April Dembosky

April Dembosky, a health correspondent, discusses the contentious role of AI in mental health care with bioethics expert Jodi Halpern. They delve into Kaiser's refusal to guarantee that AI won't replace human therapists, raising concerns about job security. The conversation examines current uses of AI, from digital scribes to chatbots, and the ethical implications of empathy in AI therapies. Halpern warns of the potential emotional risks while advocating for regulations to ensure safety and efficacy in integrating AI into therapeutic settings.

April Dembosky, health correspondent at KQED News, discusses California's innovative CalRx insulin program that promises $11 insulin pens. Chris Noble, a type 1 diabetes patient and advocate, shares his personal struggles with insulin costs. Dr. Mariana Socal from Johns Hopkins analyzes the implications of this move on drug pricing and policy. They explore how CalRx cuts out middlemen, could disrupt pharmaceutical markets, and aims to make essential medications more accessible, potentially transforming healthcare affordability.

Guest April Dembosky, health correspondent for KQED, discusses California's new 'CARE courts' designed to assist individuals with psychotic disorders. They explore the controversy surrounding court-ordered mental health treatment and the challenges of involuntary commitment. The connection between mental illness, homelessness, and the housing crisis in California is also examined.