SANTA ANA, CA, (September 29, 2023) — The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is set to launch the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program, making Orange County (OC) among the first counties in California. The state’s new initiative seeks to serve individuals battling untreated schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Starting October 2, 2023, the CARE Act, a groundbreaking civil process, will begin accepting petitions to provide support and intervention for those in need. 
 
"The OC Board of Supervisors takes pride in pioneering the CARE Act in our county, tailoring its implementation to meet the unique needs of our residents and resources," said Chairman Donald Wagner, OC Board of Supervisors, District 3. “The collective efforts of the HCA Mental Health and Recovery Services team, the Public Defender, and our courts have forged a clear and compassionate system for those battling severe mental health disorders."
 
Designed to empower individuals and their families to access essential resources, services, and urgent intervention, the CARE Act process aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who require support and assistance. 
 
“This is a hopeful step forward in our commitment to support individuals struggling with untreated mental illness,” said the HCA’s Chief of Mental Health and Recovery Services, Dr. Veronica Kelley. “By connecting people with a CARE Act plan, we are offering hope and a path toward recovery." 
 
The program will serve adults aged 18 and older, diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, who remain untreated. It allows for court petitions from various stakeholders, including family members, the county, tribal jurisdictions, and community professionals who have firsthand knowledge of the individual's condition. 
 
"The CARE Act program aligns with our mission of collaborating with our community and promoting well-being,” said Judge Maria Hernandez, who will be one of the presiding judges for the program. “It provides a structured framework to ensure that individuals with mental illness receive the support they need with a team to help them." 
 
Requesters can visit any OC Court to file a petition, provided that the respondent is an Orange County resident. Activating a case requires a completed petition (CARE-100 form) and the necessary documentation, which includes a Mental Health Declaration from a licensed behavioral health provider or evidence of recent intensive treatment. 
 
"We are dedicated to ensuring that respondents have access to legal counsel and are actively engaged in decision-making throughout the CARE Act program,” said Martin Schwarz, Public Defender for Orange County. “This balance between support and individual liberties is vital." 
 
The CARE Act program adds another approach to the available toolbox of ways to support mental wellness in Orange County. Its comprehensive method intends to provide a lifeline for those who have struggled without the support they need. For more information about the CARE Act, please visit https://www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act/ or https://www.courts.ca.gov/48654.htm. To find the nearest Orange County Court self-help location, visit https://www.occourts.org/self-help/self-help-services/self-help-centers. Court Forms can be accessed at: www.courts.ca.gov/allforms.htm.
 
To find other mental health and wellness resources in Orange County, visit www.ocnavigator.org or connect with a Navigator by calling (855) OC-LINKS.
 

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Source

(Santa Ana, CA) — The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce that recruitment is extended for one seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors.

A County-organized health system, CalOptima Health serves more than 940,000 low-income children, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities. CalOptima Health was formed in 1995 in response to a health care system that was struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable Orange County residents. Today, CalOptima Health has grown to be the second largest health insurer in Orange County, but stayed true to its mission of providing members with access to quality health care services.

The HCA is seeking 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.

To apply for a seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors, please complete an application. Applications can be found on the HCA’s website at ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number are received.  

Please send a completed application and resume to:
OC Health Care Agency, Attention: Mindy Winterswyk
405 W. 5th St., Ste. 720
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Please note all applications are public records.

The selected applicant will serve the remaining term for the vacated seat beginning upon appointment by the Orange County 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 W. in the City of Orange.

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

1. A current CalOptima Health member or a family member of a current CalOptima Health Member.

For additional information, please contact Mindy Winterswyk at (714) 834-5052 or via email at mwinterswyk@ochca.com.

###

Se extiende el periodo de reclutamiento para
la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health

(Santa Ana, CA) — La Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud (HCA) del Condado de Orange se complace en anunciar que el periodo de reclutamiento para la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health ya está abierto. CalOptima Health es un sistema de salud organizado por el condado que atiende a más de 940,000 niños, adultos, personas de la tercera edad y personas con discapacidades de bajos ingresos. CalOptima Health se formó en 1995 en respuesta a un sistema de atención médica que estaba luchando para satisfacer las necesidades de los residentes vulnerables del Condado de Orange. En la actualidad, CalOptima Health ha crecido hasta convertirse en la segunda compañía de seguros de salud más grande del Condado de Orange, pero se mantuvo fiel a su misión de proporcionar a los miembros acceso a servicios de salud de calidad.
 
