September Update from Dr. Bains' Office
Dear Neighbors,
UC Kern medical school bill signed!
I am thrilled to announce that the Grow Our Own Bill has been signed into law! Building a medical school in Kern County will be a transformational project to improve healthcare access, create good-paying jobs, and diversify our economy.
As a family doctor providing care to the most underserved areas of California and past Chair of the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission, and now as the Assemblywoman, I transformed my experiences and work into a vision for a healthier future for Kern County. This is a dream come true for the valley. Your zip code should not determine how long you will live.
While we still have a ways to go before we can get shovels in the ground, I am excited we can move forward with this project for Kern County.
Ensuring access to care, protecting aging Californians and cutting red tape
Governor Gavin Newsom also signed:
AB 892 which ensures that Kern Hospital Authority continues to be on strong financial footing and protects this healthcare center’s place in serving Kern families for years to come.
AB 2541 which helps local law enforcement and Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) work with experts and create response plans for wandering associated with Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and dementia.
AB 2689 which extends the option to contribute to Alzheimer's research on tax returns voluntarily.
AB 2376 which cuts red tape, enabling healthcare facilities to accept more patients for addiction and substance use disorder treatments as well as expanded eligibility for funding. Current law restricts the types of facilities that can offer care, including a requirement to segregate substance abuse disorder patients despite posing no risk of contagion.
Delano Health and Wellness Fair
Thank you to everyone to who helped make our first health and wellness fair in Delano success. We had a great night connecting with residents and community partners at Cesar Chavez Park. Hearing from my community is essential for me as a representative, and events like this allow us doctors to connect with patients outside of the clinic.
You can watch a short video recap of the event here.
Doctor's Note
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year according to the World Health Organization.
The American Cancer Society found that when breast cancer is caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. As doctors and oncologists have developed better detection and treatment, survival rates have increase dramatically. There are currently over four million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and prevention recommend women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every 2 years.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the right screening options for you.
In good health,
Dr. Jasmeet Bains
Assemblymember, 35th District