University Health

Charlie Shields, the CEO of University Health in Kansas City, says federal Medicaid cuts passed in President Trump's recent budget bill are likely to pose challenges for the hospital system. University Health relies on Medicaid reimbursements more than other providers in the metro.

The new federal law is expected to eliminate $1 trillion in federal spending on Medicaid over the next decade. University Health in Kansas City, which counts on Medicaid for more than half of its patient revenue, expects a huge financial hit but vows that cutting services and staff will be the last resort.

With vaccine skepticism on the rise, immunization rates in decline and public funds disappearing, the country faces its largest measles outbreak since 2019.

All 12 of the patients Children's Mercy took in from the Chiefs parade shooting have gone home. There are still three shooting victims in stable condition and one in critical condition hospitalized in Kansas City.

The Kansas City Police Department says there were 23 total victims, including one death, from the Valentine’s Day shooting at Union Station. Three Kansas City hospitals took in a total of 29 patients with gunshot wounds and injuries from fleeing the scene, and some have since been released.

Sophie Day didn’t realize she had long COVID until she fainted and fell down a flight of stairs, breaking her collar bone. Since then, she’s been seeing an occupational therapist at University Health’s Center for COVID Recovery, which has helped her manage her debilitating fatigue.

Kansas City hospitals are preparing for an influx of respiratory illnesses this winter, as influenza and RSV case numbers are starting to rise, and COVID-19 lingers.

Communities can experience collective trauma from natural disasters, violence or systemic oppression, affecting not just mental health but also generational health and wealth. Kansas City is hosting its fall mental health symposium on community trauma featuring experts and leaders from around the metro.

Postpartum depression affects approximately one-in-seven women and one-in-10 men. This fall, a newly approved medication could change how patients experiencing perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder are treated.

COVID has been having a "summer surge." Dr. Marvia Jones, director of the Kansas City Health Department, says that the increase in new cases could be linked to a new variant and more travel.

The doctors, surgeons and psychologists of the Kansas City metro often see the worst parts of the area's growing problem with gun violence. Several of them are attempting to better prepare the medical students who work alongside them for the reality of dealing with this public health crisis on a day-to-day basis.

The FDA announced an Adderall shortage in October. Since then, Kansas City residents with ADHD have scrambled for alternatives as the shortage drags on with no clear end in sight.