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Quality Management
Public Information & Communications
405 W. 5th Street, #458
Santa Ana, CA 92701

(714) 834-2178
(714) 834-3342 fax

2003 HCA Press Releases

Orange County Informed Of Beef Recall

December 31, 2003
(Santa Ana) – Orange County Health Care Agency public health officials have received confirmation from the California Department of Health Services of the recall of beef due to possible contamination with the agent responsible for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE or “mad cow” disease).

Holiday Schedules May Require Advance Planning

December 23, 2003
(Santa Ana) – This year’s holiday schedule may impact the office hours for many physicians and may require that those with routine health care needs plan ahead to ensure their needs are met.

Orange County Records First Influenza Death

December 22, 2003
(Santa Ana) –The County’s first influenza-related death has been reported to the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Influenza Care Reminders

December 12, 2003
(Santa Ana) – When it comes to caring for someone with influenza, a little old fashioned TLC may be among the best remedies.

Targeted Use of Influenza Vaccine Urged

December 10, 2003
(Santa Ana) – Orange County Public Health officials recommend that individuals at the highest risk of severe complications from the flu be given priority for the remaining supply of injectable influenza vaccine for the 2003-04 flu season.

Influenza Cases Confirmed In Orange County

December 4, 2003
(Santa Ana) – Laboratory testing has confirmed that Orange County’s influenza season is underway, with an increase in positive tests for Influenza A in recent days.

Simple Steps Prevent Foodborne Illness at Thanksgiving

November 20, 2003
(Santa Ana) – In planning for Thanksgiving and all the cooking that comes along with this holiday season, consumers must take precautionary steps when preparing favorite holiday foods to help prevent a foodborne illness.

To Trick Or Treat Or Not To Trick Or Treat, That Is The Question

October 30, 2003
(Santa Ana) – Public health concerns about Southern California’s smoky air have many parents wondering if they should change or cancel their children’s plans for Halloween trick or treat activities.

Free Flu Shot Clinics Begin November 3

October 29, 2003
(Santa Ana) – Free flu shots for those at highest risk of complications from influenza will be available beginning Monday, November 3 at the County Health Care Agency’s operated clinics.

Women, Infants & Children Program Celebrates Opening of New Fountain Valley Center

October 28, 2003
(Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach) – The Orange County Health Care Agency’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program will celebrate the opening of a new WIC center in Fountain Valley at an open house on October 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Update on Increase in Meningitis

October 17, 2003
(Santa Ana) - Orange County, along with the rest of the state and other areas of the country, is experiencing an increase of viral meningitis, which is typically a milder illness than the bacterial form of meningitis.

Student Created Anti-Tobacco Bus Shelter Unveiling

August 28, 2003
WHAT: A tobacco free bus shelter ad unveiling event will take place in the City of Fullerton to showcase the winning artwork of a Nicholas Jr. High eighth grade student.

Approach of West Nile Virus Calls for Prevention

August 22, 2003
(Santa Ana) – The detection of West Nile virus in Imperial County means it is time for Orange County residents to take precautions that can reduce the risk of infection.

Viral Meningitis Cases Increase

August 11, 2003
(Santa Ana) – County health officials say viral meningitis cases in Orange County are up 36% this year as compared to 2002 and are urging increased handwashing and other hygienic precautions to prevent infection with the virus.

Innovative Ideas to Teach Lifelong Health in Orange County

August 5, 2003
(Santa Ana) – While the Surgeon General of the United States recently added his voice to the call for action against childhood obesity, several Orange County school districts and community organizations are already actively involved in the fight.

Virus-Bearing Mosquitoes Found In Riverside County

July 30, 2003
(Santa Ana) – The discovery in Riverside County of mosquitoes carrying the virus that causes St. Louis encephalitis has Orange County public health officials calling for precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Unparalleled Water Quality Lab Opens at Shellmaker Island

June 30, 2003
(Santa Ana) - The first dedicated County Public Health Department Water Quality Laboratory in California opened today at Shellmaker Island in Newport Back Bay.

Orange County Health Care Agency Observes National HIV Testing Day

June 26, 2003
(Santa Ana) – HIV Testing is an essential component in providing early treatment and risk reduction education to those who may be affected by HIV.

Orange County Animal Care Center Hosts 15th Annual Pet Faire

June 5, 2003
In recognition of the American Humane Association’s “Be Kind to Animals” week, Orange County Animal Care Center (ACS) will host its 15th annual Pet Faire on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ACS facility located at 561 The City Drive South, Orange.

OC Youth "Tune Out Tobacco"

May 19, 2003
(Santa Ana) – Joe Camel isn’t cool. Although the tobacco industry spends more than $11,000 a minute every day to promote cigarette sales, Orange County youth artists of project “Tune Out Tobacco” are fighting back.

Will West Nile Virus Arrive in 2003?

May 15, 2003
(Santa Ana) – The rapid progression of West Nile Virus (WNV) across the United States has Orange County health and vector control officials anticipating the first locally acquired case of WNV to occur this year.

Public Forum Addresses Mental Health Issues

April 30, 2003
(Santa Ana) - To hear about public concerns and suggestions for mental health services in Orange County, the public is invited to attend a forum on Thursday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Hall of Administration, Board of Supervisors & Planning Commission Meeting Room located at 10 Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana.

Public Hearing Rescheduled

April 24, 2003
(Santa Ana) A State-mandated public hearing by the Orange County Board of Supervisors, called a “Beilenson Hearing” after the legislator who wrote the law, has been rescheduled from the previously announced date of Tuesday, April 29, 2003.

Youth Created Anti-Tobacco Posters Unveiled

April 23, 2003
(Santa Ana) – The tobacco industry spends an alarming $16 million each day (or $11,000 a minute) on advertising and special promotions.

State Ranks Orange County’s Health Status

April 21, 2003
(Santa Ana) – The annual report card on the health of Californians shows Orange County residents are making progress in several areas, including key indicators of infant health.

Local Clinical Psychologist Participates In First Bi-National Fellowship Collaboration

April 17, 2003
(Newport Beach) – As an Orange County Health Care Agency Educator and a 2002-2004 Fellow for the International Center for Health Leadership Development (ICHLD), Casey Dorman, Ph.D. participated in the organization’s first bi-national session.

Orange County Reports Suspected SARS Cases

April 2, 2003
(Santa Ana) – Orange County Health Care Agency officials have received reports of possible cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an atypical respiratory illness recently reported in Asia, North America and Europe.

Uncertain Times Call For Preparedness

March 21, 2003
(Santa Ana) – Current events make it more important than ever that Orange County residents have a preparedness plan for their homes and families.

Local Food Establishments Receive Awards Of Excellence

March 18, 2003
(Santa Ana) – From a qualifying group of 8,585 food facilities throughout the County, the Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Division has issued 886 Award of Excellence Certificates to local Orange County food facilities this month.

Orange County To Begin Smallpox Vaccinations

March 11, 2003
(Santa Ana) – Vaccination of Orange County Public Health response team members against smallpox will begin Thursday, March 13 as part of the nationwide program to protect the public from any potential outbreak of the disease.

Youth Created Anti-Tobacco Ad Unveiled

March 5, 2003
(Santa Ana) – The tobacco industry spends an alarming $16 million each day (or $11,000 a minute) on advertising and special promotions.

Helping Children Cope with the Columbia Space Shuttle Tragedy

February 3, 2003
(Santa Ana) – The loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew is difficult for all of us to accept, but the accident may present special coping challenges for children.