Rick Mayer
Health News FloridaI’m the online producer for Health News Florida, a collaboration of public radio stations and NPR that delivers news about health care issues.
This is an important position at WUSF. In 2019, the typical U.S. family spent about 11 percent of its annual income on health care, so it stands to reason issues of cost, quality, access and innovation are consequential to all Floridians. Then COVID-19 came along, and the weight of these matters gained exponentially. I take our reporting on these topics quite seriously, as I’m sure you do, too.
Literally growing up in newsrooms and a little serendipity along the way prepared me well for the post. Here’s the abridged version: I’m a Tampa guy, graduating from H.B. Plant High and thrust into the world with my USF degree rolled tightly in hand. From there, it was three mostly sleepless decades as an editor at The Tampa Tribune, then developing and managing an online journal serving physician executives. There’s also my side job editing a statewide health magazine.
And being married to a longtime hospital nurse/case manager helps; dinner conversation often gives me a feel of what’s happening on the front lines. The good and not-so-good.
Of course, my time isn’t always spent flailing in the health news vortex. You’re actually more likely to find me breaking down the Bucs, Bulls or Bolts after a game, taking Oodle the poodle to the dog park or tinkering the backroom piano while vicariously reliving my former life as a musician. (Remember, kids: Parents of percussionists have plenty of patience. Plenty!)
Contact Rick on Twitter @rmayer2361 or by email at Mayer1@wusf.org.
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The computer records at the chain's eight Florida affiliates were restored two weeks ago. Additional systems compromised are still being worked on, and the investigation into the hack is ongoing. -
The health system has been contemplating the move for months to remain competitive in Southwest Florida. The next step is finalizing a mission agreement with the Lee County Commission. -
The high court threw out a challenge to the FDA's rules on the abortion drug. A recently enacted Florida law permits use of the pill up to six weeks of gestation, but the medication must be taken in front of a doctor. -
The legislative session was highlighted by "Live Healthy" and other health projects. When the $116.5 billion budget was unveiled, it included big numbers for expectant moms, kids, mental health and cancer research. -
Noting that the appeals court recently tossed a similar ruling in Alabama, the governor says it's the state’s duty to protect children and to stand up for laws passed by elected legislators. -
USF will host the headquarters of the Global Virus Network, and Dr. Robert Gallo will join the medical school's faculty and help develop a nationally competitive virology research program. -
Primary technology is again available for Ascension's Sacred Heart and St. Vincent's providers, nearly a month after a ransomware attack forced the St. Louis-based health system to shut down its network. -
The initiative, part of a call to action by the Florida Hospital Association, aims to improve the mental health and reduce suicides of mothers before and after childbirth. -
The health system says it is making progress restoring its network. Meantime, the chain's Florida facilities are seeing patients, although delays should be expected due to the transition to paper records. -
Ascension, which runs hospitals and clinics in North Florida, is investigating whether patient data was affected. Meantime, electronic health records are down and "nonemergent" procedures are postponed.
