Weekly Health News Round Up 3.5.21

The Food and Drug Administration approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use. This provides the U.S. a third tool to use in the COVID-19 crisis. Federal officials expect to ship 4 million doses of the new vaccine. 

The McKesson distribution center in Shepherdsville, Kentucky is working to distribute the new Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to the country. This location in Bullitt County is one of two distribution centers. 
 
House Bill 7, which establishes a framework for communities to become ‘Recovery Ready’ and have the tools to treat and prevent substance use disorders, passed the Senate this week. The bill now moves back to the House for concurrence before going to the governor’s desk. 

With more people battling addiction in the COVID-19 pandemic, a local man is sharing his story of recovery to inspire others and connect with them through technology. 

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education announced this week a new initiative that will use $1.5 million in federal relief funds to boost mental health on college campus as COVID-19 continues to create more stress and uncertainty among college-aged students.
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced over $2 million in telemedicine and distance learning investments across Kentucky. This project will be aimed at improving health outcomes and education in rural areas.