Connect with us

Health

US Sen. Warren to File Bill Targeting Top Drug Companies

Published

on

In this Nov. 19, 2014 file photo, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. speaks in Washington. Liberal activists eager to draft Warren into a run for president are bringing their effort to Iowa, the pivotal early-voting state where there’s already well-established organizing effort in place _ for Hillary Rodham Clinton. MoveOn.org will hold a meeting Wednesday evening in Des Moines as part of their new "Run Warren Run" campaign. The group is trying to persuade Warren to seek the Democratic nomination in 2016, even though the Massachusetts senator has repeatedly said she is not running.  (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

In this Nov. 19, 2014 file photo, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. speaks in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

 

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is shifting her focus from Wall Street to the nation’s top pharmaceutical companies.

The Massachusetts Democrat plans to file a bill next week that she said would help fund basic medical research by targeting pharmaceutical companies accused of breaking the law.

Warren’s bill would require that whenever drug companies enter into a settlement with the government over alleged wrongdoing, they must pay a portion of their annual profits over five years to support research at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activism

OP-ED: Like Physicians, U.S. Health Institutions Must ‘First, Do No Harm’

Coupled with their lack of government and healthcare-related experience, we are concerned these nominees will significantly undermine public health, increase the number of uninsured people, worsen health outcomes, and exacerbate health disparities. Physicians observe Hippocrates’ maxim to “First Do No Harm,”, and we urge Trump administration officials to do the same. It is critical that the leadership of HHS and its agencies make decisions based on facts, evidence, and science. Misinformation and disinformation must not guide policymaking decisions and undermine evidence-based public health strategies. Spreading these falsehoods also erodes trust in our public institutions.

Published

on

Albert L. Brooks MD. Courtesy photo.
Albert L. Brooks MD. Courtesy photo.

By Albert L. Brooks MD
Special to The Post

Presidential administrations significantly impact the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities.

Through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the agencies within it, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the National Institutes of Health, this new administration will decide how financial resources are allocated, dictate the focus of federal research, and determine how our public health care insurance systems are managed, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Vaccines for Children program, Medicare, and Medicaid.

The decisions made over the next four years will impact all Americans but will be felt more acutely by those most underserved and vulnerable.

As physicians, we are greatly concerned by the nominations announced by President Trump to critical healthcare related positions. Many of their previous statements and positions are rooted in misinformation.

Coupled with their lack of government and healthcare-related experience, we are concerned these nominees will significantly undermine public health, increase the number of uninsured people, worsen health outcomes, and exacerbate health disparities. Physicians observe Hippocrates’ maxim to “First Do No Harm,”, and we urge Trump administration officials to do the same.

It is critical that the leadership of HHS and its agencies make decisions based on facts, evidence, and science. Misinformation and disinformation must not guide policymaking decisions and undermine evidence-based public health strategies. Spreading these falsehoods also erodes trust in our public institutions.

Vaccines, in particular, have been a target of disinformation by some HHS nominees. In fact, research continues to confirm that vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccines go through multiple rounds of clinical trials prior to being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for administration to the public.

Vaccines protect against life-threateningdiseasessuch as measles, polio, tetanus, and meningococcal disease and, when used effectively, have beenshowntoeliminateorsubstantiallyreducediseaseprevalenceand/orseverity.

Because of vaccine mis- and disinformation, there has been a resurgence in vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough, endangering those who are too young or unable to be vaccinated.

Several nominees have spread disinformation alleging that fluoride in public drinking water is harmful. In fact, fluoride in drinking water at the recommended level of 0.7 parts per million, like we have in our EBMUD water, is safe and keeps teeth strong. Because of public health interventions dating back to the 1960s that have resulted in 72.3% of the U.S. population now having access to fluoridated water, there has been a reduction in cavities by about 25% in both children and adults.

We also encourage the next administration to invest in our public health infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of public health agencies in preventing and responding to health crises in our communities.

Health departments at the state and local levels rely on federal funding support and technical assistance to develop public health response plans, implement public health strategies, and work with on the ground organizations to serve hard to reach communities. Public health agencies are critical for protecting everyone in our communities, regardless of income-level, insurance status, or housing status.

Health officials should also work to protect the significant improvements in insurance coverage that have occurred since the passage of theACAin 2010.According to HHS, the numberofuninsuredAmericansfellfrom48millionin2010to25.6millionin2023.

California has led the way by investing in Medi-Cal and expanding eligibility for enrollment. In fact, it reached its lowest uninsured rate ever in 2022 at 6.2%. Voters affirmed this commitment to expanding and protecting access to care in November by passing Proposition 35, which significantly expanded funding for California’s Medi-Cal program. The administration should advance policies that strengthen the ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare and improve access to affordable health care.

Regardless of the president in power, physicians will always put the best interests of our patients and communities at the forefront. We will continue to be a resource to our patients, providing evidence-based and scientifically proven information and striving to better their lives and our community’s health. We urge the new Trump administration to do the same.

Albert L. Brooks MD is the immediate past president of the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association, which represents 6,000 East Bay physicians.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oakland Poll: Tell Us What You Think About the Cost of Groceries in Oakland

Food banks and grocery giveaways are a large part of the resources nonprofits in Oakland prioritize, particularly in areas like East and West Oakland where low-income families of color tend to reside. These neighborhoods are often labeled as “food deserts” or communities that have limited access to affordable and nutritious foods.

