Myra Batchelder
@myrabatchelder.bsky.social
Policy. Advocacy. Public Health.
Health Equity. SRHRJ. COVID-19.
New Yorker. Midwesterner.
She/her.
Health Equity. SRHRJ. COVID-19.
New Yorker. Midwesterner.
She/her.
Pinned
Husband wins Ohio lottery scratch-off, plans to cover wife's cancer treatment
A husband who won a $500,000 scratch-off ticket in Ohio, and said he planned to pay off his wife's medical debt for her cancer treatment.
www.freep.com
"Husband wins Ohio lottery scratch-off, plans to cover wife's cancer treatment"
The United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and should provide universal healthcare.
No one should have to win the lottery to afford cancer treatment.
www.freep.com/story/money/...
The United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and should provide universal healthcare.
No one should have to win the lottery to afford cancer treatment.
www.freep.com/story/money/...
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
People keep telling me that private insurance providers will keep covering preventative care like vaccines because it costs them less in the long run—but I grew up in the before times. As in the times before the ACA.
Before the ACA, insurance companies didn't cover a ton of preventative care even though the long-term effects resulted in sicker people. It's part of why the ACA had to mandate it.
December 6, 2025 at 10:50 AM
People keep telling me that private insurance providers will keep covering preventative care like vaccines because it costs them less in the long run—but I grew up in the before times. As in the times before the ACA.
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
It could take decades to recover from where we are.
My teen, who had dreamt of being an astrophysicist, just told me he wants to go to law school because, “Science isn’t going to be a priority in the US in the future…I don’t want a job where I’ll be constantly worried my funding will be taken away.”
Gutting. How many future scientists have we lost?
Gutting. How many future scientists have we lost?
December 7, 2025 at 5:49 AM
It could take decades to recover from where we are.
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
If you've earned student debt cancellation—after over 20 years of payments—you could get hit with a MASSIVE tax bill.
The Trump Administration should stop this “tax bomb” for working-class families NOW.
The Trump Administration should stop this “tax bomb” for working-class families NOW.
November 13, 2025 at 4:33 PM
If you've earned student debt cancellation—after over 20 years of payments—you could get hit with a MASSIVE tax bill.
The Trump Administration should stop this “tax bomb” for working-class families NOW.
The Trump Administration should stop this “tax bomb” for working-class families NOW.
“Young and middle-age adults who had at least one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine were less likely to die of any cause in the following 4 years compared with those who weren't vaccinated, a nationwide French cohort study found.”
www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdi...
www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdi...
COVID Shots Tied to a Lower Risk of Death From Any Cause
Advantage held even after removing coronavirus-related deaths from the mix
www.medpagetoday.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:25 AM
“Young and middle-age adults who had at least one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine were less likely to die of any cause in the following 4 years compared with those who weren't vaccinated, a nationwide French cohort study found.”
www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdi...
www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdi...
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital studied 18 fetuses from women infected with COVID-19 and found SARS-CoV-2 in at least 32 fetal organs, including thymus, thyroid, and intestine.
The virus triggered immune imbalance and DNA damage.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
The virus triggered immune imbalance and DNA damage.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in fetal organs via intraamniotic infection - Nature Communications
Infection with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy may result in maternal and fetal complications. Here, the authors analyze 18 fetuses following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and identify distribution in fet...
www.nature.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital studied 18 fetuses from women infected with COVID-19 and found SARS-CoV-2 in at least 32 fetal organs, including thymus, thyroid, and intestine.
The virus triggered immune imbalance and DNA damage.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
The virus triggered immune imbalance and DNA damage.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
Long #COVID takes $1 trillion global economic toll each year, analysis suggests
Study looks at COVID’s impact on national economies, healthcare systems, labor markets, and quality of life.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Study looks at COVID’s impact on national economies, healthcare systems, labor markets, and quality of life.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
November 24, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Long #COVID takes $1 trillion global economic toll each year, analysis suggests
Study looks at COVID’s impact on national economies, healthcare systems, labor markets, and quality of life.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Study looks at COVID’s impact on national economies, healthcare systems, labor markets, and quality of life.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
While all U.S. COVID-19 metrics remain at low-to-moderate levels as of mid-November, wastewater data show clear signs of this year’s winter wave getting started in the Northeast and Midwest.
Read @betsyladyzhets.bsky.social's full COVID-19 trends report at The Sick Times: bit.ly/4pgWQaD
Read @betsyladyzhets.bsky.social's full COVID-19 trends report at The Sick Times: bit.ly/4pgWQaD
December 3, 2025 at 11:05 PM
While all U.S. COVID-19 metrics remain at low-to-moderate levels as of mid-November, wastewater data show clear signs of this year’s winter wave getting started in the Northeast and Midwest.
