As a mother, your job is never done. You always put the needs of your family and friends above your own. But, as Mother’s Day approaches, it’s important to remember your health matters too! Take a few moments to focus on your own health, and commit to at least one of these suggested steps this month:

1. Schedule your annual physical and other health appointments.

Regular check-ups and your yearly well-woman exam are important to keep yourself healthy. During your appointments, you can update your vaccines to protect you from diseases and infections and get screenings that can catch any health issues early on when they’re easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about any screenings or exams you may need, such as:

• Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer
• Breast exams and/or mammograms to screen for breast cancer
• Blood pressure screenings
• Depression screening
• Blood tests, including blood glucose level

To learn about what to expect during an annual physical exam:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Get Your Well-Woman Visit Every Year English | Spanish
• HHS: Healthy Living by Age English | Spanish

For tips to on how to take control of your health and make the most of every healthcare visit:

• HHS:  Your Health, Your Way. Tips to Improve Health Care Visits

To learn more about low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings via the Every Women Counts Program:

• California Department of Health Care Services: Every Woman Counts English | Spanish

2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Your food choices impact your and your family’s health. By choosing healthier food options, you can prevent or manage health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and encourage your family to develop healthy food habits.

To learn more about healthy eating:

• HHS: Healthy Eating and Women English | Spanish

To learn more about nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services: Healthy Eating for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding  English | Spanish

3. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

Staying active is important to stay healthy and prevent future health problems. Adults are recommended to exercise with moderate intensity at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week, but it can be broken up into shorter time intervals throughout the week. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Make physical activity more enjoyable by picking activities you enjoy and can stick with, such as going on a walk or dancing.

Talk with your doctor about what physical activity plan works for you if you have a chronic health condition.

To learn more about how to stay active:

• HHS: Move Your Way English | Spanish

4. Practice self-care and develop stress management skills for your overall      health.

Women tend to balance multiples roles which can cause chronic stress and mental health problems. Chronic stress can lead to many health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart disease. Self-care and stress management are important to take care of your overall health and to model healthy behaviors for your family.

Some self-care tips include:

• Stick to a good sleep routine, including getting at least 8 hours of sleep.
• Spend quality time with others, such as friends, family, or people in your faith community.
• Set aside some time for yourself- meditate, do your favorite activities, or simply relax.
• Talk to a mental health professional if needed.

To learn more about how to cope with stress:

• National Institute of Mental Health: I’m So Stressed Out! English | Spanish

If you are pregnant or parenting:

• HHS:  Shining a Light on Maternal Mental Health
• EveryParentOC:  Feeling sad or anxious?  You’re not alone (click on “Translate” at the top of the page for other languages)

For assistance with getting access to health services and community resources, call the Orange County Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.

Additional Resources:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: National Women’s Health Week English | Spanish
• USDA WIC Works Resource System: National Women’s Health Week English
• California Department of Public Health: Healthy Mind English |Spanish

Black Maternal Health Week (4/11-4/17) is an opportunity to raise awareness around racial disparities in maternal health.

All birthing people deserve a healthy, safe, and joyful pregnancy. Black birthing people are more likely to die or have life-threatening complications during pregnancy than other racial or ethnic groups.

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This Black Maternal Health Week, let’s collectively work toward a future where ALL Black birthing people have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive.

Visit Birthing Justice in OC to learn more!

Babies and children learn new skills all the time as they grow and develop. Parents look forward to experiencing each of their child’s new milestones, such as smiling for the first time, waving, or taking a first step. Children develop at their own pace, but some might need extra support in their growth and development.

What Are Milestones and Is My Child on Track?

Developmental milestones are skills babies and children learn at different ages as they move, play, learn, speak and act.

• For a list of milestones by age, see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Developmental Milestones English | Spanish
• CDC also has a free Milestone Tracker app available for download (English | Spanish)

As a parent, you know your child best. You can keep an eye on how your child grows, develops, and changes over time. If you, another family member, or care provider notice they are not meeting the milestones for their age, talk to your child’s doctor and ask about developmental screening.

What Is a Developmental Screening?

Developmental screenings should be done routinely by your child’s doctor at certain ages, to make sure they are meeting their milestones. The screenings can also be done more frequently if your child is at risk for developmental issues due to being born early or other health conditions, or if you or the doctor has a concern.

• Development screenings can be done by health care providers, early childhood teachers or other trained providers.
• As part of the screening, your child may take a test or you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your child’s development, including their language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions.
• As a parent or caregiver, no one knows your child better than you do. Talk to your pediatrician about developmental screenings if you have any concerns.

All children should be screened during regular well-child visits at the following ages:

To learn about how to get your child screened: CDC’s Concerned about Development? How to Get Help for Your Child English | Spanish

Why Is Developmental Screening Important?

As many as 1 in 6 children between the ages of 3 to 17 years old have one or more developmental or behavioral disabilities, such as a learning disorder, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1  Certain children may be at higher risk for developmental disorders including: 

• Premature babies
• Children born with low birth weight
• Children exposed to toxic environmental factors (e.g. lead).

