Health

Yesterday, Leprino Foods Company hosted an official opening ceremony at a new facility, expected to bring $10 billion to the Lubbock economy over the next 10 years. Meanwhile in central Texas, bird flu continues to spread. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies has more from Texas Parks and Wildlife on recommended steps for protection.

Much of north and west Texas is expecting winter weather and potential snowfall this week. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren spoke with TxDOT about how drivers can stay safe. Cold weather can also be brutal for people with disabilities. Texas Public Radio’s Jackie Velez shares tips on how to prepare.

The priorities identified by the Community Health Needs Assessment and the Community Health Improvement Plan are access to health care; mental health, substance use and homelessness; addressing chronic conditions; STIs and teen pregnancy; and improved coordination of information services and resources. Last month, Lubbock Public Health’s director presented the reports before city council, but after pushback from representatives, the vote to approve was rescheduled to Jan. 14.

Water conditions and potential infrastructure are expected to be major topics in the upcoming legislative session, as drought conditions span the state. In the New Year, fitness resolutions are popular. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more from a local physician on how to stay committed to those goals.

More than five dozen groups — including United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the Tarrant Area Food Bank — wrote in support of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's request for $300 million to improve processing times for Medicaid and SNAP applications.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that more than 93,000 Texans who have served are eligible for healthcare benefits, but unenrolled. The VA is encouraging veterans exposed to blasts during their service to pursue care. And our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on Lubbock Animal Services' donation campaign and advice for pet owners this holiday season.

Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider has more on opposition to a potential statewide THC ban from Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. ERCOT's meteorologist has predicted an elevated chance of a severe weather event this winter, with patterns similar to those from 2021.

Almost half of Texas counties have nowhere to get prenatal care, let alone deliver a baby. This plan offers legislative proposals to shore up what’s left.

Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on a Texas committee's announcement to skip over investigating pregnancy related deaths for the years 2022 and 2023. Coffee with the Mayor, hosted by Lubbock mayor Mark McBrayer and District 3 councilman David Glasheen, will be tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. at the Market Street at 3405 50th Street.

A challenge to the Texas law that outlaws abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected could be dismissed after a ruling from the state's Supreme Court, KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center has provided an update on the security breaches that took place in September. More information can be found at ttuhscinfo.com or by calling the assistance line at 1-866-902-1996.