Health
Healthcare, religious liberty in medicine, and family health — through a Christian lens.
Oct 2, 2026
Amish vaccine plea
First Liberty filed a Supreme Court petition Sept. 28 on behalf of New York Amish families, asking the Court to block the state from requiring vaccinations — in violation of their religious beliefs — as a condition of attending their own Amish private schools, ending a 50-year exemption. The group argues the mandate forces Amish parents to choose between their faith and educating their children.
Source: First Liberty Institute
Oct 2, 2026
Debt relief letters
Americans owe an estimated $220 billion in medical debt, and the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt is buying up debt bundles for pennies on the dollar and forgiving them outright — one Arizona mother learned her $15,000 hospital bill was wiped out by a letter she first thought was fake. Families need take no action; eligible households receive a letter directly from the nonprofit.
Source: KTTZ (NPR member, Texas Tech Public Media)
Oct 2, 2026
Catholic heart day
St. Louis Hospital in Bangkok, founded by the Archdiocese of Bangkok and run by the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres, marked World Heart Day on Sept. 29 with free health screenings, hands-on CPR training, and public education on early detection of cardiovascular disease. The hospital also highlighted its charitable pediatric surgical programs for vulnerable children.
Source: LiCAS.news
Oct 3, 2026
Bird-flu drill gaps
A CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published Oct. 1 describes 73 unannounced 'mystery patient' drills at New York, New Jersey, and U.S. Virgin Islands ERs and clinics, where trained actors simulated bird-flu symptoms; front-desk screeners asked about sick-animal contact in only 9.6% of drills, though CDC says current public risk remains low. Practical takeaway: if you fall ill after contact with birds or livestock, mention the exposure at check-in, not just to the doctor.
Source: Medical Daily (citing CDC MMWR)
