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Erin McGroarty

@erinmcgroarty.bsky.social
236 followers 238 following 171 posts

Health and policy for @captimes.com | 2026 National Fellow @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social | 2025 IWMF Ukraine fellow | @uwethics.bsky.social board member | Bylines: Wisconsin Watch, Poynter, Chicago Reader. Signal: erinmcgroarty.608

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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 4h
Fourteen months after President Donald Trump’s administration ended a specialized 988 option for LGBTQ+ callers, the suicide prevention and crisis hotline resumed its “press 3” option on Sept. 30. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
LGBTQ+ 988 line returns more than a year after Trump ended it
In July 2025, the Trump administration ended the ‘Press 3’ option for LGBTQ+ callers seeking counseling from 988. This option resumed Sept. 30.
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Reposted by Erin McGroarty
USC Center for Health Journalism @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Read 2026 National Fellow @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social's "Deadly Divide" series, a @captimes.com investigation on Wisconsin's Black infant mortality crisis. captimes.com/deadly-divid... #USCNationalFellows #ASCJ #HealthJournalism #HealthReporting #InfantMortality
captimes.com
Deadly Divide: Investigating Wisconsin's Black infant mortality crisis
Wisconsin has one of the highest death rates among Black babies in the U.S. "Deadly Divide" is a Cap Times investigation of the racial gap in survival rates and efforts to close the divide.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Deadly Divide is my investigative project for @captimes.com examining Wisconsin's notoriously high rate of Black infant deaths. This reporting was supported by a national fellowship from @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social. captimes.com/deadly-divid...
captimes.com
Deadly Divide: Investigating Wisconsin's Black infant mortality crisis
Wisconsin has one of the highest death rates among Black babies in the U.S. "Deadly Divide" is a Cap Times investigation of the racial gap in survival rates and efforts to close the divide.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Ever wanted to hear from the country's first Black woman White House photographer, learn emergency first aid or hear how to prepare for reporting in unsafe situations? It's not too late to register for the two-day Photojournalism Summit at this year's Cap Times Idea Fest! captimesideafest.com
captimesideafest.com
Cap Times Idea Fest — Sept. 18-27 in Madison
Tickets on sale now for sessions with leaders from the realms of government, business, research, education, social justice and culture.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Thrilled to announce that I'm one of four U.S. journalists selected by @healthjournalism.org (The Association of Health Care Journalists) to travel to the Netherlands this November to study what the United States can learn from the Dutch healthcare system. healthjournalism.org/blog/2026/09...
healthjournalism.org
AHCJ selects four journalists for 2026 Netherlands Health Care Study Group
The study group will spend a week in the Netherlands examining health care models that could offer lessons for the U.S.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Excited to moderate a panel on covering civil unrest and protest movements for this conference. Stay tuned and register today!
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A huge thank you to @wisconsinwatch.org for picking up the second story in my series Deadly Divide, investigating Wisconsin's ongoing Black infant mortality crisis: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...
wisconsinwatch.org
How a fight to save Wisconsin’s Black babies keeps hitting a dead end
Five women in Wisconsin’s Black Caucus have a mission to end the state’s infant mortality crisis. They can’t get a hearing.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Earlier this summer I sat down with all five women of Wisconsin's Legislative Black Caucus to talk about the state's Black infant mortality crisis and their efforts in the Capitol to shrink these disparities. For these lawmakers, the mission is personal: captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
How a fight to save Wisconsin's Black babies keeps hitting a dead end
Black Caucus members Shelia Stubbs, LaTonya Johnson, Margaret Arney, Sequanna Taylor and Dora Drake are on a mission to end the infant mortality crisis.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Thank you to @milwaukeenns.org for picking up the first story in my series Deadly Divide, investigating Wisconsin's ongoing Black infant mortality crisis: milwaukeenns.org/2026/09/13/w...
milwaukeenns.org
Wisconsin’s Black infant mortality crisis is harming generations
Wisconsin has long had one of the highest rates of Black babies dying before their first birthdays. Neither family income nor education explains it.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A big thank you to @wisconsinwatch.org for picking up the first story in my series Deadly Divide, investigating Wisconsin's ongoing Black infant mortality crisis: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...
