Hanna Webster

Newly formed Governors Public Health Alliance is 15 strong, but doesn't include Pa. A newly formed, multistate coalition represents the largest coordinated pushback to federal public health guidance under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy...

A 14-state Governors Public Health Alliance forms in response to a break from scientific consensus at the federal level — Pa. is not one of the states. More here: www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

It’s time to start listening to Mitski again

'They're a scam': Experts counter the detox wellness trend With two-thirds of American adults taking supplements regularly, and more getting their news and health information online, it can be tricky to know what’s...

Have you heard a lot about detoxing online? I looked into "detox" products and their claims: www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

COVID-19 cases creep up amid vaccination rollout Just as health officials announced a dizzying rollout of updated COVID-19 shots, cases and hospitalizations of the virus seem to be ticking up again. It’s...

COVID-19 cases are again creeping up in Allegheny County, after the region hit a low point mid-June. Here's what to know: www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

'I felt I was being taught how to feel': Bereaved parents are divided in how to tackle fentanyl A Harrisburg event leading up to Overdose Awareness Day highlights differences in how to fight the highly potent drug.

On Friday, I went to Harrisburg to hear directly from parents who have lost children to fentanyl — and what they think is the best way forward to end the crisis. TL;DR: They don't always agree. www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

Immediate Office of the Director CDC Director Vacant Deputy Director for Program and Science/Chief Medical Officer Vacant

CDC website has been updated…

(Deb Houry, the CDC's chief medical officer, resigned yesterday, meaning that the agency's top two leadership posts are now vacant)

Gov. Shapiro joins push for FDA to remove restrictions on abortion medication Gov. Josh Shapiro has joined the latest fight over a common abortion medication with the White House, as Pennsylvania and several other states aim to pressure...

Shapiro joins a citizen's petition to ask the FDA to review regulations on the abortion pill mifepristone, which some health officials see as burdensome. W/ @benkail.bsky.social
www.post-gazette.com/news/politic...

Mt. Lebanon teen, who is trans, gets opportunity to tell her health care story to Gov. Shapiro Gov. Josh Shapiro’s participation in a new lawsuit, filed by 16 states and the District of Columbia, that seeks to block Trump administration...

Advocates for trans rights have hoped Gov. Shapiro would be more vocal regarding recent gender care cuts. Behind closed doors, constituents are saying he's been more vocal. Read my latest to get a look at a private roundtable he held with a dozen trans teens: www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

Allegheny County police and emergency services have confirmed one dead and two are unaccounted for.

Allegheny County police and emergency services have confirmed one dead and two are unaccounted for.

Allegheny County Health Department just sent a statement advising people living within a 1-mile radius to stay indoors, close windows, and set HVAC systems to recirc for concerns regarding air quality.

"ACHD Air Quality monitors have not detected levels of PM2.5 and So2 above federal standards."

An AHN spokesperson has confirmed that AHN Jefferson is currently treating five patients, while AHN Allegheny General on the North Side and AHN Forbes in Monroeville are each treating one patient.

Live updates: Multiple injuries reported in explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works Emergency crews were responding Monday morning to a reported explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, authorities said. Allegheny County Emergency...

BREAKING: An explosion at US Steel's Clairton Coke Works plant has led to multiple injuries, and the situation is developing.

Multiple AHN locations and UPMC Mercy have reported receiving patients from the site.

Follow live updates here: www.post-gazette.com/business/pow...

Gov. Shapiro joins coalition of 22 states suing over federal bill defunding Planned Parenthood 'As the Trump Administration tries to defund Planned Parenthood, close health centers, and prevent Pennsylvanians from accessing care, we're taking a stand,

Gov. Shapiro @governor.pa.gov has joined a lawsuit with 22 other states suing the Trump Administration over its attempts to defund Planned Parenthood. More than half of PP patients rely on Medicaid: www.post-gazette.com/news/politic...

Why HHS is moving to restrict a synthetic opioid sold at local smoke shops: 'A recipe for a public health disaster' The substance, 7-OH, is a naturally occurring compound in the kratom plant.

What is 7-OH? Here's why a key government health agency is moving to restrict this new opioid, which is widely available at gas stations, smoke shops and online: www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

Notes on Bed Rest I spent months limiting my movement, to protect a high-risk pregnancy. How did it change me?

