Despite Drop In State’s Teen Birth Rates, San Joaquin Valley’s Still Stubbornly High
Officials attribute the numbers to poverty, unemployment and educational attainment among other socioeconomic issues.
Fresno Bee:
California Teen Birth Rate Dives, But Valley Remains Among Highest
California teen birth rates have declined to record-low levels, but the central San Joaquin Valley continues to be have some of the highest rates in the state. In a report released this week, state officials cited programs aimed at preventing pregnancy and no-cost family services for a low teen birth rate of 20.8 in 2014. (Anderson, 8/11)
In other health care news from across the state —
Mercury News:
East Bay's Blue-Green Algae Is Officially Toxic, County Says
County and state officials are warning the public to stay completely out of the water in Discovery Bay now that water samples have tested positive for a potentially harmful toxin. Contra Costa County Health Services announced Wednesday that blue-green algae found in various spots around the community's waterways is producing microcystin, a poison that can cause an array of symptoms, including rashes, eye irritation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and a sore throat. The toxin has not compromised Discovery Bay's well water system; tap water remains safe to use. (Coetsee, 8/11)