Read @betsyladyzhets.bsky.social's full COVID-19 trends report at The Sick Times: bit.ly/4pgWQaD
Read @betsyladyzhets.bsky.social's full COVID-19 trends report at The Sick Times: bit.ly/4pgWQaD
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
Reminder: It's never too late to start wearing a mask again
December 3, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Reminder: It's never too late to start wearing a mask again
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
The layered approach is the best way to reduce your chances of getting #COVID19. It's not just one mitigation. Layering multiple mitigations will help prevent you getting it or spreading it: masking, distancing, going virtual, air purifiers, ventilation, Far-UVC, and vaccines all add up.
November 24, 2025 at 8:26 PM
The layered approach is the best way to reduce your chances of getting #COVID19. It's not just one mitigation. Layering multiple mitigations will help prevent you getting it or spreading it: masking, distancing, going virtual, air purifiers, ventilation, Far-UVC, and vaccines all add up.
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
Why do babies need the hepatitis B vaccine if they aren’t high-risk?
Short answer: Because hepatitis B is a tricky virus.
Longer answer: Continue reading ⬇️
🧵1/9 @kkjetelina.bsky.social @meganranney.bsky.social @jasonlschwartz.bsky.social @enirenberg.bsky.social
Short answer: Because hepatitis B is a tricky virus.
Longer answer: Continue reading ⬇️
🧵1/9 @kkjetelina.bsky.social @meganranney.bsky.social @jasonlschwartz.bsky.social @enirenberg.bsky.social
February 19, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Why do babies need the hepatitis B vaccine if they aren’t high-risk?
Short answer: Because hepatitis B is a tricky virus.
Longer answer: Continue reading ⬇️
🧵1/9 @kkjetelina.bsky.social @meganranney.bsky.social @jasonlschwartz.bsky.social @enirenberg.bsky.social
Short answer: Because hepatitis B is a tricky virus.
Longer answer: Continue reading ⬇️
🧵1/9 @kkjetelina.bsky.social @meganranney.bsky.social @jasonlschwartz.bsky.social @enirenberg.bsky.social
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
2️⃣ Hepatitis B virus requires only a very tiny dose to cause infections, which means that even though it is bloodborne and sexually transmitted, it can be spread casually, like through sharing a toothbrush or even through being bitten by an infected person (such as at daycare).
4/9
4/9
February 19, 2025 at 2:46 PM
2️⃣ Hepatitis B virus requires only a very tiny dose to cause infections, which means that even though it is bloodborne and sexually transmitted, it can be spread casually, like through sharing a toothbrush or even through being bitten by an infected person (such as at daycare).
4/9
4/9
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
@npr it’s not a principle. It is a constitutional guarantee.
The Supreme Court will ultimately decide whether to uphold the longstanding principle that grants citizenship to the children of non-citizens born in the U.S., following a legal challenge by the Trump administration. n.pr/48E1oko
Supreme Court agrees to hear arguments in birthright citizenship challenge
The Supreme Court will ultimately decide whether to uphold the longstanding principle that grants citizenship to the children of non-citizens born in the U.S., following a legal challenge by the Trump administration.
n.pr
December 5, 2025 at 8:10 PM
@npr it’s not a principle. It is a constitutional guarantee.
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
" … while my staff and I were on our way to get lunch, we encountered an ICE raid taking place at one of my favorite local restaurants … While I am fine, if that is the way they treat me, how are they treating other community members who do not have the same privileges and protections that I do?”
“When I presented myself as a Member of Congress and asked for more information, my staff and I were pushed aside and pepper-sprayed by masked agents,” says Rep. Grijalva: www.fox10phoenix.com/news/az-rep-...
AZ Rep. Adelita Grijalva says she was pepper sprayed during Tucson ICE raid
Grijalva says the incident happened on Dec. 5 at a Taco Giro restaurant on the west side of the city.
www.fox10phoenix.com
December 5, 2025 at 10:10 PM
" … while my staff and I were on our way to get lunch, we encountered an ICE raid taking place at one of my favorite local restaurants … While I am fine, if that is the way they treat me, how are they treating other community members who do not have the same privileges and protections that I do?”
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
“She showed up as scheduled, and when she arrived, officers were asking everyone what country they were from, and if they said a certain country, they were told to step out of line and that their oath ceremonies were canceled.”
www.wgbh.org/news/local/2... @gbhnews.bsky.social
www.wgbh.org/news/local/2... @gbhnews.bsky.social
Immigrants kept from Faneuil Hall citizenship ceremony as feds crackdown nationwide
Trump administration is pausing naturalizations for immigrants from 19 countries.
www.wgbh.org
December 5, 2025 at 10:56 PM
“She showed up as scheduled, and when she arrived, officers were asking everyone what country they were from, and if they said a certain country, they were told to step out of line and that their oath ceremonies were canceled.”
www.wgbh.org/news/local/2... @gbhnews.bsky.social
www.wgbh.org/news/local/2... @gbhnews.bsky.social
All internships should be paid.
December 5, 2025 at 11:25 PM
All internships should be paid.
Remote paid summer internship opportunity for college rising juniors & seniors who are passionate about expanding health care access!
