jbenzing, Author at PublicSource | News for a better Pittsburgh

HEALTH

Nine years after the Affordable Care Act, these Pennsylvanians struggle to afford health insurance

By Matt Petras | March 21, 2019

The Affordable Care Act [ACA], a 9-year-old overhaul to the U.S. health care system, is intended to make health insurance accessible for everyone by expanding Medicaid and making insurance easier for individuals to buy without an employer. Since its passage and a 2015 expansion of Medicaid, Pennsylvania saw big jumps in the percentage of residents covered by insurance. But there are significant gaps.

HEALTH

Alandia Heard waits for a bus downtown on the morning of Nov. 28. (Photo by Ryan Loew/PublicSource)

Pittsburgh commuters face more than frustration. Research says lengthy commutes can impact your health.

By Matt Petras | December 6, 2018

While plenty of people fret long commutes, the path from home to work isn’t only a matter of convenience. Experts say lengthy commutes can take a toll on physical health and negatively impact mood and mental health.

EDUCATION

Point Park’s counseling director is resigning over conflict with university on staffing shortage

By Matt Petras | December 15, 2017

Point Park University's director of counseling services has opened up about her resignation to PublicSource, saying that she felt ethically uncomfortable working for an institution that was not directing what she described as necessary resources to a department that can make a life-or-death difference for students.

EDUCATION

Student walking in between books in library. (Photo by Redd Angelo/ Unsplash)

How CCAC addresses mental health needs of its students

By Matt Petras | December 15, 2017

Following PublicSource’s reporting about the high demand for mental health counseling on Pittsburgh’s college campuses, some readers have asked how the Community College of Allegheny County [CCAC] handles on-campus mental health counseling.

EDUCATION

How Pittsburgh-area colleges work to meet students’ mental health needs. We surveyed eight schools about the challenges.

By Matt Petras | December 11, 2017

On the campuses of eight Pittsburgh-area colleges and universities, it’s not unusual for students to wait this long, or even longer, for therapy — though some schools did report quicker scheduling. Policies regarding access and use of campus mental health services vary among the schools, affecting how students fare and if they ever use the services at all.