A study published in Science Advances links chronic exposure to fine particulates from wildfire smoke to an average of 24,100 deaths annually in the lower 48 states from 2006 to 2020. Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine highlight the increasing threat of wildfire smoke, exacerbated by climate change and forest mismanagement, to human health. The study emphasizes the need for urgent mitigation strategies and regulation by the EPA, as PM2.5 from wildfires poses significant health risks.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has implemented a proactive scheduling model that shifts appointment coordination from patients to trained professionals, leading to improved processing and management of specialty care referrals. This approach has received positive feedback from patients and supports compliance with the Defense Health Agency's access-to-care standards. Challenges remain in tracking metrics, but the model is expanding to other departments with plans for further enhancements.

The American Red Cross at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, provides crucial CPR and first aid training to base personnel, which proved life-saving when Senior Airman Hannah Lillund used her skills to save an infant. The training, open to anyone with base access, is increasingly in demand due to recent restrictions on who can provide such training. The Red Cross trains about 700 people annually, emphasizing readiness for emergencies.

The Neural-Enabled Prosthetic Hand, developed by Florida International University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, represents a significant advancement for amputee soldiers. This innovative prosthetic integrates with the human nervous system to restore the sensation of touch, addressing the limitations of traditional prosthetics that lack feedback. By closing the sensory loop, NEPH allows users to feel grip force and hand aperture, enhancing their ability to perform tasks without visual confirmation. This breakthrough not only improves the quality of life for amputees by reducing phantom limb pain but also has potential implications for future military technology integration.

Artificial intelligence is streamlining processing of Veterans' claims at the VA and has helped reduce the claims backlog by more than 57%, according to a case study by Booz Allen Hamilton. The document processing system, based on Amazon's Textract, uses optical character recognition and machine learning to create a searchable repository of Veterans' documents, and a search function enables service representatives to filter records and find relevant information quickly.

Retired Air Force Col. Linda Spoonster Schwartz, a Vietnam War flight nurse, has dedicated her life to advocating for Veterans' health. After medically retiring in 1986, Schwartz faced challenges accessing care, which fueled her advocacy for better mental health care, employment, housing and financial assistance for Veterans, and improved access to care for women Veterans.

The Indian Health Service is subject to multiple statutes beyond HIPAA regulating how records are generated, stored and protected. Because patient-related text messages are considered federal records, the IHS cannot use text messaging for appointment reminders and care navigation and must instead use telephone calls and mail. Modernizing IHS policies could enhance care delivery, reduce administrative burdens and improve self-sufficiency within the service, writes epidemiologist Brigg Reilley, an IHS contractor.

HHS is launching a $100 million pilot program to reduce homelessness and substance use in eight cities. The funding will support integrated care systems and help people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder and mental health challenges find housing and jobs.

An analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found 79% of US adults with hypertension did not have their blood pressure within the recommended threshold of 130 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic. The study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found 61.3% of cases of uncontrolled hypertension were untreated.

Closing the gap: About two-thirds of people with uncontrolled, untreated hypertension had blood pressure within 10 mm Hg of the goal, and researchers suggested that initiating antihypertensive medication and lifestyle changes could help bring many cases into control.

Standard Registration: Secure your spot at the 2026 AMSUS Annual Meeting: Federal Healthcare: Leading the Way to a Healthier Future! Standard Registrants enjoy all the benefits the meeting has to offer. Don't miss this essential event, taking place from March 2 to 5, 2026.