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 September HIV activists to lose name reporting battle Oct. 1 Activists are shaking their heads in disbelief because on Oct. 1 people who test positive for HIV will have their names reported to the Department of Human Services. Although their community has enjoyed small victories after protests led to delays, a name-reporting system now seems inevitable -- unless there are legal challenges. Contraceptives face a rematch in court Instead of licking their wounds in the wake of a crushing political defeat by Republicans last session, two Democratic lawmakers have climbed back in the ring for a rematch. This time, however, Sen. Susan Castillo and Rep. Diane Rosenbaum, who lost a battle to require health insurance policies with drug benefits to provide coverage for contraceptives, are armed with a new weapon -- a major court victory. PeaceHealth snubs Eugene PeaceHealth dropped a bombshell Sept. 7 when it announced it would abandon plans to build a new hospital in Eugene and instead move to neighboring Springfield. Several months ago, PeaceHealth said it needed to relocate to a bigger area to meet the community's need and would close Sacred Health Medical Center near the University of Oregon campus. It looked at a remote sight in north Eugene where it already owned land, but was met with strong resistance from citizens and the Eugene City Council who wanted the hospital to relocate downtown. Avoiding death On March 25, 13-year-old Jean Anderson went to Short Sands Beach prepared for a family beach outing, but by 11:15, she was pinned underneath a log in the surf. After almost two hours at the scene, she was rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter and taken to Legacy Emanuel where she was pronounced dead. Access a thorn in dental's side Dental organizations are struggling to keep a grip on their Oregon Health Plan lifeline. "We will eat some of our profit to keep this program going," said Dr. Michael Shirtcliff, Northwest Dental director. Minnis challenges drug formulary Conflict is erupting over the implementation of a controversial drug formulary for Oregon Health Plan patients. Sen. John Minnis is objecting to what he called an attempt to "create a restrictive formulary" that wouldn't allow physicians to use their "best medical judgments in treating their patients." Cancer center planned Tuality Healthcare is teaming up with Oregon Health and Sciences University to build a $4.5 million cancer treatment center that focuses on radiation treatment in Hillsboro. Thus far, $1.5 million has been raised, with the hospital systems contributing another $2 million. Oregon cool on MSAs A tax shelter for the rich or a panacea for rising health care costs?The jury on medical savings accounts is still out, but Oregon has proven a poor test case. Letter to the editor To the Editor, Thanks for alerting us that the fluoridation battle is heating up, even though Senate Bill 99 was defeated (August 2001.) I was distressed to note, however, the uncivil way in which fluoridation proponents presented themselves. One proponent dismissed those with concerns about fluoridation as "wackos" in the "woodwork." Anther mocked critics as "big boys from the backwoods of Canada to Outer Mongolia." And these proponents are health care professionals? A campaign of disdain may have worked back in the 1950s, but since then a lot of us have learned to maintain a healthy skepticism whenever someone claims that, "We're from the government and we're here to help you." There are dozens of legitimate reasons to oppose what amounts to mandatory medication of individuals through their water supply. Fluoridation does seem to be a poor substitute for a more extensive statewide dental health prevention and care program in Oregon. Perhaps this is why proponents are turning once again to ridicule, rather than rationality, to argue their case. As someone who advocates for people diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities, I ask health care professionals to truly stay professional, and do not make wild claims that those with valid objections to fluoridation have a mental disorder. Otherwise, we citizens may begin to question your own ability to reason. David Oaks Also in this issue...
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