Welcome to the start of a new week. Looks like a slight chance of showers but then sunny most of the day. Times will hit the low 70s.
It’s been a big week for John Fetterman.
He is set to return to the US Senate today after spending 44 days in hospital treating an episode of severe depression. This duration is approximately four times longer than the typical stay for a person admitted for the first time for treatment of depression.
Our lead article analyzes state data to compare its treatment to that of the average Pennsylvanian.
If you see this 🔑 in today’s newsletter, it means we’re highlighting our exclusive journalism. You must be a subscriber to read these stories.
—Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen[email protected])
Most people don’t benefit from the long duration of treatment that John Fetterman was able to receive.
Factors that contribute to length of stay include severity of symptoms, other medical conditions, or insurance.
But Fetterman is a famous patient. which often leads to special care and privilege.
Notable quote: “It shouldn’t be something only a senator can get,” said a senior Fetterman aide. “It shouldn’t be something that’s a luxury, it should become the norm and it’s something he’s going to fight for.”
The Inquirer analyzed state data on the 42,000 hospital stays for depression in 2021, the most recent year available.
How hospital stays in Pennsylvania are usually like:
-
The average hospital stay is 10 days. Patients who have had previous episodes, children under 18, and adults 60 and older stay a little longer, for 13 days. Fetterman stayed for about six weeks.
-
Young adults aged 18-39 most likely to be admitted for depression — representing 40% hospital admissions statewide. men in their fifties, like Fetterman, accounted for about 6% of admissions.
-
Just like Fetterman, 90% of patients go home after discharge. The end of a hospital stay is often followed by therapy or medication.
Read on to learn more about the average treatment experience.
When you’re done, we’ve got a full timeline of Fetterman’s health journey, from his stroke to his hospitalization for depression.
What you need to know today
Spurred on by a conversation in a teacher’s African-American history class, two high school students dreamed up Northeast High School’s first Afro Day.
Several dozen students simply wore their hair as it was and gathered for a photo to commemorate it. They swapped stories times when they felt judged, like when their families interviewed their decision to forgo chemicals and go natural or when someone came and touched their hair without permission.
Notable quote: “You have to learn to love your hair, because if you don’t, who will? I used to be so insecure. But now I’m too confident – you can’t stop me,” said Amia Harris, 16, laughing.
The day was all about hair, but also about power, community and love.
Personal note: I wish I had their point of view when I was in high school. I only reached this level of acceptance as an adult. I deeply respect this proclamation of self-love.
Keep reading to hear from the two high school kids who created the local vacation.
🧠 Time Trivia 🧠
What is the name of the sport once known as quidditch?
A) Quadball
B) Triball
C) Qualification
D) Trick question. There is no new name
You think you know? Discover
What was…
📰 Reading: The sixth in a series of profiles on top mayoral candidates. This episode stars Allan Domb.
📺 Watch: Last night Love is blind reunion special. But it was a struggle. There were a lot of technical difficulties.
🧩 Decipher the anagram 🧩
Hint: coffee ☕
BLAME COLO
We will randomly select a reader to shout out here. Send us your own original anagram to decipher if you wish. Write to us if you know the answer. Kudos to Carrie Lawlor, who correctly guessed Sunday’s answer: Down the Shore.
Photo of the day
Thank you for starting your week with The Inquirer. I start the day with Trina’s Tiny Desk Concert on a loop. I’ll catch you tomorrow ☀️.