Your Weekly Dose of Health February 26, 2016
National News:
- The Senate this week confirmed Robert M. Califf as the new head of the Food and Drug Administration by a vote of 89 to 4. Dr. Califf is a cardiologist and was a researcher at Duke University. President Obama nominated him in September.
- A new policy requires that people who want to get health insurance after the open enrollment deadline must present proof of their eligibility.
New York State News:
- As Governor Cuomo continues to advocate for his Paid Family Leave proposal, Syracuse Senator John DeFrancisco said that Republicans may be willing to consider a “reasonable” program.
- Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrack proposed opening a facility where heroin users can shoot up under the supervision of medical staff. Ithaca would be the first in the nation if they succeed in opening such a facility. The governor has not commented on the mayor’s idea.
- Governor Cuomo today launched a video series to educate New Yorkers about addiction and treatment services.
- AIDs advocates are upset with Governor Cuomo, arguing that he is underfunding his plan to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020.
- The group Healthcare for All New York is pushing to convince the state to expand healthcare access under the Affordable Care Act to include undocumented immigrants.
Upcoming Events:
- The Manhattan Institute is holding a conference on hospital consolidation and competition in New York State at the Harvard Club on March 23. Read more here.
- The New York State Public Health Association is holding its 65th annual meeting and conference on April 21st and 22nd. See more here.