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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

2005 HCA Press Releases

Flu-Like Illnesses Crowd Orange County Emergency Rooms

December 23, 2005
Hospital emergency rooms in Orange County continue to report a high volume of patients with influenza or flu-like illnesses, leading Emergency Medical Services officials to urge those who are not seriously ill to seek care from their private physician, medical clinics or urgent care centers whenever possible so that emergency rooms are available for the most seriously ill patients.

Influenza Activity in Orange County Increasing

December 16, 2005
Reports received by the Orange County Health Care Agency indicate that seasonal influenza activity is increasing, resulting in an increased number of visits to doctors and hospital emergency departments for treatment of influenza-like illnesses.

Simple Steps Can Prevent Foodborne Illness at Thanksgiving

November 18, 2005
In planning for Thanksgiving and the cooking that comes with the holiday season, consumers should take precautionary steps when preparing their favorite foods in order to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Orange County’s Mental Health Services Act Plan Available For Public Comment

November 7, 2005
Orange County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) plan will be available beginning November 7th for a 30-day public review and comment period.

Orange County Health Officer Selected To Lead State’s Public Health Efforts

October 17, 2005
Orange County Health Officer Mark B. Horton, M.D., MSPH, has been appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the position of State Public Health Officer, effective November 7, 2005.

ACS Alerts Owners To Monitor Pets For Canine Influenza Signs And Symptoms

October 12, 2005
Orange County Animal Care Services (ACS) alerts pet owners to monitor their pets for any signs of respiratory infection due to recent reports of a new emerging canine respiratory disease known as canine influenza virus or canine flu.

Orange County Reports Season’s First Influenza Cases – Flu Shots Now Available

October 4, 2005
The influenza season is underway in Orange County, with two confirmed cases of influenza reported to the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) in recent days.

Public Invited To Attend Final Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Steering Committee Meeting

September 27, 2005
The process of implementing Proposition 63 – The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) in Orange County has reached a pivotal point, and the public is invited to attend the final MHSA Steering Committee meeting on Wednesday, September 28th, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Delhi Center, 505 East Central Avenue, Santa Ana.

Santa Ana Kids “Energize And Mobilize” To Take Action Against Obesity

September 21, 2005
Youth from Jerome Recreational Center’s after school program will participate in “Energize and Mobilize” a health-related outreach event designed to take action against childhood obesity and to celebrate National “5 a Day” month in September.

Orange County Reports Fifth West Nile Virus Case For 2005

August 25, 2005
Orange County’s total of West Nile Virus cases now stands at five, while at least 300 human cases have been reported statewide.

Disaster Ready Conference Prepares Emergency Workers for Collaboration During a Disaster

August 18, 2005
Local, regional and national emergency responders will join together to attend the two-day Disaster Ready Conference on August 25 – 26 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove.

West Nile Virus Case Total Reaches Three – Study Shows Prevention Reduces West Nile Risk

August 9, 2005
Orange County has now recorded three human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection during 2005. While the new cases indicate continued WNV activity in Orange County, a recently released study shows that commonly recommended precautions are effective in reducing a person’s risk of WNV infection.

Orange County’s First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2005 Confirmed

July 29, 2005
A 35 year old Laguna Niguel woman has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection, becoming the first confirmed human WNV case in the county during 2005, according to County Health Officer Mark B. Horton, M.D.

Town Hall Meeting Discusses Traditional Foods Project

July 8, 2005
The Health Care Agency will be holding a Town Hall meeting with Vietnamese community leaders and restaurant owners on July 13, 2005 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Westminster Community Services & Recreation Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, to share information about a new project known as the Traditional Foods Project.

Summer’s Here – So Is West Nile Virus!

June 24, 2005
The longer days and warmer temperatures associated with the arrival of Summer have been accompanied by two main indicators of West Nile Virus activity in Orange County, meaning the first human illnesses associated with the virus are probably just around the corner.

West Nile Virus Precautions Urged For Holiday Weekend Events

May 27, 2005
Memorial Day marks the traditional start of the Summer season, and public health officials are concerned that this year it may also mark the start of the West Nile Virus season in Southern California.

Recreational Water Quality Important To Summer Health And Safety

May 24, 2005
Orange County residents and visitors will be heading to public beaches and swimming pools this Memorial Day holiday during the first national observance of Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week, May 23-30.

St. Joseph Hospital Joins New System Of Cardiovascular Receiving Centers

May 18, 2005
St. Joseph Hospital in the City of Orange is the 11th hospital to join the new system of cardiovascular receiving centers in Orange County, according to Orange County Emergency Medical Services.

Animal Care Center Hosts 17th Annual Pet Fair

May 5, 2005
In recognition of the American Humane Association’s “Be Kind to Animals” week, Orange County Animal Care Center will be hosting its 17th Annual Pet Fair on Saturday, May 7, 2005, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its facility located at 561 The City Drive South, Orange.

