Drew Hawkins
Public Health Reporter, Gulf States NewsroomDrew Hawkins is the public health reporter for the Gulf States Newsroom, a collaboration among public radio stations in Louisiana (WWNO and WRKF), Alabama (WBHM) and Mississippi (MPB-Mississippi Public Broadcasting) and NPR. He covers stories related to health care access and outcomes across the region, with a focus on the social factors that drive disparities.
Before joining the team, Drew freelanced for multiple outlets including The Guardian, Scalawag Magazine, Louisiana Illuminator, Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting, LitHub, and others.
Drew was born in Lafayette, grew up in LaPlace and moved to Ponchatoula after Katrina. He studied creative writing at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA), and earned degrees at LSU in Baton Rouge. In short, he is a proud product of South Louisiana.
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Federal funding has helped states like Alabama and Mississippi make strides in fighting the HIV epidemic. Doctors and advocates are worried about the future. -
The bill, introduced by state Rep. Travis Johnson, calls for improved information for patients and a comprehensive audit of the state’s resources for care. -
Legislation to impose additional fines on people convicted of sexual assault is moving through the Louisiana Legislature amid federal cuts to the centers. -
While the event has been criticized for its controversial and dangerous events, it also offers a chance for participants to connect to the outside world. -
SB 2 proponents presented unfounded links between the levels of fluoride in drinking water and autism, low IQ and thyroid problems at the hearing. The bill is strongly opposed by health experts and dentists. -
Although most abortions remain illegal in Alabama, the decision allows doctors and advocacy groups to tell patients about abortion options in other states, and help with travel and other costs -
A federal judge ruled that Alabama cannot prosecute people who cross state lines to help someone get abortion care.
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The measures, which include closing a stretch of Bourbon Street to vehicular traffic, were met with concern from some who feel their voices haven’t been heard. -
Like New Orleans, the small village of Schaijk in the Netherlands is also celebrating Carnaval on Tuesday — and making an update to a centuries-old tradition. -
Trevor Malosh’s heart surgery was finally on the books after months of negotiations with his insurance company and the hospital. Then, another setback happened.
