(Santa Ana, CA)– The South Coast Air Quality Management District today issued a Windblown Dust Advisory where winds are high across the Los Angeles metro area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County. Air quality will be variable through Thursday afternoon or until windy conditions subside.
Precautions for those in impacted areas:
Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
Avoid vigorous physical activity.
Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air.
Help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads.
Always wear proper personal protective equipment (long-sleeve shirts, pants, gloves, and safety glasses) when working around ash. A well-fitting respirator such as an N-95 may provide some protection. If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions (e.g., dry sweeping) that will put ash into the air. To clean up ash, use vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.
(Santa Ana, CA)– The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched a public education campaign to transform how Orange County (OC) residents respond to mental health crises for themselves or for someone in their lives. Outdoor boards, digital ads, and in-language radio and newspapers will inform residents to call the HCA’s crisis line, (855) OC Links or (855) 625-4657, for urgent specialized mental health services, rather than defaulting to calling 9-1-1.
The “First Responders for Mental Health Campaign” aims to promote dedicated resources for mental health emergencies including the crisis line, mobile crisis unit, and warm line support. Collaborating with HCA’s Behavioral Health Services, the campaign will share essential information on recognizing mental health crises and accessing appropriate services.
“Orange County is proud to provide extensive behavioral health services that meet the needs of our community,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, OC Board of Supervisors, Third District. “The Board and I have supported innovative initiatives, like the Crisis Care Mobile Unit, and this campaign will ensure that residents know how to quickly access these vital resources in moments of crisis.”
Key Objectives Include:
Redefining Emergency Response: Educate the public on using the HCA’s crisis line instead of 9-1-1.
Promoting Crisis Resources: Raise awareness of HCA’s Mobile Crisis Response unit, available 24/7, and the warm line for non-urgent support. Trained mental health navigators specializing in mental health disorders, homelessness, or substance use disorders could be dispatched to provide support, information, screening and connect those in crises with the needed level of care.
Defining Mental Health Crisis: Explain what constitutes a mental health crisis.
Access and Awareness: Provide clear information on accessing available and responsive resources. Residents can reach OC Links, at (855) 625-4657 or via live chat at www.ochealthinfo.com/oclinks. Both services are available 24/7.
“Addressing mental health crises requires a compassionate response,” said Ian Kemmer, Director of Behavioral Health. “Our campaign empowers residents to seek appropriate support through dedicated services, ensuring individuals receive the specialized care they may need in a time of crisis.”
The Mental Health Crisis Public Education Campaign is a vital initiative by the HCA’s Behavioral Health Services to reframe responses to mental health emergencies, ensuring every resident has access to appropriate and responsive support.
For more information about the campaign and available resources, please visit OC Navigator.
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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. HCA Behavioral Health Services’ mission is to prevent substance abuse and/or mental health crisis; when signs are present, to intervene early and appropriately; and when assessments indicate that treatment is required to provide the right type of treatment, at the right place, by the right person/program to help individuals achieve and maintain the highest quality of health and wellness. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) invites the community to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at convenient locations throughout Orange County (OC). The public is encouraged to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse. Nearby collection sites can be located at: www.DEATakeBack.com
“This event is a vital chance for community members to safely dispose of unused medications, protecting their families and friends from potential dangers,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Director of the HCA. “Misuse of prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illicit substances. National Take Back Day is an important initiative in our ongoing effort to promote safety and health in Orange County.”
This initiative addresses a crucial public safety and health concern. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aligns with the HCA’s commitment to the well-being of the OC community, promoting the safe disposal of medications to prevent misuse and combat opioid addiction.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day serves as a vital reminder of our collective responsibility in keeping our communities safe. To find a convenient Take Back drop-off location, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) website at www.DEATakeback.com or call 1 (800) 882-9539. The drop-off service is both free and anonymous.
For further information on medication misuse prevention efforts in Orange County or to discover year-round safe disposal options, please visit: www.ochealthinfo.com/adept.
(Santa Ana, CA) - The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) today issued a Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory where winds are high across the Los Angeles metro area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County. Air quality will be variable through Saturday afternoon or until windy conditions subside.
Precautions for those in impacted areas:
Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
Avoid vigorous physical activity.
Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air.
Help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads.
Always wear proper personal protective equipment (long-sleeve shirts, pants, gloves, and safety glasses) when working around ash. A well-fitting respirator such as an N-95 may provide some protection. If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions (e.g., dry sweeping) that will put ash into the air. To clean up ash, use vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.
