The new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the opioid epidemic is far from over, and public health officials say fentanyl —a synthetic opioid that is much more deadly than other opioids — is largely to blame.

The number of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 remains high across the country — and the Midwest. With the delta variant dominating cases, patients now are younger, sicker and often require more intensive care, hospitals like Methodist in Des Moines are facing pressure.

With roughly a third of the vaccine-eligible population in the U.S. still not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, public health officials have been calling on trusted community voices to address hesitancy, mistrust and misinformation about the coronavirus vaccine. Keith Thomas has taken that message to heart.

Should you get a COVID-19 booster shot? Who's eligible? When should you get the extra dose? We talked to an expert to get answers.

The U.S. was dealing with a shortage of nurses even before the pandemic. Now, with COVID-19 hospitalizations rising once again, there’s concern that nurses on the frontlines are at even greater risk of burnout.

Deferred doctors visits during the pandemic have left kids across the country behind on routine inoculations.

Local school board members are on the frontline of what is a health crisis at its core. Some school board members and superintendents across the state speak of a tough spot they’re put in. Some convey a message of confidence that things will be under control soon but others question why public health officials are not making these decisions in the middle of a resurging global pandemic.

These attacks can lead to significant delays in care for already overburdened or rural hospitals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful on everyone, but health care workers may be affected more than anyone. Some nurses are burnt out and planning to leave the profession. Meanwhile, colleges are preparing new graduates to take their place — and deal with the pressures of the job.

Sheila Muhammad tested positive for HIV more than 30 years ago and her life quickly changed. But as the years passed, attitudes and treatments of HIV changed. Muhammad spoke with Side Effects Public Media about the power in education and understanding of the virus.