Remote 2-month Summer internship for rising college juniors/seniors. $5,000 stipend + hands-on experience expanding health access. Apply: https://nationalhealthlawprogram.applytojob.com/apply/dmIGqx5taW/Mission-Advancement-Team-Intern-Summer-2026?source=Our%20Career%20Page%20Widget
Mission Advancement Team Intern - Summer 2026 - National Health Law Program - Career Page
Apply to Mission Advancement Team Intern - Summer 2026 at National Health Law Program in Remote.
nationalhealthlawprogram.applytojob.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Remote paid summer internship opportunity for college rising juniors & seniors who are passionate about expanding health care access!
More special elections coming up this month!
"This guide starts on Dec. 2 in Georgia, New Jersey and Tennessee, and continues on Dec. 9 in Florida, Georgia (again), and New Mexico. Then, we’re watching runoffs in Texas on Dec. 13, and special legislative elections in Kentucky on Dec. 16 and Iowa on Dec. 30." 👀
boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
The 25 Elections to Watch This December - Bolts
On the heels of their sweeping wins in November, Democrats have opportunities to gain further ground in December runoffs and special elections. They’re hoping for upsets in conservative territory, fro...
boltsmag.org
December 5, 2025 at 11:13 PM
More special elections coming up this month!
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
"the USPS is a miracle. it's in the constitution. for the price of a single stamp you can send a letter across the country, from Hawaii to Maine. Trump is trying to take that away from you. He's attacking Christmas cards and wedding invitations. It's un-American and it has to stop."
February 21, 2025 at 10:32 PM
"the USPS is a miracle. it's in the constitution. for the price of a single stamp you can send a letter across the country, from Hawaii to Maine. Trump is trying to take that away from you. He's attacking Christmas cards and wedding invitations. It's un-American and it has to stop."
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
More than 100 activists marched on the White House, denouncing the Trump-Vance administration for gutting HIV/AIDS programs and ignoring World AIDS Day altogether. Read the full article here ▶️
HIV/AIDS activists block intersection near White House
World AIDS Day provided backdrop for calls to fully fund PEPFAR
buff.ly
December 5, 2025 at 9:26 PM
More than 100 activists marched on the White House, denouncing the Trump-Vance administration for gutting HIV/AIDS programs and ignoring World AIDS Day altogether. Read the full article here ▶️
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
Rep. Grijalva says she was pepper-sprayed by ICE
December 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Rep. Grijalva says she was pepper-sprayed by ICE
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
It wasn’t until I visited the homes of some of my friends in college I realized how many different levels there are between middle class, upper middle class, and “billionaire.”
December 5, 2025 at 4:15 PM
It wasn’t until I visited the homes of some of my friends in college I realized how many different levels there are between middle class, upper middle class, and “billionaire.”
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
There’s a difference between being economically anxious and poverty, even in high cost/high income cities.
As somebody who grew up in actual for-real poverty and is now well off, this conversion is so tone deaf. Here's a list of things my kids get that I couldn't afford as a kid:
1) New clothes
2) Heat in the winter
3) Fresh fruit
4) Cable television
5) Backpacks
6) School supplies
7) Liquid milk
8) Etc.
1) New clothes
2) Heat in the winter
3) Fresh fruit
4) Cable television
5) Backpacks
6) School supplies
7) Liquid milk
8) Etc.
3/ $140,000 in many urban areas in the US is a family income that is at least precarious, and at worst, one or two missed paychecks from having to make rent-or-food choice.
To the details...
Fed., state, and FICA taxes take almost $34K. Health insurance on MA's ACA mkt: $18K...
To the details...
Fed., state, and FICA taxes take almost $34K. Health insurance on MA's ACA mkt: $18K...
December 5, 2025 at 4:04 PM
There’s a difference between being economically anxious and poverty, even in high cost/high income cities.
Vaccines save lives.
December 5, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Vaccines save lives.
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
The hepatitis B vaccine had been recommended for all newborns since 1991.
From 1990-2019, acute hepatitis B infections reported among children and teens fell 99 percent. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/w...
From 1990-2019, acute hepatitis B infections reported among children and teens fell 99 percent. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/w...
Breaking: After contentious debates and three failed attempts at a vote, a federal vaccine committee decided on Friday to end the decades-long recommendation that all newborns be immunized at birth against hepatitis B.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/h...
An End to Hepatitis B Shots for All Newborns
www.nytimes.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The hepatitis B vaccine had been recommended for all newborns since 1991.
From 1990-2019, acute hepatitis B infections reported among children and teens fell 99 percent. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/w...
From 1990-2019, acute hepatitis B infections reported among children and teens fell 99 percent. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/w...
Reposted by Myra Batchelder
You know what does increase the risk of an early miscarriage, though? COVID does.
The new chair of a key federal vaccine panel claimed recently that people who get a COVID-19 shot in their first trimester of pregnancy will likely miscarry — a debunked rumor that circulated online years ago.
Do COVID-19 vaccines increase the chances of an early miscarriage? No.
The new head of a CDC vaccine panel has repeated the debunked claim as recently as October.
19thnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 3:59 PM
You know what does increase the risk of an early miscarriage, though? COVID does.