(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has officially assumed management along with operations of the Be Well Orange Campus, located at 265 South Anita Drive, Orange, CA 92868. As of October 1, 2024, the County of Orange (County) began overseeing the delivery of vital mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services at the campus, ensuring continued support for the wellbeing of Orange County (OC) residents.
 
The Be Well Orange Campus provides essential services designed to address behavioral health crises and substance use disorders. With this transition, the County will uphold its commitment to providing high-quality care, maintaining existing programs, while seeking to enhance the services offered. The following services will continue to be offered:

• The Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), operated by Exodus, offers emergency psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and crisis stabilization services for residents experiencing behavioral health crises. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, the CSU serves individuals 13 years and older, offering services such as psychiatric evaluation, individual and group therapy, family education, and peer mentorship. For access, residents can call (714) 410-3500.
• The Crisis Residential Program (CRP), also provided by Exodus, offers short-term, voluntary services for adults in need of additional support to avoid hospitalization, stabilize symptoms, and return to their previous level of functioning. The program specializes in providing care for individuals with co-occurring behavioral health and substance use issues, ensuring culturally sensitive, peer-supported care in a homelike environment.
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) residential treatment services, managed by HealthRIGHT 360, will continue uninterrupted at the campus. This program includes treatment for 30 adults, with designated beds for both men and women, offering comprehensive care including treatment planning, counseling, medication services, and care coordination.
• The Sobering Center at the Orange campus is temporarily closed and will reopen soon in partnership with CalOptima Health. In the interim, sobering services are available at Phoenix House in Santa Ana. For more information, please call (714) 953-9373, extension 2 during business hours, or (714) 752-0854 after hours and on weekends.

The County of Orange remains committed to enhancing behavioral health services for our community and looks forward to continuing to build on the Be Well brand as a trusted resource for mental health and substance use treatment in Orange County.
 
For more information about the Be Well Orange Campus or to access services, please contact OC Links at (855) 625-4657, available 24/7, or visit OCNavigator.org.

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Mpox infections, from Clade II Monkeypox virus, continue to be endemic in the United States. Orange County has had an increase in mpox cases over the summer. Orange County Pride Parade and Festival is scheduled for October 5th. Pride events have been associated with an increase in risk behaviors and mpox transmission. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently had a press release reporting a significant increase in mpox cases in their jurisdiction. Providers should remain vigilant for people presenting with signs of mpox, test appropriately and notify OCHCA Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) at 714-834-8180 with any suspect cases.  

In addition, providers should continue to monitor the evolving situation of Clade I mpox in Africa and educate patients traveling to Africa about the risk and prevention strategies. The CDC recently released a Health Alert - Prevention Strategies for Mpox, including Vaccinating People at Risk via Sexual Exposure, for U.S. Travelers Visiting Countries with Clade I Mpox Outbreaks. More info...

• Read more about ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUPER SECRET TEST PAGE

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TEST PAGE (FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY)

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In 2024, Orange County has already identified 25 cases of dengue virus infection. This exceeds the number of county residents identified with dengue virus infection in any year over the last 10 years. All of these cases have been among international travelers and no locally acquired dengue virus infections have been identified in Orange County to date.

In June, the CDC released a Health Alert: Increased Risk of Dengue Virus Infections in the United States. While cases of dengue virus infection in the Americas have declined over the last several weeks based on data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), counts remain above the 5 year average. Dengue also remains endemic in many parts of Asia and Africa.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector for dengue virus. Aedes aegypti are widespread in Orange County. Their presence, along with increasing numbers of travel-associated dengue virus infection, increase the risk for local transmission of dengue. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has issued a health advisory due to smoke drift from local wildfires. The health advisory follows a Wildfire Smoke Advisory for parts of Southern California from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) which indicates unhealthy air quality for parts of Orange County (OC). The HCA is urging individuals in smoke impacted areas to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
 
“Individuals with heart and respiratory diseases, older adults, children and pregnant women are among those who can be most directly affected by smoke exposure,” said County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong. “Air pollution levels from the fire can change rapidly, depending on weather conditions, so we especially recommend that individuals in these higher-risk groups limit outdoor activity and physical exertion until the situation is over.” Other recommendations include:

• Keeping the windows and doors in your home closed, and using your air conditioner on the re-circulate mode, if available. This will limit the intake of outdoor air and keep your home comfortable.
• Keeping your mouth and nasal passageways moist by drinking lots of water. This helps your body filter out potentially harmful particles in the smoke.
• Contacting your health provider if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. People who have not been previously diagnosed with lung or heart disease may begin having problems in smoky conditions.  
• Those with asthma should follow an asthma management plan, making sure to have at least a five-day supply of asthma medication on hand.

For more information on the smoke advisory visit the AQMD website at https://www.aqmd.gov.

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(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) announces the return of the "Light Up Hope OC" Campaign during the month of September for Suicide Prevention Month, as part of its ongoing commitment to raising awareness and spreading hope. The campaign aligns with the statewide "Strive for Zero" initiative, an effort to prevent suicides. The County of Orange (County) will light up the County Administration Buildings in teal and purple, the official colors of suicide prevention.

“Light Up Hope OC shows the County’s commitment to suicide prevention for all, and especially for at risk populations hardest hit by suicide deaths, historically, like Veterans, older adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community and immigrant populations,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District. “On behalf of the entire Board, I want to emphasis that help is available. If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988, or visit lightuphopeoc.com for resources.”

Suicide impacts all communities, regardless of race, age, gender, or income. Some key facts:

•  It is the third leading cause of death among young adults 15-29 years of age.
•  Nearly one in five women living in Orange County experience symptoms of depression during or after pregnancy, known as post-partum depression. Suicide is the leading cause of maternal death in the first year following childbirth due to added stressors.
•  In 2024, an average of 24 individuals died by suicide in Orange County each month and the median age was 49.

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 and reduce suicides in Orange County. The office has aligned with the state’s “Striving for Zero Suicide Plan” framework to implement local strategies for suicide prevention.

"Even one suicide is one too many,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA Director. “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. We all play a role in preventing suicide. I encourage our OC community to support one another in prioritizing mental wellness and not be afraid to talk about 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. For immediate assistance or support, call 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) - Temperatures in most of Orange County are expected to reach the low to mid 90s beginning today and are predicted to reach the high 90s and low 100 degrees through Saturday, September 7.

In addition to dangerous heat, South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has warned of poor air quality in certain areas. Residents and visitors are advised to check air quality levels regularly and limit outdoor activities as necessary.

High temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke for those at higher risk for heat illness, including people who work outdoors, infants, children, pregnant people, ages 65 or older, and people with chronic conditions.

Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat cramps or heatstroke and can even be fatal. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness. Warning signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid pulse, and a throbbing headache.

If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water.

• Recommended precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses include:
• Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun wear a wide brim hat and use sunscreen.
• Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.
• Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
• Check on those, like neighbors, who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.
• Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool. To find a cooling center near you, visit Cooling Centers | Orange County (ocgov.com).

Since temperatures and conditions can vary widely throughout the County, local schools, child care facilities, and organizations working with children are encouraged to visit the State of California Office of School Health Hub for heat planning guidance and sports and activities recommendations to protect students and youth during these high temperature alert periods.

For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit the California HeatReadyCA.com.

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