- Maine: Maine lawmakers have raised the legal age to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products in the state from 18 to 21. The state Legislature overrode Gov. Paul LePage's (R) veto on the measure. Individuals who turn 18 before the law takes effect on July 1, 2018, will be legally permitted to buy tobacco products. Maine is the fifth state after California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Oregon to raise the smoking age to 21 (Paavola, Becker's Hospital Review, 8/3).
- Nevada: The Nevada County Public Health Department has locked down all the beaches in Nevada County's Lake Wildwood community after water tested positive for E. coli in three of the community's five beaches. According to health officials, the beaches will remain closed until the E. coli levels subside and all beachgoers have been warned not to enter the water. As of Wednesday, county officials said 10 people had become ill in connection with the lake water, nine of whom are children (Knowles, Sacramento Bee, 8/3).
- South Carolina: Health Sciences South Carolina has tapped Kenneth Deans Jr. to serve as CEO. Deans, who previously served as COO of Chesapeake (Va.) Regional Healthcare, will succeed Jay Moskowitz, who held the position on an interim basis (Gooch, Becker's Hospital Review, 8/3).
Lung cancer screening: How to get the word out and the patients in
Ten million individuals nationwide are eligible for lung screening every year—but the average program only screens about 25. Given its potential to increase survival and volumes, lung cancer screening is one of the best opportunities to achieve program cost, quality, and growth goals.
Early adopters, however, are finding it challenging to market the program to patients and primary care providers. Download this infographic to learn how to reach them—and grow your screening program.