Recovery Month reminds all of us as a community and as health care providers that treatment services and support are available for substance use. We celebrate the successes of those in recovery and communicate hope to all that recovery is both possible and achievable. Most importantly, no one must experience a substance use condition alone and no one has to work through recovery on their own.

One way that the OC Health Care Agency celebrates and supports recovery is through the Orange County Recovery Happens Picnic — held annually in September at a local park. The Recovery Picnic is focused on fun with food, music, and games. Another aspect of the picnic that I appreciate most is it reflects that indeed a whole community of support is available to all, and to everyone regardless of where they are in their recovery journey. Information on resources for treatment and health care are also available, and in a picnic setting, these resources are offered and accessible if someone chooses to request this information and is looking for a place to start in recovery. Whether looking for next steps to seeking care or just wanting to celebrate recovery in a substance free environment, I encourage you to attend.

Recovery Month is also a great opportunity for us to share the various treatment and support services with our community. Health care for substance use conditions is available in a range of settings based off the individual needs and circumstances of the person. A key aspect of recovery for some individuals is medication-based treatments for substance use disorders – also referred to as Medication Assisted Treatment, or ‘MAT.’  These help individuals avoid use of substances by treating withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and addressing the other physiological aspects of these conditions that contribute to substance use. As a psychiatrist, one of the most rewarding times of my work with clients is when someone is in treatment, and they sit down in my office and can’t wait to share about the return of important aspects of their life with their recovery. This could be employment, school, a hobby or meaningful relationship, but what is common to each person is joy from restoring something that is important to them. 

Information about substance treatment services in Orange County is accessible in many ways. Orange County’s 24/7/365 OC Links behavioral health resource phone line is 855-OC-LINKS (625-4657) — also available via chat. Each call is confidential and is answered by OC Links Navigators who are trained behavioral health professionals. Detailed resource information is also available online through OC Navigator at ocnavigator.org. Anyone can visit the website and search/view treatment and health services.  

I hope that whether you are an individual in recovery, someone who is looking for assistance with a substance use condition or a family member or loved one of someone who is experiencing substance use, please know that there is a whole system of care that can help. Recovery Month is an excellent time to support individuals in to care and to celebrate the hope and accomplishments of those already in recovery.

About Dr. Huffman:

Dr. Scott Huffman is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and is the Associate Medical Director for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment for the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Division of the OC Health Care Agency. In partnership with BHS leadership, he developed and launched the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for BHS in Santa Ana in 2021. He continues to provide direct client service to individuals at the Santa Ana SUD Clinic and works to expand MAT services to more areas of Orange County. Dr. Huffman is originally a paramedic by training, and it was his work with individuals in crisis on 911 calls that was a primary reason for pursuing medical school and a career in behavioral health.

CDPH/Health Advisory– September 4, 2025 – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to alert healthcare providers, local health departments, laboratories, and travelers about increased detections of New World Screwworm (NWS) in southern Mexico and Central America, where it had been previously eradicated. NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue and can infest mammals and birds; it largely affects livestock but can also affect pets, wildlife, and humans. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced identification of a travel-associated case of NWS infestation in a U.S. resident who traveled to El Salvador. Healthcare providers who identify myiasis in a patient should ask about recent travel to a country where NWS is present and notify their local health department (LHD). The LHD should notify the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of any suspected human cases. Suspected cases of NWS infestation in animals must be reported to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

Please see the full US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) press release here: https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-cdc-usda-traveler-associated-screwworm-case-surveillance.html

The full CDPH health advisory here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/New-World-Screwworm-Outbreak-in-Mexico-and-Central-America.aspx

Before joining the OC Health Care Agency, I worked many years as a primary care doctor taking care of people of all ages. The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is one that comes up again and again in our lives. In health care and public health, it is especially true. It is better to prevent problems when we can, whether by making healthy choices, staying active, or lowering our chances of getting sick. One of the tools available for prevention is vaccines.

Thanks to vaccines, many serious diseases that once threatened children and adults like tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles – are now fare less common than they used to be. Vaccines are not just for children. There are also vaccines recommended for adolescents, adults, and older adults. As we age, vaccine advice adjusts to our different needs at different stages of life.

