Good afternoon,
It's almost Independence Day! On your way to the river, the lake, or the neighbor's backyard barbeque, make sure to pick up some fresh corn, tomatoes, and melons. It's a great way to support your local farmers – and make a delicious meal!
Americans across the country are celebrating our nation's independence, declared in 1776 to free us from King George III's rule. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court just declared that Donald Trump – and other former presidents – are independent of accountability, '<a href='[link removed]'>a king above the law</a>' in his own right.
The court ruled that Trump has immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts made during his tenure in office. The case was sent back to the U.S. District Court for an analysis of which of Trump's actions are official versus unofficial. The trial, which was scheduled for March, will now be further delayed – likely until after the November presidential election.
In more hopeful news, here are some developments in Minnesota's medical world that are working to provide more affordable access to health care...
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICE TRANSPARENCY
The high costs of prescription drug prices can make families panic, forcing a difficult decision pitting critical medication against other necessities, like groceries, gas, and other essential goods.
Minnesota is working to change that. The bipartisan-supported <a href='[link removed]'>Minnesota Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act</a> provides information about cost drivers that impact prescription drug prices in the state. The Minnesota Department of Health has just published its inaugural list of <a href='[link removed]'>Drugs of Substantial Public Interest</a> that will be subject to reporting from drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacies, and wholesalers.
Reports on the <a href='[link removed]'>listed 364 drugs</a> from 76 manufacturers will be available to the public. Increasing transparency in the prescription drug market will provide policymakers with information needed to lower drug prices and alleviate patients' financial burdens.
HEADWATERS NETWORK KEEPS RURAL HOSPITALS AFLOAT
Rural hospitals across the nation have been closing at alarming rates. The loss of <a href='[link removed]'>200 rural hospitals</a> since 2005 has expanded health care deserts and worsened health outcomes in rural areas – undermining care in communities that <a href='[link removed]'>most need it</a>, with older, less healthy, and less affluent populations.
In Minnesota, <a href='[link removed]'>19 independent hospitals</a> are banding together as Headwaters Network to continue providing care for their communities. The local collaboration allows the hospitals to pursue cost-saving opportunities otherwise unavailable to small providers, such as by buying medical supplies and pharmaceuticals in bulk or opening up virtual appointments for specialists throughout the network.
These hospitals' resilience will help ensure rural Americans have access to affordable care nearby and guarantee the <a href='[link removed]'>well-being of their entire communities</a>. <a href='[link removed]'>Read more.</a>
ICYMI
VPM: <a href='[link removed]'>Giving birth in Page County, a maternity care desert</a>
Texas Standard: <a href='[link removed]'>Rural paramedics are making routine house calls to avoid costly emergency room visits</a>Daily Yonder: <a href='[link removed]'>Expert: Rural Hospitals Are Particularly Vulnerable to Increasing Cyberattacks Targeting Healthcare Facilities</a>
Be sure to follow the One Country Project on <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>Twitter</a> and <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>Facebook</a>, and listen to <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>The Hot Dish</a> podcast.
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