Latest California Healthline Stories
Rep. Norwood Says Patients’ Rights Work Should Go On Despite Attacks
Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.) said last Friday that work on a patients’ bill of rights — versions of which have passed both houses of Congress but have not reached a House-Senate conference — should continue despite last week’s attacks on New York City and the Pentagon, CongressDaily reports.
FDA Issues Emergency Blood Guidelines
To speed the transportation of blood products to areas affected by Tuesday’s terrorist attacks, the FDA on Sept. 11th released new emergency guidelines allowing donated blood to be shipped to crisis areas before HIV and hepatitis C testing is complete.
Mental Health Experts Say Needs Will Rise in Days Ahead
Mental health professionals in the New York area are “rolling up [their] sleeves and venturing into fire stations, rescue sites and public schools” to offer counseling services, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Sacramento-Area Hospitals Face ‘Head-to-Head’ Competition With Independent Surgical Centers
Creating a climate of “direct competition” with local hospitals, physicians in Folsom and Roseville are “backing a move” toward independent surgery centers and away from hospitals where doctors maintain surgical privileges, the Sacramento Business Journal reports.
Internet Used to Coordinate Blood Donation, Emergency Services After Terrorist Attacks
Local governments and organizations across the United States are using the Internet to provide emergency information and coordinate medical activities such as blood donation following Tuesday’s terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
California’s Anti-Smoking Efforts Lead to Lower Cancer Rates, Fewer Deaths
Anti-smoking efforts in California have led to reduced cigarette consumption — about 50% less than the national average — according to a new report from the University of California-Davis, Reuters Health reports.
Burn Centers Nationwide Send Supplies to Washington, D.C.
Hospitals and burn treatment suppliers across the nation have offered to help Washington, D.C.’s Washington Hospital Center, which is treating 10 patients from the Pentagon attack in its burn unit, the Washington Post reports.
Military Incorrectly Grounds Organ Donor Flight
Although the FAA had granted permission to chartered planes to deliver transplant organs before the commercial flight ban was lifted, disruption of air service has still had some impact on the transportation of organs and medical supplies.
HHS Bolsters Efforts in Aftermath of Terrorist Attacks
Two days after terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson announced yesterday in New York City that the department would provide at least $2.5 million in initial grants to the city to help provide child care, elderly assistance, mental health care and other community services, the Washington Post reports.
Lawmakers Pass Bill to Allow Women to Receive EC Without a Prescription
The state Legislature Wednesday passed a bill (SB 1169) that would allow women to receive emergency contraception without a prescription, the Los Angeles Times reports.