Weekly Health News Round Up 3.26.21

Thousands of physicians across the state encouraged Kentuckians this week to learn more about their risk factors and family history of diabetes in recognition of American Diabetes Alert Day.

This week, Gov. Andy Beshear signed into law legislation that will establish a framework for communities to become “recovery ready” bringing much-needed consistency to local substance use prevention, treatment and recovery efforts. 

Liver disease is on the rise in the United States, and doctors believe that the increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic is to blame. Liver transplant centers across the country are reporting a 30 to 50 percent spike in alcohol-related liver disease over the past year. 

Gov. Beshear signed legislation this week that would cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost for a 30-day supply of insulin at $30 for Kentuckians covered by state-regulated, comprehensive, private health insurance plans and the state employee health plan. 

UofL Health is opening a new Urgent Care Plus facility in the Parkland neighborhood of Louisville. The facility will provide services for urgent injuries, routine exams and preventative care to an area that is underserved when it comes to medical services. 

As more Kentuckians are getting vaccinated against COVID-19, the percentage of Kentuckians testing positive for the coronavirus fell this week to 2.85 percent.