David Olson
@davidolson11.bsky.social
Health care reporter for Newsday.
New Northwell lab to study potential medical benefits and potential harms of marijuana, psychedelic drugs & alcohol. It is applying to be among the nation's first to get a federal OK to dispense cannabis to study subjects & observe them while they're high. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
New Northwell facility to study good and bad of cannabis and psychedelics
There are only about 10 labs nationwide in which cannabis can be legally dispensed on-site to subjects.
www.newsday.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:23 PM
New Northwell lab to study potential medical benefits and potential harms of marijuana, psychedelic drugs & alcohol. It is applying to be among the nation's first to get a federal OK to dispense cannabis to study subjects & observe them while they're high. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Long Island obesity doctors say the Trump administration's deal with weight-loss drug manufacturers will allow some people to finally afford the medications -- but with some monthly charges still at $449 a month, "that is still a very high price to ask." www.newsday.com/news/health/...
What Trump's GLP-1 weight-loss drug deal means for Long Island consumers
The discounts in some cases will be modest.
www.newsday.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Long Island obesity doctors say the Trump administration's deal with weight-loss drug manufacturers will allow some people to finally afford the medications -- but with some monthly charges still at $449 a month, "that is still a very high price to ask." www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Long Islanders will see increases in their health insurance premiums during open enrollment — some in the double digits. Find out what types of increases to expect — and why health care costs keep rising. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Why health care costs are rising in NY and nationwide
Long Island workers and employers are seeing premium increases, some in double digits.
www.newsday.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Long Islanders will see increases in their health insurance premiums during open enrollment — some in the double digits. Find out what types of increases to expect — and why health care costs keep rising. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Some doctors, hospitals refusing to treat Medicare & Medicaid patients via telehealth because of concerns about reimbursement. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Medicare and Medicaid telehealth appointments canceled over federal government shutdown
Limiting access to telehealth could lead to more serious complications for patients, and hospitalizations, experts said.
www.newsday.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Some doctors, hospitals refusing to treat Medicare & Medicaid patients via telehealth because of concerns about reimbursement. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
As open enrollment begins today, Long Islanders signing up for Obamacare may suffer sticker shock, with no agreement on extending federal subsidies in sight: “The choice people will be making is between health insurance and groceries." www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Health care sticker shock as Affordable Care Act enrollment begins
The average premium increase for Long Islanders with subsidized plans would be 32%, the state estimates.
www.newsday.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:48 PM
As open enrollment begins today, Long Islanders signing up for Obamacare may suffer sticker shock, with no agreement on extending federal subsidies in sight: “The choice people will be making is between health insurance and groceries." www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Young adults are most likely to have problems with drugs & alcohol but least likely to receive treatment. A new recovery residence in Brentwood is only the second in NYS with services tailored especially to them. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
New Long Island recovery residence aims to help young adults, who are most in need of alcohol and drug treatment
The Brentwood residence will exclusively be for 18- to 25-year-olds with drug and alcohol addictions.
www.newsday.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Young adults are most likely to have problems with drugs & alcohol but least likely to receive treatment. A new recovery residence in Brentwood is only the second in NYS with services tailored especially to them. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
I talked with a tutor, a trombonist and house cleaner who are among the millions of Americans whose health care premiums would on average more than double if subsidies that are a key issue in the federal shutdown aren't extended. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
The Long Islanders whose health insurance increases are central to the shutdown debate
Newsday talked with those who would see premiums increase if the enhanced subsidies aren't extended.
www.newsday.com
October 18, 2025 at 2:51 PM
I talked with a tutor, a trombonist and house cleaner who are among the millions of Americans whose health care premiums would on average more than double if subsidies that are a key issue in the federal shutdown aren't extended. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Hanging in the balance in the government shutdown are nearly 100,000 Long Islanders' health insurance premiums, some of which would rise by thousands of dollars if federal subsidies that are a key sticking point in the shutdown aren't extended. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Federal shutdown: Nearly 100,000 Long Islanders' health care costs impacted by debate
On Long Island, the average increase for about 28,000 people with subsidized ACA plans would be 32%.
www.newsday.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Hanging in the balance in the government shutdown are nearly 100,000 Long Islanders' health insurance premiums, some of which would rise by thousands of dollars if federal subsidies that are a key sticking point in the shutdown aren't extended. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Early research shows that some nasal sprays may be effective in blocking or attacking respiratory viruses in the nose -- and preventing COVID and the common cold. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Nasal spray effective in preventing COVID and the common cold, study shows
Scientists believe that medication given through the nose has the potential to be more effective because it attacks or blocks the virus at the source.
www.newsday.com
October 7, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Early research shows that some nasal sprays may be effective in blocking or attacking respiratory viruses in the nose -- and preventing COVID and the common cold. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Long Island delis that cater largely to immigrants have seen business plummet amid stepped-up Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests: “People are afraid. They don’t want to leave home.”
www.newsday.com/long-island/...
www.newsday.com/long-island/...