La HCA está buscando candidatos que representen los diversos orígenes, intereses y demografía de los residentes del Condado de Orange y que tengan la experiencia y los conocimientos necesarios para operar un sistema de salud pública.
 
Para solicitar un puesto en la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health, complete una solicitud. Las solicitudes se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la HCA en ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. Se aceptarán solicitudes de manera continua hasta que se haya recibido una cantidad suficiente.
 
Por favor, envíe una solicitud y su currículum completos a:  
Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud del Condado de Orange (OC Health Care Agency)
Atención: Mindy Winterswyk
405 W. 5th St., Ste. 720
Santa Ana, CA 92701  
Tenga en cuenta que todas las solicitudes son registros públicos.
 
El solicitante seleccionado servirá durante el período restante para el puesto vacante a partir del nombramiento por parte de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Orange. Las reuniones de la Junta de CalOptima Health generalmente tienen lugar el primer jueves de cada mes a las 2 p.m. en CalOptima Health, ubicado en 505 City Parkway W. en la Ciudad de Orange.  

Se están aceptando solicitudes para un puesto en la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health:  

1.  Un miembro actual de CalOptima Health o un familiar de un miembro actual de CalOptima Health.
  
Para obtener información adicional, comuníquese con Mindy Winterswyk al (714) 834-5052 o por correo electrónico a mwinterswyk@ochca.com. 

###

Cơ Quan Bảo Hiểm Y Tế Công Cộng CalOptima Hiện Nay Bắt Đầu Tuyển Mộ các Thành Viên cho Hội Đồng Quản Trị

(Santa Ana, CA) - Cơ Quan Đặc Trách Y Tế Công Cộng Quận Cam (HCA) hân hạnh thông báo hiện nay đang bắt đầu tuyển mộ các Thành Viên cho Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima. Một Cơ Quan Bảo Hiểm Y Tế Công Cộng do Quận tổ chức, CalOptima phục vụ hơn 940,000 thành phần lợi tức thấp bao gồm trẻ em, người lớn, cao niên và những người khuyết tật. Cơ Quan CalOptima được thành lập năm 1995 để đáp ứng với một hệ thống chăm sóc sức khỏe đã phải đấu tranh một cách gian nan thỏa mãn nhu cầu của những cư dân dễ bị tỗn thương của Quận Cam. Ngày hôm nay, CalOptima đã tăng trưởng để trở thành Cơ Quan Bảo Hiểm lớn thứ nhì tại Quận Cam, nhưng vẫn duy trì theo đúng sứ mệnh là cung cấp cho các thành viên một sự tiếp cận các dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe đầy phẩm chất.

Cơ Quan HCA hiện đang tìm kiếm những ứng viên đại diện cho những tầng lớp, quyền lợi, khu vực nhân khẩu học khác biệt của cư dân Quận Cam và có kinh nghiệm và khả năng chuyên môn để điều hành hệ thống bảo hiểm y tế công cộng.

Để nộp đơn xin làm thành viên trong Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima, xin vui lòng hoàn tất đơn xin. Đơn xin có thể tìm thấy trên mạng của HCA tại ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. Các đơn xin sẽ được chấp nhận trên căn bản liên tục cho đến khi số lượng đơn xin được coi là đầy đủ.

Xin gởi đơn hoàn tất và bản tóm tắt kê khai lý lịch đến:

OC Health Care Agency, Attention: Mindy Winterswyk
405 W. 5th St., Ste. 720
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Xin lưu ý tất cả đơn nạp đều được coi là hồ sơ công cộng .

Những ứng viên được chọn lựa sẽ phục vụ nhiệm kỳ còn lại của những vị trí đang khiếm khuyết bắt đầu kể từ khi được Hội Đồng Giám Sát Quận Orange tuyển chọn. Những cuộc họp của Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima cơ bản được thực hiện vào mỗi Thứ Năm đầu tháng vào lúc 2 giờ chiều tại Trụ Sở chính của Cơ Quan CalOptima, tọa lạc tại 505 City Parkway W. thuộc Thành Phố Orange.

Các đơn xin được chấp nhận chỉ cho một vị trí thành viên trong Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima:

1.) Một người là Thành Viên của Cơ Quan Bảo Hiểm Y Tế Công Cộng CalOptima hoặc là Gia Đình của một Thành Viên của Cơ Quan Bảo Hiểm Y Tế Công Cộng CalOptima.

Muốn biết thêm thông tin, xin liên lạc với Mindy Winterswyk tại (714) 834-5052 hay gửi email đến mwinterswyk@ochca.com.