(Santa Ana, CA) — The last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, October 15, has been designated National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). This year NLAAD celebrates 21 years of raising awareness in the Latinx community about the importance of promoting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, prevention, and treatment, and stopping HIV stigma.
This year’s campaign theme “Start Treatment. Stick to It. Get Better.” is directed at the entire community but focused on people who live with HIV. The campaign urges those impacted to choose one of the many treatment options to maintain health, reach undetectable viral load, and to not pass the virus to others (treatment as prevention). NLAAD is focused on raising awareness about:
Getting tested and knowing your HIV status;
Using condoms for protection from HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs);
Knowing prevention options if HIV-negative, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may help protect you from getting HIV; and
Learning about new treatment options to get and stay virally suppressed, which means having an undetectable viral load, if HIV-positive.
NLAAD is important in Orange County (OC) because there are 7,044 persons living with HIV locally as of the end of 2023 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that there are an additional 1,137 OC residents living with HIV who do not know it.
“You need to know your HIV status so you can make important decisions about your health,” said Dr. Christopher Ried, Medical Director, OC Health Care Agency’s Clinical Services Division. “If you’re negative, taking HIV PrEP protects you from being diagnosed with HIV. If you are living with HIV, getting on HIV medication supports you living a long, healthy life and greatly reduces any chance for transmitting HIV to others. Staying in care and having your blood monitored on a regular basis ensures suppression of the virus so that you stay undetectable, stay healthy and remain untransmittable.”
While the Latinx population represents about 34% of the total population in OC, this population represented just over half (or 51%) of those newly diagnosed with HIV in 2023. Many had been to an emergency room, a community health center, or their doctor but were not tested for HIV. According to the Latino Commission on AIDS (2021), 55% of Latinx had never been tested for HIV in their lifetime.1 Therefore, it is crucial that the Latinx community have routine HIV testing to know their status, even if they do not think they have HIV. Knowing their HIV status is important to help prevent new HIV infections.
Ending the HIV epidemic requires everyone to do their part. Every adolescent and adult should get an HIV test at least once as part of routine health care, and those at increased risk of HIV should be tested more frequently. If you have never been tested for HIV, ask your doctor for an HIV test. Free, confidential HIV testing is available at the agencies listed below:
APAIT Health Center: Call (714) 636-1349 or visit www.apaitonline.org/ for more information.
Testing is offered Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome for Rapid HIV & Rapid HCV
Appointments are required for a full HIV and STD (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis) testing panel.
Families Together Orange County: Call (800) 597-7977 or visit https://familiestogetheroc.org/. Testing is offered at three locations:
Tustin:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (limited Saturday appointments)
Garden Grove:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fountain Valley:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
OC Health Care Agency/17th Street Testing, Treatment and Care Clinic: Call (714) 834-8787 to make an appointment or visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/std for more information. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability. Clinic hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The LGBT Center Orange County: For an appointment or more information call (714) 953-5428 or visit www.lgbtcenteroc.org/. Testing is offered:
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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"Comience el tratamiento. Respételo. Mejore”. Día Nacional de Concientización sobre el SIDA en latinos
(Santa Ana, CA) – El último día del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, el 15 de octubre, ha sido designado Día Nacional de Concientización sobre el SIDA en latinos (NLAAD, por sus siglas en inglés). Este año, el NLAAD celebra 21 años de concientización en la comunidad latina sobre la importancia de promover la examinación, la prevención y el tratamiento del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y detener el estigma del VIH. El tema de la campaña de este año es “Comience el tratamiento. Respételo. Mejore”. Está dirigido a toda la comunidad, pero enfocado en las personas que viven con el VIH. La campaña insta a los afectados a elegir una de las muchas opciones de tratamiento para mantenerse saludables, alcanzar una carga viral indetectable y no transmitir el virus a otros (tratamiento como prevención). El NLAAD se centra en crear conciencia sobre:
Hacerse la prueba y conocer su estado de VIH.
Usar preservativos para la protección contra el VIH y otras enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS).
Conocer las opciones de prevención si el VIH es negativo; la profilaxis previa a la exposición (PrEP) puede ayudar a protegerlo de contraer el VIH.
Aprender sobre nuevas opciones de tratamiento para obtener y permanecer viralmente suprimido, lo que significa tener una carga viral indetectable, si tiene VIH positivo.
El NLAAD es importante en el Condado de Orange (OC, por sus siglas en inglés) porque hay 7.044 personas que viven con el VIH localmente según lo detectado a finales de 2023, y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) estiman que hay 1.137 residentes adicionales viviendo con VIH que no lo saben.
