Health & Medicine Policy Research Group’s Center for Long-term Care Reform and Illinois Aging Together campaign are dedicated to advancing policies and structures that improve the conditions in which Illinoisans live, work, play, and age across the life course. Through our work, it is crucial for us to stay abreast of current events, developments, and stories in the aging and health sectors–and beyond.

Below are some of the recent articles and other resources that we’ve found recently that are pertinent to our work: 

Delaware is shrinking racial gaps in cancer death. Its secret? Patient navigators (Yuki Noguchi, NPR)  

“Every five years, the state identifies ZIP codes where screening rates run lowest. Navigators then fan out across grocery stores and laundromats in those communities, dropping flyers, setting up booths and meeting with religious leaders. They arrange mobile screening vans to factories and other workplaces during work hours.” 

Aging-in-Place Storefront Announced by Lowe’s (Designwell)  

“Lowe’s is going all in on a commitment to wellness design through the launch of Lowe’s Livable Home. The program, available in nearly 500 stores and 50 metro areas, offers expertise, services and products with a range of style and budget options to create a one-stop shop destination for aging-in-place designs. As part of this initiative, the retailer is also partnering with the AARP on a customer education campaign.” 

How older workers can push back against the reality of ageism (Annie Nova, CNBC)  

“Anyone feeling that they’re paying a price for their age at work should know they’re not alone, experts say. Nearly 80% of older employees say they’ve seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace, according to the most recent survey by AARP. That was the highest share since the group began asking the question in 2003.Here are some strategies to combat the problem.” 

Another Covid Surge May Be Coming. Are We Ready for It? (Benjamin Mueller, The New York Times)  

“Scarcely two months after the Omicron variant drove coronavirus case numbers to frightening heights in the United States, scientists and health officials are bracing for another swell in the pandemic and, with it, the first major test of the country’s strategy of living with the virus while limiting its impact.” 

US House passes Crown Act which would end hair discrimination (BBC News)  

“A ban on race-based hair discrimination in the United States is a step closer after a vote in Congress. The House of Representatives passed the legislation which seeks to end discrimination against natural hair at work and school. The Crown (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act must still be approved by the Senate.” 

Alcohol-Related Deaths Spiked During the Pandemic, a Study Shows (Roni Caryn Rabin, The New York Times) 

“The deaths were up 25 percent in 2020 compared with 2019, amid heightened stress factors and delayed treatment, according to a new report.”