###

Press Release in: Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean

(Santa Ana, CA) – Following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory action this week on updated 2023-2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed recommendations for the use of updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The new season’s COVID-19 vaccine is more closely matched to the strains of virus circulating now and for those expected though winter. The new recommendations also further simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals.   
 
According to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), recommendations for the updated 2023-2024 vaccines are supported by available safety and efficacy data.
 
"This is a welcomed development, moving COVID-19 vaccination closer to how we use influenza vaccines, updating the vaccine to try to match with the viruses expected to cause disease," said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Chief of Public Health Services and County Health Officer. "Individuals who never had any COVID-19 vaccines as well as those who had previous vaccines can now be vaccinated with the same updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine."

The revised recommendations include the following:

• Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
• Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
• Providers should review CDC Interim Clinical Considerations for the Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States when they are updated for the specific scenarios, including vaccinating immunocompromised individuals.
• The bivalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States. Bivalent Novavax vaccine remains authorized for use for those 12 years and older and may still be administered if it is determined that the individual should not wait for a 2023-2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or receive a 2023-2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. 

Since the expiration of the COVID-19 emergency the purchase and distribution of vaccine has transitioned to the commercial marketplace. Federal rules require insurers to cover the updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine as soon as it is available and at no cost to the patient. The following is guidance depending on your circumstance on finding out where vaccine is available:

• Health care providers including pharmacies can order vaccine directly from the manufacturers. 
• Patients with insurance should reach out to their usual provider or pharmacy to find out if or when they will have the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines available. 
• The federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program which provides vaccines to children who are served by Medicaid or are under or uninsured will be supplying updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines to these children. Parents should reach out to their child’s provider to find out the timing of availability. 
• For uninsured and underinsured adults, the CDC has created the Bridge Access Program (BAP) so that uninsured people will continue to have access to no-cost vaccine. BAP vaccine will be available through the HCA, federally supported health centers (FQHC’s), as well as commercial pharmacies that have contracted to participate. Currently, this includes all CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, but additional pharmacies are expected to join. 
• The www.Vaccines.gov website is expected to be updated with COVID-19 vaccine availability as the vaccine is distributed to pharmacies and clinics.

COVID-19 continues to be a risk for many people. Currently, the county is experiencing an increase in reports of cases, with an increase in the proportion of people testing positive for COVID-19.  Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have increased since July, although remain at low levels compared to past waves of COVID-19 disease. The HCA strongly encourages individuals to get the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine as available data continues to demonstrate that vaccines prevent the most serious outcomes of COVID-19 such as severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
 
The HCA will continue to update guidance in cooperation with state and federal partners. In order to ensure Orange County residents have the information needed, the HCA responds to community inquiries through the Agency’s Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
For more information on COVID-19 including resources, case counts, vaccination, and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.
 

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

On September 11, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (2023-2024 formulations) for use in children 6 months through 11 years. The FDA updated the approvals of Moderna’s 2023-2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, SPIKEVAX, and Pfizer’s 2023-2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY, for use in those 12 years and older. In addition, the FDA withdrew authorization for the use of bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as they should no longer be used. More info...

SANTA ANA, CA - In a commitment to raising awareness, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is announcing the return of the "Light Up Hope OC" campaign during the month of September for Suicide Prevention Month. The campaign aligns with the statewide "Strive for Zero" initiative, to prevent suicides. Each night this week, the Agency is lighting up the County Administration Buildings in teal and purple, the official colors of suicide prevention.
 
“Light Up Hope OC shows the County of Orange’s commitment to suicide prevention, especially among our veterans,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District Supervisor. “Suicide rates among veterans is twice as high than non-veterans. Help is out there for our frontline heroes.”
 
“Depression, feeling down, suicidal thoughts – they can affect everyone regardless of age, race, income or education,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “It’s important to know that you’re never alone. If you can’t talk to a friend or a family member, there’s always someone at 9-8-8 ready to listen.” 
 
The HCA’s Office of Wellness and Suicide Prevention (OWSP) coordinates suicide prevention efforts at the Agency level and interfaces with local and statewide initiatives to build community awareness to reduce suicides in Orange County (OC). The office has aligned with the State of California’s Striving for Zero Suicide Plan framework to implement local strategies for suicide prevention.
 
“Suicide impacts all communities, regardless of race or income,” said Supervisor Vincente Sarmiento, Second District. “Understanding the signs and having open conversations about mental health emphasizes the importance of reaching out to those who may be struggling.”

