Body What You Need ​​ to Know: West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. On January 5, 2026, the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed a decision memorand​um (PDF) to...

Body Key messages: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is issuing an update to its December 5 health advisory as an outbreak of amatoxin poisoning continues across California. This outbreak is linked to the consumption of wild foraged mushrooms and has caused severe liver damage in children and adults. As...

Body Key Messages Kratom has a complex pharmacological profile with the potential for sedative, stimulant, and opioid effects. 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, is a potent opioid that usually makes up a very small percentage of the kratom leaf, but can be concentrated and added to products to increase their activity...

Body The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and health departments about a new cluster of hantavirus disease cases caused by infection with Andes virus. Hantavirus disease can cause severe illness and can be fatal. Clinicians should be...

Body BHS staff, and Judge Tania R. Vallejo, at the West Justice Center in Westminster celebrated the initial class of three graduates under Prop. 36 for their hard work, perseverance, and willingness to accept support through their recovery journey. Recovery is possible when we work together to support people on their...

Body OC’s first graduate shared, “I’ve never completed a program like this before. I’m proud of myself.” When an individual graduates from the CARE Act program, that milestone represents more than personal success – it reflects the strength of Interagency collaboration and HCA’s shared commitment to addressing behavioral health challenges in...

Body After a local mom was called to meet with her son’s elementary school principal for the fifth time due to anger outbursts, the school contacted OC Links for a mobile crisis response. The Mobile Crisis Team responding helped link the youth to outpatient mental health services. Through participation in the...

Body Key Messages An outbreak of Andes virus, a known species of hantavirus, has been reported on a cruise ship in the South Atlantic. This outbreak has a extremely low risk of spread or impact to the general public. ​ As of 8 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported...