Poly to Advance ‘Food is Medicine’ Research
Cal Poly received a $10.6 million grant to lead a five-year national research study to examine whether medically tailored meals can help address the rise in gestational diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Working with Brown University, Northwestern University, and multiple other partners, Cal Poly received the funding award from the nonprofit Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) organization to lead a groundbreaking “Food is Medicine” study, involving an approach to reducing the prevalence of disease with a focus on food insecurity and nutrition.
Nearly 1,000 women from across the nation will participate for research assessment. They are pregnant or recently gave birth and have experienced gestational diabetes, a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels develop during pregnancy and can turn into Type 2 diabetes.
The research focuses on studying the effectiveness of incorporating medically tailored meals into evidence-based home visiting programs, a first-of-its-kind approach to addressing maternal health disparities. Trained professionals, including nurses and community health workers, will guide participants over the course of several months.
The award was part of a $156 million commitment by PCORI, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit institute created through the Affordable Care Act, to new patient-centered health research studies.
Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, linked to heart disease, kidney failure and other severe complications. Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life, perpetuating a cycle of health inequities. However, Type 2 diabetes is often preventable through healthy eating, weight management and physical activity — making interventions like this study essential.
Of the participants, 326 will be Black or Hispanic, populations disproportionately affected by gestational diabetes mellitus — a condition in which a hormone made by the placenta prevents the body from effectively using insulin, and glucose builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Law enforcement agencies across the county are reminding people to “Drive Sober of Get Pulled Over.” The new enforcement campaign runs through January 1
During the Christmas and New Year holiday periods, often there is a rise in drunk-driving deaths. Recent data shows December drunk driving deaths are the highest in 15 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, as a result, you’ll likely see more law enforcement on the roads.
As a reminder, impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Substance Use Navigators to Continue with Dignity Healthy
Dignity Health recently announced its commitment to sustaining their comprehensive peer support for individuals struggling with opioid use, as well as their loved ones via Substance Use Navigators, across its emergency departments. The program provides crucial support for those battling addiction, ensuring they are not only treated in crisis but also connected to long-term recovery resources.
In 2022, more than 7,285 Californians lost their lives to opioid overdoses, including more than 6,473 deaths attributed to fentanyl alone, according to a new release. Fentanyl-related deaths doubled over the past year, and California’s emergency rooms saw more than 21,000 visits related to opioid overdoses, according to the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard.
Since 2019, Dignity Health’s Substance Use Navigator program has helped more than 36,600 patients access vital treatment for substance use disorders. With 29 navigators working across the state, they provide immediate intervention and connect patients to treatment options, community resources, and long-term recovery support.
As part of its ongoing efforts to fight the opioid crisis, Dignity Health is also committed to making Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal medication, available for free at most pharmacies across California. We are also training numerous clinicians and staff members about anti-stigma literacy as addiction is a medical condition not a moral failing, which is a stereotype that can inhibit patients from seeking care.
“There’s no greater kindness than being non-judgmental of patients impacted by substance use disorders,” said Kathy Krebs-Dean, CommonSpirit’s Anti-Stigma Initiative leader.
CHP Receives Industry Accreditation, Again
The California Highway Patrol received a renewal of its Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Law Enforcement Accreditation, effective November 16, 2024. This marks the CHP’s fifth consecutive accreditation, underscoring its commitment to excellence in law enforcement practices.
The CALEA accreditation is an internationally recognized standard of excellence that establishes guidelines for the effective and efficient operation of law enforcement agencies. The renewal signifies CHP’s dedication to professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement in serving and protecting California’s communities.
The CHP initially earned accreditation under CALEA’s Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation Program in 2010. Since then, the CHP has maintained its status as the largest CALEA-accredited law enforcement agency west of the Mississippi River and third largest nationally.
The accreditation process involves a rigorous review of law enforcement policies, procedures and operations. It also requires the agency to present annual reports demonstrating adherence to established standards throughout a four-year accreditation cycle.