Developmental screenings help identify children with developmental delays or disabilities for further evaluation by professionals. Through proper evaluation, your child can access treatment early in life, improving their quality of life. By receiving early intervention services, your child can develop health behaviors and skills needed to reach important developmental milestones. Examples of early intervention services include:  

• Family training, counseling, and home visits 
• Nutrition services 
• Physical therapy 
• Psychological services 
• Special instruction 
• Speech and language services
• Vision services, and many more!

To learn more about early intervention:  CDC’s What is “Early Intervention”? English | Spanish 

It can be hard to figure out how to best support your child. Infants and toddlers (up to 36 months of age) with a developmental delay or disability or who have certain risk factors are eligible for early intervention services through the Early Start program in California. The Early Start Program can help with figuring out the next steps. Services are provided at low-cost to no-cost. 

To learn more about available Early Start services:  Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC): Early Intervention Services English

Where Can I Get My Child Screened? 

If you suspect your child has developmental problems, you and your family have options to access care for your child.

To get your child screened:

• Contact your child’s doctor’s office.
• To find a health care provider, call the OC Health Care Agency Health Referral Line (HRL) at (800) 564-8448. 
• CHOC/UCI Early Developmental Programs: Help Me Grow Orange County English | Spanish | Vietnamese 

Additional Resources 

• CDC: Developmental Monitoring and Screening English | Spanish
• CDC: Learn the Signs. Act Early. English | Spanish 
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! English | Spanish | Vietnamese

References

¹ CDC: Developmental Monitoring and Screening English | Spanish

Nearly one in three women are affected by depression or anxiety during pregnancy, in the 12 months after birth, or both. With the stress of pregnancy and a new baby, lack of sleep, and physical and hormonal changes from pregnancy, any pregnant or post-partum person can be at risk for anxiety and depression, even if they have never experienced these issues before. 

Some of the symptoms of depression include1:

• Feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”
• Feeling hopeless
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability or restlessness
• Loss of energy
• Problems concentrating, recalling details, or making decisions
• Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Withdrawal from loved ones
• Feeling distant from your baby
• Doubting your ability to care for your baby
• Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby – Call 911, the HCA Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) 24/7 at 855- 625-4657, or 988 if you’re having these thoughts.

1*from CDC’s Depression During and After Pregnancy  English | Spanish

You are not alone. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, support is available – please see the resources below.

Mental health difficulties during pregnancy can have both short-term and long-term consequences for pregnant people and their children. Not only can they increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth, but it can also affect the physical development and mental health of your children as they grow up. 

Getting help now can improve health outcomes for you and your child.

Additional Informational Resources 

• OC Health Care Agency: Pregnancy and Parenting Support English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• OC Health Care Agency (OC Navigator): Resources for Pregnancy and Post Partum Support English
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Feeling anxious or depressed? English | Spanish
• CDPH: Is your loved one showing signs of suicidal thinking during or after pregnancy? English | Spanish | Vietnamese

Assistance Accessing Mental Health Care

• OC Health Care Agency’s OC Links (24/7)
  Talk with a Navigator who will link you to the resources that can help you the most with your behavioral health needs.
  • Call or text 855-625-4657
  • Chat online with OC Links
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
  This is a 24/7, free, confidential hotline for pregnant and new moms to speak with English or Spanish – speaking counselors.  Interpreter services are also available in 60 languages.  Professional counselors can provide resources or referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups.
  • Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262)
    Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for evaluation and referral. Review the Mental Health Support resources below for further information.