“Suicide is a leading cause of death among young adults, many of whom feel ill-equipped to navigate the mental health system,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor. “Effective and compassionate mental health care becomes a safety net and lifeline for young adults and youth who battle suicidal thoughts.”

"Nearly one in five women living in Orange County experience symptoms of depression during or after pregnancy. Suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in the first year following childbirth due to the added stressors, lack of sleep, and physical and hormonal changes even if new mothers never experienced these symptoms prior to pregnancy. We want new moms to know they are not alone,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District.
 
So far this year, an average of 20 individuals each month have tragically lost their lives to suicide in Orange County. The median age of 49 for the decedents in Orange County, underscores the importance of reaching out to individuals of all ages and walks of life.
 
"Even one suicide is one too many. Through the 'Light Up Hope OC' campaign, as well as the ongoing efforts of the HCA’s Office of Wellness and Suicide Prevention, we are striving for zero suicides in Orange County,” said the HCA’s Chief of Mental Health and Recovery Services, Dr. Veronica Kelley. “We all play a role in preventing suicide. I encourage our OC community to support one another in the pursuit of mental wellness and not be afraid to discuss suicide prevention with loved ones who may be struggling.”
 
To learn more about the warning signs of suicide or the "Light Up Hope OC" campaign, visit www.LightUpHopeOC.com. If you or someone you care about needs immediate assistance or support, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8. For additional resources visit www.OCNavigator.org or call (855) OC-LINKS.

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Read press release in Chinese, Korean, Spanish or Vietnamese.

(Santa Ana, CA) — The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce that recruitment is now open for one seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors.

A County-organized health system, CalOptima Health serves more than 940,000 low-income children, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities. CalOptima Health was formed in 1995 in response to a health care system that was struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable Orange County residents. Today, CalOptima Health has grown to be the second largest health insurer in Orange County, but stayed true to its mission of providing members with access to quality health care services.

The HCA is seeking 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.

To apply for a seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors, please complete an application by September 12, 2023. Applications can be found on the HCA’s website at ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. 

Please send a completed application and resume to:

OC Health Care Agency, Attention: Mindy Winterswyk
405 W. 5th St., Ste. 720
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Please note all applications are public records.

The selected applicant will serve the remaining term for the vacated seat beginning upon appointment by the Orange County 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 W. in the City of Orange.

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

1. A current CalOptima Health member or a family member of a current CalOptima Health Member.

For additional information, please contact Mindy Winterswyk at (714) 834-5052 or via email at mwinterswyk@ochca.com.

###

Abrió el periodo de reclutamiento para
la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health

(Santa Ana, CA) — La Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud (HCA) del Condado de Orange se complace en anunciar que el periodo de reclutamiento para la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health ya está abierto. CalOptima Health es un sistema de salud organizado por el condado que atiende a más de 940,000 niños, adultos, personas de la tercera edad y personas con discapacidades de bajos ingresos. CalOptima Health se formó en 1995 en respuesta a un sistema de atención médica que estaba luchando para satisfacer las necesidades de los residentes vulnerables del Condado de Orange. En la actualidad, CalOptima Health ha crecido hasta convertirse en la segunda compañía de seguros de salud más grande del Condado de Orange, pero se mantuvo fiel a su misión de proporcionar a los miembros acceso a servicios de salud de calidad.
 
La HCA está buscando candidatos que representen los diversos orígenes, intereses y demografía de los residentes del Condado de Orange y que tengan la experiencia y los conocimientos necesarios para operar un sistema de salud pública.
 
Para solicitar un puesto en la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health, complete una solicitud antes del 12 de septiembre de 2023. Las solicitudes se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la HCA en ochealthinfo.com/caloptima.
 
Por favor, envíe una solicitud y su currículum completos a:  
Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud del Condado de Orange (OC Health Care Agency)
Atención: Mindy Winterswyk
405 W. 5th St., Ste. 720
Santa Ana, CA 92701  
Tenga en cuenta que todas las solicitudes son registros públicos.
 
El solicitante seleccionado servirá durante el período restante para el puesto vacante a partir del nombramiento por parte de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Orange. Las reuniones de la Junta de CalOptima Health generalmente tienen lugar el primer jueves de cada mes a las 2 p.m. en CalOptima Health, ubicado en 505 City Parkway W. en la Ciudad de Orange.  

Se están aceptando solicitudes para un puesto en la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health:  

1.  Un miembro actual de CalOptima Health o un familiar de un miembro actual de CalOptima Health.
  
Para obtener información adicional, comuníquese con Mindy Winterswyk al (714) 834-5052 o por correo electrónico a mwinterswyk@ochca.com. 

