Jeffco Health Officials: Violence is a Public Health Issue
Violence is the newest strategic focus for the Jefferson County Department of Health. During Tuesday’s annual State of Health in Jefferson County address, Dr. Mark Wilson said the department added the issue in response to increasing rates of homicide.
“It (violence) isn’t something that our health department has devoted resources to in the past,” Wilson said, “but it is clearly a public health problem.”
Wilson said the health department is working with city officials in Birmingham on a campaign to address gun violence. He said last year’s homicide rate in Jefferson County was nearly the highest it has been in three decades.
During Tuesday’s speech, Wilson also discussed county initiatives to reduce tobacco use, expand services for chronic and infectious disease, and improve birth outcomes. He said the health department continues to focus on mental health and substance abuse.
“We are trying to get away from the idea that mental health should be viewed as different from physical health,” Wilson said.
In 2018, there was a decline in the annual number of deaths due to opioid overdose in Jefferson County. Wilson said he hopes that trend will continue, but it is too early to tell. He also said there has been a significant increase in the use of methamphetamine in recent years.
Trump sets 50% tariff rate for Brazil, blasting treatment of former far-right president
President Trump defended former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of plotting an attempted coup following his loss in the 2022 election.
Former White House doctor declines to testify in GOP probe of Biden’s mental acuity
Kevin O'Connor cited doctor-patient confidentiality and his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in deciding not to answer questions from Republicans on the House Oversight Committee.
Celine Song had too much fun as a matchmaker
Filmmaker Celine Song isn't religious, but that doesn't stop her from seeing certain dead insects as signs in her life and treating a good meal like prayer.
Diocese of San Bernardino issues dispensation saying Catholics who fear ICE don’t have to attend Mass
The diocese is the first in the U.S. to issue a special dispensation because of fears over immigration detentions.
Supreme Court blocks part of Florida’s immigration law
Immigrant rights organizations sued the state arguing that its new law conflicts with federal immigration law, and under longstanding Supreme Court precedent, states must bow to federal law in the event of such conflicts.
Clinging to a tree, and praying: how a family survived the Texas flash floods
"I thought my mom was going to die in front of me," said Taylor Bergmann, a 19-year-old who fought to save the people in his family after the Guadalupe River smashed through their home.
