Local school board members are on the frontline of what is a health crisis at its core. Some school board members and superintendents across the state speak of a tough spot they’re put in. Some convey a message of confidence that things will be under control soon but others question why public health officials are not making these decisions in the middle of a resurging global pandemic.

The U.S. was dealing with a shortage of nurses even before the pandemic. Now, with COVID-19 hospitalizations rising once again, there’s concern that nurses on the frontlines are at even greater risk of burnout.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful on everyone, but health care workers may be affected more than anyone. Some nurses are burnt out and planning to leave the profession. Meanwhile, colleges are preparing new graduates to take their place — and deal with the pressures of the job.

Rural health experts are calling on trusted agricultural leaders — like farmers and ranchers — to use their understanding of science and nudge vaccine-hesitant neighbors to roll up their sleeves.

These attacks can lead to significant delays in care for already overburdened or rural hospitals.

Side Effects Public Media reviewed the latest research on the virus and the delta variant, and spoke to Richard Kuhn, to address some of the most common bits of misinformation about COVID-19 circulating online lately.

Transferring critically ill patients is becoming increasingly difficult, according to hospital leaders, government officials and industry advocates. Patients are spending hours — or sometimes days — in rural hospital emergency rooms waiting for an ambulance.

Members of the Indiana Two-Way and the Midwest Checkup asked us about the delta variant and its future effect on Indiana. To join the Indiana Two-Way, text “Indiana” to 73224. To join the Midwest Check-up, text “health” to 73224.

Sheila Muhammad tested positive for HIV more than 30 years ago and her life quickly changed. But as the years passed, attitudes and treatments of HIV changed. Muhammad spoke with Side Effects Public Media about the power in education and understanding of the virus.

The CDC reported the first case of HIV 40 years ago. Since then, health officials and advocates learned much more about the virus and how to prevent it. But Black women are being infected at unusually high rates. Outreach organizations are working to change that.

The ACLU of Indiana has filed three new lawsuits in federal court on behalf of prisoners at the Miami Correctional Facility alleging cruel and unusual punishment. The filings follow six other federal lawsuits from earlier this year.

Indiana drew national attention for an HIV outbreak in 2015 — mostly tied to drug use. But there’s a hidden HIV epidemic among another group of people — Black women, who are being diagnosed with HIV at disproportionately high rates.