wisconsinwatch.org
‘Too many funerals’: Wisconsin’s Black infant mortality crisis is harming generations
Wisconsin has long had one of the highest rates of Black babies dying before their first birthdays. Neither family income nor education explains the disparity.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Today I published the first installment of Deadly Divide, an investigation into Wisconsin's ongoing Black infant mortality crisis. A huge thank you to @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social for supporting this work with a national fellowship. Read it here: captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
Wisconsin’s Black infant mortality crisis is harming generations
Wisconsin has one of the highest rates of Black babies dying before their first birthday. Neither family income nor education explains the disparity.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
In an exciting new addition, @captimes.com Idea Fest this year will include a two-day Photojournalism Summit on Sept. 24 and 25, organized by the incomparable Ruthie Hauge. Registration is open! Student coupon code for a discount is PJSTUDENT captimesideafest.com/2026-fest/ca...
captimesideafest.com
Schedule - Cap Times Idea Fest 2026
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The surge of measles cases in Southwestern Wisconsin continues to climb. What was 15 confirmed cases last week is 36 confirmed cases and 3 probably cases today, according to state health officials. The cases have been confirmed in residents of Layatette, Iowa and Grant counties.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
I'm investigating Wisconsin’s ongoing Black infant mortality crisis with the support of a national fellowship from @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social. Help craft this series by filling out this survey: captimes.com/wisconsin-bl...
captimes.com
Wisconsin Black babies are at risk. Help the Cap Times tell this story.
Cap Times reporter Erin McGroarty is investigating Wisconsin’s Black infant mortality crisis. A brief survey lets you add your voice.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
You can take the girl out of political reporting but some habits just stick. After launching my health beat last year, I stayed home last night for the first election since starting my career close to 10 years ago. I ended up staying up until midnight to watch the results anyway.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
The average salary in the Madison area is just under $71,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found the average salary in Dane County was $77,276 for 2025. From Madison culture reporter Ashley Rodriguez: captimes.com/entertainmen...
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed two cases of measles; one in a resident of Iowa County and one in a resident of Lafayette County. These are the third and fourth cases of measles confirmed in Wisconsin so far in 2026.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Hundreds of nurses at 10 SSM Health Dean Medical Group outpatient clinics across Dane County filed Monday morning for a union election, saying they want a stronger voice in decision making. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
Nurses at SSM Health Dean clinics file for union election
About 380 nurses from 10 Dean Medical Group outpatient clinics in Dane County are seeking union certification.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
BREAKING: 380 nurses at 10 SSM Health Dean Medical Group outpatient clinics in Madison filed for a union election this morning. If they succeed, they will be represented by @seiuwis.bsky.social. This follows the nurses union election win at SSM Health's St. Mary's Hospital in June. Story to come.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
BREAKING: The Wisconsin Department of Justice says Kiel Baitinger-Peterson is the Madison police officer who shot and killed Corey Ruiz on July 22. Baitinger-Peterson has nearly 11 years of law enforcement experience, the DOJ says. More to come at captimes.com.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
The appeal seeks review of a July 22 ruling by Jennifer Hadsall, the Minneapolis-based regional director for National Labor Relations Board Region 18, which includes Wisconsin. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
SSM Health appeals certification of St. Mary’s union vote
The owner of St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison is asking the National Labor Relations Board to overturn a decision to certify the nurses’ union election.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
With the support of a national fellowship from @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social, I am spending the next few months investigating Wisconsin’s Black infant mortality crisis for @captimes.com. If you have insights to share, please fill out this survey or share with others. captimes.com/wisconsin-bl...
captimes.com
Wisconsin Black babies are at risk. Help the Cap Times tell this story.
Cap Times reporter Erin McGroarty is investigating Wisconsin’s Black infant mortality crisis. A brief survey lets you add your voice.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Soon after Corey Ruiz was killed by Madison police, candles and flowers covered the corner of Williamson and Baldwin. After his blood was scrubbed away, neighbors gathered there to demand answers and remember the man beyond the circumstances of his death. captimes.com/news/governm...
captimes.com
Madison faces familiar pain, questions a week after police shooting
An officer shot and killed Corey Ruiz July 22, prompting memorials, protests, closures, investigations and renewed scrutiny on police use of force.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
To his mother, he was her baby. To his brother, a hard worker. To his daughter, her “twin for life.” captimes.com/news/remembe...
captimes.com
Remembering Corey: Ruiz family demands answers, recalls loved one lost
Corey Ruiz’s family describes a troubled man trying to turn his life around before a Madison officer shot and killed him.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Every day on her way to school this fall, 13-year-old Kah’liyah Aliomar will walk past the intersection where her father, Corey Ruiz, was killed by a Madison police officer. captimes.com/news/governm...
captimes.com
Corey Ruiz family speaks on Madison police shooting. 'They took my baby.'
