Op-Ed

Opinion: Plasma Treatments Saved My Father’s Life Many Times, And More People Need Access to Them

My late father, Jim Carey, was born in 1940 as the youngest of three brothers. All of them were born with hemophilia B — a hereditary bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly.

Today, in honor of my father, I am focused on strengthening California’s plasma donation system and ensuring all patients, particularly those with rare diseases, have access to the life-saving medicines they need.

Opinion: How Preventing Violence Can Help End Homelessness

People experiencing homelessness face repeated violence and stress from a lack of safety. They often engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as substance use, to cope.

A comprehensive strategy to reduce exposure to violence for people who are unhoused can reduce violence in the community as a whole, reduce public spending on emergency medical and other services and increase the chances that individuals can transition off the streets.

Opinion: How Alternative Pain Treatments Can Prevent Opioid Addiction

As a doctor of orthopedic physical therapy, I’ve treated numerous patients dealing with severe pain who were at risk for or already have opioid use disorder. This condition not only causes suffering for the patient, but also for their loved ones.

Most tragic of all is that it could be prevented with better access to alternative pain treatments covered by the patient’s health plan.

Opinion: Medi-Cal Rate Changes Threaten Mental Health Access

The number of Californians with untreated mental health conditions is increasing.

At its root, the lack of access and insufficient treatment for mental health conditions is driven by declining insurance coverage and low reimbursement rates to providers, according to the author, who urges policymakers to listen to monitor rates to ensure that more Californians can access the care they need.

Why Emergency Medical Services Are Vital to Our Health Care System

When dialing 911 for a medical emergency, the expectation is clear: Licensed health care providers, typically paramedics and emergency medical technicians, will arrive within minutes at your location, any time of the day or night.

Despite these responsibilities, emergency medical services are often overlooked in health care reform discussions. A compelling opportunity exists to shift lower-acuity and preventive care services from expensive medical clinics and hospitals to community-based EMS care.

Analysis: How I Turned from Violence to Healing and Reconciliation

Twenty-seven years ago, Devon Gaster was in jail, but had started down a path that would change his life forever.

Devon’s experience healing himself and his family through restorative justice has taught him that being accountable taking responsibility makes it possible to heal and change. With the right tools and support, Gaster writes, men can learn about intimate partner violence and stop their abuse.

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