State Health Notes September 2005

State Health Notes
September 2005 Issues

Volume 26, Number 452: September 19, 2005

Cover Story - Hurricane Katrina Provides A “Wake-Up” Call to States
Hurricane Katrina is a wake-up call for officials at all levels of government. The devastating impact of the storm highlights the need for well coordinated disaster response procedures, renews the focus on electronic health records, and stirs a debate about who should cover the health care costs of so many displaced individuals.

Graphically Speaking - Fewer Teens are Bearing Babies In All 50 States
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy released the first ever state-by-state analysis of teen birth rates. A sharp drop in teen mothers translates into improved child well-being, says the report.

Highlights
Medicaid reform…CA smoking survey…Junk food report…CA ban on junk food…National Children’s Survey…Treating substance abuse saves $$…Physicians and sleep…Electronic health records…Racial Disparities…AK dental aide therapists

Behavioral Health News - When is "Tough Love" Too Tough? States Scrutinize Boarding Schools
Some parents struggling with delinquent or substance abusing children have turned to therapeutic boarding schools as a last resort. Amidst allegations of abuse, state legislators are beginning to scrutinized these “tough-love” institutions.

FYI - Suicide Prevention: Money Headed to the States
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth. New money is available to states to develop early intervention and suicide prevention programs targeted at young people.

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Volume 26, Number 451: September 6, 2005

Cover Story - Racial and Ethnic Disparities: Researchers Find Little Progress
Policymakers have been trying to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health care at least since the late 1980s. But two new studies indicate that little progress has been made. A third study shows that gaps in care have been lessened, at least in Medicare managed care plans.

Graphically Speaking - Minorities Disproportionately Represented Among the Uninsured
Hispanics make up only 15.1 percent of the overall non-elderly population, but more than one third of them were uninsured during the first part of 2004, according to a new study from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Highlights
TennCare…AK Senior Rx…Rx Lawsuit in CA…NH Emergency Contraception Law…Medication rules for SC kids...HSAs…OR Mental Health Parity Law…IN Flu Plan…Caregiver Report...

Focus On - Maine Continues Efforts to Reach Universal Coverage
In 2004, Maine set the ambitious goal of providing universal coverage to its residents by 2009. Despite fiscal problems and contentious political debates, the state is moving ahead with its plan.

FYI - Walk (or Bike) This Way To Stay Healthy
Kids who walk or bike to school and back get significantly more exercise than kids who are driven or ride the bus or train. States are trying to capitalize on this by promoting “Safe Routes to Schools” programs.

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