Brett Sholtis
KFF Health News
Harrisburg, PA, United States
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Past articles by Brett:
In PA County Jails, Guards Use Pepper Spray and Stun Guns to Subdue People in Mental Crisis
An investigation of records from 25 county jails across Pennsylvania showed that nearly 1 in 3 “use of force” incidents by guards involved a confined person who was having a psychiatric… → Read More
Bill to simplify medical insurance in Pennsylvania heads to Gov. Wolf’s desk
The measure aims to help doctors get insurance approval to treat patients. → Read More
At 988 Call Centers, Crisis Counselors Offer Empathy — And Juggle Limited Resources
During a mental health crisis, a conversation with an empathetic listener can be lifesaving. But for in-person help, resources are in short supply in many parts of the country. → Read More
When Covid Deaths Are Dismissed or Stigmatized, Grief Is Mixed With Shame and Anger
After their brother died, two sisters faced a barrage of misinformation, pandemic denialism and blaming questions. Grief experts say that makes covid-19 the newest kind of “disenfranchising d… → Read More
Family Mourns Man With Mental Illness Killed by Police and Calls for Change
Like almost a quarter of the 989 people killed by police in the U.S. in the past 12 months, Ricardo Muñoz had a serious mental illness. “Instead of a cop just being there, there should have b… → Read More
Pa. hospitals are rationing protective gear as the number of coronavirus cases grows
The rationing comes as the state Department of Health maintains that it has personal protective equipment available and is working with health systems to make sure they have what they need → Read More
Harrisburg diocese bankruptcy could tap into parish assets
Individual churches are not part of the bankruptcy filing but could end up contributing to a fund to settle sex abuse claims. → Read More
This mental health law passed with broad support. Why aren’t counties using it?
One county mental health administrator said the way the law was written makes it 'impossible' for counties to take advantage of it. → Read More
One year in, Pa. crisis center to stop school violence has fielded 40,000 tips
The partnership between Sandy Hook Promise and the state Attorney General's office aims to prevent mass shootings and help children dealing with problems. → Read More
Governor Wolf promises action on mental health, but doesn’t say how it will be funded
The governor's office says the plan is "aimed at expanding resources" as well as fighting stigma, but said it's too early to talk funding or structure. → Read More
Two firearms safety instructors have a plan to prevent suicides among gun owners
The effort involves people voluntarily turning in their firearms during times of personal crisis. → Read More
One in three tests show Pa. water contamination, state says it's not 'widespread'
Amid federal inaction, there's no consensus on how much of the PFAS class of chemicals is too much. → Read More
Mental health groups push to restore $84 million in annual funding
With the unveiling of the 2020 state budget still a few months away, groups that provide mental health and intellectual disabilities services are lobbying for an additional $84 million in funding. → Read More
Telemedicine bill faces familiar threat over amendment banning abortion drug
The bill passed the Pa. Senate with broad support, but state House support is divided after Republicans added the amendment. → Read More
Affordable Care Act health insurance open enrollment begins for 2020
Rates have increased an average of 5%, but people who don't qualify for subsidies still face potentially high premiums. → Read More
Pa. college chemistry students find carbon monoxide in common vaping devices
The research challenges electronic cigarette industry claims about health risks the devices pose. Electronic cigarettes release potentially harmful levels of carbon monoxide, according to research conducted at Bucknell University in Lewisburg that challenges vaping industry claims. → Read More
Five Pa. ski resorts sold as part of Purdue Pharma family bankruptcy
The Sackler family was a majority owner in Peak Resorts, which sold its 17 properties to Vail Resorts in a $264 million cash deal. → Read More
As Three Mile Island stops producing electricity, one local community braces for change
For those who live nearby, the possibility of the plant’s closure loomed for years. → Read More
Free overdose-reversing drug naloxone will be distributed in September across Pa.
The drug, which can save someone from an opioid overdose, will be available at 95 locations around Pa. Sept. 18 and 25. → Read More
Pa. DOC recommends changes to monitoring parolees after recent homicides
The internal report follows a string of killings allegedly by people out on parole. → Read More