Latest California Healthline Stories
Telemedicine Struggles in Central Valley Amid Hope, Hardship
Despite investments in infrastructure, widespread use of telemedicine has yet to take hold in San Joaquin Valley, an area of California that could benefit greatly from the technology. The Valley’s experience could hold lessons for the rest of the state.
Santa Clara’s Happy Meal Toy Ban Carefully Watched
A new ordinance in Silicon Valley banning the inclusion of toys with unhealthy kids’ meals is being closely watched around the country. While supporters acknowledge that the ban isn’t the silver bullet to end childhood obesity, they say it is a new weapon in the fight.
Moving Homeless Patient Discharge From the Streets
Los Angeles’ law prohibiting hospitals from discharging homeless patients back to the street was a catalyst for creating recuperative and transitional care programs that help the city and county deal with the nation’s largest homeless population.
Task Force Issues Plan for Saving $305 Billion in California
The plan by the California Task Force on Affordable Care is not likely to help the state close an estimated $20 billion budget gap, but it could be an important step in helping the state implement national health reform.
Inland Empire Grapples With Shortage of Hospital Beds
With 1.9 hospital beds for every 1,000 people, California ranks 49th in the nation for hospital bed availability. And the Inland Empire region — specifically southwest Riverside County — is lower yet with 1.05 licensed beds per 1,000 people. The region also faces a shortage of doctors and nurses.
High-Risk Pool Changes First Reforms on Tap in California
One of the first changes California will see under national health reform is the creation of a new insurance pool for “high-risk” patients. How the new national pool will affect California’s existing program will be closely watched.
California Falling Short in Kids’ Dental Care, Studies Say
One study gives California a “C” in dental care for low-income children and another contends tooth decay is at epidemic proportions among kids in Los Angeles County’s poorest communities. Researchers and dental advocates urge policymakers to pay more attention to oral health.
Lessons Learned From California’s H1N1 Experience
Mark Horton, head of the California Public Health Department, and Vanessa Cordova of the Alameda County Public Health Department share their thoughts on the state’s efforts to address H1N1 flu.
California Health Officials Prepare To Combat Expected Increase in H1N1 Influenza Cases
Deborah Burger of CNA, Gil Chavez of the state public health department, Cheri Hummel of the California Hospital Association and Hilary McLean of the education department discussed H1N1 preparedness with California Healthline.
Federal Officials Urge Health Departments To Remain Focused on Controlling H1N1 Influenza
Susan Hogeland of the California Academy of Family Physicians, Al Lundeen of the state public health department, CDC’s Von Roebuck and Eric Weiss of Stanford Medical Center discussed the virus with California Healthline.