesses through rigorous testing and monitoring. It also provides guidance and education to industry and consumers on food safety practices. It was established in 1977.