Peer Mentorship, Classes and Support Groups 

• OC Health Care Agency’s Community Counseling & Supportive Services  provides screening and assessment, short-term counseling (individual, couples and family), group services (support & educational), case management, referral and linkages, and community outreach for mild to moderate behavioral health conditions.
  • For more information:
    • Call 714-645-8000
    • Visit Community Counseling and Supportive Services (CCSS) English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• Camino Nuevo of Santa Ana (Mental Health Drop-in Center) offers medication support, individual and group mental health services, substance use treatment, peer support services and activities, and episodic case management.
  • To learn more about provided services, call (714) 824-8140.
• Hoag Maternal Mental Health Program: Click here for Hoag’s perinatal educational classes, postpartum support groups, pregnancy and infant loss support group, and more.
  • To learn more about this program, call the Maternal Mental Health Support Line at 949-764-8191.
• MOMS currently offers in-person and virtual classes and groups on a variety of topics such as childbirth preparation, postpartum support, Mommy and Me, and My Family and Me. MOMS also offers the ROSE (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns) post-partum depression prevention course below.
  • For more information:
    • Call 714-352-3400
    • Visit MOMS Prenatal Education and Mommy & Me Series English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• National Alliance of Mental Illness of Orange County (NAMI OC) offers Peer-to-Peer (10 week) or Family-to-Family (12 week) no-cost educational programs for affected individuals or their loved ones, as well as online support groups in English or Spanish.
  • For more information:
    • Call 714- 544-8488
    • Visit NAMI OC English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• Family Support Network: Parent to Parent Program (P2P) offers English/Spanish support groups which provide an opportunity for parents/caregivers to share their own experiences and feelings, firsthand information, and coping strategies when caring for a child with special needs.
  • For more information:
    • Contact Ana Palafox, P2P Program Coordinator at (714) 447-3301 extension 204
    • Visit Family Network Network: Parent to Parent Outreach
• Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers more than 30 free English or Spanish specialty online support groups 5 days a week, including groups for mothers with bipolar, mood, or anxiety disorders, Black, South Asian or Spanish-speaking mothers, military moms, NICU parents, queer or trans parents, and many more.
  • For more information:
    • Call the PSI HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773 (Option 1: Spanish, Option 2: English)
    • Text “HELP” to 800-844-4733 for English or 971-203-7773 for Spanish
    • Visit Postpartum Support International English | Spanish
• Providence: Multiple Providence locations across Orange County provide pregnancy and postpartum support groups including:
  • Mission Hospital Laguna Beach offers a Maternal Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and a pregnancy and post-partum support group.
    For more information:
    • Call (949) 499-7504 or e-mail MHLBMHOP@stjoe.org for more information on IOP and support groups.
    • Call the Maternal Mental Health Referral Line at (949) 499-8663 if you need help finding a mental health provider.
    • Visit Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach: Mental Health and Wellness English | Spanish
  • St. Jude Medical Center Fullerton and St. Joseph Hospital Orange offer individual and group counseling, postpartum depression groups in English and Spanish, as well as Dad’s postpartum groups.
    For more information:
    • Call 714-771-8101
    • Visit Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange Maternity Programs English | Spanish

Prevention Programs

• Mothers and Babies Program offers free 6-12 weeks evidence-based individual or group-based programs, specifically designed for pregnant women and new parents, to provide tools to cope with stress and improve their mood while parenting a baby. This program empowers mothers by encouraging them to engage in enjoyable activities, build their social support network, and develop healthier ways of thinking.
  For more information:
  • Visit Mothers & Babies: Parents or Mothers & Babies Informational Brochure English | Spanish
• The ROSE (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns) Program reduces the risk of postpartum depression in low-income women. It consists of four to five individual or group sessions using an interpersonal therapy approach to provide psycho-education on stress management, role transitions, managing relationships and interpersonal conflicts. Services are provided in English and Spanish.
  For more information:
  • Call MOMS at (714) 972-2610 to be referred to this program
• South Coast Community Services (SCCS) provides shelter, care, therapy, and essential support services for abused, neglected and underprivileged children and youth, and their struggling families. Services include individual, group, and family therapy, as well as psychiatric and medication support services
  For more information:
  • Call 877-527-7227
  • Contact SCCS by filling out a Contact Form

Resources Available for Financial and Social Services Support

• 2-1-1 Orange County offers immediate assistance with social determinants of health: domestic violence, food, housing, finances, post-incarceration, veteran services, legal assistance, and more. 
  For more information:
  • Call 211 or text your ZIP Code to 898211.
  • Visit 2-1-1 Orange County
• Help Me Grow  offers families referrals to no-cost or low-cost resources, as well as support for the behavioral, developmental, and learning needs of their children ages 0-8 years. Services are provided in English and Spanish. A language line is available for other languages. 
  For more information:
  • Call 866-476-9025 or e-mail HelpMeGrow@choc.org
  • Visit Help Me Grow Orange County English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• Employment Development Department (EDD), State of California, manages the unemployment insurance and state disability insurance (SDI) programs in California.
  • For claims and benefit information, visit EDD Claims English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• California Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is a food and nutrition program that provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, benefits to buy healthy foods, and referrals to health care and other community services for pregnant persons and families with children under the age of 5.
  • To determine if you qualify for WIC, visit CDPH: California Women, Infants, and Children Program.

Motherhood begins before your baby is born. Every pregnancy is different bringing new feelings and experiences, and lots to learn! Getting proper medical care and making healthy choices are important to keep you and your growing baby as healthy as can be and help prevent birth defects. Follow these tips to help keep your baby safe before and after they are born:

Start Prenatal Care Early and See a Healthcare Professional Regularly

Even if you are healthy, schedule prenatal checkups as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Babies of moms who don’t get prenatal care are more likely to have a low birth weight or health issues compared to babies of moms who do get prenatal care.

• See a provider regularly, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA), or midwife, to keep you and your baby safe by catching health issues early.
• Be honest with your health care provider to get the best care for you and your baby. Any information you share with your doctor is confidential.

If you need help getting prenatal care, contact OC’s Prenatal Care Guidance Program by calling our Toll-Free Health Referral Line at 1-800-546-8848 or visit OCHCA: Prenatal Care Guidance Program (PCGP) English | Spanish |Vietnamese.

To learn more about prenatal checkups: March of Dimes: Prenatal Care Checkups English | Spanish.

Take Folic Acid Daily

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is important for normal growth and development and that can help prevent major birth defects. Protect your baby from developing brain and spine defects by making healthy food choices and taking folic acid supplements (at least 400 micrograms (mcg)) every day before and during pregnancy.