“Necesita conocer su estado serológico para poder tomar decisiones importantes sobre su salud”, dijo el Dr. Christopher Ried, Director Médico de la División de Servicios Clínicos de la Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud del Condado de Orange. “Si usted dio negativo, recibir PrEP contra el VIH lo protege de ser diagnosticado con VIH. Si vive con el VIH, tomar medicamentos contra el VIH lo ayuda a vivir una vida larga y saludable y reduce, en gran medida, cualquier posibilidad de transmitir el VIH a otros. Recibir atención médica y realizarse análisis de sangre regularmente asegura la supresión del virus para que permanezca indetectable, se mantenga saludable y permanezca intransmisible”.
Mientras que la población latina representa alrededor del 34% de la población total en el Condado de Orange, esta población representó poco más de la mitad (o el 51%) de los recientemente diagnosticados con VIH en 2023. Muchos habían estado en una sala de emergencias, un centro de salud comunitario o con su médico, pero no se habían hecho la prueba del VIH. Según la Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA (2021), el 55% de los latinos nunca se había hecho la prueba del VIH en su vida.1 Por lo tanto, es crucial que la comunidad latina se someta a pruebas rutinarias del VIH para conocer su estado, incluso si piensa que no tiene VIH. Conocer su estado serológico es importante para ayudar a prevenir nuevas infecciones por el VIH.
Poner fin a la epidemia del VIH requiere que todos hagan su parte. Todos los adolescentes y adultos deben hacerse una prueba del VIH al menos una vez como parte de la atención médica de rutina, y las personas con mayor riesgo de contraer el VIH deben hacerse la prueba con más frecuencia. Si nunca le han hecho la prueba del VIH, pídale a su doctor que le haga una prueba del VIH. Las pruebas del VIH gratuitas y confidenciales y están disponibles en las agencias enumeradas a continuación:
APAIT Health Center: Llame al (714) 636-1349 o visite www.apaitonline.org/ para obtener más información.
Las pruebas se ofrecen de lunes a viernes, de 9 A. M. a 4 P. M.
Puede acercarse sin cita programada para realizarse la prueba rápida del VIH y la prueba rápida del virus de la hepatitis C.
Se requieren citas para un examen completo con pruebas de VIH y ETS (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis).
Families Together Orange County: Llame al (800) 597-7977 o visite https://familiestogetheroc.org/. Las pruebas se ofrecen en tres ubicaciones:
Tustin
Lunes a viernes de 9 A. M. a 4 P. M.
Sábados de 9 A. M. a 3 P. M. (citas limitadas de los sábados)
Garden Grove
Lunes a viernes de 8:30 A. M. a 4 P. M.
Sábados de 9 A. M. a 2 P. M.
Fountain Valley
Lunes a viernes de 9 A. M. a 4 P. M.
Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud del Condado de Orange/17th Street Testing, Treatment and Care Clinic (Clínica de pruebas, tratamiento y atención): Llame al (714) 834-8787 para programar una cita o visite http://www.ochealthinfo.com/std para obtener más información. Se aceptan visitas sin cita previa según la disponibilidad. Horario de la clínica:
Lunes, miércoles, jueves y viernes, de 8 A. M. a 4 P. M.
Martes 10 A. M. a 4 P. M.
El Centro LGBT Condado de Orange: Para programar una cita u obtener más información, llame al (714) 953-5428 o visite www.lgbtcenteroc.org/. Se ofrecen pruebas:
ACERCA DE LA AGENCIA DEL CUIDADO DE LA SALUD DEL CONDADO DE ORANGE La Agencia de Cuidado de la Salud (HCA) del Condado de Orange 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.
This alert aims to raise awareness of current guidance around the prevention and treatment of respiratory pathogens as we begin the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. In addition, we wish to direct providers to local and national data sources for following disease activity for COVID-19, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). More info...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and health departments about the Republic of Rwanda’s first confirmed outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) with 36 laboratory confirmed cases and 11 deaths reported as of October 2, 2024, including at least 19 cases in healthcare workers. This report summarizes CDC’s recommendations for public health departments and clinicians in the United States on case identification and testing and clinical laboratory biosafety considerations.
No confirmed cases of MVD related to this outbreak have been reported in the United States or other countries outside of the Republic of Rwanda to date. Currently, the risk of MVD in the United States is low; however, clinicians should be aware of the potential for imported cases.
