ATLANTA – State Representative Mickey Stephens (D- Savannah) joined a group of state legislators from across the nation who met with national health experts during an invitation-only two day conference Dec. 11-12 in San Francisco, Calif. Meeting attendees learned about the latest developments in treating cancer with oral medications, a chemotherapy regime that has many fewer side effects than intravenous medicines. The problem can be that for some individuals the oral medications do not carry the same health insurance coverage and can be prohibitively more expensive. Legislators discussed policy changes to ensure that individuals can afford to receive the treatments recommended by their physicians.
Meeting attendees toured the nation’s largest biotechnology facility and learned about the development and testing of cutting edge treatment for cancer and other debilitating diseases. Biologic treatments developed at the plant include a ground-breaking medication for macular degeneration that not only stops the progression of blindness among the elderly but restores vision for many.
Two nationally known experts from the University of Alabama-Birmingham presented the latest research and recommendations for treating stroke. Conference attendees learned there is a three and one-half hour window for brain-saving medication to be administered from the time of the first stroke symptoms but many stroke victims are not receiving this medication. Drs. Anne and Andrei Alexandrov urged legislators to consider how to establish systems of care in their states to provide for proper emergency care of persons suffering strokes.
The third timely topic of the meeting was pandemic flu preparedness. Dr. Stuart Weiss, a flu expert who speaks all over the globe, helped attendees to understand the nature of flu pandemics and how states should prepare for them. He urged all legislators to encourage their constituents to get both seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations.
Mickey said “The conference was an excellent opportunity to hear from experts about the latest research and data on these three important health topics. But perhaps the most important learning came from talking to other state legislators about what they are doing in their states to improve health outcomes for their constituents.”
The meeting was sponsored by The Council of State Governments, the nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. It offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.
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