public health

A community health needs assessment in the southern Kenai Peninsula is revealing issues in the community around mental health, housing, substance misuse and more.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its COVID-19 vaccine guidance Tuesday, to simplify the vaccination schedule for most people. KBBI spoke with two Homer healthcare professionals — public health nurse Lorne Carroll and South Peninsula Hospital spokesperson Derotha Ferraro — for the latest on COVID on the Kenai Peninsula, and public health guidance.

It’s National Public Health Week, which recognizes the contributions of public health and highlights issues that are important to improving our nation's health. The American Public Health Association has organized the annual event in early April for over 25 years.

Hospital spokesperson Bruce Richards said many patients hospitalized with COVID aren’t even there for COVID-related reasons — they’re in the hospital for other medical issues and then test positive once they’re admitted.