Your Weekly Dose of Health April 1, 2016

National News:

• The Supreme Court this week issued an order for additional briefs in a case to decide whether religious organizations should be required to offer coverage for contraception to their employees. The order signals that court wants to avoid a 4-4 tie. Read more here in the New York Times.

New York State News:

• New York State’s recently passed fiscal year 2016-2017 budget includes a new paid family leave policy, which will allow people employed for at least six months to take up to 12 weeks to care for a newborn or ill relative.
• Politico New York reports that almost half of eligible patients have received medical marijuana under the state’s new law.
• A provision that would have increased public worker retiree health coverage costs failed to make it into the final budget.

New York City News:

• Mayor Bill de Blasio this week announced the creation of a city specific Mental Health Council. Read more here.
• Two years ago today, Mayor de Blasio signed an expanded paid sick leave law and since then the law has helped thousands of New Yorkers.

Upcoming Events:

• The New York State Public Health Association is holding its 65^th annual meeting and conference on April 21^st and 22^nd. See more here.
• The United Hospital Fund is holding its annual Medicaid Conference on July 14^th in New York City. Read more here.