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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(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.

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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.

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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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Source

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA), Communicable Disease Control Division is reporting an increase in the percentage of positive COVID-19 PCR tests in Orange County residents over the past month. To minimize the severity of the recent increase, the HCA is reminding residents to take preventative actions to reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
 
The recent increase resembles previous seasons where the disease activity rises during both the summer and winter months. Additionally, the age distribution of recent cases follows the pattern seen over the past year with the highest rates occurring among those 0-3 years of age and 75 years and older. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are not currently experiencing an increase.
 
“To reduce the potential for increased hospitalizations, the community is encouraged to take precautions to protect those at higher risks,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, HCA’s Chief of Public Health Services and County Health Officer. “As people spend more time gathering with friends, there will be more opportunities for viruses to spread. If we all take precautions, we can keep each other safe.”

• If you recently attended a large gathering/event, traveled, or came into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, self-monitor for symptoms and get tested.
• If you are sick, stay home and get tested. 
• Wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces has been shown to be an effective intervention at decreasing the risk of acquiring or spreading COVID-19.
• All individuals should continue to practice good cough and hand hygiene.
• We strongly recommend all individuals 6 months and older stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. The current COVID-19 vaccine schedule, including for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, can be found here: Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule. To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit https://myturn.ca.gov/.
• Adults and Children at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 disease should be assessed for appropriate COVID-19 treatment. For more information about COVID-19 treatment, go to https://covid19.ca.gov/treatment.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/covid. Additionally, 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.
 
Clinicians are advised to remain informed of updated COVID-19 guidance: Link to CDC.
 
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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Over the last month, the percentage of positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests among Orange County residents has been increasing. This is in line with previous seasons where an increase in disease activity during both the summer and winter months was observed. Molecular data tracking of SARS-CoV-2 variants shows a range of Omicron, XBB, and other variants co-circulating without one strain clearly driving the current increase. The age distribution of recent cases continues to follow the pattern seen over the last year with the highest rates among those 0-3 years of age and those 75 years and older. We are not currently seeing evidence of an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The proportion of deaths due to respiratory illness, including pneumonia, influenza, & COVID-19 over the last 6 months has remained at levels comparable to that before the start of the pandemic. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency Environmental Health Division has closed the bay water area at Aloha Drive bridge in the City of Newport Beach. The spill of approximately 140 gallons was caused by a breakage in a force main sewer line.

The affected ocean water area will remain closed to ocean water contact sports for a minimum of 3 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 ocbeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, please call (714) 433-6419.

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Since 2010, more than 1,000 cases of silicosis in workers who fabricate countertops have been reported worldwide. Workers in this industry can inhale crystalline silica dust as they cut and finish countertops, which places them at risk for silicosis, a severe, incurable lung disease. In California, more than 70 cases of silicosis and at least 10 deaths have been identified among countertop fabrication workers. Workers with silicosis are characterized as young (median age of 45), immigrant men; many have experienced delayed diagnoses and accelerated disease course. California health care providers should ask patients about their occupation and suspect silicosis in countertop workers.

Providers should report any cases, including suspect cases, to Communicable Disease Control by phone 714-834-8180 or by fax 714-564-4050.

Please see the full CDPH Health Advisory here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Global-Epidemic-Comes-to-California-Silicosis-in-Countertop-Workers.aspx

(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has received reports of three probable cases of mpox in Orange County (OC) in the past week. The three cases are the first reported in OC since April 8, 2023; five total cases have been reported here in 2023. While case counts are lower this year, mpox cases continue to be reported in Southern California and around the country. The best way to protect oneself from getting mpox is by completing the two-dose mpox vaccination regimen.

The mpox vaccine has been shown to be safe and highly effective when people complete the vaccine series (two doses, at least 28 days apart). During last month’s OC Pride Event, the HCA’s Public Health Services administered more than 80 mpox vaccinations to attendees. Since last year, more than 7,500 people in OC have received their first dose of mpox vaccine. However, 30% of those who received the first dose, have not received a second dose to complete their vaccination series.

To find a vaccine near you and schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, visit MYTURN.CA.GOV.

If you think you might have mpox or been exposed to someone with mpox, talk to your health care provider. The mpox vaccine can decrease your risk of getting sick if given within 14 days of being exposed. Testing for mpox is widely available and treatment for mpox can be discussed with your provider. If you do not have a regular provider, call 2-1-1 or the HCA's Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 for assistance.

For more on mpox in Orange County visit www.ochealthinfo.com/mpox.

(Santa Ana, CA) - Summer travel is underway and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages residents from Orange County (OC) to be up to date on measles vaccinations, following a Health Alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC warns of an increase in measles cases, with 88% of the cases connected to international travel. You can read the CDC’s Health Alert here.

“Measles (rubeola) is extremely contagious,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services. “One person infected by measles can infect 9 out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. To prevent infection and spread, residents, especially those planning to travel overseas or who are welcoming visitors from overseas, should make sure they are up to date on their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine,” she said.

Follow up with your primary care provider or local pharmacy for more information on where to get a measles vaccine. The HCA Travel Immunization Clinic offers vaccines by appointment. For more information on available vaccines visit: https://ochealthinfo.com/services-programs/flu-shots-immunizations/foreign-travel.  

The CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed U.S. cases of measles since the first of 2023, compared to 3 cases during the same time period in 2022. Most of the cases were among children who had not received the MMR vaccine. To prevent measles infection and spread from importation, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially prior to international travel, regardless of the destination.

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