It is natural to have questions about vaccines. After all, they are given to healthy people with the goal of preventing illness. Because of that, vaccines go through careful study and testing before being approved, and they continue to be monitored for safety once they are in use. Still, with so much information available, some reliable, some not - it can be hard to know what to trust when making decisions.

The OC Health Care Agency looks to the California Department of Public Health for the best vaccine advice for Californians. Information is posted on our website for the public.

When it comes to your health and your family’s health, it is important to talk to a licensed health care provider who can help answer specific questions about which vaccines are recommended for you, when to get them, and what to expect. Preparing your questions before your appointment can help you get the answers you need to make informed choices.

About Dr. Christopher Zimmerman:
Dr. Christopher Zimmerman is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. He has more than a decade of experience as a primary care physician taking care of both adults and children. Dr. Zimmerman also trained as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and holds a Master's in Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. He has extensive experience on vaccination and vaccine preventable diseases from the CDC, the New York City Department of Public Health, as well as working on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization.

Back-to-school season is a great time to check in on your child’s health and well-being. As a trauma surgeon and public health officer, I see how much prevention matters—especially when kids are growing fast and adjusting to new routines. Before your child heads back to the classroom, schedule a check-up with their health care provider. These visits help make sure your child is growing well, staying healthy, and ready to learn. It’s also the perfect time to catch up on routine vaccinations. If your child is eligible, don’t forget to ask about the latest COVID-19 and flu vaccines. These small steps protect not just your child, but also their classmates, teachers, and family members at home.

Nutrition plays a huge role in how kids feel and function at school. A healthy breakfast helps with energy, attention, and mood throughout the day. Whether you pack lunch or participate in your school’s meal program, aim for a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks is another easy way to boost health and focus. If your family needs help accessing healthy food, reach out to your school district or local public health department. Free and reduced-price meal programs are available for many families, and no child should have to learn on an empty stomach.

Physical activity and good sleep are just as important as laptops, books, and pencils for a successful school year. Regular movement helps students stay strong, focused, and ready to learn. Proper sleep supports memory, mood and overall health. Families should try to set routines that balance schoolwork, play, and rest- ensuring that children can arrive to school energized and prepared.

Safety is just as important as health. If your child carries a backpack, make sure it’s not overloaded and that they use both shoulder straps—this helps to distribute any weight and reduce the risk of back or shoulder pain. Or try a backpack with wheels. If your child walks, bikes, or rides an e-bike to school, take time to go over road safety. Helmets should always be worn—and fit properly—no matter how short the ride. For kids riding e-bikes, remember that they move faster than regular bikes and need extra caution. E-bike riders should follow all traffic laws, stay off sidewalks unless permitted, and avoid distractions like phones or headphones. Parents should take time to learn about e-bikes to make sure the proper one is purchased for children. A little awareness now can prevent serious injuries later.

Starting the school year strong means looking after the whole child—their body, their mind, and their safety. With just a few simple steps, we can help kids feel confident, protected, and ready to learn. Let’s work together to make this school year a healthy and successful one for all our students.

Please visit these sites for resources to support your child’s well-being all year long!

• https://www.chhs.ca.gov/back-to-school-resources/
• https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/back-to-school
• https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/initiatives/back-school-school-based-outreach
• https://www.schoolsafety.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/Back-to-School%20Resources.pdf
• https://www.cde.ca.gov/
• https://ocde.us/Pages/Home.aspx

About Dr. Almaas Shaikh:
Almaas Shaikh, MD, MPH, FACS is a distinguished trauma and critical care surgeon and the Deputy Public Health Officer for the OC Health Care Agency. With a deep commitment to both individual patient care and broader public health initiatives, Dr. Shaikh bridges the critical intersection of clinical excellence and community health. Trained in the most challenging aspects of trauma surgery, she brings her expertise to the frontlines, managing complex trauma cases with precision and compassion. Her leadership in public health is marked by a proactive approach to health education, disease prevention, and emergency preparedness, particularly in addressing the unique challenges faced by diverse and vulnerable communities.