Public Health
Earth Day Update: Midwest Cities Still Have Air Quality Problems
Although dangerous ozone levels have declined, an air quality study by the American Lung Association notes that soot from western wildfires remains a problem.
Inside the Sludge: How Experts Run COVID Wastewater Testing
Flatland takes you behind the scenes of a two-year project that tracks COVID in wastewater.
An Epidemic of Sleep Disorders: Here’s What KC Experts Suggest
Sleep disorders are rising, more now than ever before. Learn why experts say it’s important to connect the dots between sleep, health and mental wellness.
In Kansas City, LGBTQ+ Support Systems Are Emerging Slowly
Kansas City has made progress in terms of making itself a more welcoming place for the LGBTQ community. But progress has been painfully slow, and may be at risk.
‘Time Bomb’ Lead Pipes Set to be Removed. But First Water Utilities Have to Find Them
Water utilities have never been required to thoroughly inventory lead pipes except in a crisis. Health experts warn problems with these ‘underground poisonous straws’ can arise out of the blue
curiousKC | Answers to COVID Questions You Need to Know
Bookmark Flatland’s curiousKC FAQ, where we answer your questions about COVID-19.
Known to be Toxic for a Century, Lead Still Poisons Thousands of Midwestern Kids
Researchers say even a small amount of lead can harm kids’ development. One 2021 study found Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri had some of the highest rates of elevated blood lead levels in children.
curiousKC | How Do We Navigate Politics and Health?
Here’s a round-up of stories that give a birds-eye look at what community leaders are doing to educate, empower and keep people healthy.
curiousKC | What Stories Do You Want to See About Health Care?
Next up, Flatland’s team focuses on the questions you want to know about health care. See our previous coverage and write to us here.
What to Know About the New Surprise Medical Bills Law
The No Surprises Act took effect Jan. 1, 2022, and you may be surprised what it will, and won’t, do to prevent surprise medical bills.