(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce that recruitment is now open for the CalOptima Health Board of Directors. A as County-Organized Health System, CalOptima Health serves over 829,000 low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities. CalOptima Health launched in 1995 in response to the local health care system’s difficulty in meeting the needs of vulnerable Orange County residents. Today, CalOptima Health is the single largest health insurer in Orange County and recognized statewide for delivering quality care. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. 

The HCA seeks applicants who represent the diverse backgrounds, interests and demographics of Orange County residents and have the experience and expertise to operate a public health care system. 

Applications are being accepted for the following seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors:  

1. One (1) person who is a licensed physician in current practice and who is also a representative of a contracted independent physician’s association or provider network.

To apply for a seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors, please complete an application by 5:00 pm (PT) on August 31, 2026. Applications are available on the HCA’s website at ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. The HCA may reopen or extend this recruitment in its sole discretion. 

Please send a completed application and resume to: 
 
OC Health Care Agency
Attention: James Kim
405 W. 5th Street, Suite 724
Santa Ana, California 92701
 
Please note that all applications are public records. The selected applicants will serve only after appointment by the County of Orange Board of Supervisors. CalOptima Health Board meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. at CalOptima Health, located at 505 City Parkway West, Orange, California 92868.

For additional information, please contact James Kim at (714) 834-3883 or via email at jameskim@ochca.com.

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Convocatoria abierta para la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health

(Santa Ana, CA) - La Agencia de Atención Médica del Condado de Orange (HCA) se complace en anunciar que el proceso de reclutamiento está abierto para la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health. Como sistema de salud organizado por el condado, CalOptima Health presta servicios a más de 829,000 niños, adultos, personas mayores y personas con discapacidades de bajos ingresos. CalOptima Health se estableció en 1995 en respuesta a la dificultad del sistema local de atención médica para satisfacer las necesidades de los residentes vulnerables del Condado de Orange. Hoy en día, CalOptima Health es el mayor asegurador de salud en el Condado de Orange y es reconocido a nivel estatal por brindar atención de calidad. La misión de CalOptima Health es servir la salud de los miembros con excelencia y dignidad, respetando el valor y las necesidades de cada persona.
 
HCA busca solicitantes que representen los diversos antecedentes, intereses y características demográficas de los residentes del Condado de Orange y que tengan la experiencia y los conocimientos necesarios para operar un sistema público de atención médica.

Se están aceptando solicitudes para el siguiente puesto en la Junta Directive de CalOptima Health. 
 
Una (1) persona que sea médico con licencia en ejercicio actual y que también sea representante de una asociación de médicos independientes contratada o de una red de salud.

Para postularse a un puesto en la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health, complete una solicitud antes de las 5:00 p.m. (PT) del 31 de agosto de 2026. Las solicitudes están disponibles en el sitio web de HCA en ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. HCA puede reabrir o extender este proceso de reclutamiento a su entera discreción.

Envíe una solicitud completa y un currículum a:
 
OC Health Care Agency
Attention: James Kim
405 W. 5th Street, Suite 724
Santa Ana, California 92701

Tenga en cuenta que todas las solicitudes son registros públicos. Los solicitantes seleccionados servirán únicamente después de ser nombrados por la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Orange. Las reuniones de la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health generalmente se llevan a cabo el primer jueves de cada mes a las 2 p. m. en CalOptima Health, ubicado en 500 City Parkway West, Orange, California 92868.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con James Kim al (714) 834-3882 o a jameskim@ochca.com.

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Đang tuyển nhân sự cho 
Hội đồng quản trị CalOptima Health  

(Santa Ana, CA) - Cơ quan Y tế (Health Care Agency, HCA) của Quận Orange (Orange County, OC) hân hạnh thông báo tuyển nhân sự cho Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima Health. Là một Hệ thống Y tế do Quận tổ chức, CalOptima Health phục vụ hơn 829.000 trẻ em, người lớn, người cao tuổi và người khuyết tật có thu nhập thấp. CalOptima Health được thành lập vào năm 1995 để giải quyết khó khăn của hệ thống chăm sóc sức khỏe địa phương trong việc đáp ứng nhu cầu của cư dân dễ bị tổn thương tại Quận Orange. Ngày nay, CalOptima Health là công ty bảo hiểm y tế lớn nhất tại Quận Orange và được công nhận trên toàn tiểu bang về việc cung cấp dịch vụ chăm sóc chất lượng. Sứ mệnh của CalOptima Health là chăm sóc sức khỏe cho thành viên bằng dịch vụ xuất sắc, đề cao phẩm giá, tôn trọng giá trị cũng như nhu cầu của mỗi cá nhân.
 
