Health

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.

Our reporter Bishop Van Buren reports on this year's Alzheimer's Symposium from the Garrison Institute on Aging and its focus on caregivers. When it comes to children, climate change-driven weather disasters, such as wildfires, can have a big impact on their health. Lubbock Public Health is hosting a vaccine clinic for uninsured children and children receiving Medicaid or CHIP from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lubbock Public Health building at 2015 50th Street.

Modeled after the state’s $6 billion cancer research fund, the dementia fund — a legislative priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — could pump hundreds of millions of dollars into Texas researchers.

Health and Human Services data shows an encouraging decline in north Texas related to the opioid epidemic. KERA's Marina Trahan Martinez reports that so far this year, local deaths involving fentanyl use are trending down. And Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider says the Texas Senate is looking at how to protect the state’s power grid against worst-case scenarios.

Although Texas counties are not required to provide ambulance services, many are digging deep to pay for their own fleet or to contract out services.

Today is the last day to register for the Garrison Institute on Aging's Alzheimer's Awareness Symposium. Our Samantha Larned says this year’s free event has a focus on the family members acting as caregivers. You can RSVP by calling 806-743-7821 or visiting TTUHSC's website. KERA's Pablo Arauz Peña has more on estimates that Texas’ population reached 30.5 million people this year.

Our reporter Olivia O'Rand has more on recommendations from a local health expert on using Breast Cancer Awareness month to encourage people to take control of their health. Tomorrow morning, Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer is hosting Coffee with the Mayor alongside District 2 Councilman Gordon Harris at 7 a.m. at the Mae Simmons Community Center.

The Texas Tech Innovation Hub recently hosted Red Raider Startup, a competition where teams pitched their ideas for a chance to win a thousand dollars while networking and gaining valuable experience in the process.

Lubbock has a busy weekend ahead and our team has a rundown of events happening across the city this Saturday. Click here for more information.

Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on the incoming chief of Lubbock Fire Rescue following his confirmation at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. And Lubbock Public Health announced the city's first human death from the West Nile Virus.