In addition to taking a folic acid supplement, eat foods high in folic acid such as:

• Eggs
• Fortified bread, rice, pasta, or corn masa flour foods
• Beans, peas, and lentils
• Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and arugula
• Fruits including oranges, lemons, bananas, melons, and strawberries

For more information on how to get enough folic acid each day, visit March for Dimes: Folic Acid Health Action Sheet.

Prevent Complications from Infections

Get Vaccinated

Vaccinations are key to protecting you and your growing baby from infections that can cause serious health problems. Some important diseases to get vaccinated against during pregnancy include:

• Influenza (flu) – as soon as it is available if you are pregnant or will be pregnant during flu season (generally fall and winter)
• Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis [whooping cough]) – between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, even if you got it earlier
• COVID-19 – if you have not received the updated COVID-19 vaccines
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – if you are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during September to January

For more information on vaccinations during pregnancy:

• California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Immunization Branch:
  • Prenatal Vaccines Infographic
  • Immunizations for a Healthy Pregnancy English | Spanish
  • Expecting? Protect yourself and your baby against flu, RSV, whooping cough, and COVID-19! English | Spanish
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Vaccines During and After Pregnancy English | Spanish
• March of Dimes: Vaccinations and Pregnancy English | Spanish

Having fever and/or respiratory symptoms?

• Pregnant people are at increased risk of severe disease from influenza (flu) and COVID-19. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you are sick to see if treatment is indicated.

Get tested for sexually transmitted infections

• All pregnant people should be screened for sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy. Sexually transmitted diseases can cause serious, life-threatening illness in your baby. Early identification and treatment is key to protecting your baby.
• See CDC’s STDs during Pregnancy English | Spanish

Make Sure Your Medications are Safe Before Using Them During Pregnancy

Taking care of your health is important during pregnancy, including taking your regular medications. However, some prescription medicines can be harmful to your baby.

Talk to your healthcare provider about ANY medications you are taking if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, especially if you’re taking:

• Certain acne medications, like isotretinoin
• Opioids
• Blood clot medications like warfarin
• Certain COVID-19 medications
• Medications to treat mental health disorders
• Medications to treat seizures

To learn more about medication safety during pregnancy:

• March of Dimes: Prescription Medicine during Pregnancy English | Spanish

Avoid Drugs, including Tobacco, Marijuana, and Alcohol

Drug, tobacco and alcohol use are dangerous to your developing baby, increasing their risk for birth defects, developmental problems, premature birth, and death. The best time to stop using drugs, smoking, or drinking is BEFORE you get pregnant, but quitting at any time during pregnancy can help your baby. You are not alone! For information about substance use and pregnancy and how to get support, see Substance Use and Pregnancy.

To learn more about how drug and alcohol use affect your baby:

• MotherToBaby: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Exposure Fact Sheets English | Spanish.

Additional Resources

• CDC: During Pregnancy English | Spanish
• CDC: Commit to Healthy Choices to Help Prevent Birth Defects English | Spanish
• CDC: Every Journey Matters: Birth Defects Awareness English | Spanish

Childhood Lead Poisoning Is Preventable

Lead poisoning can happen to anyone. Children under age 6 years are at a higher risk for lead poisoning because children’s growing bodies take in more lead than adults. No amount of lead is safe. Even small amounts of lead can harm a child’s brain. Children with lead poisoning do not always look or act sick. A blood test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning.

How Could My Child be Exposed to Lead?

Common sources of lead:

• Peeling or deteriorated paint in older homes
• Dirt outside
• Work clothes and shoes if household members work with lead
• Drinking water from lead service lines and faucets
• Some imported home remedies and imported cosmetics
• Some ceramic dishware
• Some imported candies, foods, and spices
• Some toys, jewelry, and other objects
• Polluted air (from aviation gas, shooting ranges, some industry and construction sites)

For more information on where lead may be found:

California Department of Public Health: Is There LEAD In or Around Your Home?  English | Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

For more information about lead air pollution:

California Department of Public Health: Lead Air Pollution English | Spanish

How You Can Keep Your Child Safe from Lead Exposure

• Wash hands often especially after playing outside, before eating, and sleeping.
• Wash toys often.
• Feed your child healthy foods like low-fat milk, dark leafy green vegetables, chicken, eggs, and berries.
  • Foods high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C help to lower the amount of lead your child’s growing body takes in.
• Keep your home clean and dust free by wet mopping floors and wet wiping windowsills often.
• Talk to your child’s doctor about a blood lead test.

For more information on protecting children from lead exposure:

• California Department of Public Health: Protect Your Child from Lead English | Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese
• Orange County Health Care Agency Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) provides free case management and environmental investigations for children with elevated lead levels, community outreach, and education to keep you informed about lead poisoning and lead poisoning prevention.  Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) or call CLPPP at (714) 567-6220.

