An Arcata doctor embroiled in a protracted fight with the California Medical Board over allegations that she excessively prescribed opioids has reached a deal that will allow her to retain her license. Connie Basch admitted no wrongdoing in the settlement, which will allow her to continue practicing under a monitoring system and require her to […]
opioids
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NYT Story Examines Heroin’s Impact on Local Tribes and its Link to an Ailing River
The New York Times this week explores the devastating impacts of the nation’s opioid crisis on Kaurk, Hoopa and Yurok tribal communities, placed in the context of their connection to the struggling health of the Klamath River — an integral link between the tribes as well as their past, present and future in the region. It’s […]
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Eureka Sues Big Pharma
The city of Eureka has joined a host of municipalities across the country — including the county of Humboldt — by filing a federal lawsuit against the nation’s largest manufacturers of prescription opioids. Specifically, the complaint alleges the companies have violated federal racketeering laws and constitute a public nuisance. Keller Rohrback — the same law […]
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County Sues Pharmaceutical Companies
The county of Humboldt filed a federal lawsuit this week against the some of the largest manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids in the United States, alleging they have recklessly promoted their use while downplaying risks of addiction and overdose, according to a county press release. The release notes that Humboldt County has the second-highest […]
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Yurok Tribe Sues Drug Companies Over Opioid Epidemic
The Yurok Tribe has filed a federal lawsuit against 20 manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids, alleging the companies are responsible for spreading the scourge of drug use on the reservation and across the country. “The only difference between these companies and drug cartels is the fact that legal purveyors of prescription opioids have protection […]
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Opioid Prescription Rates Falling in Humboldt
While Humboldt County still has more opioid prescriptions than people, the county reports it is making headway in battling what has become a nationwide epidemic. The Humboldt County Department of Human Services reported this morning that the amount of opioids prescribed in the county has dropped by 23 percent since 2010, falling from 1.29 prescriptions […]