LI's Latino delis struggle amid ICE arrests
Business owners reported sales drops as high as 50% since President Trump took office in January.
www.newsday.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Long Island delis that cater largely to immigrants have seen business plummet amid stepped-up Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests: “People are afraid. They don’t want to leave home.”
www.newsday.com/long-island/...
www.newsday.com/long-island/...
Northwell's new CEO Dr. John D'Angelo on health care costs, the future of the state's largest private health care system & cuts in federal funds for medical research. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
New Northwell Health CEO: Dr. John D'Angelo's plans
Newsday interviewed D'Angelo about Northwell's plans.
www.newsday.com
October 1, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Northwell's new CEO Dr. John D'Angelo on health care costs, the future of the state's largest private health care system & cuts in federal funds for medical research. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Family of immigrant who died in Nassau jail after his ICE arrest disputes ICE claim he died of liver failure. Liver expert said he almost surely would have had signs of severe liver disease many hours before his death.
www.newsday.com/long-island/...
www.newsday.com/long-island/...
ICE says 42-year-old immigrant who died in Nassau jail had 'liver failure' that may have led to death
Several local and state agencies are investigating the death of Santos Banegas Reyes.
www.newsday.com
September 23, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Family of immigrant who died in Nassau jail after his ICE arrest disputes ICE claim he died of liver failure. Liver expert said he almost surely would have had signs of severe liver disease many hours before his death.
www.newsday.com/long-island/...
www.newsday.com/long-island/...
New Yorkers continue to face obstacles to obtaining COVID vaccines, even after NY reduced limitations imposed by the Trump administration.
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Getting updated COVID-19 shots still a challenge, despite governor's executive order
As of Monday afternoon, online scheduling for the nation's largest pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens, did not allow people under the age of 65 without underlying health conditions to make appointments.
www.newsday.com
September 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
New Yorkers continue to face obstacles to obtaining COVID vaccines, even after NY reduced limitations imposed by the Trump administration.
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Hochul signs executive order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines after she criticized "reckless" federal health decisions.
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Hochul signs order easing COVID shot access at pharmacies
The order will be in effect for 30 days and can be renewed, the governor said.
www.newsday.com
September 5, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Hochul signs executive order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines after she criticized "reckless" federal health decisions.
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Hochul to issue an executive order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines "to New Yorkers who request them," a sharp divergence from the Trump administration's limits on vaccinations.
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Hochul to allow COVID shots at pharmacies without doctors' prescriptions
The two largest pharmacy chains in the nation, CVS and Walgreens, had said anyone seeking an updated COVID-19 vaccination needs a prescription.
www.newsday.com
September 5, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Hochul to issue an executive order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines "to New Yorkers who request them," a sharp divergence from the Trump administration's limits on vaccinations.
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Experts agree that many C-sections are unnecessary and increase health risks. But rates of low-risk pregnancies that end in cesareans remain high, especially on Long Island. newsday.com/news/health/... Here's how 3 LI hospitals lowered their cesarean rates. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
C-section rates remain higher at Long Island hospitals despite risks
Despite more attention in recent years to reducing C-section rates, they have barely budged nationwide, statewide or on Long Island.
newsday.com
August 20, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Experts agree that many C-sections are unnecessary and increase health risks. But rates of low-risk pregnancies that end in cesareans remain high, especially on Long Island. newsday.com/news/health/... Here's how 3 LI hospitals lowered their cesarean rates. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Nation's leading pediatrics group issues COVID-19 vaccine recommendations at odds with Trump administration's new guidelines. Expert says they are based on "real data, not hypotheses or suggestions."
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Leading pediatricians group advises COVID-19 shots for young children
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation is at odds with new Trump administration guidelines.
www.newsday.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Nation's leading pediatrics group issues COVID-19 vaccine recommendations at odds with Trump administration's new guidelines. Expert says they are based on "real data, not hypotheses or suggestions."
