Kelly Ragan
@kellyragan.bsky.social
Freelance writer & editor | MPH in epidemiology | Based in Greeley
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
UPDATE: At least three people are in critical conditions after being wounded in a shooting near Evergreen High School, officials said Wednesday.
Officials said they were responding to an “active assailant” near the Jefferson County school.
coloradosun.com/2025/09/10/e...
Officials said they were responding to an “active assailant” near the Jefferson County school.
coloradosun.com/2025/09/10/e...
At least 3 in critical condition after being wounded in shooting at Evergreen High School
Officials said they were responding to an “active assailant” near the Jefferson County school
coloradosun.com
September 10, 2025 at 8:08 PM
UPDATE: At least three people are in critical conditions after being wounded in a shooting near Evergreen High School, officials said Wednesday.
Officials said they were responding to an “active assailant” near the Jefferson County school.
coloradosun.com/2025/09/10/e...
Officials said they were responding to an “active assailant” near the Jefferson County school.
coloradosun.com/2025/09/10/e...
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Independent rural hospitals are increasingly joining networks that share resources and bargaining power. The goal is to save money and improve patient care without losing their independence by joining a large health system.
Reporting from Bowman, ND:
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reporting from Bowman, ND:
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Instead of Selling, Some Rural Hospitals Band Together To Survive - KFF Health News
Independent and rural hospitals are collaborating with their neighbors to shore up their finances instead of joining larger health systems to stay afloat.
kffhealthnews.org
September 9, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Independent rural hospitals are increasingly joining networks that share resources and bargaining power. The goal is to save money and improve patient care without losing their independence by joining a large health system.
Reporting from Bowman, ND:
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reporting from Bowman, ND:
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
What the Colorado legislature did during its special session to tackle a $750M budget hole
What the Colorado legislature did during its special session to tackle a $750M budget hole
Democrats at the Capitol also pushed back the start date of Colorado’s first-in-the-nation AI law, shored up subsidies on health insurance and tweaked a pair of measures on the November ballot
coloradosun.com
August 27, 2025 at 3:10 PM
What the Colorado legislature did during its special session to tackle a $750M budget hole
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
No, the leaves aren't changing early in Colorado's high country. They're not getting enough water and are dying around the edges from drought.
Are Colorado leaves already changing? We separate fact from fiction.
When Dan West heard on the radio last week that the fall foliage color change had started already in Summit County, he reacted with skepticism and a bit of annoyance.
www.denverpost.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:06 PM
No, the leaves aren't changing early in Colorado's high country. They're not getting enough water and are dying around the edges from drought.
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
When an insurance company is deciding whether to pay for your medical treatment, it generates a file, which should contain all records associated with your case, including documents explaining why the claim was denied.
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
Health Insurance Claim Denied? See What Insurers Said Behind the Scenes
Learn how to request your health insurance claim file, which can include details about what your insurer is saying about you and your case.
www.propublica.org
August 26, 2025 at 1:30 AM
When an insurance company is deciding whether to pay for your medical treatment, it generates a file, which should contain all records associated with your case, including documents explaining why the claim was denied.
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
"In 2025, less than 70 percent of Americans still believe that childhood vaccinations are “very important.” This year, the US saw its worst measles outbreak since the early 1990s"
The scale of damage to trust in public health in < 6months driven my RFK Jr is staggering.
www.vox.com/health/45922...
The scale of damage to trust in public health in < 6months driven my RFK Jr is staggering.
www.vox.com/health/45922...
America’s leading physician groups are now openly defying RFK Jr.
US vaccine consensus has officially shattered.
www.vox.com
August 26, 2025 at 1:52 PM
"In 2025, less than 70 percent of Americans still believe that childhood vaccinations are “very important.” This year, the US saw its worst measles outbreak since the early 1990s"
The scale of damage to trust in public health in < 6months driven my RFK Jr is staggering.
www.vox.com/health/45922...
The scale of damage to trust in public health in < 6months driven my RFK Jr is staggering.
www.vox.com/health/45922...
