The surge in overdose deaths among teens is opening a new path to treatment: pediatricians. A doctor in Massachusetts shows how it works with a 17-year-old patient.
public health
Americans who live alone report depression at higher rates, but social support helps
The number of people living alone in the U.S. jumped to nearly 38 million. A new study shows people who live alone are more likely to report depression if they didn’t have other social supports.
The CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidance
The current guidance advises five days of isolation. Unnamed health officials have indicated that this guidance may soon go away, a move that troubles public health experts.
Research at the heart of a federal case against the abortion pill has been retracted
A research paper that raises questions about the safety of abortion has been retracted. The research is cited in a federal judge’s ruling about the abortion pill mifepristone.
To help young people with #mentalhealth, researchers team up with TikTok influencers
Harvard professors wanted to flood social media with evidence-based information about conditions like anxiety and depression. So they turned to the people who already know how to go viral.
Flu and COVID are on the rise, but there are fewer severe COVID cases than last year
Flu is rising, and COVID levels are higher than last season’s peak. But COVID hospitalizations and deaths are down. Nonetheless, COVID is still the most dangerous virus circulating.
New Spanish-language website combats misinformation and conspiracy theories about health
The new site will provide practical information and health resources to Rhode Island’s Spanish-speaking communities.
Noise Pollution in Providence makes San Francisco seem quiet
A team of people studying noise pollution in Providence says the city is inordinately loud for its size – a problem that impacts public health as well as the environment. They’re asking residents about what they hear, and what solutions they’d like to see.
Cost of living crisis pushing more Rhode Islanders onto the streets
Homelessness in Rhode Island has increased by nearly ten percent over the past year, a situation compounded by inflation and the cost of living crisis.
Rhode Island domestic violence shelters overflowing
Domestic violence is a public health crisis that has been compounded by the pandemic. The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports the growing problem is straining shelters for survivors in the state to capacity and beyond.


