Hep A Outbreak Prompts San Diego To Tackle Challenge Of Housing The Homeless
In other health news from around the state: the federal hospice ratings website includes incorrect information; mystery chemical dumping throughout the California; and recreational pot dispensaries in Sacramento.
Pacific Standard:
How San Diego Is Trying To Use A Hepatitis A Outbreak To Solve Its Housing Crisis
Today, news of the hepatitis A outbreak targeting California's homeless is inescapable in San Diego—pamphlets and fliers besiege the city, nurses make vaccination runs, homeless camps have disbanded and re-formed around hand-washing stations—but back in June, Norris says it took the community by surprise, especially because the United States has not had an outbreak of this kind in 20 years. (Moon, 11/30)
KPBS:
Website That Rates Hospice Providers Runs Into Problems
Quality of care in the nation’s hospices came under the spotlight in August when the agency that runs Medicare rated some 3,800 facilities nationally, including about two dozen in San Diego County, on seven measures. Now, the same federal agency that published the online scorecard, Hospice Compare, is getting attention because its website has flaws, and that has delayed the release of more current data. (Wingard, 11/29)
KPCC:
15 Million Gallons Of Mystery Chemicals Dumped On California. On Purpose.
So far this year California has dropped 15 million gallons of fire retardant on burning forests and hillsides across the state. But here’s the thing: No one really knows what it's made of — or its full environmental impact. (11/29)
Capital Public Radio:
Recreational Pot Dispensaries Will Be Allowed In Sacramento
The Sacramento City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to allow businesses to sell recreational marijuana in the city. People will be able to apply for permits for recreational pot dispensaries, delivery services and distribution centers. (Schilling, 11/29)