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Epidemiology is the science that helps us understand, track, and control disease in populations. From cholera to COVID-19, it guides public health decisions that save lives. Here’s an overview 🧵
August 19, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Epidemiology is the science that helps us understand, track, and control disease in populations. From cholera to COVID-19, it guides public health decisions that save lives. Here’s an overview 🧵
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Don’t miss this year’s call for applications for the RWJF Health Policy Fellows program - applications are due November 3.
Share this with your feed and others you think should apply:
www.rwjf.org/en/grants/ac...
Share this with your feed and others you think should apply:
www.rwjf.org/en/grants/ac...
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows
The RWJF Health Policy Fellows program provides the nation’s most comprehensive learning experience at the intersection of health, science, and policy in Washington, D.C.
www.rwjf.org
August 19, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Don’t miss this year’s call for applications for the RWJF Health Policy Fellows program - applications are due November 3.
Share this with your feed and others you think should apply:
www.rwjf.org/en/grants/ac...
Share this with your feed and others you think should apply:
www.rwjf.org/en/grants/ac...
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Introducing: our new resources hub!
Looking for all of our timely guidance on how to accurately cover trans communities? Trying to understand complex political messaging about governmental efforts to limit trans rights, or spot misinformation on a deadline?
It's all in one place now 👇
Looking for all of our timely guidance on how to accurately cover trans communities? Trying to understand complex political messaging about governmental efforts to limit trans rights, or spot misinformation on a deadline?
It's all in one place now 👇
Resource Hub
Featured articles and resources by the Trans Journalists Association.
www.transjournalists.org
August 15, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Introducing: our new resources hub!
Looking for all of our timely guidance on how to accurately cover trans communities? Trying to understand complex political messaging about governmental efforts to limit trans rights, or spot misinformation on a deadline?
It's all in one place now 👇
Looking for all of our timely guidance on how to accurately cover trans communities? Trying to understand complex political messaging about governmental efforts to limit trans rights, or spot misinformation on a deadline?
It's all in one place now 👇
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Vaccines do not cause autism.
A must-read, must-share piece - clearly deconstructing the shoddy science of the Geiers (who are inexplicably in charge of studies at HHS).
Consider this an early warning for what lies ahead. 🛟🩺🧪
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Consider this an early warning for what lies ahead. 🛟🩺🧪
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Opinion | The Playbook Used to ‘Prove’ Vaccines Cause Autism (Gift Article)
Data can easily be manipulated to show a causation that doesn’t exist.
www.nytimes.com
August 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Vaccines do not cause autism.
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
"A new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility meant for immigrants facing deportation is set to open in the small town of Hudson, Colorado, about thirty miles from Denver in Weld County." #denver
New Colorado Ice Facility Planned for Front Range Town: What to Know | Westword
A new ICE detention facility meant for people facing deportation is set to open in the small town of Hudson, about thirty miles from Denver in Weld County.
www.westword.com
August 13, 2025 at 4:01 PM
"A new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility meant for immigrants facing deportation is set to open in the small town of Hudson, Colorado, about thirty miles from Denver in Weld County." #denver
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Firefighters brace for “extreme fire behavior” as weather intensifies around Lee fire in northwestern Colorado
Firefighters brace for “extreme fire behavior” as weather intensifies around Lee fire in northwestern Colorado
The fire expanded to 120,650 acres Tuesday and Wednesday forecast is not looking favorable for containment.
coloradosun.com
August 13, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Firefighters brace for “extreme fire behavior” as weather intensifies around Lee fire in northwestern Colorado
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Amid the challenges of adulthood, one rite of passage is unique to the United States: the need to find your own health insurance by the time you turn 26.
Today, an estimated 15% of 26-year-olds go uninsured, which, according to a @kff.org analysis, is the highest rate among Americans of any age.
Today, an estimated 15% of 26-year-olds go uninsured, which, according to a @kff.org analysis, is the highest rate among Americans of any age.
Why Young Americans Dread Turning 26: Health Insurance Chaos - KFF Health News
Young adults without jobs that provide insurance find their options are limited and expensive. The problem is about to get worse.
kffhealthnews.org
August 11, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Amid the challenges of adulthood, one rite of passage is unique to the United States: the need to find your own health insurance by the time you turn 26.
Today, an estimated 15% of 26-year-olds go uninsured, which, according to a @kff.org analysis, is the highest rate among Americans of any age.
