Does health insurance status affect childhood cancer survival?

Privately insured children and those with Medicaid at the time of a cancer diagnosis experience largely similar survival trends, with slight evidence for an increased risk of cancer death in children who were uninsured at diagnosis, finds a new study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

Be very, very concerned about what Allergan just did

Rachel Sachs
Yesterday, it was announced that Allergan had transferred the ownership of the patents on its billion-dollar drug Restasis, used for the treatment of chronic dry eye, to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. The Tribe then exclusively licensed the drug back to Allergan, in exchange for tens of millions of dollars in both licensing and royalty fees. Although it may not sound like it, this transfer is potentially huge news in the drug pricing world. It is also extremely complex, and its full implications have yet to be determined.

Emergency Management hosts Ready Week Sept. 10-15

The Emergency Management Department at Washington University in St. Louis will host its first-ever Ready Week Sept. 10–15. Ready Week will feature fun and interactive events as well as training courses on both the Danforth and Medical campuses.

Joe named to Forward Promise advisory committee

Sean Joe, the Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor of Social Development at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, has been named to the national advisory committee of Forward Promise, a national grant-making program that supports the health of boys and young men of color.

Campus blood drive next week

The next universitywide blood drive will be held Tuesday, Sept. 12, at seven locations throughout the campuses. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate.

Washington University commemorates 9/11

In commemoration of the 16th anniversary of 9/11,  Washington University in St. Louis will lower the American flag and ring the bells of Graham Chapel 16 times at 9:28 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11, marking the moment the north tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

Media Advisory: Washington University students plant flags in honor of 9/11

Members of the Washington University in St. Louis College Republicans will plant 2,998 flags — one for each victim of the 9/11 attacks — on Mudd Field at 8:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. This is the fourth year the group has commemorated 9/11 and the first time the students have planted flags to honor first responders and others who have since died of cancer due to exposure to toxic materials at the site.