Central California Blood Center starts experimental treatment to fight COVID-19

The Central California Blood Center announced that they will be the first blood center in the United States to produce pathogen-reduced plasma from patients who have successfully recovered from the Coronavirus. The Blood Center said people who recover from the Coronavirus infection have developed antibodies to the virus that remain in the plasma portion of their blood. The experimental treatment is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used on an emergency basis.

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/central-california-blood-center-starts-experimental-treatment-to-fight-covid-19/

Report: Visalia’s Kaweah Delta hospital generates $1 billion a year locally

Kaweah Delta medical center in Visalia does more than provide healthcare services to the region and the Central Valley — it also infuses nearly $1 billion into the local economy each year, according to a new study. Kaweah Delta makes an estimated $973 million annual economic impact and accounts for $550.4 million or 3.2 percent of Tulare County’s economy, says an economic impact analysis commissioned by the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation and prepared by Impact DataSource of Austin, Texas.

https://thesungazette.com/article/health/2020/04/01/kaweah-delta-generates-1b-in-local-economy/

Plans for Valley medical program moving closer to fruition, says Assemblyman Gray

Assembly member Adam Gray, D-Merced, this week convened the San Joaquin Valley Coalition for Medical Education at UC Merced to discuss burgeoning plans of a San Joaquin Valley medical school. The program’s plans have been on the drawing board for decades, but until recently they’ve been largely conceptual. Gray and other program proponents were recently given a boost of $15 million from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who included those funds as part of his proposed 2020-21 state budget.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/plans-for-valley-medical-program-moving-closer-to-fruition-says-assemblyman-gray/ar-BB103IYh

Comprehensive Heart Care at Doctors Medical Center Unifies Under New Cardiovascular Institute

Today marks the unveiling of the Cardiovascular Institute of Doctors Medical Center, a single, identifiable name that integrates the comprehensive heart services provided by Doctors Medical Center under one brand. “Unifying our cardiovascular services under one umbrella name shows the communities we serve that we offer advanced, comprehensive heart care right in their backyard. There is no need to travel to surrounding areas for care that is provided here in Modesto,” said Warren Kirk, CEO of Doctors Medical Center. “Our goal is to continue providing seamless heart care for the patients we treat every day.”

https://www.dmc-modesto.com/news/newsroom/comprehensive-heart-care-at-doctors-medical-center-unifies-under-new-cardiovascular-institute

Taft College receives $156,000 gift from Chevron to expand Allied Health and Sciences Lab

Chevron will present a $156,000 check to Taft College to help fund the development of the Allied Health and Sciences Lab, specifically by providing medical equipment for expansion of its anatomy and physiology curriculum. This donation will strengthen Taft College’s collaboration with Kern County schools by expanding classes for science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers.

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/taft-college-receives-gift-from-chevron-to-expand-allied-health/article_ac3dd1a4-4235-11ea-83bf-77f8eb50d861.html#:~:text=Taft%20College%20receives%20%24156%2C000%20gift%20from%20Chevron,Allied%20Health%20and%20Sciences%20Lab&text=Chevron%20will%20present%20a%20%24156%2C000,its%20anatomy%20and%20physiology%20curriculum.