The Chronic Care Coalition Blog

The thyroid is a small but crucial gland in the neck that regulates metabolism, energy levels, and overall bodily functions by producing thyroid hormones. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, and its main purpose is to regulate your metabolism but when it is not working right it can affect your whole body.

As we embark on a new year, health-related bills signed into California law will take effect on January 1st and directly impact Californians in 2025. The California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC) annually reviews proposed bills to ensure patients’ voices are heard, and their needs are addressed. These five enacted bills may have the most impact on California patients with chronic and rare diseases.

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide. It’s the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, yet it remains largely preventable when detected early. Colon cancer doesn’t discriminate — it can affect anyone. So, everyone 45 years or older and those at higher risk should be screened.

Early-stage cancers are typically treated with surgery to remove the tumor, sometimes followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells. The five-year survival rate for localized colorectal cancer (cancer that hasn’t spread) is over 90%. However, once cancer has spread to other organs, the survival rate drops dramatically.

Colon cancer is largely preventable when detected early— get screened today.

“The California Chronic Care Coalition, as one of the co-sponsors of Senator Wiener’s measure to ensure transparency of pharmacy benefit managers and their activities, is disappointed in but not deterred by Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 966. This critical measure not only passed out of the California State Legislature with more than 100 ‘yes’ votes compared to just two ‘no’ votes, but it also garnered significant support from community pharmacies, patient advocates, provider associations, business leaders, health care experts, and community-based organizations. If signed, SB 966 would have improved patient lives and enabled community pharmacies to continue providing critical services…”

Black Americans suffer consequences resulting from CVD at a higher rate than other racial and ethnic groups. Several factors contribute to these disparities and outcomes, including higher rates of hypertension and obesity, lower awareness of personal risk factors, genetics, geographic location, community factors, and inequitable access to care.

Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month serves as a catalyst for advocacy and policy change. By amplifying the voices of those living with bleeding disorders, advocates strive to improve access to affordable treatment, expand research funding, and enhance healthcare infrastructure. Through grassroots activism and legislative efforts, California continues to lead the way in championing the rights and well-being of its bleeding disorders community.

Despite the fiscal headwinds, the California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC), in collaboration with its partners, remains stanch in advocating for vital legislative changes to enhance access to care for individuals with chronic conditions across the state.

Thank you for your interest in our virtual briefing. You can view a recording of the webinar here.

Latinos are more likely to have high blood pressure due to genetics, lifestyle, and diet which can increase the risk of developing heart disease. Our webinar “Healthy Corazones” will help you learn about the main drivers of cardiovascular disease within the Latinx community.