HCA đang tìm kiếm các ứng viên đại diện cho các nền tảng, sở thích và nhân khẩu học đa dạng của cư dân Quận Orange cũng như có kinh nghiệm và chuyên môn để vận hành hệ thống chăm sóc sức khỏe công cộng.

Hiện đang nhận hồ sơ ứng tuyển cho vị trí sau trong Hội đồng quản trị CalOptima Health:
 
Một (1) người là bác sĩ được cấp phép hành nghề hiện tại và cũng là đại diện của một hiệp hội các bác sĩ độc lập có hợp đồng hoặc mạng lưới y tế.

Để xin đăng ký đảm nhận một vị trí trong Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima Health, vui lòng hoàn thành đơn đăng ký trước 5:00 chiều (giờ Thái Bình Dương (Pacific Time, PT)) ngày 31 tháng 8 năm 2026. Quý vị có thể tải đơn đăng ký trên trang web của HCA tại ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. HCA có toàn quyền mở lại hoặc gia hạn đợt tuyển chọn này theo quyết định của mình.

Vui lòng gửi đơn đã điền và sơ yếu lý lịch đến:
 
OC Health Care Agency
Attention: James Kim 
405 W. 5th Street, Suite 724
Santa Ana, California 92701

Xin lưu ý tất cả các đơn đăng ký đều là hồ sơ công khai. Các ứng viên được lựa chọn chỉ chính thức đảm nhiệm vị trí sau khi được Hội đồng Giám (Board of Supervisors) sát Quận Orange bổ nhiệm. Các cuộc họp của Hội Đồng CalOptima Health thường được tổ chức vào lúc 2 giờ chiều Thứ Năm đầu tiên của mỗi tháng tại CalOptima Health, có địa chỉ tại 500 City Parkway West, Orange, California 92868.

Để biết thêm thông tin, vui lòng liên hệ James Kim theo số (714) 834-3882 hoặc jameskim@ochca.com. 

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Translations: Arabic | Chinese Simplified | Chinese Traditional | Farsi | Korean | Russian

Key Messages:

• Multiple detections of West Nile Virus (WNV)-positive mosquitoes in Orange County and a much higher-than-usual number of human WNV cases in California to date signal that this WNV season is starting earlier and may be more intense than usual.
• California Department of Health (CDPH) is offering a new WNV diagnostic test with improved sensitivity and specificity for WNV through their Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL).
• The new assay requires whole blood, a specimen type not required for WNV testing in the past.

Full Alert: CD HEALTH ALERT: Early and Intense West Nile Virus Activity; New West Nile Virus Diagnostics

A case of measles has been confirmed in a pediatric patient residing in Orange County. The case was infectious while they traveled arriving at LAX 7/16/2026 after living abroad. The HCA Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) is notifying individuals who were exposed to the person in a healthcare setting. There were no other places of exposure in Orange County.

If measles is in the differential, providers should contact CDCD immediately at 714-834-8180. We can expedite PCR testing at our public health lab with usual turn around times of 24 hours or less.

Measles is an acute viral illness typically presenting with fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, followed 3-5 days later by a rash. The maculopapular rash typically begins on the face and spreads down the torso and out to the extremities. The incubation period for measles ranges from 7-21 days after exposure and individuals are infectious from 4 days prior to rash onset until 4 days after rash onset. Measles is highly contagious and spreads via airborne transmission. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), is refining its crisis call diversion program to better serve those experiencing behavioral health disorders. 
 
In March 2024, Sheriff’s Department dispatchers began triaging non-violent and non-criminal behavioral health calls for service and diverting to OC Links as appropriate. The 24-hour, 7 days a week Behavioral Health Line is an entry point for the HCA’s continuum of care providing information, referral, linkage, screening, linkage to homeless outreach resources, and dispatching of mobile crisis response teams. To date, approximately 240 calls have been diverted to OC Links, connecting those in crisis with appropriate behavioral health services and field outreach.
 