Corey Ruiz, a 38-year-old Black man from Madison, was fatally shot by an officer Wednesday. Ruiz's family retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
SSM Health's St. Mary's Hospital is the only major hospital in the Madison area that doesn't take patient acuity into consideration when setting nurse staffing levels. Nurses say they are burnt out. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
Madison St. Mary’s Hospital staffing spurs burnout, nurses say
SSM Health’s St. Mary’s is the only Madison hospital that doesn’t staff nurses based on patient illness levels. Nurses say it’s a problem.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The @captimes.com photo director, Ruthie Hauge, and I spent hours yesterday at the memorial site for Corey Ruiz who was shot and killed by Madison police on Wednesday. Hundreds came to lay flowers, light candles and mourn, including Corey's family. captimes.com/news/communi...
captimes.com
Family of Corey Ruiz joins community vigil on Willy Street
A vigil was held Thursday night where Ruiz was fatally shot a day earlier by a Madison police officer. Relatives of Ruiz, including his daughter, attended.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
The Cap Times, @captimes.com, is hiring a Newsletter and Social Media Editor. Feel free to DM with questions www.journalismjobs.com/1693513-news...
journalismjobs.com
JournalismJobs.com - Job Listing - Newsletter and social media editor
JournalismJobs.com has journalism and media job listings with digital media, newspapers, tv stations, radio stations, magazines, nonprofits, and academia.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
This July, @captimes.com has the goal of raising $30,000 in membership contributions. Your support helps us continue providing Madison with the strong, local news it deserves from reporters who care deeply about our community. Become a member today: capitaltimes.fundjournalism.org/contribute/?...
capitaltimes.fundjournalism.org
Join | The Cap Times
The Cap Times is supported by people like you. Support The Cap Times today.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Respiratory-related concerns presented at UW Health ERs last week doubled as Madison was hit with hazardous air quality from northern wildfires. Air quality remains in the "unhealthy" range today in Madison. Learn more about how to stay safe: captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
Madison air quality hits hazardous levels, and paper masks won't help
Dr. Mark Moss of UW Health says patients with respiratory and heart conditions are at high risk because of drifting wildfire smoke.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Smoke drifting south from wildfires burning across northern Minnesota and parts of Canada pushed air quality in the Madison area into dangerous levels Thursday, prompting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to issue a statewide air quality alert.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Wisconsin health officials confirmed the first instance of West Nile virus activity in the state this year, found in mosquitoes in the Milwaukee area and a wild bird in Bayfield County. So far, no human cases have been reported. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
West Nile virus found in Wisconsin: What to know
An average of 19 cases of West Nile virus are found in Wisconsin residents each year. Here’s how the state tracks the virus and how residents can stay safe.
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Reposted by Erin McGroarty
captimes.com @captimes.com · 10/07/2026
Dr. David Harris at UW-Madison says weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are safe, so long as patients get the medications from doctors.
captimes.com
GLP-1 drug popularity is outpacing the science, Madison doctor says
Dr. David Harris at UW-Madison says weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are safe, so long as patients get the medications from doctors.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The explosive popularity of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound is transforming the way Americans treat obesity, with demand soaring beyond doctors’ offices and into online marketplaces, med spas and unregulated gray-market vendors. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
GLP-1 drug popularity is outpacing the science, Madison doctor says
Dr. David Harris at UW-Madison says weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are safe, so long as patients get the medications from doctors.