(Santa Ana, CA) - June 27 marks National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), which promotes testing and early diagnosis of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This year’s NHTD theme is Level up your self-love: check your status. Now is the time to take an HIV test. Knowing your status is the first step to engaging in prevention or treatment services that enable individuals, regardless of their status, to live a long and healthy life.

There were 7,044 people living with HIV in Orange County at the end of 2023. Of those, 77% were receiving care. Untreated, HIV infection can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which in turn can cause serious illness and death. Advances in HIV treatment have resulted in people living with HIV having longer and healthier lives. However the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that an additional 1,494 Orange County residents have HIV and don’t know it – some of whom will develop AIDS before knowing they have HIV. Additional HIV/AIDS data in Orange County includes:

• During 2023, there were 266 Orange County residents newly diagnosed with HIV.
• Of the newly diagnosed, 80% were linked to care in 30 days or less.
• Of the newly diagnosed, 21% learned they had AIDS at the same time, indicating they were living with HIV for years before getting ill. They had been to a health care setting like an emergency room, a community health center, or their doctor, but were not tested for HIV.

The CDC recommends that people between 13 and 64 years of age get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. For those at high risk for HIV, including men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and persons who inject drugs, the CDC recommends testing at least once per year as part of routine health care.

If you have never been tested for HIV, ask your health care provider for an HIV test. For those who test negative and are at high risk for HIV, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication to prevent HIV, is available. Please contact the following agencies for information on free, confidential HIV testing, as well as for information on free or low-cost PrEP services available in Orange County:

• AltaMed: Testing is offered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (714) 500-0491 or visit altamed.org or https://www.instagram.com/growproud. AltaMed will be participating in The Greater Than AIDS Campaign (www.greaterthan.org) offering free HIV testing in partnership with Walgreens at 1826 W. Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 27.
• APAIT Health Center: Testing is offered Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (714) 636-1349 or visit www.apaitonline.org/ for more information. In recognition of NHTD, testing hours will be extended from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and walk-ins are encouraged on Thursday, June 27. In addition, APAIT will be participating in The Greater Than AIDS campaign (www.greaterthan.org) offering free HIV testing in partnership with Walgreens located at 12001 Euclid St., Garden Grove, CA 92840 and Walgreens located at 128 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on NHTD at both Walgreens locations.
• Families Together Orange County: Testing is offered at three locations: Tustin, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Garden Grove, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fountain Valley - Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (800) 597-7977 or visit https://familiestogetheroc.org/.
• OC Health Care Agency/17th Street Testing & Treatment Clinic: Walk-ins accepted based on availability. Clinic hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (714) 834-8787 to make an appointment or visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/std for more information.
• The LGBTQ Center Orange County: Testing is offered Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To make an appointment or for more information call (714) 953-5428 or visit www.lgbtqcenteroc.org/. For HIV self-testing, the TakeMeHome Program offers free confidential HIV self-test kits that can be ordered online for individuals (17 or older) who are at risk for HIV and have never tested or who have not tested in the past six months https://takemehome.org.

For more testing sites and information about HIV services in Orange County, please call (714) 834-8335 or visit www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/hiv/sites.
 
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 resources.

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"Aumentando el nivel de amor propio: verifique que está sano."
El Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH es el jueves 27 de junio  

(Santa Ana, CA) – El 27 de junio se celebra el Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH (NHTD, por sus siglas en inglés), que promueve las pruebas y el diagnóstico temprano del VIH (virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana). El tema del NHTD de este año es Aumentando el nivel de amor propio: verifique que está sano. Ahora es el momento de hacerse una prueba de VIH. Conocer su condición es el primer paso para participar en servicios de prevención o tratamiento que permitan a las personas, independientemente de su estado, vivir una vida larga y saludable.

A finales de 2023, hubo 7.044 personas que vivían con el VIH en el Condado de Orange. De ellos, el 77% recibía atención. Si no se trata, la infección por el VIH puede conducir al SIDA (síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida) que, a su vez, puede causar enfermedades graves y la muerte. Los avances en el tratamiento del VIH han hecho que las personas que viven con el VIH tengan vidas más largas y saludables. Sin embargo, los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) estiman que otros 1.494 residentes del Condado de Orange tienen VIH y no lo saben, y algunos desarrollarán SIDA antes de saber que tienen VIH. Datos adicionales sobre el VIH/SIDA en el Condado de Orange incluyen:

• Durante el 2023, hubo 266 residentes del Condado de Orange recién diagnosticados con VIH.
• De los recientemente diagnosticados, el 80% se vinculó a la atención en 30 días o menos.
• De los recientemente diagnosticados, el 21% se enteró de que tenía SIDA al mismo tiempo, lo que indica que vivieron con el VIH durante años antes de enfermarse. Ellos habían estado en un entorno de atención médica como una sala de emergencias, un centro de salud comunitario o con su médico, pero no se les hizo la prueba del VIH.

Los CDC recomiendan que las personas entre 13 y 64 años se hagan la prueba del VIH al menos una vez como parte de la atención médica de rutina. Para las personas con alto riesgo de contraer el VIH, que incluye hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres (HSH), las personas transgénero y las personas que se inyectan drogas, los CDC recomiendan pruebas al menos una vez al año como parte de la atención médica de rutina.
 

