Sutter’s New Fleet Of Helicopters, Ambulances May Improve Its Response Times
The health system is partnering with California Shock Trauma Air Rescue and American Medical Response to coordinate more efficiently its efforts.
Oakland Tribune:
Sutter Health: State-Of-The-Art Medical Helicopters, Ground Ambulances To Provide Quicker, More Efficient Service
Sutter Health's critical care patients can now expect quicker and more efficient transfers from one facility to another thanks to its new fleet of medical helicopters and ground ambulances. The nonprofit announced on Thursday it would be partnering with California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) and American Medical Response (AMR) to operate its own fleet of helicopters and ambulances, respectively. While Sutter has teamed up with the emergency medical transport providers in the past, the new partnerships enable the health provider to more effectively coordinate its efforts, said Ted Matson, vice president of strategy for Sutter Health. (Baldassari, 6/30)
In other news from across the state —
KPCC:
Meningitis Outbreak Prompts LA Clinics To Offer Free Vaccine
Two area organizations that serve the gay community and those with HIV/AIDS are now offering the meningitis vaccine, following last week's announcement of an outbreak in Southern California. As of Thursday, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation is offering the vaccine for free at its after-hours clinics, which are held at its regular treatment centers. AIDS Project Los Angeles is offering the vaccine for free at its health centers in Long Beach and Baldwin Hills. (Plevin, 6/30)
Capital Public Radio:
Rural Health Focus Of Grant Program
Mark Twain Medical Center in San Andreas is awarding grants to organizations that want to improve the health of people living in Calaveras County. Project proposals must address unmet health needs in the rural county, which include childhood obesity, congestive heart failure and diabetes prevention. Nicki Stevens, manager of marketing and business development for the center, says access to health care has been a problem for the county located in the foothills. (Johnson, 6/30)
Los Angeles Times:
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Should Be Up To Voters, City Says
Laguna Beach City Council members agreed Tuesday that they still wanted voters to decide whether medical marijuana dispensaries should be allowed in the city. The issue came to the fore in April, when the council learned authors of a petition that would repeal the city's current ban on dispensaries gathered enough signatures to place the matter on the November ballot. Since then, the city has wrestled with how to respond. (Alderton, 6/30)