PReP Is Highly Effective In Preventing HIV, But Few Women Are Getting Prescriptions
As of 2015, about 15 percent of those who were affected by HIV in the San Gabriel Valley were female, a number that has been steadily increasing since 2011, but they're often left out of the conversation.
Orange County Register:
HIV Affects Women Too. Now Southern California Planned Parenthood Centers Provide The Preventive Drugs
When it comes to HIV prevention, African-American and Latina women – who are disproportionately affected by HIV infection – are left out of the conversation, says Sheri Bonner, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley. And, she says, this is exactly why Planned Parenthood facilities in Pasadena, Alhambra, Glendora and Eagle Rock have now started offering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, a daily pill that helps prevent HIV for those at high risk of infection. (Bharath, 3/24)
In other news from across the state —
Ventura County Star:
Ventura County Hospitals Scramble To Deal With Opioid Shortage
As regulators and addiction prevention advocates worry about the crutch of opioids, hospitals across Ventura County are scrambling to find more of the drugs. A shortage triggered by nationwide manufacturing issues has cut into the supply of the injectable opioids used at hospitals and surgery centers to control acute pain after surgery. Drugs affected include liquid forms of morphine, fentanyl and Dilaudid. (Kisken, 3/24)
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Sonoma County Mental Health Nonprofits Dodge Budget Cuts This Year, But Brace For Big Cuts Next Year
Sonoma County nonprofits that provide mental health and substance abuse services may have dodged a bullet this fiscal year, but come June many fear they may be facing a cannonball. With strong direction from some members of the Board of Supervisors, county officials are now looking for ways to backfill a $1.8 million deficit in the Behavioral Health Division. While the move eliminates the need for cuts to nonprofits, next year’s Behavioral Health deficit could be as high as $19 million. In a letter sent to nonprofits late this week, county health services director Barbie Robinson relayed the “good news” but warned that “challenging, and at times, painful dialogue” lies ahead. (Espinoza, 3/23)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
State Finds No License Violation At Independent Living Facility
A state agency that investigated a report of an unlicensed residential care facility in Chula Vista determined the home is an independent living facility, which does not require a state license.The home on E Street near Beech Avenue was a licensed care facility for the elderly for more than a decade before the state revoked its license in 2012, citing dozens of violations. Residential care facilities provide around-the-clock care and assistance to tenants who need help with everyday needs, such as managing their medications and bathing. (Hernandez, 3/23)
Ventura County Star:
Medi-Cal Discussion Of Pharmacy Controversy Delayed
A Medi-Cal commission meeting set for Monday and slated to include a key report regarding reimbursement to independent pharmacists has been canceled. The Gold Coast Health Plan issued a notice Friday morning explaining that the cancellation was necessary because not enough members of the commission could attend the meeting for a quorum. The 11-member Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission, which includes one vacant seat, governs the publicly funded Gold Coast plan that administers Medi-Cal insurance to about 200,000 Ventura County residents. (Kisken, 3/23)