Santa Cruz County Local News: Health


All Local Health News articles contributed by our local media allies and other local newsrooms.

California Local Pin Marker From SFGate...

01/04/2024
An outbreak of the avian flu that began in California in October has killed 5.5 million birds throughout the Golden State. About 20% of the deaths have come in Sonoma County.

California Local Pin Marker From Voice of San Diego...

01/03/2024
County leaders in San Diego are gearing up for a March bond measure that could help provide more behavioral health beds. More beds are needed for areas like mental health and detox.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

01/03/2024
High prices at hospitals in Monterey County are “an anomaly even among the most expensive” communities in California. One insurance plan there saves money by paying for members’ travel to other counties for procedures.

California Local Pin Marker From CapPublicRadio...

01/03/2024
Leaders of a parental rights advocacy group announced they’re planning to sue California Attorney General Rob Bonta over the way his office has characterized a 2024 ballot initiative they authored.

California Local Pin Marker From Los Angeles Times...

01/02/2024
Los Angeles County has entered the medium category of COVID-19 hospitalization defined by the CDC, with providers warning that illnesses like RSV like to travel in tandem with the virus. Officials are urging the public to mask when visiting hospitals or other indoor facilities.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/31/2023
New law is meant to help nursing home residents understand the reasons for their discharge, and inform them of their rights to appeal.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/31/2023
California adopted several laws to increase access to contraception and abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade. The latest one eliminates out-of-pocket charges for birth control for millions of Californians.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

12/28/2023
Image for display with article titled Watsonville Hospital Board Approves Budget

Two years ago, Watsonville Community Hospital was facing possible closure. On Dec. 27, the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board of Directors heard a budget report that paints a picture of solvency and a positive direction.

California Local Pin Marker From California Local...

12/28/2023
Image for display with article titled All Undocumented Californians Eligible for Medi-Cal Health Coverage for First Time in 2024

Undocumented immigrants over 50 became eligible in 2023. Now the program expands to all adults.

California Local Pin Marker From California Local...

12/27/2023
Image for display with article titled Emergency Ambulance Rides Put Families Deep in Debt, But New State Law Aims to Prevent Surprise Bills

A 15-minute ride in an ambulance can cost $4,000 or more and insurance often won't pay.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/26/2023
Under a new law, employees in California are guaranteed five paid sick days a year, two days more than previously. Worker advocacy groups say the benefit is needed, but business groups warn of additional costs.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/26/2023
Under two new laws, employers in California can’t ask workers about their use of cannabis outside the workplace and can’t use hair or urine tests. Employees in construction are excluded, as are applicants for federal jobs with background checks.

California Local Pin Marker From Monterey Herald...

12/26/2023
Prescribed burns, used to limit destructive wildfires, are growing in frequency at California State Parks. But as the smoke drifts into residential areas, it’s easy to see why many Californians are concerned about the health impacts.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

12/22/2023
Image for display with article titled Campaign Begins for Watsonville Hospital’s Measure N

With a $6.7 million debt from the previous owner and a need to upgrade, Pajaro Valley Health Care District and hospital officials are turning to the community for help.

California Local Pin Marker From California Local...

12/21/2023
Image for display with article titled Kids' Mental Health Programs Face Closures After State 'Modernizes' Payment System

California is trying to make its Medi-Cal payment system more efficient, but there may be some collateral damage.

California Local Pin Marker From California Local...

12/20/2023
Image for display with article titled How California Industry Dodges Environmental Laws by Dumping Waste On a Small Mexican Town

Both private industry and state government have sent toxic waste to a plant across the border from San Diego.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/20/2023
California fast-food workers will earn a $20 minimum wage in April. Other employers might have to raise their pay floor to recruit and retain staff.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/19/2023
Suppliers now have detailed steps to create a new source of drinking water. But it’s not really “toilet-to-tap.” Due to the cost, it’ll likely be only large suppliers.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

12/19/2023
Executives of the company that previously owned Watsonville Community Hospital are accused of improper payments, siphoning funds for personal use and negligent operations, among other things, in a lawsuit filed by the hospital's liquidation trustee.

California Local Pin Marker From California Local...

12/18/2023
Image for display with article titled Californians Get Rude Surprise at the Doctor's Office—Their Medi-Cal Coverage is Cancelled

Some recipients say they received no notice or warning that the state had pulled their health coverage.