State To Fund Specialized Health Care Hub For Disabled Sonoma Residents
The Sonoma Developmental Center is scheduled to close in 2018, and the $2.5 million from the state will go to continuing care for those who relied on the center.
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
$2.5 Million Allocated To Sustain Health Care For Sonoma Developmental Center Residents
The state has earmarked $2.5 million for construction of a specialized health center in the North Bay that would serve disabled residents living at the Sonoma Developmental Center, which is slated for closure in 2018. The closure will leave about 350 medically fragile patients without crucial specialty medical, dental, mental and adaptive services, said state Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg. The state funds are expected to be used to build a “health care hub” for those services at a local community health center, he said. The state agency that oversees the Sonoma Developmental Center will put out a request for proposals by the end of December, hoping to attract interest from one of several federally qualified health centers in the North Bay, McGuire said. (Espinoza, 12/22)
In other news from across the state —
KPCC:
7 In LA County Sickened In New Measles Outbreak
Los Angeles County's public health department said Thursday that it has confirmed an "outbreak" of seven new measles cases over the past month. While not identifying the individuals, the County Department of Public Health said none were vaccinated against the disease, according to its preliminary investigation. (Plevin, 12/22)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
6-Year-Old First To Ring 'Symbol Of Triumph' At Rady Children's
Six-year-old Eliana Feliciano was diagnosed with cancer last year on Christmas Day. On Thursday, after finishing her year-long treatment, she was the first patient to ring the new survivor bell at Rady Children’s Hospital. The bell gives children who complete their cancer treatment a way to celebrate the achievement in a poignant way.The bell dedication ceremony was held outside the hospital’s Acute Care Pavilion. (Sampite-Montecalvo, 12/22)
Fresno Bee:
Pregnant Davis Woman Stuck To Her Pole Dancing Workouts
Yes, [Zsuzsi] Hussla was an expectant mother and a pole dancer — right up to her eighth month. But this had nothing to do with dimly lit clubs and two-drink minimums. Pole dancing may not be as popular as Pilates or as widespread as rock wall climbing, but it’s a legitimate form of physical fitness that in recent years has found its niche. And within that niche, pregnant women are not shying away from getting in on the action, too. “I just kept listening to my body and decided that when it became too much, I would stop,” said Hussla, 38, who lives in Davis with husband Cory. “I think it made it easier to keep my energy levels good. I wasn’t as tired during my pregnancy.” (Robertson, 12/22)