Problem Gambling Summit Tackles Cultural Barriers

Post News Group

Problem gambling crosses the lines of culture, race and economic status—impacting more than a million people in California. The 2013 Problem Gambling Training Summit, hosted by the California Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) on March 4-5 in San Diego, will focus on prevention and treatment approaches tailored for the state’s diverse populations. “There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for problem gamblers,” said OPG Deputy Director Terri Sue Canale. “Language and cultural barriers have to be considered when looking at effective prevention and treatment approaches.”

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Coroner Stumped by Detox Death

San Juan Capistrano Patch

The Orange County coroner’s office has completed its investigation into the death of a San Juan Capistrano man at a Huntington Beach detox center but cannot figure out why he died. Jason Redmer’s cause of death is “undetermined,” said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which also operates the coroner’s office. About 10 months ago, Redmer checked into a residential center – West Coast Detox on Yale Circle, licensed by the state to offer non-medical detox – to cleanse himself from an alcohol addiction. Four days later, staff found him not breathing. He died before help could arrive.

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Rescue Mission Announces “Tribute to Recovery” Graduation Ceremony

Santa Barbara Independent

In the past fifteen years, the Mission has helped over 500 people achieve recovery through the completion of this year long process. Rolf Geyling, President of the SB Rescue Mission, stated “On March 2nd, before a packed house at Calvary Chapel, 19 courageous men and women will mark the end of a year-long journey that has brought them from the depths of addiction to a world of exciting possibilities. They are the latest graduates of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission’s 12-month residential treatment program. Their words are a powerful testimony to the grace of God and the power of love.”

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California is rebuilding health care mid-flight

Sacramento Business Journal

If you think that the business community has a ton of questions about Covered California, the state’s health benefit exchange that goes into effect Jan. 1, you should see what health officials themselves are wondering. The frenzied pace of building the state’s cornerstone of health care from scratch was bared to all who attended the Business Journal’s “The Future of Health Care” event Thursday morning at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.

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California lawmakers move forward on health insurance law

Reporter

California lawmakers took the first step Thursday toward passing new consumer protections, such as guaranteeing coverage even with pre-existing conditions, under the federal health care overhaul. Democrats in both houses of the Legislature passed bills dealing with individual insurance regulations that would prevent insurers from discriminating and overcharging customers.

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Annual Medicare, Medicaid spending in California tops $100 billion

Sacramento Bee

Government health spending in California now exceeds the size of the entire state general fund budget.The federal and state government spent $46 billion on Medicaid (Medi-Cal), a health care program for the poor, and the federal government spent $59 billion on Medicare, a health care program for the elderly, in 2011, according to recent estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. That's roughly $2,800 per California resident.Medicare and Medicaid spending in California has doubled in the last 15 years, even after adjusting for inflation.

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Analysis: Spending on Health Programs Trumps Calif.'s General Fund

California Healthline

In California, government health spending on Medicare and Medi-Cal has surpassed the total amount of the state's general fund budget, according to estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Sacramento Bee reports. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. Government Spending in California: In 2011, the federal and state government spent $46 billion on Medi-Cal, and the federal government spent $59 billion on Medicare in California, according to the estimates. The figures roughly equate to $2,800 per California resident.

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