‘Last Gift’ Program Focuses On HIV’s Behavior In Patients With Terminal Illnesses
The patients go off their medication to help researchers better understand how the virus operates.
KPBS:
HIV Survivors Give Their 'Last Gift' In A New San Diego Study
The Last Gift study at UC San Diego is a unique new research effort focusing on HIV patients with a terminal illness such as cancer, ALS or advanced heart disease. ... When they near the end of their lives, they stop taking their HIV medications and let researchers draw blood regularly to monitor the activity of the virus. (Wagner, 9/11)
In other public health news —
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Events Highlight Challenges, Hope For Alzheimer's Patients And Caregivers
In a separate effort to raise awareness Saturday, more than 1,400 participants fund-raised for Alzheimer’s care and research at the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's — San Diego. Held at Crown Point by a different organization, the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the event raised nearly $153,000 as of Saturday afternoon, surpassing its goal of $150,000. Donations are still being accepted. Back at the Alzheimer’s San Diego USD panel, researchers and doctors said the good news is that what Alzheimer’s does to the brain, and what needs to be done to stop it, is known. (Fikes, 9/9)
KPCC:
Refuge For Abused Kids To Open In East LA
With foster kids in Los Angeles experiencing high rates of homelessness, dropping out of school, and suicide, a new center opening in Lincoln Heights aims to offer aid to the most at-risk teens. The Leonard Hill Hope Center, scheduled to open its doors Thursday after a $3 million building renovation, will primarily serve children referred to the Violence Intervention Program's mental health clinics. (Palta, 9/8)