Noah Taborda
Health ReporterAs KCUR's health reporter, I cover the Kansas City metro in a way that reflects our expanding understanding of what health means and the ways it touches different communities and different areas in distinct ways. I will provide a platform to amplify ideas and issues often underrepresented in the media and marginalized people and communities in an authentic and honest way that goes beyond the surface of the issues. I will endeavor to find and include in my work local experts and organizations that have their ears to the ground and a beat on the health needs of the community.
I started my journalism career in public radio at KBIA in Columbia, Missouri, covering local government while earning a bachelor’s degree in radio broadcasting at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. I then worked as an intern at KCUR on the Central Standard show and in the newsroom before covering the state government for the Kansas Reflector. I am also a 2020 Air New Voices Scholar. Reach me at noahtaborda@kcur.org.
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Several reports on life satisfaction show a growing number of people dissatisfied with life. Psychologists from St. Luke's and the University of Kansas say individualized approaches can lead to more fulfilled lives. -
As much as 80% of Missouri and about 50% of Kansas lacks a primary care doctor, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leading to hours-long drives for patients. Medical school students just starting their careers may hold the key to serving those communities. -
The number of pediatric ER visits for mental health reasons has increased by an average of 8% each year. But Kansas City hospitals warn they aren't able to keep pace — and already, about half of kids are going untreated. -
The Missouri Court of Appeals in Kansas City is weighing a pair of cases relating to a ballot initiative that would amend the Missouri Constitution to establish a right to abortion. The court is expected to rule soon. -
During the pandemic, a mass exodus of employees left the medical field. Hospital leaders say they're finally starting to fill open positions with permanent workers instead of contract employees, but higher COVID cases have sent many medical workers home sick. -
An updated COVID-19 vaccine will be in Kansas City in the next few weeks. The shot combats newer variants more effectively and comes as case numbers creep up across the metro. -
As temperatures reach the triple digits across Kansas City, more people are going to hospital emergency rooms than in previous years. Doctors share the common symptoms people report and what can be done to avoid a similar outcome. -
Diabetic people in Kansas 3rd Congressional District are projected to have saved an average of $620 on insulin in the first year since the federal government approved a new law. -
Jose Rodolfo Garcia fell 14 stories down an elevator shaft to his death on July 18. An OSHA investigation is underway, but city officials and local labor leaders say there is more work to be done. -
Across the Kansas City metro, departments are making strategic efforts to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future health emergencies. But they are fighting uphill battles against lackluster funding, a mass exodus of employees and public perception.
