Thursday, January 23, 2003

MEDLINE Abstract Collection: Diabetes and Depression
A collection of recent MEDLINE abstracts compiled by the editors at Medscape Diabetes and Endocrinology on the relationship between diabetes and depression. [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Readers' Challenges for 2003 Include Funding, Outreach
Reader responses to Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly at Medscape on their most pressing challenges in the coming year. [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

The Medicaid Resource Book
A new reference book from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured that "describes four pivotal aspects of how the Medicaid program operates -- who it covers, what it covers, how it is financed, and how it is administered. It was written to assist the public and policymakers in understanding the structure and operation of the Medicaid program." Individual chapters and appendices are available as Adobe Acrobat documents.  
  

Mail reminders help patients stict to antidepressant meds
Health Behavior News Service story - "Mailed reminders to physicians and their patients who take antidepressant drugs can help patients stick with their medication routine, according to a new study. The reminders significantly increased the number of patients who took their medications routinely, compared with patients who did not receive the reminders."  
  

Drug testing for welfare clients eyed (Vermont)
Times Argus story on proposed legislation that require substance abuse testing as a condition of receiving assistance for users of Reach Up, a program that trains welfare recipients aiming to become independent from state support.  
  

Local nonprofit organizations brace for cuts (California)
Napa News story on pending cuts in drug and alcohol programs, human services and mental health services in Napa County, following the state budget unveiled earlier this month in which Gov. Gray Davis proposed a shift in health and human services programs from the state to the counties.  
  

Services for elderly, mentally ill in jeopardy (Oregon)
Story in The Oregonian on cuts in social services and the ballot item Measure 28, which would raise income taxes.  
  

Groups Call for Grassroots Defense of Americans With Disabilities Act
Ascribe Newswire story - "Leading national advocates for the rights of people with disabilities are urging grassroots action on an upcoming Supreme Court case that could have profound implications for people who are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act."  
  

Citizens speak out against human service cuts (Oregon)
Curry Coastal Pilot story - "Citizens spoke out against previous and future cuts to Curry County Human Services during the County Commission meeting Tuesday, saying mental health problems are not a 'black-and-white issue.' "