Health CareBy addressing trauma, Del Paso Heights nonprofit seeks to reverse area's growing fentanyl crisisSeptember 6, 2023 | Kate WolffeIn the Sacramento neighborhood of Del Paso Heights, fentanyl-related deaths have been rising. To tackle the problem, one organization is trying to get local residents in on a “big old therapy session.” Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareCalifornia COVID cases are increasing, again. Here’s the latest on boosters and moreSeptember 6, 2023It’s a confusing time in the COVID pandemic. A new booster is on the way, but cases are rising and you might want more protection now.
EnvironmentWhy do firefighters experience higher risks for cancer? A California researcher plans to find out.September 5, 2023 | Manola SecairaExperts say new research is necessary to understand the longer-term human health impacts of regular exposure to smoke. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentHeat-related deaths are up, and not just because it’s getting hotterSeptember 3, 2023Heat-related illness and deaths in California and the U.S. are on the rise along with temperatures, and an increase in drug use and homelessness is a significant part of the problem, according to public health officials and data from the CDC.
Health CareCalifornia ballot initiative will seek to restrict gender-affirming care for trans youthAugust 30, 2023 | Kate WolffeA small group of activists has filed proposals for three 2024 state ballot initiatives. Among them is a measure that would ask voters to decide whether trans minors should be allowed to medically transition in any way.
Health CareCoronavirus FAQs: How worrisome is the new variant? How long do boosters last?August 29, 2023Readers are curious about the new variant, currently known a BA.2.86. Also: Lots of questions about boosters. Can you get it at the same time as a flu shot? And how long does protection last?
EnvironmentHow to fight West Nile virus in your backyardAugust 28, 2023 | Kate WolffeSacramento and Yolo counties have seen high levels of West Nile virus transmission so far this year, with each county already reporting a death. The regional team in charge of mosquito control is asking the public for help. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareCalifornia’s medical board can’t pay its bills, but doctors resist proposed fixesAugust 26, 2023Patient advocates have long alleged the Medical Board of California is ineffective at policing doctors. But a proposal to beef up its budget and overhaul procedures faces stiff resistance from the doctors' lobby.
Health CareCalifornia bails out distressed hospitals, offers interest-free loans to 17 troubled providersAugust 26, 2023Some independent California community hospitals have struggled with rising costs since the COVID-19 pandemic. Three declared bankruptcy this year, prompting the state to distribute interest-free loans.
Health CareFeds say hospitals that redistribute Medicaid money violate lawAugust 20, 2023Federal officials are trying to clamp down on private arrangements among some hospitals to pay themselves back for the Medicaid taxes they’ve paid.
