Opinion

Opinion: How Preventing Violence Can Help End Homelessness

People experiencing homelessness face repeated violence and stress from a lack of safely. 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.

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.

Opinion: Medi-Cal Rate Changes Threaten Mental Health Access

The number of Californians with untreated mental health conditions is increasing.

At its root, the lack of access and insufficient treatment for mental health conditions is driven by declining insurance coverage and low reimbursement rates to providers, according to the author, who urges policymakers to listen to monitor rates to ensure that more Californians can access the care they need.

Analysis: The Power of Storytelling and Why it Matters Now More Than Ever

Health care and disability rights advocates are gearing up to make sure politicians understand that there is no way to cut Medicaid without hurting people who need care. Sharing real people’s stories will be key to that effort.

California Health Report’s disability rights columnist Jennifer McLelland offers her tips on how to tell your family’s story.

Why Emergency Medical Services Are Vital to Our Health Care System

When dialing 911 for a medical emergency, the expectation is clear: Licensed health care providers, typically paramedics and emergency medical technicians, will arrive within minutes at your location, any time of the day or night.

Despite these responsibilities, emergency medical services are often overlooked in health care reform discussions. A compelling opportunity exists to shift lower-acuity and preventive care services from expensive medical clinics and hospitals to community-based EMS care.

Analysis: How Restorative Justice Can Bring Safety and Support to Survivors During the Holidays

For many people, the holidays are an opportunity to come together with family and foster connections and belonging. However, for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, it can be a time of increased abuse, reliving traumatic past events, and not receiving the appropriate supports for safety.

But there are solutions that can help survivors feel supported, as Carolina Morales explains.

Analysis: As a Former Attorney for Violence Survivors, Here’s Why Restorative Justice Gives Me Hope

Barbara Schmitz’s early experiences as an attorney helping survivors of domestic violence file for restraining orders opened her eyes to the impacts the carceral systems can have on families looking for emotional or mental health support.

In this essay, Schmitz reminds us of the Indigenous roots of restorative justice techniques and makes the case for using restorative justice models in schools. 

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