"At first, I felt nothing. And then I felt fear."
Loved this Anna Russell @newyorker.com essay about pregnancy, illness, rest & what it means to be a (working) woman in society thru it all.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...

I can’t stop thinking about Rebecca Shapass’ “Tempus Fugit,” especially the video, and Vivian Caccuri’s “I Hear My Blood Singing,” at the Mattress Factory. I want to go back just to watch that video again. Highly recommend!!

When is a sunburn cause for concern? While common, sunburns are not all created equal.

When is a sunburn cause for concern?

Two Poems by Hanna Webster Ripe           after Natasha Rao’s “Cornucopia” When we got together, every breakfast tasted like an envelope unsealed. Strawberry jam, honey goat …

I have two poems out in @oneart.bsky.social today! I'm really happy with these ones. ✨
oneartpoetry.com/2025/07/24/t...

What is thimerosal? Here’s a primer on the argued-over vaccine ingredient A newly staffed federal immunization panel voted against using the preservative, as experts worry about the ruling’s global impact.

HHS just reported that a key federal vaccine regulator group has voted to remove thimerosal from all flu vaccines.

What is thimerosal? Here's my primer:
www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

Pittsburgh-area transit riders swelter in extreme heat It was 88 degrees at the East Liberty busway stop, and Nadine’s bus was late again. The 60-year-old, who declined to give her last name, was smoking...

Pittsburghers who rely on public transit to commute discuss how the heat waves have impacted them: "It's a horrible experience", said one rider on Thursday.
www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

Kennedy Claims Doctors Profit Off Vaccines. In Fact, Many Lose Money on Them.

Even if they did profit (which they should) it doesn’t change the fact that vaccines are a value to human life www.nytimes.com/2025/07/15/w...

Clothing that fits is an important aspect of transgender health For Rainy Sinclair, it began with a blue scarf. This was the first “non-boy” item she gravitated toward early in her transition, the first...

The award includes one of my favorite stories I've written, about how clothing is a key aspect of health and well being for trans people. I interviewed a trans seamstress who makes gender-affirming clothing and alterations:

www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

Late to the party but I'm happy to announce the Pennsylvania News Media Association has awarded me Second Place in diversity reporting for my coverage of gender care bans on the trans population, the trans experience as well as overdose death impact:
panewsmedia.org/wp-content/u...

#keystones

'We're on a slippery slope': Alarming number of measles cases sees U.S. on course to no longer consider the disease eradicated Surpassing a yearly measles case count not seen for more than three decades, the U.S. this week inched closer to losing its status as having eliminated...

“The information being put out by the federal government leadership is just wrong and we can’t let that stand,”
www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

So tru

Best of PGH - Ballot Best of Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh City Paper's annual readers' poll, featuring the city's favorite categories in Goods and Services, Food and Drink, Cultural and Nightlife, and People and Places.

Just found out I've been nominated in @pghcitypaper.com's Best Of 2025 for Best Poet & Best Writer!

✨ You can vote for me every day until July 26 ✨
posting.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/B...

U.S. measles cases reach 33-year record high as outbreaks spread Johns Hopkins University data reflects the public health reversal in defeating the vaccine-preventable disease since measles was officially eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.

Measles cases just hit a 33-year high in the U.S... Kids are being hospitalized. Some are dying - this was preventable.

Instead, RFK is dismantling ACIP and replacing them with anti-vaxxers

www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...

What is thimerosal? Here’s a primer on the argued-over vaccine ingredient A newly staffed federal immunization panel voted against using the preservative, as experts worry about the ruling’s global impact.

In this @hannamwebster.bsky.social piece I’m quoted about how the ACIP’s actions regarding thimerosal can only be seen as motivated to sow distrust in vaccines and clearly no scientifically or rationally based www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

Pitt study highlights importance of studying both sexes New research out of the University of Pittsburgh underscores the importance of using male and female subjects in studies. Pitt researchers studying the...

A new Pitt study found the alcohol abuse med, disulfiram, protected against cell death from trauma — like from a TBI or car crash.

It also showed the importance of testing both sexes in animal research. More here:
www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...