Health
‘Covered California’ extends healthcare enrollment window
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Covered California announced on Wednesday that those looking for health insurance through the state-operated marketplace now have until midnight of Feb. 9, 2024, to enroll. The previous deadline was set for the end of January, but due to increased demand and recent difficulty getting ahold of Covered California representatives, the open-enrollment period has
Continue Reading
Riverside County infant who died tested positive for RSV, health officials say
An infant from southwest Riverside County who died earlier this month tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), health officials announced on Friday. The infant died at a local hospital after being taken there with respiratory difficulties. No other information about the infant is being released, officials said. “Public Health mourns the loss of any
Continue Reading
Meet Gian, the first baby born in the desert in 2024
A baby boy was born on January 1st, 4:04 a.m. at JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio. His name is Gian Navarrete. Proud father, Daniel Aguirre is stunned at his new son’s early achievement. Baby Gian Navarrete is the first baby born in the desert in 2024. “I was telling Stephanie that it’s gonna be history for
Continue Reading
Local health officials warn of recent spike in mpox cases
Valley doctors are warning of a comeback in mpox cases in Southern California. And in light of Greater Palm Springs Pride this week, they want to make sure people are vaccinated and take precautions. This month, two new cases were reported in Riverside County, the first since July. And there are 10 new cases in
Continue Reading
California’s new mental health court rolls out to high expectations and uncertainty
By JANIE HAR Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — An alternative mental health court program designed to fast-track people with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders into housing and medical care — potentially without their consent — kicked off in seven California counties, including San Francisco, on Monday. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom created the new
Continue Reading
FDA advisers vote against experimental ALS treatment pushed by patients
By MATTHEW PERRONEAP Health Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health advisers voted overwhelmingly against an experimental treatment for Lou Gehrig’s disease at a Wednesday meeting prompted by years of patient efforts seeking access to the unproven therapy. The panel of Food and Drug Administration experts voted 17-1 that drugmaker Brainstorm’s stem cell-based treatment has not
Continue Reading
Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers authorize strike
Nearly 60,000 unionized healthcare workers across the state voted overwhelmingly to authorize their union to call a strike if labor talks break down with Kaiser Permanente. According to the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, the workers voted by a 98% margin in favor of a walkout of a labor contract can’t be reached.
Continue Reading
News Channel 3 In-Depth Report: The Need for Nurses
News Channel 3 has reported on the need for more teachers in schools, but there’s another national shortage that health officials say is getting worse: The nursing industry has been short-staffed for years, and it’s not just hospitals getting hit hard. The nursing shortage is also taking a toll on schools, including in the Coachella
Continue Reading
Desert Care Network names Dr. William W. Brien as Chief Medical Officer
Desert Care Network has named William W. Brien, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the three hospitals and related outpatient clinics operated by Tenet Healthcare in California’s desert communities. In this new role, Dr. Brien will lead the hospitals’ efforts to advance clinical services and quality improvement initiatives with the physicians on the medical
Continue Reading