Simitian for Congress Media Kit
Mental health parity laws aren’t working. Santa Clara County wants to take action
“This is a health care issue plain and simple,” Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian said. “If somebody shows up with a broken arm, their insurance covers it. If somebody shows up with a need for mental health care, there should be no question about the fact that they’re going to get the help they Read More
As fentanyl crisis continues, libraries host lifesaving workshops
Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who sits on the county’s Library District Board and chairs the Health and Hospital Committee, said that in other parts of the country the epidemic has been devastating. One Pennsylvania small town’s mayor told Simitian in 2017 that fentanyl overdoses were so frequent that health leaders were concerned they Read More
Cities launch new crisis-response team — without police
Palo Alto’s newest emergency-response team features first-aid responders, crisis-intervention specialists and community residents with firsthand experience with mental health struggles and substance abuse.
Santa Clara County looks to expand low-cost drug program
The county’s $1 million MedAssist initiative, which launched last March, offers monthly grants to pay for asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors (EPI pens), insulin and other diabetes medications. The program serves county residents 18 and up with valid prescriptions and proof of out-of-pocket expenses for health care. It helps residents who make too much to qualify Read More