BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of acute flaccid myelitis in the state and has said that an additional four suspected cases of the polio-like disease are being investigated. The condition, considered rare and mostly seen in children, affects the body's nervous system, specifically the spinal chord's ability to send messages to and from the brain. It can lead to muscle weakness in one or more limbs and decreased or absent reflexes, breathing difficulty and problems speaking, swallowing or moving the eyes. There has been a reported increase in cases nationwide since 2014 with 62 confirmed cases this year in 22 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state DPH said it collaborates with CDC to actively investigate acute flaccid myelitis cases. A short brief from the DPH referred to the disease as a "serious condition" for which "there is no specific treatment." There is also no known cause for the … [Read more...] about 2 cases of polio-like disease confirmed in Massachusetts, 4 more suspected
Massachusetts
Addiction Policy Forum Launches Statewide Resource to Address the Addiction Crisis in Massachusetts
Residents in Massachusetts Can Now Find Local Addiction Resources by County /EIN News/ -- Mansfield, MA, Oct. 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Addiction Policy Forum, a leading addiction nonprofit, has expanded its Addiction Resource Center (ARC) to include a database of treatment resources, facilities, and healthcare providers specific to Massachusetts. “According to preliminary CDC overdose data, over 2,393 people in Massachusetts lost their lives to substance use disorder last year. This new database of treatment centers and healthcare facilities in Massachusetts gives families and people concerned about substance use a way to find trustworthy help quickly in their moments of crisis, which we hope will save more lives in the state,” says Jessica Hulsey Nickel, Addiction Policy Forum Founder. The ARC includes a comprehensive, interactive website to help individuals and families struggling with addiction learn about substance use disorders and access critical resources. … [Read more...] about Addiction Policy Forum Launches Statewide Resource to Address the Addiction Crisis in Massachusetts
Nancy Pelosi Visits Massachusetts to Campaign Before Midterms
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is feeling confident three weeks before the midterm election. "I do believe that today, we would win the Congress for the American people," the California Democrat said Tuesday in Massachusetts. Her confidence is not stopping her from crossing the country campaigning for members of her party. "No one can question her determination with winning seats across the country," said Lori Trahan, running to represent Massachusetts' 3rd Congressional District. Stunning 'Ice Castles' Slated for Wisconsin Lake Ice Castles If the House flips in November, Pelosi is in line to become House speaker once again — though female candidates like Ayanna Pressley, and even Trahan, have yet to commit to supporting that move. "I think that's a conversation that I look forward to having once I get through Nov. 6," Trahan said Tuesday. Trahan's Republican opponent, Rick Green, thinks that is at the core of Pelosi's visit, which started with a high-priced … [Read more...] about Nancy Pelosi Visits Massachusetts to Campaign Before Midterms
Massachusetts lawmakers gear up for another run at health care overhaul
By COLIN A. YOUNG After picking up the pieces from a failed attempt at the end of formal legislative business to agree on a health care bill, the Massachusetts Legislature is gearing up to take another crack at stabilizing community hospitals and limiting the growth of consumer health costs. House Speaker Robert DeLeo, speaking Tuesday morning at the Health Policy Commission's annual cost trends hearing, said "no one is more disappointed than am I" about the collapse in July of negotiations between the House and Senate on a health care bill, but he said the House's work on that legislation will serve as a good starting point for the upcoming session. "Because of that work, the valued input from the health care community and our commitment to the people of the commonwealth, we will not give up. This coming legislative session, the House will try again," he said. "Despite our success at slowing spending growth, we know that patients are still forgoing care due to costs. Our community … [Read more...] about Massachusetts lawmakers gear up for another run at health care overhaul
Military veterans sue Massachusetts over denial of Welcome Home bonus
Three veterans are suing the state treasurer for denying them a veterans bonus for receiving a discharge that was not honorable after multiple tours of duty. Massachusetts offers veterans who served after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks a Welcome Home bonus as long as they receive an honorable discharge. The bonus is $1,000 for veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan and $500 for those who served elsewhere for at least six months. The case pending in Suffolk Superior Court, which will have a hearing this Thursday, is about whether someone who served multiple tours of duty but was not honorably discharged from the final one is eligible for the benefit. Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and the Veterans' Bonus Appeal Board said those veterans are not eligible. The case is Jeffrey Machado, Herik Espinoza, and Washington Santos vs. Goldberg and the Veterans' Bonus Appeal Board. Machado served in the U.S. Army from March 2011 to September 2014. He struggled with returning to post-combat … [Read more...] about Military veterans sue Massachusetts over denial of Welcome Home bonus