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Cơ Quan Bảo Hiểm Y Tế Công Cộng CalOptima Hiện Nay Bắt Đầu Tuyển Mộ các Thành Viên cho Hội Đồng Quản Trị 

(Santa Ana, CA) — Cơ Quan Đặc Trách Y Tế Công Cộng Quận Cam (HCA) hân hạnh thông báo hiện nay bắt đầu tuyển mộ các Thành Viên cho Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima. A County-organized health system, Một Cơ Quan Bảo Hiểm Y Tế Công Cộng của Quận, CalOptima phục vụ hơn 940,000 thành phần lợi tức thấp bao gồm trẻ em, người lớn, cao niên và những người khuyết tật. Cơ Quan CalOptima được thành lập năm 1995 để đáp ứng với một hệ thống chăm sóc sức khỏe đã phải đấu tranh một cách gian nan thỏa mãn nhu cầu của những cư dân dễ bị tỗn thương của Quận Cam. Ngày hôm nay, CalOptima đã tăng trưởng để trở thành Cơ Quan Bảo Hiểm lớn thứ nhì tại Quận Cam, nhưng vẫn duy trì theo đúng sứ mệnh là cung cấp cho các thành viên một sự tiếp cận các dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe đầy phẩm chất.
 
Cơ Quan HCA hiện đang tìm kiếm những ứng viên đại diện cho những tầng lớp, quyền lợi, khu vực địa lý khác biệt của cư dân Quận Cam và có kinh nghiệm và khả năng chuyên môn để diều hành hệ thống bảo hiểm y tế công cộng.
 
Để nạp đơn ứng viên cho một vai trò trong Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima, xin hoàn tất đơn hạn chót ngày 12 Tháng Chín, 2023. Đơn nạp có thể tìm thấy trên mạng của HCA tại ochealthinfo.com/caloptima.
 
Xin gởi đơn hoàn tất và bản tóm tắt kê khai lý lịch đến:  
OC Health Care Agency, Attention: Mindy Winterswyk
405 W. 5th St., Ste. 720
Santa Ana, CA 92701  
Xin lưu ý tất cả đơn nạp đều được coi là hồ sơ công cộng .
 
Những ứng viên được chọn lựa sẽ phục vụ nhiệm kỳ còn lại của những vị trí đang khiếm khuyết bắt đầu kể từ khi được Hội Đồng Giám Sát Quận Cam tuyển chọn. Những cuộc họp của Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima cơ bản được thực hiện vào mỗi Thứ Năm đầu tháng vào lúc 2 giờ chiều tại Trụ Sở chính của Cơ Quan CalOptima, tọa lạc tại 505 City Parkway W. thuộc Thành Phố Orange.
 
Các đơn nạp được chấp nhận chỉ cho một vị trí trong Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima: 

1. Thành viên CalOptima Health hiện tại hoặc người thân gia đình của thành viên CalOptima Health hiện tại.  

Muốn biết thêm thông tin, xin liên lạc với Mindy Winterswyk tại (714) 834-5052 hay điện thư tại mwinterswyk@ochca.com.

###

Source

Last week a woman in her 60s tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year, as compared to two cases at this time last year. As of August 25, 2023, the California Department of Public Health had reported 61 infections of human West Nile Virus statewide this season.

Vector-borne, particularly mosquito-borne disease, should be a consideration in those presenting with fever at this time of year. While WNV is endemic in Orange County, locally acquired malaria has been reported in other parts of the United States: CDC Health Update Important Updates on Locally Acquired Malaria Cases Identified in Florida, Texas, and Maryland. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) – A female resident of the City of Orange has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year. The woman is asymptomatic.

In 2022 there were 11 reported human infections of WNV, and 2 WNV-related deaths reported in Orange County.
 
“West Nile Virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” said Dr. Matthew Zahn, Deputy County Health Officer. "The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.”

Recommended WNV precautions include:

• Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed, including flowerpots and pet bowls
• Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition
• Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535, always following label directions
• Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

Most people who become infected with WNV do not experience symptoms, but about 20% will develop fever and may have headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness and sometimes a skin rash. More serious symptoms, such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or paralysis, occur more rarely, but people who develop these symptoms should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV infection.

Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s website at  www.ocvector.org. Other websites with helpful information about WNV include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/westnile
• State of California: www.westnile.ca.gov
• OC Health Care Agency: http://ochealthinfo.com/wnv

About: The OC Health Care Agency 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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