Courtenay Harris Bond
Courtenay Harris Bond is the staff writer covering health for PhillyVoice. She enjoys writing about behavioral health, maternal health and inequities in the healthcare system, as well as human rights and criminal justice. A veteran daily newspaper reporter, Courtenay has also written for national outlets, including KFF Health News, Undark Magazine and Filter. She was a 2018 Rosalynn Carter Fellow for Mental Health Journalism and has master's degrees from Columbia Journalism School and the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education.
May 28, 2026
Illness
New drug is a potential cure for the chronic hepatitis B, scientists say
Bepirovirsen, a hepatitis B drug awaiting FDA approval, shows the promise of being a functional cure, scientists say. The drug made the hepatitis B virus undetectable within 48 weeks in 20% of patients during a pair of clinical trials.May 27, 2026
Prevention
Colorectal cancer screening guidelines now include new stool and blood tests
Updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines recommend the use of two new at-home stool tests and, for the first time, a blood test. Colonoscopies remain the gold standard, but the American Cancer Society says alternatives may help improve screening rates.May 27, 2026
Mental Health
Most college students with psychosis do not get the help they need, study finds
Psychosis can lead to confused thinking, altered behavior and hallucinations, among other symptoms. Early intervention is key for improving quality of life and preventing relapse. But the majority of college students experiencing psychosis are not getting the help they need, a new study says.May 26, 2026
Health Stories
As a child of the '80s, I got sunburn all the time. Now, I get regular check-ups for skin cancer
As a child of the 1980s, I've had my fair share of sunburns, having grown up at a time when wearing sunscreen wasn't prioritized. Here are some tips for protecting your skin and preventing skin cancer.May 26, 2026
Health News
Patients of Rittenhouse Square dentist suspended for 'unsanitary practices' are 'beside themselves,' attorney says
Patients of the Rittenhouse Square dentist whose license was suspended for unsanitary practices say they feel betrayed, a local attorney says. Patients of Smiles at Rittenhouse, run by Dr. Kirti Chopra, are being advised to undergo testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.May 22, 2026
Addiction
Philly may crack down on smoke shops that sell kratom and hemp products. But some say the proposal lacks thought
Philadelphia is considering ways to crack down on smoke shops that sell unregulated drugs, including kratom and hemp-derived products. Legislation would limit the sale of kratom and hemp-derived products, and penalize landlords that rent to smoke shops that fail to follow new restrictions.May 21, 2026
Health News
Jefferson Einstein Hospital nurses protest system's cuts to pediatric care
Nurses at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital protested planned cuts to pediatric care. Shuttering the hospital's pediatric unit and closing and transferring other local practices will make it harder for new moms and babies to get follow-up care, nurses said.May 20, 2026
Illness
Ebola poses little risk to most Americans, but people traveling to Congo should take caution, Jefferson doctor says
The Ebola outbreak poses little risk to people in the United States, but people traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda may want to reconsider their plans, a Jefferson Health doctor says.May 20, 2026
Health News
Patients of Rittenhouse dental clinic advised to be screened for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C
Philadelphia health officials are advising patients of the Smiles at Rittenhouse Square to get tested for HIV, hepatitis b and hepatitis c. The license of the dentist there has been suspended for 'unsanitary practices.'May 20, 2026
Children's Health
Children are increasingly visiting doctors for anxiety and other mental health issues, study shows
Pediatricians have seen a surge in anxiety and other mental health issues among children in recent years, a new study found. The research highlights a need for more training among pediatricians to screen and treat mental health issues.Just In
- How to watch Pope Leo's Liberty Medal address on Friday
- Suspect in SEPTA subway shooting charged with attempted murder
- Jaylen Brown issues statement after being traded to Sixers
- Police fatally shoot armed man outside St. Christopher's Hospital in North Philly
- Philly school district owes $2.8 million to former employees, city controller says
- Report: Sixers signing Anfernee Simons to two-year, $12.3 million contract
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