Health

People sit on the sidewalk of G Street in a small homeless encampment in the Chinatown neighborhood of Fresno on Feb. 10, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters

Mental Health

Gavin Newsom’s mental health plan is going to voters. Here’s what you need to know

California collects a special tax on high incomes to fund mental health services. Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to change how the money is spent so a share of it can be used to fund housing for homeless people with mental illnesses.

By Kristen Hwang • September 15, 2023

A person stands next to tents on a sidewalk in San Francisco on April 21, 2020. Photo by Jeff Chiu, AP Photo

Mental Health

‘We are horrified’: Late changes to Newsom’s $6 billion mental health bond surprise advocates

California voters likely will see a mental health ballot measure on the March 2024 election. One would issue a $6 billion bond to create housing for people with mental illnesses.

By Kristen Hwang • September 14, 2023

Health

A $25 minimum wage is in sight for California health care workers under new legislative deal

A last-minute legislative deal would raise pay for California health care workers while giving medical providers a guarantee that they won’t have to battle local measures on employee compensation.

By Ana B. Ibarra • September 12, 2023

Health

Some of California best-paid employees will get bonuses of $40,000 or more in new contract

California prisons are badly understaffed when it comes to doctors and psychiatrists. A new contract attempts to boost retention with substantial bonuses.

By Kristen Hwang • September 6, 2023

A shopper walks past mannequins donning face masks in Los Angeles in 2020. California's COVID-19 emergency declaration ended on Feb. 28, 2023, but there's been a recent uptick in cases across the state. Photo by Jae C. Hong, AP Photo

Health

California COVID cases are increasing, again. Here’s the latest on boosters and more

It’s a confusing time in the COVID pandemic. A new booster is on the way, but cases are rising and you might want more protection now.

By Kristen Hwang • September 1, 2023

A bag of psilocybin mushrooms at a pop-up cannabis market in Los Angeles on May 6, 2019. Photo by Richard Vogel, AP Photo

Health

Psychedelic therapies show promise. Is California ready to bring them into the mainstream?

Psychedelics like mushrooms and mescaline could be decriminalized in California as advocates tout their therapeutic potential.

By Ana B. Ibarra • August 30, 2023

A road sign announcing the closure of the Emergency Room and Madera Community Hospital outside the main entrance on Jan. 2, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

California bails out distressed hospitals, offers interest-free loans to 17 troubled providers

Some independent California community hospitals have struggled with rising costs since the COVID-19 pandemic. Three declared bankruptcy this year, prompting the state to distribute interest-free loans.

By Ana B. Ibarra • August 25, 2023

Mental Health

Gavin Newsom gives ground to critics on his mental health plan. Will voters back it?

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants counties to spend some revenue from California’s so-called “millionaire’s tax” on the state’s homeless crisis. That alarms advocates for programs that are getting that money today.

By Kristen Hwang • August 17, 2023

Medical personnel working in the nurse’s station in the Emergency Room unit of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister on March 30, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

3 California hospitals declared bankruptcy this year. Health chains could keep them alive

Two of the three troubled California hospitals are especially vital to their communities because they’re the only emergency providers in their rural counties. Health care chains could keep them afloat.

By Ana B. Ibarra • August 14, 2023

Volunteer Kim Palma passes out fresh produce at the Solano County Mobile Food Pharmacy in Fairfield on Aug. 1, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

California Divide

Just what the doctor ordered: In California, a prescription could pay for your fresh fruits and veggies

Medi-Cal and other programs are testing food prescriptions that advocates say could improve chronic conditions, lower health care costs and reduce hunger.

By Rya Jetha • August 9, 2023

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