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Obama defends health bill in Oval Office interview

In an Oval Office interview with The Washington Post, President Barack Obama "rejected criticism that he has compromised too much to secure health-care reform or turned over too much authority to congressional leaders in pursuing his broad legislative agenda."

24 Dec 2009

Angelica partners with HSC to provide quality healthcare for Haitian community

At Angelica, we are committed to meeting the highest standards of corporate citizenship by fulfilling our mission to offer healthcare providers superior services based on our high quality products, unsurpassed quality and service standards, and creative solutions. While we strive to achieve that mission in the communities where we do business, we embrace opportunities where we can support communities outside our geographical footprint through charitable activities.

24 Dec 2009

States slash budgets including cuts in health programs

The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reports on budget cuts in Louisiana: "Obligated to close a $247.9 million gap in the current-year state budget, Gov. Bobby Jindal announced cuts across all agencies Tuesday, including $108.1 million in health dollars and $84 million from higher education. ... Slack tax revenue during the recession is leaving state coffers short of anticipated spending money for this year.

24 Dec 2009

Opinions: Doctors in developing nations; foreign aid

In a New York Times opinion piece that focuses on health reform in the U.S., Shannon Brownlee, a senior research fellow at the New America Foundation and David Goodman, a professor at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, discuss an amendment that teaching hospitals in the U.S. hope will make it into final health care legislation. The amendement would add 15,000 residency slots to the 100,000 residencies supported by the federal government.

24 Dec 2009

Lawmakers, public take aim at deal struck for Sen. Nelson

News outlets report on deals struck with individual senators, in particular Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., in an effort to win support for health care legislation.

24 Dec 2009

VOA News examines obstetric fistula in Africa

VOA News examines obstetric fistula in Africa and looks at health officials' efforts to prevent and treat the condition.

24 Dec 2009

AARP calls on Senators to vote in favor of health care reform bill

While Washington, D.C. couldn't seem further away to most Idaho families this holiday season, rising health care costs are an issue that's hitting much closer to home. As Idaho's health care woes grow increasingly worse, AARP is calling on Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch to vote in favor of the Senate health care reform bill expected to come up for a vote Christmas Eve, and is sending the Senators a "Christmas List" of Idaho's health care crisis.

24 Dec 2009

HHS announces additional grant programs to support health IT workforce

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today the availability of two additional grant programs to support the training and development of the skilled workforce required to support broad adoption and use of health information technology (health IT).

24 Dec 2009

Republicans bitter about deals, resigned about likely overhaul passage

After a series of last minute deals paved the way for Senate Democrats to move forward with health overhaul legislation, Republicans lashed out, but also acknowledged that their options for fighting the legislation at this late date are limited.

24 Dec 2009

LA hospital illustrates dilemma of expensive end of life care

End-of-life care has become a target for critics who allege many hospitals and physicians order unnecessary and expensive procedures, but it often involves difficult and complex decision-making. The New York Times reports on one hospital with large end-of-life care bills:

24 Dec 2009

Lawmakers brace for conference as House Liberals vow not to give in on key issues

The Los Angeles Times reports that Democrats are looking ahead — and at each other — before beginning the "potentially difficult" process of reconciling the Senate and House versions of health care reform.

23 Dec 2009

Nursing shortage awaits baby boomers

CNNMoney reports: "Baby boomers are getting older and will require more care than ever, taxing an already strained nursing system. America has had a nursing shortage for years, said Peter Buerhaus, workforce analyst at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tenn. But by 2025, the country will be facing a shortfall of 260,000 RNs, he said."

23 Dec 2009

Today's opinions and editorials

Sometimes there is a fine ethical line between legislative maneuvering and bribery. At other times, that line is crossed by a speeding, honking tractor-trailer, with outlines of shapely women on mud flaps bouncing as it rumbles past (Michael Gerson, 12/23).

23 Dec 2009

Industries brace for health overhaul as Senate nears deal

Many companies and their lobbyists now believe the overhaul is inevitable and are hoping to ease changes that will affect their businesses.

23 Dec 2009

Health overhaul will keep insurers from dropping people after they become too expensive

The Los Angeles Times reports on some of the provisions in the health care bills will affect individuals because they will regulate how insurers treat people with chronic diseases.

23 Dec 2009

Costs of health overhaul may be felt before benefits accrue

The Associated Press reports: "The costs of health care reform being pushed through Congress by Democrats will be felt long before the benefits. Proposed taxes and fees on upper-income earners, insurers, even tanning parlors, take effect quickly.

23 Dec 2009

CBO questions democratic claims on Medicare savings

Roll Call: "Senate Republicans refused Wednesday to throw in the towel in their rhetorical war with Democrats over health care reform, accusing the majority of using accounting gimmicks to hide their use of Medicare Trust Fund money to pay for new programs in the overhaul,"

23 Dec 2009

Also in global health news: Sexual violence in DRC; anti-gay legislation; counterfeit drugs in Kenya

The U.S. will finance a $7 million program to aid women in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo who have been the targets of sexual violence, the U.S. embassy said on Tuesday, Agence France-Presse reports.

23 Dec 2009

An FDA 'ambiguity' means patients get unapproved devices

A Chicago surgeon invented a silicone and metal ring to repair heart valves, and implanted them in 150 patients before his new device received FDA approval, The Wall Street Journal reports.

23 Dec 2009

AAAP celebrates 10-year anniversary of its California Eldercare Initiative

The Association of African American Professionals, Inc. (AAAP) hosted a holiday party with area senior citizens to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its California Eldercare Initiative. This Initiative helps seniors learn how to be their own eldercare advocates and understand public policy.

23 Dec 2009