Today, an estimated 15% of 26-year-olds go uninsured, which, according to a @kff.org analysis, is the highest rate among Americans of any age.
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
I've never felt (or looked) more like a narc than at Red Rocks while asking people if we could identify and photograph them while they were doing drugs. #Nitrous, in particular, which is a growing scourge and health crisis, experts say.
More for @denverpost.com www.denverpost.com/2025/08/06/n...
More for @denverpost.com www.denverpost.com/2025/08/06/n...
A common sight at concerts, nitrous oxide abuse is soaring, prompting health concerns
“There’s not really that much thought to it. It’s a stupid drug. The dumbest out of them all.”
www.denverpost.com
August 11, 2025 at 4:14 PM
I've never felt (or looked) more like a narc than at Red Rocks while asking people if we could identify and photograph them while they were doing drugs. #Nitrous, in particular, which is a growing scourge and health crisis, experts say.
More for @denverpost.com www.denverpost.com/2025/08/06/n...
More for @denverpost.com www.denverpost.com/2025/08/06/n...
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Less than 3% of students who received their associate degree through Colorado Re-Engaged decided to go back for a bachelor’s degree. A similar program had more success. The difference? Funding.
Two Colorado programs tried to get adults back to college. One did better than the other.
Less than 3% of students who received their associate degree through Colorado Re-Engaged decided to go back for a bachelor’s degree. A similar program had more success. The difference? Funding.
bit.ly
August 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Less than 3% of students who received their associate degree through Colorado Re-Engaged decided to go back for a bachelor’s degree. A similar program had more success. The difference? Funding.
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Are you a cancer patient whose care at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Maryland, or another hospital, has been affected by the Trump administration’s cuts?
We’d like to hear about your experience. Tell us here: kffhealthnews.org/cancer-patie...
We’d like to hear about your experience. Tell us here: kffhealthnews.org/cancer-patie...
NIH documents viewed by KFF Health News show a pronounced decline in patients at the 200-bed NIH hospital from February through April, after the Trump administration began mass firings of federal workers and its broad crackdown on immigration.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Patient Numbers at NIH Hospital Have Plummeted Under Trump, Jeopardizing Care - KFF Health News
The renowned research hospital that cares for people with rare or life-threatening diseases has been pummeled by an employee exodus and the gutting of research, both driven by the Trump administration...
kffhealthnews.org
August 7, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Are you a cancer patient whose care at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Maryland, or another hospital, has been affected by the Trump administration’s cuts?
We’d like to hear about your experience. Tell us here: kffhealthnews.org/cancer-patie...
We’d like to hear about your experience. Tell us here: kffhealthnews.org/cancer-patie...
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
New federal guidance has derailed Colorado’s plan to allow babies and toddlers enrolled in public health insurance to stay continuously enrolled until they turn 3.
Colorado babies and toddlers could end up uninsured under Trump administration policy
New federal guidance has derailed Colorado’s plan to allow babies and toddlers enrolled in public health insurance to stay continuously enrolled until they turn 3.
bit.ly
August 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
New federal guidance has derailed Colorado’s plan to allow babies and toddlers enrolled in public health insurance to stay continuously enrolled until they turn 3.
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
This is exactly right. Vaccination is a national security issue and with every anti-vaccine step RFK Jr. takes, the United States is rendered more vulnerable to bioterrorism.
If I were a US adversary right now, I would see the US rapidly disarming itself. One bad variant would devastate the US because we will soon have no infrastructure to respond. We can be sure this is an invitation to both state and non-state actors to exploit this.
August 6, 2025 at 4:16 PM
This is exactly right. Vaccination is a national security issue and with every anti-vaccine step RFK Jr. takes, the United States is rendered more vulnerable to bioterrorism.
