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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8h

He emphasized that health is influenced by broader social & political factors than genetics & access to quality care. Health can be shaped by #narrative & right now the White House is pushing an exclusionary narrative. But reporters can shift that narrative. #healthinequity #healthpolicy #reporting

USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8h

Tony Iton, the CEO of The Health Trust and lecturer of health policy and management, @berkeleypublichlth.bsky.social, kicked off our Data Fellowship Week yesterday with his presentation, "Using Data to Unearth Health Inequity."

#CHJDataFellowship #datajournalism #healthjournalism

A man speaks at a microphone; the graphic headline reads "Narrative Shapes Policy" with a quote by Tony Iton, MD, JD, MPH, about the impact of narrative on policy and health, and the importance of reporters' influence, for a USC Annenberg Data Fellowship event.

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 1d

We are grateful for the support of the @chcfnews.bsky.social , the @dorisdukefdn.bsky.social and @calendow.bsky.social.

#healthjournalism #datajournalism #reportingskills

USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 1d

And @lost-steno-pad.bsky.social, Abigail Vân Neely, Lauren Peace, Kathleen Quinn, Teghan Simonton, Sara Tiano, Ethan Varian, Elaine Williams & @davidzahniser.bsky.social

We are excited to support your reporting and deepen your data skills in the coming months!

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 1d

Congratulations to Audrey Brown, Christopher Burrell, Rebecca Cadenhead, @wadrewhawkins.bsky.social , Will Katcher, @josephinelee.bsky.social , Rachel Livinal, @jimmylovrien.bsky.social

#CHJDataFellowship #DataFellows

ky.social

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 1d

We are proud to announce the journalists who are participating in our 2025 Data Fellowship that equips reporters to use the power of original data analysis to investigate health care, health equity & child well-being challenges, & to highlight promising paths forward. bit.ly/CHJ2025DataFellows

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Reposted by USC Center for Health Journalism

Fran Smith @fransmith.bsky.social · 8d

When nutrition for kids becomes a target in the war on inclusion. centerforhealthjournalism.org/our-work/ins... @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social

The Health Divide: If MAHA wants kids to eat healthier, why cut the school food programs that support that?

As SNAP budget cuts and expanded work requirements kick in, millions of children may lose access to free school meals.

centerforhealthjournalism.org

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

That's a wrap! Thanks to our panelists Roy Mitchell, April Simpson & @acvollers.bsky.social & to everyone who joined for “What the South Tells Us About Medicaid’s Future.” Recap/recording coming to our website soon.

Learn more about our panelists
: centerforhealthjournalism.org/our-work/web...

What the South Tells Us About Medicaid’s Future

centerforhealthjournalism.org

USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Mitchell says: To cover #ACA subsidy cuts / #Medicaid debates, "Leverage your local state advocacy groups to collect data and stories—and show how policies really impact communities." They know eligibility rules, hold real stories, and have community trust. Avoid bumper-sticker narratives.

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

When officials don’t collect/release data (e.g., maternal health), lean on respected experts, vetted advocacy orgs, and multiple lived-experience cases to fill gaps and show impact, says Vollers. #Medicaid #Webinar

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

#Medicaid work rules = paperwork gauntlet. Georgia spent $50M+ on a reporting system; after ~2 years only ~9,000 enrolled. Even a social worker waited 6 months to get approved. Expect low enrollment & high admin burden @acvollers.bsky.social explains.

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Levander tip: On-the-ground is unbeatable, but social can open doors. For sensitive interviews, use plain language, explain ground rules, offer on/off-camera options & give sources control. Protect identities as needed; show past work to build trust. Portray people with agency, not just as victims.

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Simpson continues: Find people through advocates + local networks. On-the-ground intros & a lively Madison Parish Community Facebook group led me to good sources. Work your sources—online & IRL. #Journalism #ReportingTips

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

To show real impacts, follow the gap-fillers reporter April Simpson suggests. #Midwives + community clinics. A ride-along in rural West TN/KY revealed #prenatalaccess hurdles & hostility reported during hospital transfers. Find the frontline providers to surface #systemicbarriers. #Webinar #Medicaid

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

@acvollers.bsky.social urges reporters to build sources now, before policy shifts land. Invest in communities you don’t share a language with; connect with doctors, advocates, and on-the-ground orgs so you’re first to hear and ready to report when changes hit. #JournalismTip #HealthEquity #Reporting

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Another tip from Vollers: Follow reimbursements. In AL, low #Medicaid pay means few counselors for new moms. And even “non-Medicaid” features should thread policy. Non-expansion fuels #rural hospital closures. You can weave Medicaid into almost any health story. #Webinar #Journalist #ReporterTip

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Pair #Medicaid policy with history and agency: Medicaid’s roots intersect civil rights. Center people doing the work today, not just what’s missing, @acvollers.bsky.social says. #ReporterTip #Webinar

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Reporter tip from Vollers: Don’t stop at “coverage exists.” Ask providers what #Medicaid actually pays. Reimbursement levels determine whether #postpartum mental-health visits happen at all & cuts to some groups ripple through whole families. #Journalism #MaternalHealth

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Mental health (suicide/overdose) is the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related death. #Medicaid #MaternalHealth #ALpolitics

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Alabama hasn’t expanded Medicaid & even “deserving” groups are hit says @acvollers.bsky.social of @stateline.org Postpartum #Medicaid now extends to 12 months on paper, but chronic underfunding makes mental-health care for new moms nearly unreachable.

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Mississippi could lose up to 43% of #ACA marketplace coverage if premium tax credits expire—the largest projected jump in uninsured. 80,000+ deaths were deemed preventable. Inaction has a human and fiscal cost explains Mitchell. #Medicaid #Webinar

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

“This decision… puts every #Mississippian at risk,” says Mitchell. MS ranks last on a recent national health system scorecard; 15.2% owe medical bills; 40% of adults <65 have medical debt; infant mortality 9.7/1,000 (10-yr high). #MedicaidExpansion #PublicHealth

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Next up: Mississippi is leaving billions on the table by not expanding Medicaid, Roy Mitchell, Exec Dir, MS Health Advocacy Program: $600M/yr in uncompensated care (could be cut to 1/3), ~200,000 people stuck in the coverage gap, and rural hospitals on the brink. This is a fixable policy choice.

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Simpson tip 3: Use data where it counts. Translate stats into plain language (costs, wait times, coverage gaps) and pair with lived experience from the field. Clarity beats volume — make numbers usable. #Medicaid #HealthPolicy

Reg to get the recording to get all 10 tips! bit.ly/FutureofMedi...

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: What the South Tells Us About Medicaid’s Future. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

What can the Southern experience of life without expanded Medicaid teach us about the consequences of going uninsured across the nation? And what story ideas can reporters explore now as they prepare ...

bit.ly

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USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 8d

Simpson tip 2: Compare states. Federalism shapes who gets care—and who doesn’t. Track eligibility rules, expansion status, and racial disparities across borders; show how policy choices drive outcomes. #Medicaid #HealthEquity #DataJournalism

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