Shefali Luthra, USA TODAY

Shefali Luthra

USA TODAY

Washington, DC, United States

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Past articles by Shefali:

New research finds growth in suicidal thoughts and self-harm during and after pregnancy

Suicide emerges as a critical concern as the nation confronts a pregnancy-related death crisis. → Read More

The Trump campaign is touting its anti-abortion agenda. Here's what's at stake

Trump once publicly supported the right to have an abortion. But as president, he’s made limiting access a signature issue. → Read More

Workers Filed More Than 4,100 Complaints About Protective Gear. Some Still Died.

As health workers were dying of COVID-19, federal work-safety officials filed just one citation against an employer and rapidly closed complaints about protective gear. → Read More

In Arizona Race, McSally Makes Health Care Pledge At Odds With Track Record

The use of the word “always” makes this claim a stretch. → Read More

How Mis- And Disinformation Campaigns Online Kneecap Coronavirus Response

The pandemic has been marked by a significant amount of misinformation — some spread on purpose — that could prove deadly. → Read More

Trump’s Take On COVID Testing Misses Public Health Realities

Experts used terms like “misleading” and “counterproductive” to describe the president’s words. → Read More

PolitiFact | Trump’s take on COVID testing gives short shrift to public health realities

PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others on its Truth-O-Meter. → Read More

Trump’s Comparison Of COVID-19 Death Rates In Germany, US Is Wrong

Experts agreed that Trump’s statement is not supported by the data. → Read More

Trump’s Claim That U.S. Tested More Than All Countries Combined Is ‘Pants On Fire’ Wrong

When you factor in population size, the U.S. is still behind. → Read More

Trump Says N95 Masks Can Be Sterilized For Reuse. Only In A Pinch, Experts Warn.

Repurposing one N95 mask 20 times is not the same as having 20 new ones. → Read More

PolitiFact - Trump says N95 masks can be sterilized for reuse. Only in a pinch, experts warn.

PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others on its Truth-O-Meter. → Read More

Widely Used Surgical Masks Are Putting Health Care Workers At Serious Risk

Because high-end N95 masks are scarce, medical centers are using surgical masks that have been linked to considerably higher infection rates. → Read More

Vaping, Opioid Addiction Accelerate Coronavirus Risks, Says NIDA Director

Dr. Nora Volkow, who heads the National Institute on Drug Abuse, details how emerging science points to added challenges for these patient populations and the public health system. → Read More

Vaping, Opioid Addiction Accelerate Coronavirus Risks, Says NIDA Director

Dr. Nora Volkow, who heads the National Institute on Drug Abuse, details how emerging science points to added challenges for these patient populations and the public health system. → Read More

OSHA Probing Health Worker Deaths But Urges Inspectors To Spare The Penalties

Former officials from the federal agency criticize OSHA for a slow and timid response to a “worker safety crisis of monstrous proportions” unfolding in hospitals, nursing homes. → Read More

Obama: GOP’s Stance On Preexisting Conditions Off-Base, Especially During Pandemic

The former president’s statement highlights a clear difference of opinion that will likely come up often on the campaign trail. → Read More

Sanders: In Coronavirus Relief Effort, Congress Fell Short On Paid Sick Leave

Capitol Hill’s guarantee does not pertain to many “essential” workers. → Read More

What’s Missing In The Coronavirus Response

Public health researchers offered a range of ideas — from high-tech to tried-and-true public health interventions ― that could aid the U.S. response to COVID-19. → Read More

'The pandemic is like a punch in the mouth': Medicaid faces new challenges amid US coronavirus outbreak

The coronavirus crisis, which has put millions out of work, could put unprecedented strain on the federal-state health program for low-income people. → Read More

Medicaid Nearing ‘Eye Of The Storm’ As Newly Unemployed Look For Coverage

The coronavirus outbreak has forced millions out of work and the federal-state health program for low-income people could face unprecedented strains as many states don’t necessarily have the resour… → Read More