Health

Though COVID-19 cases are down across the board in Idaho, more than 90% of people recently infected in Idaho were unvaccinated, or the state didn't have proof of their vaccination record.

More than 600,000 Idahoans have now been fully vaccinated with the Janssen, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. And all of them should have received a vaccine card – proof that they’re immunized. But participants in vaccine trials – even those who have been told that they have indeed received a vaccine and not a placebo – don’t have such proof.

Dr. David Pate has become a regular voice on Idaho Matters during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing his knowledge as the former CEO of St. Luke's Health System and as a volunteer member of the governor's coronavirus task force.

Nationally, the CDC estimates we lost around 92,000 Americans to overdoses in the past year, far more than ever before. The pandemic exacerbated mental health challenges and isolation, so that may be part of the reason: but so is the spread of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Since beginning the vaccination program less than six months ago, the United States has fully vaccinated 50% of the country's adults. And vaccines in children 12 and older are also on the rise. However, Idaho continues to be in the bottom tier of states when it comes to vaccination rates. Idaho Matters digs into this issue and answers your questions.

"It feels exciting because a year ago today, we didn't even have a vaccine. And now, I'm just getting closer to the second dose day by day and I won't have to live in constant fear of catching the virus or spreading it to my family."

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost 37% of Idaho adults reported symptoms of anxiety of depressive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. And since May is mental health awareness month, Idaho Matters checks-in with two local advocates for mental health.

Cases across rural America are at their lowest levels since last July. But a public health official in Montana suspects some sick people just aren't getting tested.

Idaho Matters talks about the CDC's new masking recommendations and other pandemic topics with Dr. David Pate, former CEO of St. Luke's Health System and a member of the governor's coronavirus task force.

Many unvaccinated Americans are eager to get the shot as soon as possible, but information barriers are standing in the way. That’s according to a new survey. Those results point to opportunities for public health officials in the Mountain West to target outreach and information to Hispanic and Latino communities.