Opinion: Plasma Treatments Saved My Father’s Life Many Times, And More People Need Access to Them

My late father, Jim Carey, was born in 1940 as the youngest of three brothers. All of them were born with hemophilia B — a hereditary bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly.

Today, in honor of my father, I am focused on strengthening California’s plasma donation system and ensuring all patients, particularly those with rare diseases, have access to the life-saving medicines they need.

Opinion: How Preventing Violence Can Help End Homelessness

People experiencing homelessness face repeated violence and stress from a lack of safety. They often engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as substance use, to cope.

A comprehensive strategy to reduce exposure to violence for people who are unhoused can reduce violence in the community as a whole, reduce public spending on emergency medical and other services and increase the chances that individuals can transition off the streets.

Opinion: How Alternative Pain Treatments Can Prevent Opioid Addiction

As a doctor of orthopedic physical therapy, I’ve treated numerous patients dealing with severe pain who were at risk for or already have opioid use disorder. This condition not only causes suffering for the patient, but also for their loved ones.

Most tragic of all is that it could be prevented with better access to alternative pain treatments covered by the patient’s health plan.

How One Bay Area Group Uses Restorative Circles to Help Women Heal

The Sisters Rise Circle is one of about a dozen circles run by Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth, a nonprofit based in Oakland that uses restorative practices to address conflict and promote healing.

Organizers launched the circle last fall as part of a response to what they saw as a large, unmet need among the communities and families they serve.

Medicaid Cuts Could Upend Lives of Children With Disabilities. Can California Do More to Prepare?

Medicaid — which provides health coverage for almost 15 million Californians and about half of the state’s children — could face billions of dollars in federal cuts under a budget proposal from House Republicans.

That’s alarmed families like the Pequeños, who rely on Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, to pay for medical care and other support for their children with chronic conditions.

Analysis: How to Stand Up for Kids With Disabilities Despite Federal Changes

My son is able to live at home with our family, attend school and interact with the world because we live in a nation where disabled people have civil rights.

When I hear President Trump talk about eliminating diversity, equality, inclusion and accessibility, he’s not just attacking civil rights for disabled people — he’s sending a message to kids like my son that they don’t belong.

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