Side Effects Staff

We’re a regional health news collaboration exploring the impacts of place, policy and economics on Americans’ health.

Our award-winning reporting centers personal stories as we expose injustices, explain complex policy issues and highlight solutions to long-standing health inequities.

Focus areas include: mental health and addiction, rural health, criminal justice, health inequities caused by barriers to care for marginalized communities.

Health & Wellness

Most states ensure women don’t lose Medicaid shortly after pregnancy. Missouri may join them

Anna Spidel

Policy experts say one way to help close the racial gap in maternal health outcomes is to ensure people on Medicaid don’t lose coverage two months after pregnancy.
Health & Wellness

AEDs could save lives — but stocking them in schools isn’t easy

Side Effects Staff

Lawmakers in some states — including Indiana, Missouri and Ohio — are considering legislation to require automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in schools. But mandating these devices is a complicated decision.
Families take drastic steps to help children in mental health crises

Christine Herman

An insufficient mental health care system pushes some families to give up custody of their children for care. States look for better solutions.
Health & Wellness

You Asked: Why Is COVID-19 Hitting African-Americans So Hard?

Side Effects Staff

Update: As the case count continues to rise, information on this story is moving quickly and may be out-of-date. We recommend checking the Centers for...