Lake Isabella’s Opioid Death Rates On Par With Some Of Worst In Nation
But the area is completely lacking any medication assisted treatment programs.
The Bakersfield Californian:
'Stuck With No Way To Get Sober': Lake Isabella Boasts County's Highest Opioid Overdose Rate, But Has No Medication Assisted Treatment Program
The lack of opioid treatment programs could be why the 2016 opioid death rate in Lake Isabella and its surrounding communities of 65 per 100,000 residents is the highest in Kern County, and 21st highest statewide. It tops the 2015 opioid death rates of West Virginia, New Hampshire and Kentucky, the three states hit hardest by fatal overdoses. Their average death rates hovered between 30 and 42 per 100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kern County’s overall opioid death rate was 5.7 per 100,000, slightly higher than the state average of 4.6 per 100,000, according to data provided by the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Vital Statistics. (Pierce, 11/4)
In other public health news —
Sacramento Bee:
‘Massive Change’ In Cancer Treatment: Patients Choosing Drugs In Early Test Stage As First Option
Massive changes have taken place in the oncology arena, and UC Davis Health Center’s Kristina Curl Johnston and other experts will share the latest benefits for patients at the symposium. Johnston said a key difference for patients is that they now can opt to try a drug in a Phase 1 clinical trial as their first treatment option rather than going with an older chemotherapy treatment. (Anderson, 11/3)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Homeless, Immigrants Treated To 'Day Of Dignity' In City Heights
Organized by Somali Family Service of San Diego with the support of the national nonprofit Islamic Relief USA, San Diego’s “Day of Dignity” was one of several similar events that have been held across the country to reach out to the indigent and lower-income households in need of services and the staples of everyday living. Saturday’s afternoon gathering at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park drew several East African immigrants, as well as others of varying ethnicities, plus homeless individuals. The event was open to anyone who chose to attend. (Weisberg, 11/4)