As the crisis call diversion program has developed, the need to expand the system has emerged. Under the expanded program, certain behavioral health related 9-1-1 calls will be diverted to a licensed clinician instead of dispatching deputies. With this expanded approach, any call determined to be behavioral health-related with no violation of law or threat to public safety will no longer receive a deputy response. This ensures that people in crisis receive immediate, compassionate and expert care from professionals and that deputies remain available for calls involving safety risks or criminal activity.
 
“Individuals in crisis who pose no threat to the community do not need law enforcement coming to their door. They need trained behavioral health clinicians who are better equipped to get them help,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “It’s important for our community to keep deputies focused on public safety and available for emergency calls.”
 
“Strengthening crisis response is essential to protecting both the community and individuals experiencing mental health challenges,” stated Chair Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “This refined approach ensures that people receive the right care at the right time.”
 
When the behavioral health crisis diversion program began, the HCA simultaneously promoted it’s “First Responders for Mental Health Campaign” to promote OC Links as a dedicated resources for behavioral health emergencies including the crisis line, mobile crisis unit and warmline support. This campaign continues promoting essential information on recognizing behavioral health crises and accessing appropriate services.
 
“Expanding clinician-led responses helps ensure residents experiencing a mental health crisis receive medical care and urgent treatment,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “This partnership connects residents with the professionals best equipped to support them, while allowing our deputies to focus on crime prevention and emergencies that require a law enforcement response.” 
 
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department receives about 10,000+ calls for service each year involving mental health. OC Links remains a critical component in caring for the health, safety and well-being of those experiencing crisis. In calendar year 2025, the HCA received more than 43,789 calls and chats to their OC Links line and dispatched more than 10,862 mobile clinical responses.

“I’m proud that this enhanced diversion system will help and support many people in my district,” stated Supervisor Janet Nguyen, First District. “By uniting public safety and behavioral health expertise, the County of Orange is ensuring that individuals receive the care they need most.”
 
Calls either diverted by 911 operators or are made directly to OC Links, are answered 24/7/365 by OC Links Navigators who are licensed clinicians and trained behavioral health professionals. These specialists can assist individuals or a loved one at any stage of need – whether you’re seeking information, prevention resources, treatment options, direct referrals to behavioral health programs or urgent behavioral health support. OC Links Navigators connect callers with appropriate resources or dispatch a mobile crisis response team when necessary.

“Police departments should not be the sole responders to mental health crisis calls, but too often officers can be placed in these situations and may not be equipped to safely resolve them alone,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District. “I have consistently advocated for models that pair licensed mental health clinicians with law enforcement. Sadly, in recent months, we have seen multiple tragedies during responses to crisis calls and I believe this approach is an excellent solution to de-escalation, appropriate care, and potentially saving lives.”

The presence of uniforms or sirens can potentially heighten anxiety or fear, especially for those experiencing behavioral health issues. Having clinicians respond can reduce the chance of the situation escalating and individuals are more likely to follow up with care when their initial crisis encounter is supportive.

“This partnership between the Sheriff’s Department and the OC Health Care Agency demonstrates how coordinated, cross agency collaboration leads to better outcomes for residents in crisis,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District.

“A mental health condition is a medical issue, not a criminal one, and people deserve understanding and care when they are struggling,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA Director and Interim Behavioral Health Services Director. “By recognizing the signs of crisis and connecting individuals to the right support, we can help ensure safety, dignity and healing for everyone involved.”

In addition to OC Links, the Sheriff’s Department continues to deploy its Behavioral Health Bureau teams in partnership with HCA’s Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT), responsible for proactively contacting and supporting those experiencing behavioral health crises and homelessness, and connecting individuals with resources including housing programs, counseling services, and other support services.  
 
The public can access OC Links directly 24/7 by calling (855) 625-4657 or (855) OC Links.

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(Santa Ana, CA) – As reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health earlier today, a measles case was confirmed in a juvenile now residing in Orange County. The case arrived at LAX on 7/16/26 after living abroad.
 
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA), Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) is notifying individuals who were exposed to the person in a healthcare setting. There were no other places of exposure in Orange County. Additionally, information about exposure at LAX can be found through the LA Department of Public Health press release in their newsroom, LAPHDNews. 