Si nunca le han hecho la prueba del VIH, pídale a su proveedor de atención médica que le haga una prueba del VIH. Para aquellos que dan negativo a la prueba y tienen un alto riesgo de contraer el VIH, se dispone de profilaxis previa a la exposición (PrEP), un medicamento para prevenir el VIH. Por favor, póngase en contacto con las siguientes agencias para obtener información sobre las pruebas de VIH gratuitas y confidenciales, así como para obtener información sobre los servicios de PrEP gratuitos o de bajo costo disponibles en el Condado de Orange:

• AltaMed: Las pruebas se ofrecen de lunes a viernes, de 8 A. M. a 4:30 P. M. Llame al (714) 500-0491o visite altamed.org o https://www.instagram.com/growproud. AltaMed participará en la campaña “Greater Than” contra el SIDA (www.greaterthan.org) y ofrecerá pruebas gratuitas del VIH en asociación con Walgreens en 1826 W. Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833 de 9 A. M. a 4 P. M. el 27 de junio.
• APAIT Health Center: las pruebas se ofrecen de lunes a viernes, de 10 A. M. a 4:30 P. M. Llame al (714) 636-1349 o visite www.apaitonline.org/ para obtener más información. En reconocimiento al NHTD, los horarios para realizarse la prueba se extenderán de 9 A. M. a 8 P. M. y, si no tiene cita, se recomienda acercarse el jueves 27 de junio. Además, APAIT participará en la campaña “Greater Than” contra el SIDA (www.greaterthan.org) que ofrece pruebas gratuitas del VIH en asociación con Walgreens ubicado en 12001 Euclid St., Garden Grove, CA 92840 y Walgreens ubicado en 128 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806 de 10 a. m. a 7 p. m. en el NHTD en ambas ubicaciones de Walgreens.
• Families Together Orange County: Las pruebas se ofrecen en tres ubicaciones: Tustin, de lunes a viernes de 9 A. M. a 8 P. M., sábados de 9 A. M. a 4 P.M.; Garden Grove, de lunes a viernes de 9 A. M. a 6 P. M., sábados de 9 A. M. a 4 P. M.; Fountain Valley, de lunes a viernes de 9 A. M. a 6 P. M. Llame al (800) 597-7977 o visite https://familiestogetheroc.org/.
• Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud del Condado de Orange/17th Street Testing & Treatment Clinic (Clínica de Tratamiento y Pruebas): Se aceptan visitas sin cita previa según disponibilidad. Horario de la clínica: Lunes, miércoles, jueves y viernes de 8 A. M. a 4 P. M. y martes de 10 A. M. a 4 P. M. Llame al (714) 834-8787 para hacer una cita o visite http://www.ochealthinfo.com/std para obtener más información.
• El Centro LGBTQ Condado de Orange: Las pruebas se ofrecen los martes, de 10 A. M. a 8:30 P. M., miércoles y jueves, de 6 P. M. a 9 P. M., y los viernes, de 10 A. M. a 6 P. M. Para hacer una cita o para obtener más información, llame al (714) 953-5428 o visite www.lgbtqcenteroc.org/. Para realizarse la prueba del VIH usted mismo, el Programa TakeMeHome ofrece kits confidenciales gratuitos de prueba del VIH que se pueden pedir en línea para las personas (17 años o más) que están en riesgo de contraer el VIH y nunca se han hecho la prueba o que no se han hecho la prueba en los últimos seis meses https://takemehome.org.

Para obtener más sitios de pruebas e información sobre los servicios de VIH en el Condado de Orange, por favor, llame al (714) 834-8335 o visite www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/hiv/sites.
 
ACERCA DE LA AGENCIA DEL CUIDADO DE LA SALUD DEL CONDADO DE ORANGE
La Agencia de Cuidado de la Salud de OC (HCA) es una jurisdicción regional interdisciplinaria de salud y un departamento de salud acreditado, encargado de proteger y promover la salud individual, familiar y comunitaria a través de la asociación y la coordinación de recursos del sector público y privado. Visite www.ochealthinfo.com para obtener más información sobre servicios y recursos.

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“Nâng cao tự ái của bạn: Hãy kiểm tra tình trạng của bạn”
Ngày Xét Nghiệm HIV Toàn Quốc là Thứ Năm, 27 Tháng Sáu

(Santa Ana, CA) – Ngày 27 Tháng Sáu đánh dấu Ngày Xét Nghiệm HIV Toàn Quốc (NHTD), nhằm phát động việc xét nghiệm và chẩn đoán sớm HIV (virus gây suy giảm miễn dịch ở người). Năm nay chủ đề của NHTD là Nâng cao tự ái của bạn: Hãy kiểm tra tình trạng của bạn. Bây giờ là thời điểm phải đi làm xét nghiệm HIV. Hiểu rõ tình trạng của bạn là bước đầu tiên để tham gia vào những dịch vụ ngăn ngừa hay chữa trị để giúp các cá nhân, bất kể tình trạng của họ, được sống một cuộc sống lâu dài và khỏe mạnh.

