January 17th Newsletter

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Cancer deaths are down, but cancer in women and young people is up - Cancer mortality in the US has declined by 34% since 1991, preventing 4.5 million deaths, but cancer rates are rising among women and younger adults, with women under 50 now experiencing rates 82% higher than men. Pancreatic cancer and adolescent cancer rates are growing concerns, highlighting the need for continued research into environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Link

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Genetically Engineered Male Insects Shorten Their Mates’ Lifespans - Bioengineered male mosquitoes deliver toxic venom proteins during mating, shortening the life span of disease-spreading female counterparts; only female mosquitoes bite and transmit pathogens. Link

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DEA plans to create a special telehealth registration for prescribers - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has released a proposed rule to establish a special telehealth registration framework, allowing qualified practitioners to prescribe controlled substances without an in-person visit. The proposal includes three types of registrations: Telemedicine Prescribing Registration for Schedule III-V substances, Advanced Telemedicine Prescribing Registration for Schedule II-V substances, and Telemedicine Platform Registration for online platforms dispensing Schedule II-V substances. Link

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FDA Prohibits Red Dye No. 3 - The FDA has banned red dye No. 3, a synthetic additive linked to cancer, from food, beverages, and ingested drugs, requiring manufacturers to reformulate products by 2027-2028. This decision follows California's 2023 ban and advocacy efforts by public health organizations, marking a significant step for consumer health and safety. Link

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Texas lawmakers eye sharing health care workers with other states to address provider shortages - Texas lawmakers are considering joining interstate licensing compacts for nine professions, including counseling, dentistry, and social work, to address healthcare workforce shortages by allowing professionals to work across state lines. While advocates argue this could streamline licensing, expand the workforce pool, and improve access to care, skeptics worry it may deplete Texas's workforce, especially in rural areas, and undermine state licensing standards. Link

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Amid blazing California wildfires, companies step up with free services to help victims – Healthcare organizations are stepping up to support those impacted by the California wildfires, with efforts including:

• Sesame: Offering free telehealth visits, prescription refills, and talk therapy to Los Angeles residents.
• GoodRx: Providing free virtual visits and medication refills using code LA-GOODRX-CARE.
• Teladoc Health: Offering free telehealth services and non-narcotic prescription refills.
• Magellan Health: Operating a 24-hour crisis line (1-800-327-7451) for behavioral health support.
• AltaMed Health Services: Launching a relief fund after the Eaton fire destroyed its Pasadena clinic, aiding evacuees and displaced employees.
• Walgreens Foundation: Collecting donations and providing emergency funding, supplies, and prescription delivery.
• NACHC and Direct Relief: Distributing medical aid like N95 masks and essential medicines.
• Anthem Blue Cross: Contributing $10 million in grants for immediate and long-term recovery.
• L.A. Care Health Plan: Offering early prescription refills, relaxing prior authorization rules, and supporting members with care coordination.
• UnitedHealthcare and Optum: Extending benefits like early refills and waiving prior authorization requirements.
• CVS Health/Aetna: Providing emergency medication refills, temporary delivery options, and outreach by care managers.

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These efforts include medical, behavioral, and logistical support to ensure affected communities have access to essential resources during the crisis. Link

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HHS lays out strategic plan for healthcare AI - The HHS has unveiled a strategic plan to oversee AI in healthcare, focusing on safe adoption, equitable access, and building an AI-ready workforce while addressing privacy, security, and ethical concerns. Key goals include accelerating innovation, promoting trustworthy development, supporting under-resourced organizations, and protecting against cybersecurity risks as AI adoption grows. Link

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ASTP appoints 3 new health IT leaders: CTO, CDO and CAIO – Link

• Alicia Rouault , who previously served in the White House's United States Digital Service, will become the ASTP's associate deputy assistant secretary for technology policy and chief technology officer.?
• Dr. Meghan M. Dierks, MD, FACS , former chief data officer at Komodo Health, will serve as its new chief artificial intelligence officer.?
• Kristen Honey , previously the chief data scientist in the Office of Science and Medicine, will now serve as ASTP's chief data officer.

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Cigna Healthcare Expands Access to Fertility and Family-Building Benefits and Services - Cigna Healthcare has partnered with Progyny to offer a comprehensive fertility and family-building benefit for employers, providing access to services like fertility treatments, surrogacy, adoption support, and mental health care. This new solution aims to attract and retain top talent while simplifying coverage through Progyny's Smart Cycle? design and will be available to most self-funded Cigna clients starting in fall 2025. Link

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RECALLS:

1.??? The Mochi Ice Cream Company LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Peach Mango Sorbet.

2.??? Lifestyle Evolution Voluntarily Recalls NuGo Dark Chocolate Chip and NuGo Dark Pretzel Due to Undeclared Milk.

3.??? Lifestyle Evolution Voluntarily Recalls NuGo Dark Chocolate Chip and NuGo Dark Pretzel Due to Undeclared Milk.

4.??? Quaker Issues Limited Recall on Undeclared Milk in Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix Distributed in 11 States.

5.??? Mutual Trading Co., Issues Allergy Alert Undeclared Milk in Prepared Monkfish Liver.