Unvaccinated people and infants too young to be vaccinated are at high risk if exposed. The best protection against the highly contagious virus is two doses of the MMR vaccine. Visit the California Department of Public Health page for vaccine recommendations. Most Californians are vaccinated against measles; therefore, their risk of being infected with measles is very low.
 
“Measles doesn’t only affect people who travel or live internationally—everyone is at risk if they’re not protected,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, Deputy County Health Officer. “Because measles is highly contagious, it can spread quickly within communities, even among those who haven’t traveled. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated before exposure occurs.”

Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the body. Individuals who have unknown immunization status, or who have not received the measles vaccines, are at high risk of developing measles 7-21 days after being exposed. Anyone who suspects they may have measles should call their medical provider before arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others.
 
Current Situation
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as of July 17, 2026, there have been 2,260 confirmed cases of measles in the US. By comparison, 2025 recorded 2,289 cases for the full year. For both years, 93% of all cases were unvaccinated.

For more information on measles visit: 

• OC Health Care Agency Measles
• CDPH Measles

Clinician and Public Guidance
Clinicians in Orange County should report suspected measles immediately to the HCA’s Communicable Disease Control Division for testing and guidance at 1 (714) 834-8180.
 
Further Questions 
Clinicians or members of the public in OC with questions about measles can contact the HCA Health Referral Line at:
  

• Toll-Free: 1 (800) 564-8448 – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• TDD: 1 (800) 801-7100 – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The recent devastation caused by the Los Angeles County fires and the Venezuela earthquakes serve as a reminder that disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, and can have tragic impacts on the lives of those affected. They also highlight the importance of preparing for a disaster to help mitigate some of those effects. Planning ahead can go a long way in protecting yourself and your loved ones when faced with unexpected events.  Key components of emergency preparedness that you can apply to your plans include: prevention, response and recovery. These considerations include examples that are not meant to be exhaustive, and households should adapt them to their own needs and capabilities.

Prevention 

Take steps to keep your household safe to lessen the impact when a disaster or emergency arises. Examples include: 

• Clearing dried brush around your property. 
• Keeping fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors in working order and in the appropriate locations. 
• Keeping dangerous chemicals and medications out of reach of children.
• Anchoring large objects to walls and securing heavy objects. 
• Having a method to receive emergency alerts and warnings.

Response

Outcomes in a disaster can be improved with some thoughtful steps to prepare you to react when an event happens.

 

Develop an emergency plan for your household:  

Coordinate with household members ahead of time so everyone knows what to do when an emergency happens. Make sure to review and update the plan at least annually.

• Create a document with important household information, household member information (contacts, medical concerns, locations if not at home, etc.), emergency contacts, and other important contacts.
• Have an evacuation plan with multiple safe exit routes (including a way to get down from a multi-story structure).
• Identify a meeting place near your home, as well as one farther away.
• Identify potential shelter locations or friends/family you can stay with. 
• Have a communication plan for circumstances in which you are separated, especially if phone or internet is disrupted.
• Have a plan for power outages, such as alternative power sources.
• Consider any special needs for household members that relate to medical, mobility, or development issues.

Disaster Supply Kit: 

Prepare a cache of supplies to be able to sustain your household (including pets) for at least 3 to 4 days if you have to stay in place. Some items include:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable, calorie-dense food 
• Toiletries and hygienic items (wipes, hand sanitizer, diapers for infants and feminine items) 
• Clothing, blankets/sleeping bags
• Essential electronics (radios, communication devices, flashlights) with batteries and a potential back-up power source
• Basic tools and shelter supplies
• A well-supplied first aid kit

If you need to evacuate your household, have a go-bag ready to take with you. This would be a leaner, lighter version of the home disaster supply kit with additional items needed for travel such as cash, prescription medications, and important documents.

Recovery

After a disaster happens, you may need resources to help you recover and rebuild after the event.

• Make sure to have important documents (insurance papers, birth/marriage certificates, passports, financial papers, ownership papers, etc.) in a safe, accessible location, and/or have them backed up electronically on the cloud. These will help make the recovery process smoother.
• Keep an updated inventory of your property to help evaluate any losses.
• If possible, have an emergency savings reserve to help you with immediate needs in the aftermath of an emergency.
• Make sure your homeowners’ insurance is up to date and consider earthquake insurance.
• If the event is declared a federal disaster, there is a process for getting assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Assistance website. 

