More workers are seeking disability pay for severe instances of mental illness, but resistance to approving claims persists

In Burkina Faso, Dr. Claudette Yaméogo stands as the sole pediatric ophthalmologist, treating children who suffer from both everyday accidents and the devastating effects of ongoing conflict. Her work highlights the dire shortage of specialized medical care in a country grappling with instability, where kids face preventable blindness from injuries—whether from a stray soccer ball or a bomb blast.

Editor’s Note: Imagine being the only doctor in an entire country who can fix a child’s damaged eyes—now picture doing that in a place where violence is as common as playground scrapes. Dr. Yaméogo’s story isn’t just about one heroic doctor; it’s a stark reminder of how war and neglect cripple basic healthcare systems. For families in Burkina Faso, her presence is a lifeline, but her isolation is a failure of global attention. This isn’t just a health issue—it’s about what happens when kids are left vulnerable on every front.

A dedicated outreach worker in Somerset shares the emotional toll of supporting homeless women who face constant danger on the streets. Their work highlights the vulnerability of this group, particularly to violence, and the heartbreaking reality that many still go without safe shelter.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another homelessness story—it’s a stark reminder of how women sleeping rough are disproportionately at risk. The emotional weight of the outreach worker’s perspective makes it personal, pushing us to confront the human cost of systemic failures in housing and protection. It’s a call to pay attention, because no one should have to choose between danger and the street.

The U.S. is seeing its highest number of measles cases since the disease was officially declared eliminated in 2000. Health experts are sounding the alarm, warning that if vaccination rates keep dropping, these dangerous outbreaks could become a regular—and deadly—reality.

Editor’s Note: Measles isn't just a relic of the past—it's making a comeback, and that's a big deal. This isn't just about a rash and a fever; measles can lead to serious complications, especially in kids. The rise in cases is directly tied to slipping vaccination rates, fueled by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. If this trend continues, we could be back to the days when preventable diseases were a constant threat. It’s a wake-up call for parents, policymakers, and anyone who cares about keeping communities safe.

A fresh study in JAMA shows that Californians still aren’t living as long as they did before COVID-19 hit. The lingering drop in life expectancy is being driven by drug overdoses and heart-related deaths, with poorer communities and people of color bearing the brunt of the trend.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about the pandemic’s immediate toll—it’s a sign of deeper, ongoing health crises that are hitting vulnerable groups hardest. If life expectancy isn’t recovering, it means systemic issues like addiction and healthcare access still aren’t being fixed. For a state that prides itself on progressive policies, these numbers are a wake-up call.

More employees are applying for disability benefits due to severe mental health conditions like depression and PTSD, but they’re hitting a wall—approval rates for these claims remain stubbornly low compared to physical ailments. Data reveals a persistent gap in how the system treats invisible illnesses versus visible ones, leaving many workers without crucial support.

Editor’s Note: Mental health is just as debilitating as physical injuries, but outdated biases and murky evaluation standards mean people in crisis often can’t access the safety net they’ve paid into. This isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about whether we value mental health equally when it comes to survival. And right now, the system’s failing.