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Health experts are excited about a new twice-yearly injection that in studies blocked almost all HIV transmission -- but with a $28K annual price tag & insurance coverage uncertain, will people who need it most be able to get it? www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Yeztugo approval: A new era in HIV prevention
Yeztugo, a twice yearly injection, offers a promising advancement in HIV prevention, but high costs and insurance uncertainties may limit its accessibility.
www.newsday.com
July 24, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Health experts are excited about a new twice-yearly injection that in studies blocked almost all HIV transmission -- but with a $28K annual price tag & insurance coverage uncertain, will people who need it most be able to get it? www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Rates of childhood anxiety, depression, obesity & other conditions are rising, indicating a broad deterioration of children's health, a new study finds. Long Island pediatricians say they've been seeing the trend in their patients for years. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Decline in U.S. kids' health seen by LI families, docs
Children have poorer sleep and feel lonelier compared to the past, and are more likely to die than kids in other high-income countries.
www.newsday.com
July 18, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Rates of childhood anxiety, depression, obesity & other conditions are rising, indicating a broad deterioration of children's health, a new study finds. Long Island pediatricians say they've been seeing the trend in their patients for years. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
New COVID variant suspected on Long Island though experts downplay 'razor blade throat' symptom. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Experts suspect new COVID-19 strain on Long Island, though they're skeptical of 'razor blade throat' symptom
The state health department said that "there are a few documented cases of this variant strain in New York."
www.newsday.com
June 19, 2025 at 12:55 PM
New COVID variant suspected on Long Island though experts downplay 'razor blade throat' symptom. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Tens of thousands of Long Islanders with Affordable Care Act coverage would lose health insurance or pay much higher premiums under "big beautiful bill." Here's a look at the proposed changes, the reasons for them and who they would affect most: www.newsday.com/news/health/...
How the 'big beautiful' bill will affect tens of thousands of LIers' health insurance
The legislation would represent a massive contraction to health care coverage on Long Island and in the nation.
www.newsday.com
June 16, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Tens of thousands of Long Islanders with Affordable Care Act coverage would lose health insurance or pay much higher premiums under "big beautiful bill." Here's a look at the proposed changes, the reasons for them and who they would affect most: www.newsday.com/news/health/...
New Alzheimer's center in Amityville provides music, dance, services and memory testing. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
New Alzheimer's center in Amityville providing music, dance, services and testing
Research shows that people with Alzheimer's often are able to remember and react to music, even if their overall memory has greatly deteriorated.
www.newsday.com
June 6, 2025 at 12:24 PM
New Alzheimer's center in Amityville provides music, dance, services and memory testing. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Long Island legislators back more funding to probe doctor misconduct after Newsday investigation. One is writing a bill to end doctor dominance of NY's discipline board because "it's lopsided in favor of the medical professional who's being investigated.” www.newsday.com/long-island/...
LI lawmakers: toughen state doctor discipline
The calls for increased funding and legislation to address other concerns come after Newsday's "Broken Practice" investigation.
www.newsday.com
May 30, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Long Island legislators back more funding to probe doctor misconduct after Newsday investigation. One is writing a bill to end doctor dominance of NY's discipline board because "it's lopsided in favor of the medical professional who's being investigated.” www.newsday.com/long-island/...
The number of doctors NYS disciplines for misconduct is plummeting as complaints rise. Investigations are taking longer while the budget to conduct them is stagnant. Part 2 of an investigation of physician discipline in NY by Arielle Martinez and me. www.newsday.com/long-island/...
NYS' doctor discipline system: Fewer penalties
Serious disciplinary actions declined 35% over a decade even as the number of physicians rose.
www.newsday.com
May 15, 2025 at 1:07 PM
The number of doctors NYS disciplines for misconduct is plummeting as complaints rise. Investigations are taking longer while the budget to conduct them is stagnant. Part 2 of an investigation of physician discipline in NY by Arielle Martinez and me. www.newsday.com/long-island/...
Catholic Health which runs 6 Long Island hospitals as well as outpatient locations, is laying off 1% of its more than 17,000 employees. www.newsday.com/news/health/...
Catholic Health laying off 1% of employees
Financial statements showed $3.48 million in operating losses in 2024 on $3.39 billion in revenues.
www.newsday.com
May 14, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Catholic Health which runs 6 Long Island hospitals as well as outpatient locations, is laying off 1% of its more than 17,000 employees. www.newsday.com/news/health/...