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This image shows treponema pallidum, the bacteria that cause syphilis. Alaska's syphilis infection rates increased by 49% over 2019 numbers, the Department of Health and Social Services reported this week. (Courtesy Photo / NIAID)

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Alaska’s syphilis infection rate increases

State records 49% more cases in 2020

Justin Richardson, a pharmacy technician with Bartlett Regional Hospital, prepares the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020. Healthcare professionals are just one group of caregivers that the Juneau Suicide Prevention Coalition and the National Alliance on Mental Illness- Juneau hopes to recognize with the opportunity for members of the public to nominate anyone in any walk of life who’s gone above and beyond during the pandemic. (Courtesy photo / Katie Bausler)

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Mental health groups hold Care for the Caregivers event

Nominess will be announced on Valentine’s Day

This image shows treponema pallidum, the bacteria that cause syphilis. (Courtesy Photo / NIAID)

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Syphilis infections are surging in Alaska

A variety of forces are leading to the increased numbers.

People wearing masks, attend a vigil for Chinese doctor Li Wenliang, in Hong Kong, Friday, Feb. 7. The death of a young doctor who was reprimanded for warning about China’s new virus triggered an outpouring Friday of praise for him and fury that communist authorities put politics above public safety. (AP Photo | Kin Cheung)

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Going viral: Coronavirus means cruise line changes, but it’s not yet in Alaska

Here’s what you need to know about novel coronavirus.

Fred Meyer advertises flu vaccinations via a banner outside its pharmacy on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Flu activity is on the rise in Alaska

Just in time for the holidays.

After news of mistreating children from Alaska and elsewhere, Montana facility closes doors

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After news of mistreating children from Alaska and elsewhere, Montana facility closes doors

One Alaska patient was already getting discharged.

Rally to push back at attempts near and far to ban abortion

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Rally to push back at attempts near and far to ban abortion

Two separate events became one.

‘Dangerous and outrageous’: Bill introduced in Alaska House would treat abortion the same as murder

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‘Dangerous and outrageous’: Bill introduced in Alaska House would treat abortion the same as murder

It’s familiar territory for David Eastman.

Keep funding the WWAMI program

Opinion

Keep funding the WWAMI program

I hope the Legislature recognizes the value that locally educated physicians add to our health care system.

Measles could be getting off the boat in Juneau

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Measles could be getting off the boat in Juneau

Rash-causing virus is the most prevalent it’s been in 25 years.

Major changes could be coming to the city’s sleep off program

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Major changes could be coming to the city’s sleep off program

Nothing’s final

Opinion: America needs a national health care system

Letters to the Editor

Opinion: America needs a national health care system

We can’t let health care costs bankrupt us.

Are hospitals in jeopardy? What about your dental care? Here’s a look at Dunleavy’s Medicaid plan

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Are hospitals in jeopardy? What about your dental care? Here’s a look at Dunleavy’s Medicaid plan

Lawmaker asks for cost analysis of sending patients out of state.

Opinion: Solving the opioid epidemic starts with cracking down on fentanyl

Opinion

Opinion: Solving the opioid epidemic starts with cracking down on fentanyl

It’s a problem we can solve with smart and proactive policy choices.

Movie night moves suicide into public focus

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Movie night moves suicide into public focus

Normalizing the mental health discussion.

Opinion: The hard truth about Medicaid expansion

Opinion

Opinion: The hard truth about Medicaid expansion

Reality check: It’s failing Alaskans.

Flu season is ramping up across the state, particularly in Alaska. Still, it’s not too late for a flu shot, saidLouisa Castrodale, epidemiologist for the Alaska Division of Public Health. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Flu cases in Alaska are way up

Experts say wash your hands and get vaccinated.

Alaska’s tobacco report card grade improves

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Alaska’s tobacco report card grade improves

It was positive, with one exception.

Tynly Booth, 8, holds still as Dr. Jessica Branco, of Juneau Pediatric Dentistry, applies a topical flouride varnish during a checkup on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion

Opinion: New study shouldn’t revive fluoridation in Juneau

Let’s focus instead on good nutrition, proper dental hygeine.

Should Juneau revisit water fluoridation? New study renews debate

News

Should Juneau revisit water fluoridation? New study renews debate

Decade-old issue flares up again.