HEALTH UPDATE: PREVENT MPOX TRANSMISSION IN SUMMER 2023 While cases of mpox (formerly called monkeypox) have declined in Santa Clara County and the United States, the outbreak is not over. Recently, Chicago has reported 23 mpox cases since April 2023. As noted in a health alert from Chicago, which reported the first 12 confirmed and one probable cases from this cluster, nine out the first 13 (69%) cases were fully vaccinated. For the nine out of 13 cases for which travel history was available, four had traveled recently (three traveled within the US, one traveled out of the country). None ... May 22, 2023 Advocacy, General, Healthcare, Patient Care, Public Health CDC Guidelines, JYNNEOS, MPOX, STI Prevention, STI Treatment, vaccination 0 0 Comment Read More »
Grassroots call to action requested by CMA Today, CMA launched a grassroots campaign in opposition to SB 784. The SB 784 bill would allow permanent exemptions to the Corporate Bar for health care districts which would set a dangerous precedent for physicians and patients across the state. This bill will be heard in the Senate Appropriation Committee on May 8th at 10 am. The bill so far has had no “No” votes in any policy committee. We know that expressed concern from physicians in their district will help Senators understand why this bill must be stopped. Please go to ... May 3, 2023 Advocacy, CMA, General, Healthcare, legislation, Patient Care, Physician Workforce, Public Health rural communities, safeguarding patients 0 0 Comment Read More »
CHCF Shares Resources to Support Palliative Care in Public Hospitals For people with serious illness, palliative care programs provide essential services to address the complex physical and emotional burdens that come with such illnesses. These programs are available in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Yet even with ample evidence about the positive impact of these services, leaders in palliative care programs often have to make the case about the value of these services. California Health Care Foundation's (CHCF) collection Resources to Support Palliative Care in Public Hospitals includes information and tools to help leaders of palliative care programs at public health ... April 11, 2023 General, Health Net, Healthcare, Patient Care, Public Health Hospitals, Palliative Care 0 0 Comment Read More »
SCC HEALTH ADVISORY: Xylazine Presence in Illicit Drug Supply (P2) DATE: April 3, 2023 TO: All Healthcare Providers FROM: Michelle Jorden, MD, F-ABMDI Chief Medical Examiner - Coroner Akanksha Vaidya, MD, MPH Assistant Public Health Officer HEALTH ADVISORY: XYLAZINE PRESENCE IN ILLICIT DRUG SUPPLY Xylazine, a non-opioid agent developed as a veterinary tranquilizer, has been increasingly detected in the nation’s illicit opioid supply. Xylazine has been associated with fatal overdoses and chronic wounds, with areas in the Northeast USA being heavily impacted. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Laboratory System reported that in 2022, approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine. In Santa ... April 3, 2023 General, Healthcare, Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
Health Order Requiring Use of Face Masks in Patient Care Areas of Health Care Delivery Facilities During Designated Winter Respiratory Virus Period; Rescission of Prior Health Orders DATE OF ORDER: March 24, 2023 EFFECTIVE DATE: April 4, 2023 UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 120175, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA (“HEALTH OFFICER”) ORDERS: Background and Purpose. The Health Officer makes this Order in light of historical data showing higher rates of COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other viral infections that can cause severe respiratory disease among people living in Santa Clara County annually between late fall and spring. This seasonal increase in circulation of multiple respiratory viruses causes a particular risk ... March 28, 2023 Public Health Health Order 0 0 Comment Read More »