Đã có 7,044 người bị nhiễm HIV tại Quận Cam vào cuối năm 2023. Trong số này, 77% đã nhận được sự chăm sóc.  Không chữa trị, bị nhiễm HIV có thể đưa tới bị bệnh AIDS (mắc phải hội chứng suy giảm miễn dịch), từ đó có thể gây bệnh năng và tử vong. Những tiến bộ trong việc điều trị đã giúp những người bị nhiễm HIV có cuộc sống lâu dài và khỏe mạnh hơn. Tuy nhiên Trung Tâm Bài Dịch Liên Bang (CDC) ước tính rằng có thêm 1,494 cư dân Quận Cam đã bị nhiễm HIV mà không biết được điều đó – một số trong những người này sẽ khai triển bệnh AIDS trước khi biết được rằng họ đã bị nhiễm HIV. Các dữ liệu bổ xung HIV/AIDS tại Quận Cam bao gồm:

• Trong năm 2023, đã có 266 cư dân Quận Cam mới được chẩn đoán nhiễm HIV.
• Trong số những chẩn đoán mới, 80% được kết nối với sự chăm sóc trong 30 ngày hay ít hơn.
• Trong số những chẩn đoán mới, 21% đã biết là họ đã vướng phải bệnh AIDS cùng lúc, cho thấy rằng họ đã sống trong tình trạng HIV từ nhiều năm trước khi họ bị bệnh. Họ đã đến cơ sở chăm sóc sức khoẻ như phòng cấp cứu, trung tâm y tế cộng đồng hoặc bác sĩ của họ nhưng không được xét nghiệm HIV.

Cơ Quan CDC khuyến nghị những người từ 13 đến 64 tuổi nên xét nghiệm HIV ít nhất một lần trong quá trình chăm sóc sức khỏe định kỳ. Đối với những người có nguy cơ cao bị nhiễm HIV, bao gồm những người đàn ông có quan hệ tình dục với đàn ông (MSM), các cá nhân chuyển giới, và những người chích thuốc kích thích, Cơ Quan CDC khuyến nghị xét nghiệm ít nhất một lần  trong quá trình chăm sóc sức khỏe định kỳ.

Nếu bạn chưa bao giờ xét nghiệm về HIV, hãy yêu cầu bác sĩ gia đình của bạn cung cấp một xét nghiệm về HIV. Đối với những người có kết quả xét nghiệm âm tính và có nguy cơ nhiễm HIV cao, có sẵn thuốc Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), một loại thuốc ngăn ngừa HIV. Xin liên lạc với những cơ quan sau đây để có thông tin về việc xét nghiệm miễn phí và bảo mật, cũng như để biết thông tin về các dịch vụ PrEP miễn phí hoặc chi phí thấp có sẵn ở Quận Cam. 

• AltaMed: Xét nghiệm được cung cấp từ ngày Thứ Hai đến Thứ Sáu, từ 8 giờ sáng đến 4:30 chiều. Gọi số (714) 500-0491 hay vào altamed.org hay https://www.instagram.com/growproud. AltaMed sẽ tham dự vào Chiến Dịch Vĩ Đại Hơn AIDS (www.greaterthan.org) cung cấp xét nghiệm HIV miễn phí cùng hợp tác với Walgreens tại 1826 W. Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833 từ 9 giờ sáng đến 4 giờ chiều Ngày 27 Tháng Sáu.     
• Trung Tâm Sức Khỏe APAIT: Xét nghiệm cung cấp từ Thứ Hai – Thứ Sáu, 10 giờ sáng đến 4:30 giờ chiều. Gọi (714) 636-1349 hay vào www.apaitonline.org/ để biết thêm thông tin. Để công nhận NHTD, giờ xét nghiệm sẽ được gia tăng từ 9 giờ sáng đến 8 giờ tối và đến tận chổ không cần lấy hẹn trước cũng được chấp nhận vào ngày Thứ Năm, 27 Tháng Sáu. Thêm vào đó, APAIT sẽ tham dự vào chiến dịch Vĩ Đại Hơn AIDS (www.greaterthan.org) cung cấp xét nghiệm miễn phí HIV với sự hợp tác của Walgreens tọa lạc tại 12001 Euclid St., Garden Grove, CA 92840 và Walgreens tọa lạc tại 128 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806 từ 10 giờ sáng đến 7 giờ tối trên NHTD tại cả hai địa điểm Walgreens.
• Families Together Orange County: Xét nghiệm được cung cấp tại ba địa điểm: Tustin, Thứ Hai đến Thứ sáu từ 9 giờ sáng đến 8 giờ tối, Thứ Bảy từ 9 giờ sáng đến 4 giờ chiều; Garden Grove, Thứ Hai đến Thứ Sáu từ 9 giờ sáng đến 6 giờ chiều; Thứ Bảy 9 giờ sáng đến 4 giờ chiều; Fountain Valley – Thứ Hai đến Thứ Sáu 9 giờ sáng đến 6 giờ chiều  Gọi (800) 597-7977 hay vào https://familiestogetheroc.org/.
• Cơ Quan Đặc Trách Y Tế Công Cộng/17th Street Bệnh Xá Xét Nghiệm & Chữa Trị: Đến tại chổ không lấy hẹn trước cũng được chấp nhận căn cứ trên việc còn chỗ trống. Giờ Bệnh Xá: Thứ Hai, Thứ Tư, Thứ Năm và Thứ Sáu,8 giờ sáng đến 4 giờ chiều và Thứ Ba, 10 giờ sáng đến 4 giờ  chiều. Gọi (714) 834-8787 để làm hẹn hay vào http://www.ochealthinfo.com/std để biết thêm thông tin.
• Trung Tâm LGBTQ  Quận Cam: Xét Nghiệm được thực hiện vào Ngày Thứ Ba 10 giờ sáng đến 8:30 tối, Thứ Tư và Thứ Năm, 6 giờ chiều đến 9 giờ tối, và Thứ Sáu, 10 giờ sáng đến 6 giờ chiều. Để làm hẹn hay muốn biết thêm thông tin gọi số (714) 953-5428 hay vào www.lgbtqcenteroc.org/. Tự Xét Nghiệm HIV, Chương trình Đem Tôi Về Nhà (TakeMeHome Program) cung cấp bộ xét nghiệm HIV miễn phí bảo mật có thể tự đặt hàng trực tuyến cho mỗi cá nhân (từ 17 tuổi trở lên) là người có nguy cơ bị nhiễm HIV và chưa bao giờ xét nghiệm hay những người đã không xét nghiệm trong sáu tháng qua https://takemehome.org.