Get Involved

Participating in training and with local organizations can help strengthen your community and your preparedness.

• Learn about classes in your area that teach first aid and CPR (Red Cross - Take A Class) 
• Take a Stop the Bleed class (Stop The Bleed Training)
• The American Red Cross trains people in preparedness and safety (Red Cross - Disaster Training) 
• Volunteer with community-based organizations that respond to disasters (Ready OC - Volunteer) 
  • Some cities have Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) that respond to incidents locally (Ready OC - CERT & Partners)

Disasters and emergencies can disrupt lives in profound ways. With proper planning, organization and forethought, many negative consequences can be mitigated or avoided. Please check out some of the following links for more information.

Resources

Ready OC 

The Ready Campaign - Resources 

Centers for Disease Control - Natural Disasters & Severe Weather

Red Cross - How to Prepare for Emergencies

About Dr. Gagandeep S. Grewal

Gagandeep S. Grewal, MD, graduated from UCLA (and remains an avid fan), earned his MD from UC Davis School of Medicine, and completed his emergency medicine residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He is board-certified in Emergency Medicine and has been practicing for over 25 years. He serves as the Associate Medical Director for the Orange County Emergency Medical Services (OCEMS) division of the OC Health Care Agency, where he helps plan, implement, and evaluate the county’s EMS system. In his role, Dr. Grewal also supports the OCEMS Health Disaster Preparedness section, collaborating with healthcare partners and other stakeholders to ensure that, in the event of a disaster, the medical needs of the people of Orange County are met. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Health Advisory to raise awareness of cyclosporiasis due to a large increase in domestically acquired disease in multiple states. CDC’s national surveillance page provides state level data on cases acquired in the U.S. and can be found here.

HCA Communicable Disease Control has not seen any increase in cyclosporiasis to date in Orange County. Statewide California not seen an increase in cyclosporiasis per a CDPH Press Release.

Cyclosporiasis cases historically increase during the summer months. In OC, most cases of cyclosporiasis identified are associated with international travel. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) –   The OC Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Division has closed one quarter (0.25) miles upcoast to one quarter (0.25) miles downcoast of Anita Street at Thalia Beach in the City of Laguna Beach. The spill of approximately 2000 gallons was caused by a malfunction of a force main sewer line pump.
 
The affected ocean water area will remain closed to ocean water contact sports for a minimum of three days and until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards.
 
For information regarding Orange County ocean, bay, or harbor postings and closures, please call (714) 433-6400 or visit our Web site at www.OCBeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, please call (714) 433-6419.

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ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resource

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(Santa Ana, CA) – The planned removal of neutralized methyl methacrylate (MMA) from two storage tanks at GKN Aerospace is scheduled the week of June 29 through July 2.   

The operation will focus on two of the three tanks (tanks #2 and #4) and is being carried out in carefully managed phases, over several days, with multiple layers of safety protocols and oversight measures in place. Specialized containers will be used, incorporating features that support temperature control and secure transport. 

Temporary, intermittent odors may occur during this activity in the area near the GKN Aerospace facility. MMA has a fruity smell with a very low odor threshold, meaning people may notice a scent even when concentrations are well below levels associated with health concerns.   

Environmental protection is in place throughout the work, including continuous air monitoring using both mobile and fixed equipment at the facility fenceline and the community. Additionally, targeted air and odor monitoring based on wind conditions will be conducted. Operations will be adjusted as needed in response to conditions and will occur during daylight hours only.  

An interactive data dashboard is available on the www.occupainfo.com web page enabling residents to view air monitoring data. Updates surrounding the cleanup activities are also being posted to www.occupainfo.com. 

The work continues to be carried out under a unified command structure with support from experienced hazardous materials teams and certified transport contractors, in coordination with appropriate regulatory authorities. The drainage operation represents one phase of the cleanup and disposal process. Air monitoring will continue throughout cleanup operations.

Information regarding the GKN Aerospace incident can be found here: https://www.ocgov.com/gkn-aerospace-hazmat-incident.    

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