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 »
Primary Care’s Essential Role in Advancing Health Equity for California Primary care is the most fair, efficient, and accessible way for all people to enter the health care system — regardless of race, ethnicity, or income — and obtain the services they need. A large body of research shows primary care is essential to improving health equity. Yet it is frequently absent or not explicitly referenced in health equity policy discussions. This report surveys the research linking primary care to improved health equity. With California working to strengthen primary care quality and increase systemwide investments in primary care infrastructure, the ... March 24, 2023 Healthcare Health Equity 0 0 Comment Read More »
Gov. Newsom proposal would add billions for mental health treatment beds In a major legislative proposal to combat the state’s growing homelessness crisis, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Sunday an effort to push billions of dollars toward building a vast network of treatment beds to help California’s mentally ill and drug-addicted residents find care. Through a bond measure that could reach up to $5 billion, the governor hopes to build at minimum 6,000 new mental health beds across the state. Funding would also come through the diversion of over $1 billion annually from a pool of money created by a proposition passed ... March 20, 2023 Healthcare, legislation, Mental Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
Insulin to Cost $30 as California Secures Contract to Combat Diabetes California will cut patients’ cost for insulin by 90% to $30, regardless of their insurance plan, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Saturday. The state has a contract with non-profit generic-drug company Civica to obtain insulin, a hormone used for treating diabetes. When the new, cheaper drug will become available is not clear: Civica and the state Health and Human Services Agency are working to identify a manufacturing facility in California, according to the governor’s announcement. Patients who pay cash for insulin will save $2,000 and $4,000 a year, Newsom’s office said, citing “egregious ... March 20, 2023 Healthcare, Insurance, legislation, Patient Care Insulin 0 0 Comment Read More »
