Brett Sholtis | WITF
Brett Sholtis is a health reporter for WITF/Transforming Health. Sholtis is the 2021-2022 Reveal Benjamin von Sternenfels Rosenthal Grantee for Mental Health Investigative Journalism with the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. His award-winning work on problem areas in mental health policy and policing helped to get a woman moved from a county jail to a psychiatric facility. Sholtis is a University of Pittsburgh graduate and a Pennsylvania Army National Guard Kosovo campaign veteran.
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Before a doctor prescribes a medication or treatment, they have to check whether it will be covered by the patient’s insurance – which could cause delays for the patient. Transforming Health’s Brett Sholtis has details on legislation intended to change that.
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Public records show that in late January, people warned the Dauphin County Prison Board that temperatures were dangerously low in some parts of the jail. WITF’s Brett Sholtis reports, days later, a prisoner died in one of those cells, though the cause of his death has not yet been made public.
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Hospital executives say addressing a health care worker staffing shortage is a top priority. Transforming Health’s Brett Sholtis has the details from the Pennsylvania Hospital and Health System Association’s first conference since the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the health care sector.
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In mid-July, the 988 hotline will officially go live across the U.S. — providing an easy-to-remember phone number for people struggling with their mental health. Transforming Health’s Brett Sholtis reports, crisis centers in the midstate that will answer some of those calls are facing a significant staffing shortage, with advocates saying they need funding and support.
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The 988 crisis line launches in Pennsylvania in two months – providing an easy-to-remember phone number for people who need mental health resources or someone to talk to. Transforming Health’s Brett Sholtis reports, there’s a pressing need for more people to take those calls.
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The Department of Agriculture says two more farms in Lancaster County are dealing with cases of bird flu, also called highly pathogenic avian influenza. WITF’s Brett Sholtis reports on efforts to control the virus.
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A bird flu spreading across the U.S. has Lancaster County farms in quarantine after it infected commercially raised chickens. WITF’s Brett Sholtis reports, it threatens poultry supplies at a time when prices are already high.
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A proposal in the state legislature would allow pharmacies to administer childhood immunizations. Transforming Health’s Brett Sholtis reports, the state doctor’s organization has safety concerns.
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Pennsylvania counties should soon see money from a $1 billion settlement with three companies that made or distributed prescription opioids. Transforming Health’s Brett Sholtis has the details.
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Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana director says retail prices for cannabis should be a red flag for regulators. Transforming Health’s Brett Sholtis has the details.