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Education boosts memory and brain volume in aging but doesn't shield against cognitive decline, suggesting early-life factors are key.
by Fjell AM, Rogeberg O (...) Vidal-Piñeiro D et 20 al. in Nat Med #MedSky
👉 get more here
📖 read the article:
by Fjell AM, Rogeberg O (...) Vidal-Piñeiro D et 20 al. in Nat Med #MedSky
👉 get more here
📖 read the article:
Reevaluating the role of education on cognitive decline and brain aging in longitudinal cohorts across 33 Western countries - Nature Medicine
In a large cross-national study, education was linked to better memory and larger brain volumes but not to slower cognitive or brain decline with age, suggesting that the association reflects early-life factors rather than neuroprotective effects in aging.
www.nature.com
August 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM
It’s officially smoke season 🫠
Lee fire burning near Meeker makes large runs, nearly doubles in size
Lee fire burning near Meeker makes large runs, nearly doubles in size
Fire officials expect more activity for the Lee and Elk fires burning in northwestern Colorado with high temperatures forecast for Wednesday
coloradosun.com
August 6, 2025 at 3:52 PM
It’s officially smoke season 🫠
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
NEW: Colorado governor calls special legislative session starting Aug. 21 to deal with nearly $1B budget hole, artificial intelligence law coloradosun.com/2025/08/06/c... #copolitics #coleg
Colorado governor calls special legislative session to deal with nearly $1B budget hole, artificial intelligence law
Lawmakers will return to the Capitol on Aug. 21 mainly to deal with the effects of the so-called big, beautiful bill, congressional Republicans’ federal tax and spending measure. They’ll also debate w...
coloradosun.com
August 6, 2025 at 3:46 PM
NEW: Colorado governor calls special legislative session starting Aug. 21 to deal with nearly $1B budget hole, artificial intelligence law coloradosun.com/2025/08/06/c... #copolitics #coleg
Some interesting research
⭐New Publications⭐
New research maps experiences of suffering (doi.org/10.1038/s438...) and explores early-life predictors of suffering (doi.org/10.1038/s438...) in the Global Flourishing Study, offering insight into the burden of suffering & possibilities for improving population-level well-being.
New research maps experiences of suffering (doi.org/10.1038/s438...) and explores early-life predictors of suffering (doi.org/10.1038/s438...) in the Global Flourishing Study, offering insight into the burden of suffering & possibilities for improving population-level well-being.
A cross-national analysis of sociodemographic variation in suffering across 22 countries - Communications Medicine
Cowden et al. use nationally representative data from 22 countries (N = 202,898) included in Wave 1 of the Global Flourishing Study to explore the distribution of suffering in each country and identif...
doi.org
July 29, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Some interesting research
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Colorado jumps onto lawsuit against USDA over demand for personal information of SNAP recipients
Colorado jumps onto lawsuit against USDA over demand for personal information of SNAP recipients
The federal agency has indicated it would withhold food assistance dollars from states that do not comply with its request for personal information
coloradosun.com
July 29, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Colorado jumps onto lawsuit against USDA over demand for personal information of SNAP recipients
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
NEW: The FDA is cracking down on a generic drugmaker that was the subject of a ProPublica investigation last year, citing problems with safety tests that delayed the recall of a faulty medicine linked to deaths in the U.S.
By @sheinvestigates.bsky.social
By @sheinvestigates.bsky.social
The FDA Is Cracking Down on an Indian Drugmaker Investigated by ProPublica Last Year
In a warning letter, the Food and Drug Administration said Glenmark Pharmaceuticals failed to properly investigate flaws with a generic drug that ProPublica found was linked to U.S. deaths.
www.propublica.org
July 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM
NEW: The FDA is cracking down on a generic drugmaker that was the subject of a ProPublica investigation last year, citing problems with safety tests that delayed the recall of a faulty medicine linked to deaths in the U.S.
By @sheinvestigates.bsky.social
By @sheinvestigates.bsky.social
Reposted by Kelly Ragan
Despite partial court win, Planned Parenthood of the Rockies CEO says Medicaid patients still cannot get services there, due to federal budget bill www.cpr.org/2025/07/23/i... via @codaleynews.bsky.social #copolitics
Despite partial court win, Planned Parenthood of the Rockies CEO says Medicaid patients still cannot get services there, due to federal budget bill
“This administration is coming after Planned Parenthood, regardless of what kind of solutions that are tried to attempt the bill is doing exactly what it was designed to do, which is punishing people ...
www.cpr.org
July 23, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Despite partial court win, Planned Parenthood of the Rockies CEO says Medicaid patients still cannot get services there, due to federal budget bill www.cpr.org/2025/07/23/i... via @codaleynews.bsky.social #copolitics