Southern California Blood Banks Implement Zika Test, Negating Traveler Ban
San Diego Blood Bank spokeswoman Claudine Van Gonka says adding the test to the other screenings was "not a big deal," and that it might help the organization.
KPCC:
SoCal Blood Banks Now Screening For Zika
On Aug. 26 the FDA issued new guidelines suggesting that California and 10 other states start checking blood for Zika within four weeks. The California branches of the American Red Cross implemented the new test on Sept. 6, according to spokeswoman April Phillips. The Lifestream Blood Bank, which provides the lion's share of blood supplies in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the Houchin Community Blood Bank, which provides blood services in Kern County, both say they started the Zika screening earlier this month. The FDA asked the rest of the country to start testing blood for Zika by Thanksgiving. (Plevin, 9/27)
In other news from around California —
San Diego Union-Tribune:
Feds Sue Pharmacist, Alleging Unequal Wages
Federal labor officials filed a lawsuit Monday against a Valley Center pharmacy, saying the employer fired a technician after she complained about being paid less than her male counterpart. The 9-page complaint was filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against CJMBS Pharmacies Inc., which operates under the name Community Pharmacy. (McDonald, 9/27)