Muốn biết thêm các địa điểm xét nghiệm hay thông tin về dịch vụ HIV tại Quận Cam, xin gọi (714)834-8335 hay vào www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/hiv/sites.
 
VỀ CƠ QUAN ĐẶC TRÁCH Y TẾ CÔNG CỘNG OC
Cơ Quan Đặc Trách Y Tế Công Cộng OC (HCA) là cơ quan y tế tài phán liên ngành trong khu vực và là sở y tế được công nhận, chịu trách nhiệm bảo vệ và tăng cường sức khỏe cá nhân, gia đình và cộng đồng thông qua liên hệ  đối tác và phối hợp các nguồn tài nguyên công và tư. Xin vào www.ochealthinfo.com để biết thêm về những dịch vụ và tài nguyên. 

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Press Release in: Arabic | Chinese (Simplified) | Chinese (Traditional) | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

(Santa Ana, CA) - On June 25, 2024, the Orange County Board of Supervisors appointed Ian Kemmer, as the new Director of Behavioral Health Services (BHS), for the OC Health Care Agency (HCA). Kemmer brings 22 years of behavioral health experience to the role. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
 
Kemmer will take over the role from Interim BHS Director, Annette Mugrditchian. Most recently, Ian served as the Assistant Deputy Director of Adult and Older Adult Mental Health Services at the HCA, where he was responsible for oversight of Adult Outpatient and Intense Outpatient Services; Recovery Support Services including Veteran supportive services; Housing and Supportive Services which includes 12 Long-Term Care programs, 325 permanent supportive housing units, five residential rehab units, and eight Bridge housing programs. In prior roles at the HCA, Kemmer led the development of Annual Provider Training, Medi-Cal auditing certified review process and oversight of the Managed Care Support Team.
 
“In his tenure with the HCA, Ian has established himself as a dedicated and caring champion for behavioral health and is well-positioned to take over leadership of the HCA’s Behavioral Health team,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA Agency Director. “This is an unprecedented time of change for the public Behavioral Health system, and Ian will be an asset in transforming the HCA to navigate the future.”
 
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the new Behavioral Health Services Director for the HCA,” said Kemmer. “Throughout my career, I have worked tirelessly to improve the mental health and well-being of our community, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. In recent years, mental health and substance-use disorders have become a critical focus of our community, with increasing recognition of the need for comprehensive care and support. I am looking forward to facing these changes head on as we transform our system for the better.”
 
Kemmer will assume his new role as Behavioral Health Services Director beginning June 28, 2024.

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Press Release in: Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify healthcare providers, public health authorities and the public of an increased risk of dengue virus (DENV) infections in the United States in 2024. Global incidence of dengue in 2024 has been the highest on record for this calendar year; many countries are reporting higher-than-usual dengue case numbers. In 2024, countries in the Americas have reported a record-breaking number of dengue cases, exceeding the highest number ever recorded in a single year. From January 1 – June 24, 2024, countries in the Americas reported more than 9.7 million dengue cases, twice as many as in all of 2023 (4.6 million cases). In the United States, Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency (1,498 cases) and a higher-than-expected number of dengue cases have been identified among U.S. travelers (745 cases) from January 1 – June 24, 2024.

Please see the full CDC Health Advisory here: 
Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00511 | Increased Risk of Dengue Virus Infections in the United States (cdc.gov)