Middle-aged whites account for one-third of U.S. suicides

Modern Healthcare

  • Middle-aged white people now account for one-third of all suicides in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide is the nation’s 10th leading cause of death, and the overall rate rose 24% in 15 years. “The findings in this report are extremely concerning,” said Nadine Kaslow, a researcher at Emory University and past president of the American Psychological Association. The report does not try to answer why certain trends occur. But other experts speculate that middle age can be a particularly hard time for whites, who—compared with some other racial and ethnic groups—often don’t have as many supportive relationships with friends, family or religious communities.

  • New York-Presbyterian Hospital agreed to pay $2.2 million to settle allegations that it violated Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy rules by allowing the crew of the documentary TV show “NY Med” to film patients without their consent. HHS’ Office for Civil Rights found that the hospital allowed the crew to film a dying patient and another in major distress even after a medical provider urged the crew to stop. It also alleged that the hospital gave the crew “virtually unfettered” hospital access, creating a situation in which patient information could not be protected. The Office for Civil Rights will also monitor the hospital for two years to ensure HIPAA compliance. The hospital denied any privacy violations in connection with the filming, and said in a statement that it took part in the show to help educate the public about care complexities and the challenges providers face.

  • Drugmaker Perrigo won’t confirm whether its CEO will take the top job at troubled Valeant Pharmaceuticals. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Valeant is finalizing a contract with Perrigo Chairman and CEO Joseph Papa and could announce the hire this week. Perrigo said it would not comment on “speculation or market rumor.” Valeant is under scrutiny for its strategy of buying small drugmakers, then raising prices sharply on older, off-patent drugs. In March, Valeant said it would replace CEO Michael Pearson after billions evaporated from the company’s worth.
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