Striving to Achieve Literacy Via Education, Research and Engagement

Issue 4. Volume 1. June 2013

To the Global Community:

Salud! May 10 marked the 1-year anniversary of SALVERE. As a team we have contemplated what we have accomplished in the past year. As public health practitioners and community workers we always feel we are not doing enough. Here is a brief rundown of the successes SALVERE has been blessed to have achieved from May 2012-May 2013: Formally established SALVERE Developed the SALVERE logo and other branding materials, including laying the groundwork for the SALVERE website Established a presence on social media via Facebook and Twitter Established and initiated the SALVERE Pre-Nursing Public Health Program Established and initiated the SALVERE Quarterly newsletter Implemented the SALVERE Volunteer Program Established the SALVERE Peer Education Program Became members of the Circles of San Antonio Community Coalition (COSA) and the Texas Womens Healthcare Coalition (TWHC) The greatest successes came in the form of resilience, teamwork and the recognition of the importance of community partnerships. SALVEREs budget was an astounding $0.00 dollars, which under normal circumstances would not have gotten us anywhere. SALVEREs team and community partners are special though...so thank you Tonantzin, Howaida, Carrington, Barbara, Jovanna, Cherelle, Kysela, Universal Nursing Services of Texas, and everyone else who has been a part of making this year a SUCCESSFUL year. The SALVERE Team

In This Issue:
Page 1: To the Global Community Making Headlines Page 2: Drug Abuse: Prescription Pills as the New Crack Cocaine Ask SALVERE Page 3: Health Insurance The Community Connection Health Literacy Defined

Making Headlines
PEPFAR marks its 10th anniversary and celebrates 1 million babies born to HIV-positive mothers. Read more about it here: http://kff.org/news- summary/pepfar-marks-10th-anniversary- celebrates-milestone-of-1m-babies-born-without- hiv/

June is National Safety Month. Read more about the National Safety Month observance here: http://www.nsc.org/Pages/Summer-starts-with- safety.aspx

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. This year marks the 9th annual observance of the event. NHTD was established to promote HIV testing. Read more about it here: http://aids.gov/news-and- events/awareness-days/hiv-testing-day/

A recent study finds meds, like Advil and Motrin, used in high quantities may lead to increased risk of a heart attack/stroke. Read more about it here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/17/the- heart-perils-of-pain-relievers/?ref=health

The United States Supreme Court unanimously rules human genes could not be patented. Read more about this groundbreaking decision here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/14/us/supreme -court-rules-human-genes-may-not-be- patented.html?ref=health&_r=0


By Kysela Jones

Page 2

Curiosity, acceptance, and a false sense of security are only a few of the many humane reasons cited by prescription drug abusers, like those featured in The Truth about Prescription Drugs (http://www.drugfreeworld.org/home.html), for their consistent misuse of pharmaceuticals. Now after reading the first line of this blog, some readers may continue on with their daily routine of getting the kids ready for school, tweaking the days business proposal, or making last minute adjustments to already past due homework assignments and that is exactly my reason for writing on such an issue. Seemingly numb to the 6 million Americans taking part in recreational drug use, many individuals feel they are unlikely to fall prey to the likes of addiction. It is this mentality that is overwhelmingly refuted by data. In the U.S. approximately 2,500 youth abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. In fact, prescription pills are abused today up to the infamous threshold of crack cocaine following the cocaine boom of the 1970s. Unlike crack cocaine, however, prescription pills are abused by taking a prescription drug that is not prescribed for oneself or taking it for reasons or in dosages other than prescribed. According to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, there are four types of abused prescription drugs: depressants, antidepressants, stimulants, as well as opioids or morphine derivatives responsible for more overdose-related deaths (45%) than cocaine, heroin, m ethamphetamine, and amphetamines (39%) pooled.
Depressants Class of drugs often referred to as downers. They work to slow brain and body functions; includes sedatives and tranquilizers. Antidepressants Class of drugs that come in multicolored capsules and tablets that work to balance some of the natural chemicals in the brain against depression Stimulants Class of drugs often referred to as uppers as they temporarily increase alertness and energy; includes cocaine and amphetamines. Opioids or Class of drugs that comes in capsules, Morphine tablets, or liquid that act on the Derivatives nervous system to relieve pain; includes Fentanyl Confusion, fatigue, dizziness, slurred speech, fever, depression, chronic fatigue, breathing difficulties, and tolerance to many depressants. Irritability, agitation, sweating, confusion and incoherent thoughts, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, psychosis, and tremors. Exhaustion, apathy, depression, and addictive. Repeated high doses can lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia Drowsiness, constipation, depressed breathing, and physical dependence.

Ask SALVERE
Q: Where can someone

go to get free HIV testing? A: A number of clinics and agencies offer free HIV testing year round, but an increased number will be offering it for free in recognition of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, 2013. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide easy access to a list of testing sites on their website. Get the listing by visiting http://hivtest.cdc.gov/ for clinics and agencies in your area that offer free HIV testing.

The misuse of pharmaceutical drugs is rampant, and individuals who subsequently became drug abusers were those who realized far too late they had become addicted. The question at hand now: how will we, as a global community, prevent the exploitation of prescription pills from continuing as the new face of drug abuse?

Announcement s you are interested in If

being a contributing writer let us know. Please send any inquiries to salvereglobal@gmail.com.


Health Insurance
IOM Discussion Paper: Lets Ask 4: Questions for Consumers and Providers About Health Insurance The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a discussion paper on health insurance. The IOM states The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) contains provisions designed to increase the number of insured in the United States, yet most Americans do not understand how the ACA will affect them and their options for health insurance. According to the IOM, It is important for people to be able to answer four basic questions: What are my choices for health insurance? How do I get it? How do I use it? How much will it cost me?

Page 3

Health Literacy Defined

Contraceptives Stay Covered in Health Law The Obama Administration stated on Friday, June 28, 2013 that they would not change their mind about the rule within the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that requires most employers to provide free insurance coverage that includes contraceptives for women. Churches were previously exempted from this rule. The NFL Decides to Not Endorse the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) The NFL was originally rumored to participate in the promotion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, but in a statement released by an NFL spokesperson the decision was made NOT to endorse ACA. This was an effort to maintain an apolitical stance.

The Community Connection

c/o: Healthy Futures of Texas

2300 W. Commerce St. Suite 203 San Antonio, TX 78207 P 210.223.4589 www.TexasWHC.org

The Formula The next element of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is set to roll out on January 1, 2014. Individuals who remain uninsured will have to pay $95 if the salary is less than $9,500; 1 percent of the salary if they make m ore than $9,500 in the year; and a $500 penalty If the salary is $50,000+.

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