CAPITOL UPDATE: Critical time for important bills
With just six weeks left before adjournment, the 81st Texas Legislature has reached the lull before the storm, but that hasn’t stopped TAFP from working on your behalf to move top initiatives through the process. more...

AAFP sends out action alert on physician payment reform
AAFP needs you to call your congressmen and ask for support of provisions in the House FY 2010 budget that would support physician payment reform. Through a helpful tool on the Speak Out page of AAFP’s Web site, you can enter your ZIP code, see phone numbers of your senators and representative and read talking points directly from the page. more...

Texas Cancer Registry releases latest state statistics on tobacco and cancer
The Texas Cancer Registry has released “Tobacco and Cancer in Texas, 2001-2005,” an update to the earlier report covering 1998-2002. The report shows that tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the state. The organization estimates that for 2008, more than 28,000 Texans were newly diagnosed with a tobacco-related cancer and more than 18,000 Texans died from a tobacco-related cancer. Access the report through the Texas Cancer Registry Web site or request a hard copy by e-mailing CancerData@dshs.state.tx.us or calling (800) 252-8059.

DSHS releases new advisory on rotavirus vaccine administration guidelines
The Texas Department of State Health Services has released a new advisory on guidelines for the administration of the rotavirus vaccine. The new guidelines replace the 2006 statement from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children. Go to www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/vacadvise to access the April 6 advisory and all past advisories.
Doctors Without Borders announces Texas recruitment session
Doctors Without Borders needs family physicians to volunteer to fill missions around the world. The organization provides aid to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect or catastrophe, regardless of their race, religion or political affiliation. Find more information on how you can help at the April 22 recruitment information session at the REI Round Rock — Austin. more...