Latest California Healthline Stories
Viewpoints: Say Yes To Vaccines
A selection of opinions on health care developments from around the state.
Orphan Drugs’ Transformation From Neglected Niche To Tantalizing Moneymaker
Critics are worried that a law that was originally created as an incentive for the industry to develop drugs to treat rare diseases has backfired, because it offers companies a period of market exclusivity that prevents competition.
Families Flock To Clinics To Get Kids Vaccinated Before School Starts
A new law mandates that a personal belief exemption from vaccinations is no longer a valid excuse. Schools are not letting students in this year who aren’t up-to-date with their vaccinations for anything other than medical reasons.
Event To Offer Homeless Veterans Free Medical Care, Other Services
The 24th annual Ventura County Stand Down’s goal is to connect veterans with free, available resources. “I haven’t had any income for a year and a half, so they’re trying to help me get some assistance,” says Larry Martinez, 58. “I got my teeth cleaned, and I hope to see an optometrist today.” A separate event in Santa Rosa will offer free dental care to homeless vets on Saturday.
Former Sonoma West CFO Says He Was Told To ‘Falsely Portray’ Hospital’s Finances
Ex-CFO Douglas Goldfarb’s lawsuit alleges millionaire entrepreneur Dan Smith, Sonoma West Medical Center’s largest donor, is using the hospital as a testing ground for his “defective” tablet-based electronic medical records system called HarmoniMD.
Living In Area With Clean Air Can Double Length Of Survival For Lung Cancer Patients
New research has found that polluted air appears to “promote the progression of their disease through the same biological pathways” that caused the disease in the first place.
Painting Lets Alzheimer’s Patients Tap Into Memories They Thought Were Forgotten
Nonprofit Memories in the Making showcases art created by those with dementia or Alzheimer’s in its “Lasting Impressions” exhibit. Meanwhile, family members can experience a bit of what it’s like to have dementia with a virtual tour.
Prevalence Of West Nile In Orange County Skyrockets
Officials also confirmed this week that an Anaheim woman has become the first person in the county to be infected this season. Other areas are also on high alert as the virus spreads.
California Confirms 2 Babies Born With Zika-Linked Microcephaly
“This is a sobering reminder for Californians that Zika can cause serious harm to a developing fetus,” says Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health.
Funds For Zika Could Be Depleted By End Of August, Administration Warns
HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell sends a letter to lawmakers detailing how the money has been spent, while calling for additional resources. Meanwhile, a Zika vaccine is ready for testing on humans and 33 service members have been infected with Zika since January.