Jackie Fortier

Jackie Fortier joined StateImpact Oklahoma in November 2017, reporting on a variety of topics and heading up its health reporting initiative. She has many journalism awards to her name during her years of multi-media reporting in Colorado, and was part of a team recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists with a Sigma Delta Chi award for excellence in breaking news reporting in 2013.

She is a former young professional fellow of the Journalism and Women's Symposium, and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Reporters without Borders, and a lifetime member of Kappa Tau Alpha, awarded for her thesis on disability and technology in news reporting.

She holds a bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing from Colorado State University and a Master of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Colorado, Boulder. When she's not reporting, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three cats.

'It's So Much Worse Than Before.' Dread And Despair Haunt Nurses Inside LA's ICUs

Jackie Fortier

As hospitals struggle with the patient surge in Los Angeles County, their ICU nurses are overwhelmed by the physical demands and emotional toll of caring for the most seriously ill COVID-19 patients.
Employees Who Work At Multiple Nursing Homes May Have Helped Spread The Coronavirus

Jackie Fortier

Cell phone data shows that contract workers who work at multiple nursing homes helped transmit the coronavirus between facilities.
Oklahoma Judge Shaves $107 Million Off Opioid Decision Against Johnson & Johnson

Colin Dwyer

The new number from Judge Thad Balkman comes nearly three months after he ordered the drugmaker to pay $572 million for its role in the opioid crisis. Both sides had questioned that sum.
'This Case Will Set A Precedent': 1st Major Opioid Trial Opens In Oklahoma

Jackie Fortier

Oklahoma's trial is the first in a wave of litigation attempting to bring claims against opioid manufacturers. The state is seeking millions of dollars in damages and penalties.
Republican State Lawmakers Split Over Anti-Abortion Strategy

Blake Farmer

Ohio is the latest Republican-led state to pass a ban on abortion once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. But Tennessee this week backed off a similar bill, fearing costly legal battles. What now?
Will Congress Bring Sky-High Air Ambulance Bills Down To Earth?

Jackie Fortier

Medevac helicopter companies are on the congressional radar, as a funding bill for the Federal Aviation Administration nears passage. Consumer protections against deceptive practices could become law.