California Students ‘Clamoring’ For More Mental Health Services
Several bills pending in the California Legislature would set aside resources for mental health care at the state’s public colleges and universities.
The Mercury News:
A Push For Mental Health Care At Colleges: Depression And Anxiety ‘Really Eat Up Our Kids’
When student leaders from 23 California State University campuses came together last fall to set priorities for the academic year, improving campus mental health services received more nominations than any other issue. It beat out even that perennial concern, tuition costs. Cal State Student Association president Maggie White said she’s not surprised. (Mello, 4/29)
Sacramento Bee:
NRA Gun Ban At Pence Speech Baffles Parkland Survivors
Guns won’t be allowed when Vice President Mike Pence speaks Friday at a National Rifle Association convention in Dallas in order to protect his safety. The NRA says the Secret Service ordered the ban, but survivors of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting are calling the move hypocritical, noting the organization’s fierce opposition to gun-free zones in most public places. (Sweeney, 4/29)
Ventura County Star:
HIV/AIDS Cases Almost Doubled In Ventura County
Despite medication that dramatically reduces the chance of transmission, Ventura County HIV and AIDS cases nearly doubled in 2017 with elevated levels of infections holding steady so far this year. Last year, 85 people tested positive for HIV or AIDS, compared to 45 cases in 2016, according to county public health data presented Thursday and confirming provisional reports of the surge. Through the first three months of 2018, 24 people tested positive for HIV or AIDS in a pace consistent with last year’s rise, public health officials said. (Kisken, 4/28)
San Jose Mercury News:
Low-Income Californians Most Vulnerable As Climate Change Exacerbates Air Pollution, Report Says
California’s air pollution levels are among the worst in the country, and climate change is making the situation worse, according to a new report from the American Lung Association. Despite the state’s efforts to reign in air pollution, 90 percent of California residents are exposed to unhealthy air at some point during the year, according to the State of the Air 2018 report. (Boyd-Barrett, 4/29)