CA Access News

June 2008

In this Issue: Feature | Partner Spotlight | Calendar | Welcome New Partners | In the News | Interesting Information

 

Strengthening the CPAT Network

As a partner-driven network, CPAT is constantly looking for ways to provide more benefits for our partners. To help us become a greater resource to you and your organization, we would appreciate your feedback and suggestions regarding your involvement in CPAT. We have created a “CPAT Partner Survey” that can be accessed by clicking on the below link. It should only take a few moments to fill out this anonymous survey, and your invaluable insight will ensure our network continues to provide true benefit to those concerned with access to treatment in California.

Click Here to Take the Survey

Nearly 700 Medicines in Development Offer Hope for Closing the Health Gap for African Americans

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) recently published a report highlighting medicines in development for major diseases affecting African Americans. America’s pharmaceutical research companies are now testing 691 new medicines to help treat diseases that disproportionately affect African Americans or diseases that are among the top 10 causes of death among African Americans.

The medicines in development include:

  • 229 medicines for cancers that disproportionately affect African Americans.
  • 114 medicines designed to treat cardiovascular disease.
  • 95 medicines in development for diabetes.
  • 77 medicines for respiratory disorders including asthma.
  • 67 medicines that target HIV infection.

To learn more about these medicines, click here to view the full report.

Partner Spotlight

Black Women Organized for Political Action

Mission
The purpose of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) is to activate, motivate, promote, support, and educate African-American women about the political process, encourage involvement, and to affirm our commitment to, and solving of, those problems affecting the African-American community.

About
Founded in 1968 with 12 active members, BWOPA has grown into an organization covering the entire state of California with a large and committed membership. BWOPA encourages political action among black women and has worked successfully to get many elected officials into local, state and national offices. As the oldest organization of its kind, BWOPA works to increase membership, particularly through youth outreach and leadership development, and build alliances with similar organizations.

Web site
www.bwopa.org

 
Calendar

Join us!

The California Partnership for Access to Treatment (CPAT) invites you to a complimentary luncheon seminar:

“New Medicines in Development for Diseases Affecting African Americans”

Moderated by former San Francisco Mayor, Willie Brown

CPAT is proud to co-host this event with: Mervyn Dymally, chair of the California Black Caucus Foundation and the Assembly Health Committee

Monday, June 16, 2008
Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Mason’s at the Park
Sacramento, CA

RSVP

For the Sacramento luncheon, please RSVP to Ada Amolo at 916-498-1890
or e-mail adaamolo@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Sheraton Gateway Hotel
Los Angeles, CA

RSVP

For the Los Angeles luncheon, please RSVP to Brandon at 323-466-3445
or e-mail brandon_s@cerrell.com

Continuing Education Units Available!
The American Nurses Association California is approved by the Board of Registered Nursing as a provider of continuing education in nursing. (Provider Number 11665). A registrant who attends this workshop will earn a total of 2 contact hours.

Check the CPAT Calendar of Events for more information on upcoming partner conferences, seminars, fundraisers, and other activities in your area. If you would like your event listed, please contact Kristen at kristen@perrycom.com

 
Welcome New Partners

Join Now

 
In the News

Inside Medicine: Ethnic Care Gap in Black and White
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Sacramento Bee
As far back as medical records have existed in America, there is evidence of disparities or ethnic differences in health care. In the past, this was assumed to be due to poverty and access to health care, but the situation is far more complex. Read more

Protein Test is a Crystal Ball for Breast Cancer
Friday, April 18, 2008
NewScientist.com - San Diego
Researchers have now identified a set of molecular markers that should allow them to test whether ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or "stage zero breast cancer", will develop into an invasive tumor.  The test could be particularly useful in African-American women, who are also at more risk from breast cancer in the first place. Read more

Resilience Improves Diabetes Self-Management, According to Preliminary Study Results
Monday, April 28, 2008
University of Texas at Austin
Resilience expert Dr. Mary Steinhardt has completed the first stage of a diabetes study, the results of which show that coaching classes and resilience-building can help African American adults with type 2 diabetes more successfully self-manage the disease. Read more

 
Interesting Information

A variety of major health concerns disproportionately affect African Americans in the United States:

  • African Americans have higher asthma rates than any other racial and ethnic group in the U.S. and are three times more likely to die from asthma than are Caucasians.
  • African American women are 35 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than other racial and ethnic groups.
  • African Americans are nearly twice as likely to have diabetes as Caucasians.
  • African American men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as Caucasians.
  • About 1 in 600 African Americans is born with sickle cell disease.

 
CPAT

925 L Street, Suite 1200
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.caaccess.org

Supported by America's Pharmaceutical Research Companies

 

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