Community Meeting Addresses Alcohol and Drug Issues

April 28, 2005
To hear public concerns and suggestions for alcohol and drug treatment or prevention services in Orange County, the public is invited to attend a community meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Hall of Administration, Board of Supervisors Hearing Room located at 10 Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana.

Mussel Quarantine

April 28, 2005
The Orange County Health Care Agency reminds consumers that the Annual Mussel Quarantine in California will take effect on May 1st and will continue through October 31st, 2005. Sport harvesting of mussels for human consumption is prohibited along the entire California coastline.

Foodborne Illness Reporting Hotline Available

April 25, 2005
The Orange County Health Care Agency, Environmental Health has a hotline telephone number available for the public to report suspected cases of foodborne illness.

Brea Emergency Room Services Shifted to Surrounding Hospitals

April 8, 2005
Due to the closure and bankruptcy of Brea Community Hospital and its emergency room, the Orange County Health Care Agency advises the public of alternative sources of care.

Mental Health Services Act Training Workshops Begin

April 8, 2005
The transformation of Orange County’s public mental health system moves forward in April with a series of Training Workshops that are key to the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) planning process.

Dedication Event Celebrates Kick Butts Day and National Library Week 2005

April 8, 2005
To celebrate Kick Butts Day (KBD) on April 13 and National Library Week April 11-16, the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) and the Buena Park Library will partner to host a dedication event

Orange County Responds to Obesity with Regional Collaborative Efforts

April 7, 2005
Santa Ana – The California Department of Health Services (CDHS) recently announced that physical inactivity, obesity, and overweight costs California $21.7 billion a year in direct and indirect medical care ($10.2 billion), workers’ compensation ($338 million), and lost productivity ($11.2 billion).

Orange County Posts Gains In Health Status

April 4, 2005
(Santa Ana) – Orange County residents continue to make progress on several key indicators of health, according to the annual report card on the health of Californians issued by the State Department of Health Services.

Orange County Restaurant Inspection Information Now Available Online

March 11, 2005
(Santa Ana) – On March 11, 2005 the Orange County Health Care Agency, Environmental Health will launch an enhanced website that will provide the public with inspection violation information on all restaurants operating in Orange County.

Bat Found At Huntington Beach Home Depot Store Tests Positive For Rabies

March 4, 2005
(Santa Ana) – Anyone who may have come into contact on March 1st with a bat found at the Home Depot store, 7100 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, is asked to call the Orange County Health Care Agency, following tests that showed the bat was infected with rabies.

Travelers Returning From Certain Asian Nations Encouraged to Monitor Their Health

February 28, 2005
(Santa Ana) – The celebration of the Lunar New Year results in increased travel between the United States and many Asian countries, including those in which cases of avian influenza A (H5N1), or bird flu, have been reported.

Red Carpet Premiere Showcases Student Anti-Tobacco Public Service Announcements

February 23, 2005
A “RED CARPET” event will take place in the City of Santa Ana to showcase two tobacco-free Public Service Announcements (PSAs) created by youth attending Orange County High School of the Arts.

West Nile Virus Prevention Begins In Your Backyard

February 17, 2005
(Santa Ana) – Southern California’s recent rains have many health experts concerned about the potential for an early start to West Nile Virus (WNV) activity in 2005, and Orange County residents are encouraged to do their part in the effort to slow the spread of WNV.

Fullerton Residents Encouraged to Learn More About the Mental Health Services Act

February 4, 2005
(Fullerton) – Information about a unique opportunity to transform the public mental health system in Orange County will be provided to Fullerton residents at a public meeting to be held Monday, February 28 from 3-5 p.m. in Room B at the Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth.

Information About The Mental Health Services Act To Be Offered at Meeting in Laguna Hills

February 2, 2005
(Laguna Hills) – The public is invited to learn more about Proposition 63, The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), at a community meeting in Laguna Hills, to be held Thursday, February 3rd from 4-6 p.m. in Conference Room One (Basement) at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, 24451 Health Center Drive.

Health Care Providers Have New Opportunity To Order Influenza Vaccine

February 1, 2005
(Santa Ana) – Health care providers in Orange County and around the United States now have the opportunity to order influenza vaccine directly from the manufacturer, with the option of returning unused vaccine for a credit.

Orange County Kicks-Off Proposition 63 Planning Process

January 25, 2005
(Santa Ana) – The kick-off of Orange County’s planning efforts for Proposition 63 – The Mental Health Services Act – will be held Wednesday, January 26, 2005 with information sessions to be held from 3-5 p.m. and again from 6-8 p.m. in the Mother Louis Room of the St. Joseph’s Justice Center, 480 S. Batavia, Orange.

All Orange County Residents Now Eligible For Flu Shots

January 12, 2005
(Santa Ana) Orange County residents of all ages are now eligible for a flu shot, following the lifting of age and health condition requirements previously imposed by the California Department of Health Services.