Different takes on NC Medicaid shortfall argued in state legislature
Republican budget-writers and Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue’s administration quarreled Thursday over why North Carolina’s Medicaid program could face a $139 million shortfall this coming year.
State health regulators told the Legislature’s chief oversight committee they’re falling short of meeting $356 million in net reductions for the division that oversees Medicaid, the government-run health care plan for poor children, older adults and the disabled.
From Businessweeek
Four Seasons named a national leader in clinical training
Four Seasons – Compassion for Life has been named by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) and the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) as one of 10 clinical training sites in the United States.
John Morris, MD, Four Seasons’ medical director of palliative medicine, said, “Our Palliative Care Immersion Course, which we offer to physicians, nurses and social workers from around the country, exists to help other organizations better serve patients with serious illnesses. I am pleased that we are being recognized as a national leader in palliative care education.”
From the press release
NC officials lower number of E. coli cases linked to state fair
North Carolina public health officials revised Monday the number of confirmed and suspected cases of E. coli infection in an outbreak that appears to be linked to the state fair.
Nine cases have been confirmed and another 15 cases are under investigation, according to North Carolina Division of Public Health spokeswoman Julie Henry. That’s two fewer cases than health officials initially released.
The revision comes as a result of new criteria applied to the outbreak, including lab evidence showing the same genetic fingerprint, whether patients have had symptoms since October 13 and whether patients attended the fair during the incubation period, Henry said.
From CNN
Hagan introduces Violence Against Women Health Initiative on Oct. 31
U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) will today introduce the Violence Against Women Health Initiative to raise awareness of domestic violence for health care providers allowing them to better assess and treat survivors of domestic violence.
“October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, but this is a problem that demands attention 365 days a year,” said Hagan. “The rates of violence and abuse in our country are astounding and unacceptable, and domestic violence has a significant impact on our country’s health, costing our system over $8.3 billion annually. This bill will streamline efforts to prevent and respond to domestic partner violence. I urge my colleagues to join me and support this bill so that we may work together – Democrats and Republicans – towards a safer and healthier future for our women and families.”
From the press release
Henderson County health educator wins Outstanding Health Educator Award
Henderson County Health Education Director Linda Charping wasn’t going to attend the annual meeting of the N.C. Society for Public Health Education held in Greensboro this year.
Her boss, Health Department Director Tom Bridges, kept stopping by her office to see if she had registered. He had good reason for wanting Charping to attend, as he and the health department staff had successfully nominated Charping for the Outstanding Health Educator Award.
From Blue Ridge Times
Free women’s health seminar being held Nov. 3
Join us on Nov. 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a free panel discussion between physicians, nurses and physical therapists from Mission Women’s Health and learn more about problems and treatment options related to dysfunctions of the pelvic floor, including bladder control, irritable bowel, constipation and pelvic and/or lower back pain. Get the facts about an issue that affects
nearly 50 percent of all women.
From the press release
Free healthy heart seminar to be held Nov. 17
On Nov. 17 from 5-8:15 p.m., Mission Women’s Health presents a free event featuring nurse practitioner Barb Bancroft, acclaimed national speaker and author, who will discuss common causes of heart disease and what you can do to jumpstart your personal goals and prevention of this disease. Take advantage of health screenings and information, plus sample healthy food choices from Mission dieticians.
From the press release
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.