Published

on

Oakland Poll: Tell Us What You Think About the Cost of Groceries in Oakland
Oakland Poll: Tell Us What You Think About the Cost of Groceries in Oakland

By Magaly Muñoz

In 2023, the average spending on groceries increased by nearly $30 each month from the year before;people are spending over $500 a month to put food on the table.

Through previous reporting by the Post, we’ve learned that families in Oakland are depending more and more on free or low cost groceries from food banks because they can no longer afford the rising costs of food at the store.

Food banks and grocery giveaways are a large part of the resources nonprofits in Oakland prioritize, particularly in areas like East and West Oakland where low-income families of color tend to reside. These neighborhoods are often labeled as “food deserts” or communities that have limited access to affordable and nutritious foods.

We’ve recently spoken to families across these two areas of Oakland and have heard several stories that all point to one problem: food is expensive. Some individuals are spending upwards of $150 a week for themselves or double if they have teens or small children in the family.

We’ve also heard stories of people with chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure struggling to maintain their diets because they’re having a hard time affording the food that helps them stay healthy.

Do these experiences sound similar to what you or your family are dealing with every month? Are you struggling to afford your basic groceries every week? Do you depend on food banks to help you get by? Are there any chronic illnesses in your household that need to be managed by a special diet?

We want to hear about your experiences and ideas for solutions!

The Oakland Post is investigating food access in Oakland and how residents are surviving as the cost of living continues to increase. Your experiences will help shape our reporting and show local leaders the need to invest in our communities.

In order to get as much feedback as possible, we ask that you click this link to fill out a brief questionnaire or visit tinyurl.com/Oakland-Post-food-survey. You can also scan the QR code above to reach the survey. After you fill it out, please consider sharing the link with your friends and family in Oakland.

If you have questions, please reach out to our Oakland reporter Magaly Muñoz at mmunoz@postnewsgroup or text/call her at (510) 905-5286.

Continue Reading

California Black Media

Gov. Newsom Announces Historic Boost to Paid Family Leave Benefits

This new policy will allow eligible workers earning less than $63,000 annually to receive up to 90% of their regular wages while on leave. Workers earning above this threshold will receive 70% of their wages, marking a substantial enhancement in support for workers needing time off to care for a sick family member, recover from an illness, or bond with a new child.

Published

on

iStock.
iStock.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a significant increase in California’s paid family leave and disability benefits, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

“Expanded paid family leave benefits are about making it easier for Californians to care for themselves, bond with a new child, and care for their families without worrying about how they’ll pay the bills,” said Newsom about the historic change.

This new policy will allow eligible workers earning less than $63,000 annually to receive up to 90% of their regular wages while on leave. Workers earning above this threshold will receive 70% of their wages, marking a substantial enhancement in support for workers needing time off to care for a sick family member, recover from an illness, or bond with a new child.

The increase, enacted under Senate Bill (SB) 951, aims to make it more affordable for California workers to take time off for critical life events such as pregnancy, childbirth, recovery from illness, or caring for a loved one, including during military deployment. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized that the policy reflects the state’s commitment to supporting working mothers, parents, and caregivers.

Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), SB 951’s author, celebrated the law’s passage, highlighting its importance for middle and low-income workers who will now receive up to 90% of their wages while on leave. The Employment Development Department (EDD) also lauded the policy, noting its role in strengthening California’s workforce and improving the lives of millions of workers.

The new benefits apply to claims filed on or after Jan. 1, 2025, while claims filed in 2024 will continue at the 2024 rates of 60% to 70%.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to receive news and updates from the Oakland Post

* indicates required

CHECK OUT THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND POST

ADVERTISEMENT

WORK FROM HOME

Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540

Facebook

California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Photo Courtesy of California Governor’s Office.
Bay Area12 hours ago

Gov. Newsom Looks Back at 2024 Milestones; Presents Vision for 2025

Activism2 days ago

Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

#NNPA BlackPress2 days ago

NAACP Sues Trump Administration Over Dismantling of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

#NNPA BlackPress2 days ago

Robert Kennedy and Healthcare. Is There Trust?

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

American Heart Association Partners with the Black Press for Groundbreaking Black Health Symposium

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

American Heart Association Partners with the Black Press for Groundbreaking Black Health Symposium

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

WATCH: Changing the Future of Health for Black Communities: Public Health and Media Symposium

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

Trump Seizes Control of Kennedy Center, Tightening Grip on American Institutions

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

House GOP Pushes Forward Extreme Budget Plan as Project 2025 Fears Become Reality

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

Another Push for Reparations for Slavery and Black a Wall Street

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

Corporate America Abandons DE&I, But Black-Owned Brands Are the Future

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

U.S. Hits New Low in Global Corruption Index as Trump Halts Anti-Bribery Law

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Dr. Jamal Bryant’s 40-Day Target ‘Fast’ Gains Momentum

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

OP-ED: Tribute to Coach Leonard Hamilton: a Man of God

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Flu Cases Skyrocket Nationwide, Overwhelming Hospitals and Closing Schools

Trending

Copyright ©2021 Post News Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.