Opioids Are Leading Cause of Child Poisoning
A new recently announced study in the journal Pediatrics revealed that children are also severely impacted by the opioid crisis. An analysis of 731 poisoning-related deaths of children ages 5 and younger shows that opioids including fentanyl and heroin were the leading cause of loss of life almost 50 percent of the time. The study reviewed statistics from 40 states over a three year period.
Using Antibiotics After Unprotected Sex Can Reduce Infections
Bacterial S.T.I infections can be greatly reduced by a single dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and has been found to prevent chlamydia and syphilis among trans women and men who have sex with men. Although the Center for Disease Control has not yet adopted post-exposure doxycycline as a recommended treatment, cities like San Francisco are already making the drug available. The number of syphilis cases in the U.S. increased 68 percent from 2017-2021.
Tennessee: Drag Shows in Jeopardy, H.I.V. Services Changing
The Tennessee Legislature recently outlawed the staging of “adult cabaret” on all public properties or anywhere a child might be able to view the performances. In addition to male or female impersonators, the new law also impacts topless and exotic dancers. Civil rights groups including Lambda Legal are preparing to challenge the legislation in court. Tennessee elected officials also will no longer accept an annual $8.8 million federal grant which was used to promote free H.I.V. testing and monitoring. The funds were shared by community health care organizations, non-profits, and county health departments. Tennessee officials say they will substitute state funds which they can more easily control, which could lead to fewer services.
Hate Crimes Reach New Heights in U.S. Says Anti-Defamation League
Antisemitism is growing not just abroad but also in America and is visible in the country’s culture and politics. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reports that antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have risen by 36 percent in 2022 from 2021. The ADL tracked 3,697 cases which included assaults, vandalism and harassment including online harassment. Religious schools, college campuses and synagogues are especially being targeted. Studies by other organizations such as Cal State’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism also reveal a rise in hate-crimes.
New York Offers Cannabis Classes for Legacy Operators
New Yorkers who have traditionally grown pot surreptitiously and were part of the city’s illegal marijuana market can now attend state-run classes to learn the latest cultivation techniques. New York’s Cannabis Compliance Training & Mentoring Program offers a chance for underground growers to up their game and join the legal marketplace. Also 150 legacy growers have been trained under the new 10-week program. Marijuana was legalized in New York in 2021.
