Jayne O'Donnell, Indianapolis Star

Jayne O'Donnell

Indianapolis Star

McLean, VA, United States

Contact Jayne

Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.

Start free trial

Recent:
  • Unknown
Past:
  • Indianapolis Star
  • Providence Journal
  • The Tennessean
  • DelmarvaNow!
  • USA TODAY
  • Enquirer
  • The News Leader
  • North Jersey News
  • The Courier-Journal
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
  • and more…

Past articles by Jayne:

Two years later, LGBTQ+ Kokomo teen barely recognizes depressed girl in documentary

Kokomo teen is featured in a documentary about global teen mental health made more poignant by the COVID-19 pandemic. → Read More

A new ALS drug is extending patients' lives by months. It's giving hope for those facing such a 'brutal illness.'

With ALS treatments, success is measured by extending patients' lives by months. Some hope new drugs now being tested could slow the disease. → Read More

Discipline against bad doctors plummets amid COVID-19 – and more medical errors may slip through cracks

Patient safety advocates warn of a "perfect storm" of doctor shortages, stress and slow action by medical boards to discipline during the pandemic. → Read More

Do you need a COVID-19 test if you plan to travel? Do you still need to quarantine? What to know about the confusing rules.

States' divergent views on coronavirus risks, testing and quarantines can confound travelers. Here are some questions and answers. → Read More

As COVID-19 spread, the feds relaxed rules, and hospitals tried to contain the outbreak. Other infections may have risen

COVID-19 patients whose immune systems have been weakened by the coronavirus can be more susceptible to bacterial infections and superbugs. → Read More

COVID-19 is a disaster for people with disabilities. Without 30-year-old law, it would be worse

Without the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed 30 years ago, the pandemic would be worse for people with disabilities. It's still very hard. → Read More

Long-lasting COVID symptoms from lungs to limbs linger in coronavirus 'long haulers'

A growing number of people are suffering for months, but research is limited. Here are some of their stories. → Read More

Being fit, losing weight is a powerful force against COVID-19 but cities have to do more

The annual ranking of the fittest U.S. cities, tracks with some of the cities that weathered COVID-19 better — but the reverse is also often true. → Read More

'There’s no such thing as safe': How to lessen the risk of summer activities amid COVID-19

Are you free to go forth with traditional summer festivities? Experts weigh in on how to make beloved summertime activities safer. → Read More

'We're losing our kids': Black youth suicide rate rising far faster than for whites; coronavirus, police violence deepen trauma

Dr. Terry Jarrett said she stresses "alternatives" to suicide, helping young patients recognize "there a reason for you to live." → Read More

As states reopen, medical experts recommend pregnant women stay vigilant against COVID-19

One patient had a stillbirth and another a preterm delivery, but it's impossible to determine if the coronavirus caused either, study finds. → Read More

FDA investigates lab as tens of thousands of COVID-19 test results in Florida are questioned

The dispute is expected to affect testing across the U.S. and also raises questions about how regulators and hospitals approve and choose labs. → Read More

Rich hospitals, poor safety plans leading up to coronavirus: Should rules change for them now?

Hospital safety experts say the wealth and poor planning by tax exempt health care facilities should be considered when $70B is soon disbursed. → Read More

'50 states and 50 different approaches:' States scramble to hire COVID-19 contact tracers

Testing and tracing the contacts of infected people will become crucial as states ease stay-at-home restrictions and allow people to return to work. → Read More

'Deaths of despair': Coronavirus pandemic could push suicide, drug deaths as high as 150k, study says

The federal mental health czar is calling for more money to expand mental health services for people suffering during the coronavirus pandemic. → Read More

Tackling poverty in a coronavirus-induced economic downturn: Is it too risky or the right thing to do?

The social problems borne of poverty, including homelessness and trauma, are a key reason COVID-19 sickens and kills far more people of color. → Read More

How do health care staffers learn if co-workers have coronavirus? Word of mouth.

Employees say hospitals are misinterpreting privacy laws and government guidance on when and how to inform employees they've been exposed. → Read More

COVID-19 patients wrong to think breathing tubes 'synonymous with death,' doctors warn

The key to caring for patients on ventilators, who often have to remain intubated and connected to them for two weeks, is "profoundily simplistic," said Harrell. → Read More

As obesity's link to COVID-19 grows, one family that lost 24-year-old daughter diets together

The extra weight on people in the 40-plus BMI range who contract COVID-19 increases the chance they will require hospitalization, likely in the ICU. → Read More

Jobless and benefit-less: What should COVID-19's economic victims do for health insurance?

The special enrollment period in eligible states will allow consumers to sign up for ACA plans. → Read More