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Ja'Nel Johnson
Former Health Care Reporter

Ja'Nel Johnson developed a love for journalism and health and science in high school, and decided the combination would make for an interesting and fun career.
The Gary, Indiana native comes to Sacramento from Louisville, Kentucky, where she worked as the health reporter at WFPL News.
She has also served as the News Director at KVNO News in Omaha, Neb.
Johnson also has experience working in television production as co-creator of “YESterdays” for the Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network; executive producer of "The Omaha News," a student produced newscast that airs on the local PBS affiliate; and as a production assistant for the Bud Biliken Parade and "Black College Quiz," which are both produced by Central City Productions.
She has written for The Times of Northwest Indiana, The Times and Democrat and the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
Johnson is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University where she received a Master of Science in Journalism. She also graduated Summa Cum Laude from Claflin University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications.
Tweets
Mother Brings Awareness To Rare Deadly Disease That Took Life Of Her Child
April 10, 2017
A mother is bringing awareness to a rare and deadly disease that took the life of her child. This devastating disease was the subject of a conference at UC Davis.
Bill Would Allow Third Gender On Birth Certificates, Driver's Licenses
April 5, 2017
The Gender Recognition Act would allow people to identify as "non-binary."
Initiative Aims to Get More Minorities in Clinical Trials
April 5, 2017
The California Medical Association Foundation hopes to increase the number of minorities participating in clinical trials through a statewide initiative.
Covered California, Medi-Cal Still Operating After Failed Health Care Bill
March 28, 2017
Medi-Cal and Covered California will continue operating as usual now that the House Republic bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act has been pulled.
Two New Bills Would Require Tighter Gun Security, Record Keeping
March 22, 2017
Two proposed gun safety bills would affect law enforcement and gun dealers.
UC Irvine Researchers Develop Gel To Neutralize Snakebites
March 20, 2017
An estimated 8,000 people will be bitten by a venomous snake this year in the U.S. Two California researchers have developed a new way to treat those bites.
Sen. Hernandez Takes Another Shot At Drug Price Transparency Bill
March 16, 2017
Sen. Ed Hernandez (D- West Covina) is once again pushing a bill that would require drug price transparency.
Costs for Alzheimer's Patients Continue to Rise
March 13, 2017
The cost to care for Alzheimer's patients with Medi-Cal is expected to hit $3.5 billion this year.
How Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Will Adjust To Legalization Of Recreational Pot
March 9, 2017
Beginning next year, state regulators will start handing out licenses for recreational marijuana stores. Will longstanding dispensaries that have sold cannabis to patients still be able to thrive?
Challenges May Be Ahead For Physicians Who Recommend Medical Marijuana
March 8, 2017
Recreational marijuana use is now legal in California, and next year individuals will no longer need a recommendation from a doctor to buy it. How will physicians adjust when a recommendation is no longer needed?