Latest California Healthline Stories
Alameda County Supervisors Approve Second Stage of AIDS Prevention Campaign
In a 4-1 vote, Alameda County supervisors recently approved the second phase of a controversial marketing campaign” urging residents to get tested for HIV, the Oakland Tribune reports.
Free Vision Clinic to Open in San Fernando Valley
The not-for-profit organization Meet Each Need with Dignity, which provides medical assistance to northeast San Fernando Valley residents, will open a new vision clinic today in Pacoima to serve the uninsured, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Thompson’s Tobacco Ties Still Raise Concerns
Today’s New York Times reports on the continuing story of HHS Secretary nominee Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson’s (R) ties to cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris.
CalPERS Develops Coverage Rules for Contract Disputes
In the fallout resulting from the contract dispute between Blue Cross of California and Sutter Health, CalPERS is looking to establish “ground rules” for future contract negotiations in order to minimize disruption to patients, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Congress May Balk at Bush’s Rx Drug Benefit
To “dramatize his commitment” to addressing the high cost of prescription drugs, President-elect Bush and his advisers are considering pushing an “early spending bill” that would provide block grants for states to “funnel subsidies” for drugs to “needy” Medicare patients.
Majority of Mental Illness Cases Go Untreated
Fewer than 33% of people with “serious depression or anxiety disorder” receive proper medical treatment and mental illness treatment shortfalls are “striking” for blacks, the elderly and the young, a recent study conducted by researchers at UCLA and Rand Corp. found.
Monkey Offers Hope for New Therapies, Vaccines
In a potential breakthrough that researchers hope could one day lead to “new therapies and vaccines” for several human diseases, Oregon scientists have “created the first genetically modified monkey,” the Washington Post reports.
Thompson Allowed to Implement Drug Reimportation Bill
Although HHS Secretary Donna Shalala refused to implement the prescription drug reimportation law passed last year, a Congressional Research Service report released yesterday by Sen. James Jeffords (R-Vt.) found that Shalala’s decision “does not preclude” future HHS secretaries from taking action, CongressDaily reports.
Television Shows Can Help Public Learn about Health Care
Movies and television shows that depict mental illness can help the public learn that condition is treatable, Surgeon General David Satcher said during a symposium sponsored by the Entertainment Industries Council.
Scripps Hospital Receives Funding, But Likely to Stay Closed
To the surprise and confusion of Scripps Memorial East County officials, Congress has approved $921,000 for seismic upgrades of the facility, which shut its doors last June, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.