By Ben Keeton After a brief delay, the primary elections are official and we can move our attention to the upcoming general elections in November. While we can feel a bit of relief from the campaign commercials, the next several months are important as the candidates present their vision for the future of Kentucky. Healthcare…
NAMI Report Finds There’s A Long Road To Go On Mental Health Parity
So, you have health insurance. What mental health and substance use care can you get? From which providers? At what cost? Do your benefits compare to coverage for other types of medical conditions? To answer these questions NAMI surveyed over 2,700 people nationwide given new protections under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act…
Keeping Kentuckians alive: It’s time to increase access to emergency care and treatment for opiate overdose.
In Quincy, Mass., first responders carry kits that have saved over 200 lives since 2010, and nationwide these kits have saved more than 10,000 lives. Currently, Kentucky’s first responders cannot carry such kits – and every year Kentuckians die because of this. In North Carolina and 20 other states, laws have been enacted to encourage…
The heroin bill dialogue: What should be included in the final legislation?
There is no disagreement that Kentucky is in need of improved heroin legislation. Last year, 230 people lost their lives due to a heroin overdose. Over half of those were from Jefferson County making heroin deaths twice as common as homicide in Louisville. The 2015 legislative session provides our best opportunity to pass comprehensive legislation…
Positive impact: When considering ‘biosimilars’ legislation, Kentucky must ensure patient safety.
The positive impact of biologic medicines for the treatment of many chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, HIV, hepatitis C, Rheumatoid arthritis and others, cannot be understated. That’s why it’s good news that soon patients and prescribers will have access to cutting edge medicines called biosimilars. Like the development of the generic medicines market, biosimilars…
Metrics that matter: Collective impact and the positive results on the Louisville health community.
There’s a thirteen-year gap in life expectancy among residents in differing Louisville neighborhoods (2011 Louisville Metro Health Equity Report). This gap is not only seen on geographical lines, but can be identified when comparing race and resident income levels as well. The Greater Louisville Project (GLP) harnesses data like this to help engage the community…