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Reposted by Erin McGroarty
captimes.com @captimes.com · 06/07/2026
Nurses at Madison’s St. Mary’s hospital won a union election last month. Missouri-based SSM Health, who owns the hospital, wants to throw out the results.
captimes.com
SSM Health seeks to toss St. Mary’s nurse union election
Nurses at Madison’s St. Mary’s hospital won a union election last month. Missouri-based SSM Health, who owns the hospital, wants to throw out the results.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Epic declined Monday to grant an interview with Rana or answer questions about his impending departure. A company spokesperson later provided the names of employees who will be handling Rana's responsibilities after he leaves. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
Top Epic Systems leader Sumit Rana to step down, citing family matters
Rana, president of the Verona-based medical records giant, announced to staff this week he will leave the company in August.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The expansion of insurance coverage for these tests comes under a new mandate, often referred to as Gail’s Law, that takes effect for some this week and others in January. captimes.com/news/health/...
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Madison, and much of Wisconsin, is slated to experience extreme heat this week. Last summer, I spoke to a doctor about the dangers heat domes can pose to pregnant people. Many of her recommendations apply to the wider population, too. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
Madison doctor warns extreme heat can affect pregnancies
A UW Health OB/GYN and other medical experts recommend four ways to protect yourself and your pregnancy during extreme heat.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The extended coverage is intended to ensure new mothers can continue to receive care for physical and mental health conditions that often emerge or persist in the months after childbirth, while reducing gaps in insurance coverage during a critical period for recovery and infant care.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The rising cost of living in Wisconsin is taking a toll on residents’ health, with more than a third of households struggling to afford housing, food, healthcare and other basic necessities, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
In Madison’s classrooms and hospitals, a new wave of nurses is arriving not by default but by design. Their stories reflect a national surge, with the healthcare sector producing some of the most consistent job growth in the United States since the 1980s. captimes.com/news/health/...
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Reposted by Erin McGroarty
captimes.com @captimes.com · 24/06/2026
More people are seeking nursing degrees from Madison College, UW-Madison and elsewhere, seeking a stable, well-paying job that makes a difference. And more are needed.
captimes.com
A nursing boom is showing up in Madison hospitals and schools
More people are seeking nursing degrees from Madison College, UW-Madison and elsewhere, seeking a stable, well-paying job that makes a difference. And more are needed.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Thank you @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social for an amazing orientation week in LA earlier this month! The center clearly put so much thought and care into planning our time at USC to help set this year's fellows up for success as we take on our projects over the next five months.
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Reposted by Erin McGroarty
UW Center for Journalism Ethics @uwethics.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
In a turbulent year for news organizations and press freedom, we played our humble part in steadying the ship. Looking ahead, we are committed to lifting up the promise and possibilities still to be found in fearless acts of journalism. See our annual report: new.express.adobe.com/webpage/GbAz...
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Tens of thousands of low-income Wisconsin residents could lose health insurance under new federal Medicaid work requirements that state officials say will reshape eligibility for BadgerCare Plus. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
Wisconsin’s Medicaid work requirements: Here’s what to know
An estimated 63,000 Wisconsinites could lose BadgerCare Plus as the state prepares to implement new federal Medicaid expansion work requirements next year.
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Reposted by Erin McGroarty
captimes.com @captimes.com · 22/06/2026
Changes in climate and weather patterns mean pollen is blooming earlier, sticking around longer and making symptoms worse, says UW Health allergist Dr. Mark Moss.
captimes.com
Yes, allergy seasons are getting worse, Madison doctor says
Changes in climate and weather patterns mean pollen is blooming earlier, sticking around longer and making symptoms worse, says UW Health allergist Dr. Mark Moss.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
At the Wisconsin Capitol this afternoon for the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus’ annual Juneteenth celebration. The theme is “What Freedom Looks Like: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Hundreds of nurses at SSM Health’s St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison voted to unionize Thursday, forcing their employer to bargain with them over issues including pay equity and staffing levels. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
St. Mary’s nurses win union election, cite pay, staffing concerns
Nurses at SSM Health’s St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison won an election to certify their union Thursday.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
I'm thrilled to announce I have been named a 2026 National Fellow with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism. Grateful for this opportunity to spend the next five months reporting on Wisconsin's Black infant mortality crisis for @captimes.com.
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Erin McGroarty @erinmcgroarty.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Last night the Dane County Board unanimously passed a resolution urging UW Health to resume gender-affirming care for minors, which the hospital system halted in January under pressure from President Donald Trump’s health department and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. captimes.com/news/health/...
captimes.com
Dane County urges UW Health to restore transgender youth care
UW Health says it won’t resume gender-affirming care for minors, despite pressure from elected officials across Wisconsin.
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