As the curtain falls on 2023, it’s a moment of reflection on the highs and lows of the year, especially in the realm of health. WBUR, your trusted source for local stories, brings to light the impactful health narratives that resonated with readers and listeners throughout the year, leaving a lasting imprint on our understanding of well-being.
Reflecting on 2023: WBUR’s Impactful Local Health Stories
PFAS: The Omnipresence of ‘Forever Chemicals’
Exploring the ubiquity of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” WBUR delves into the potential health risks associated with these substances found everywhere from dental floss to drinking water. Gabrielle Emanuel’s narrative unveils a woman’s struggle with PFAS-contaminated well water, urging us to comprehend and mitigate our own PFAS risks.
Boston Marathon Bombings: A Decade Later
A decade after the shocking Boston Marathon bombings, WBUR revisits the resilience displayed by medical workers and hospitals in responding to the 2013 attack. The report sheds light on the evolving challenges the medical system faces today, with hospitals strained and understaffed, emphasizing the need for continuous preparedness.
COVID Enters a New Phase: Navigating Post-Emergency Realities
In May, the COVID public health emergency declarations expired, ushering in a new phase. WBUR reflects on the end of major protective policies, such as universal masking in hospitals, and the ongoing reality of COVID. The report acknowledges the virus’s persistence but notes that improved immunity and treatments have lessened its impact.
Boston’s Life Expectancy Gap: Unveiling Health Inequities
Martha Bebinger’s report exposes a stark reality: a 23-year life expectancy difference between Boston neighborhoods, Back Bay and Roxbury, just two miles apart. The disparities, rooted in racism, chronic stress, and substandard housing, highlight the urgent need to address health inequities that persist within the city.
Crime Scene at the Harvard Morgue: A Chilling Revelation
Ally Jarmanning uncovers a haunting health-related story: the alleged theft and sale of body parts from Harvard Medical School’s morgue. The lack of oversight in the morgue’s daily operations raises concerns, underscoring the need for increased scrutiny and accountability.
Influx of Migrants at Logan Airport: A Humanitarian Challenge
The humanitarian crisis unfolds as thousands of migrants enter the state’s family shelter system, prompting Logan Airport workers to set up cots for new arrivals. With a historic waitlist for family shelters, the situation underscores the intersection of migration challenges and healthcare needs, impacting over 300 families.
In these impactful narratives, WBUR brings the human side of health stories to the forefront, leaving an indelible mark on our collective understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shaped local health in 2023.
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