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Press Releases

Statement from CalHHS Secretary and Covered California Board Chair Dr. Mark Ghaly on Federal Action to Increase Access to Health Insurance Coverage for DACA Recipients

“We applaud today’s actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to health insurance coverage for recipients of DACA. We in California envision a Healthy California for All where every individual belongs to a strong and thriving community. This vision involves creating access to high-quality, affordable care, regardless of origin …

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Joint Statement from California Health & Human Services Agency Leaders on 50th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Decision

Joint Statement from California Health and Human Services Agency Leaders on 50th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Decision Joint statement from CalHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos, Department of Health Care Services Director Michelle Baass, Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón, Department …

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Statement from California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly on the Announced Closure of Madera Community Hospital

Statement from California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly on the Announced Closure of Madera Community Hospital “This is a difficult time for the Madera community. We are grateful to the hospitals and health care providers in the region who are stepping up so that the individuals and communities impacted by the announced …

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Valencia Branch Laboratory Receives Initial Licensing Report, Vows Improvement for Californians

For Immediate Release February 22, 2021 Contact: Kate.Folmar@chhs.ca.gov Rodger.Butler@chhs.ca.gov Sacramento – The Laboratory Field Services Division of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), which regulates laboratories in the state, found significant deficiencies in the Valencia Branch Laboratory during an initial routine inspection that occurred in early December, when the laboratory first opened. PerkinElmer is …

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Cal Hospital Compare Announces 2019 Honor Rolls

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: December 13, 2019CONTACT: (916) 654-3304 Sacramento, CA – On December 13, 2019, California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, along with Cal Hospital Compare, recognized hospitals across California for their high performance in maternity care, patient safety, and commitment to safe opioid care. • 36 hospitals met performance …

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Governor Newsom and Former California First Lady Maria Shriver Convene the First Meeting of Governor’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2019CONTACT: Scott.Murray@chhs.ca.gov | (916) 654-3304 SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom and Former First Lady Maria Shriver convened the first meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness. The Task Force, chaired by Shriver, consists of a diverse group of caregivers, scientists, researchers, advocates, and people living …

Governor Newsom and Former California First Lady Maria Shriver Convene the First Meeting of Governor’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness Read More »

Statement from California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly on Governor Newsom’s Executive Order on the Master Plan for Aging

“I want to thank Governor Newsom for his leadership and for making the well-being of older Californians a priority for the state. The Executive Order to develop a Master Plan for Aging is an important first step towards building a future where all Californians, regardless of race, economic status or level of support, can grow …

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DMHC Reaches Agreement with Anthem Blue Cross to Protect Consumers

Plan Invests $8.4 Million in Consumer Grievances & Appeals Process, Pays $2.8 Million Fine The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) has reached an agreement with Blue Cross of California (Anthem Blue Cross) to correct the plan’s repeated failures to properly identify and handle enrollee grievances and appeals. “Anthem Blue Cross has agreed to …

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CalFresh Food Benefits Available to Older Adults and People with Disabilities Receiving Supplemental Security Income Beginning June 1

SACRAMENTO – As we celebrate May as CalFresh Awareness Month, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is announcing the expansion of the CalFresh program to include recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. “This is an example of the commitment and collaboration among public and private organizations to help ensure that the most vulnerable …

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CDPH Urges Californians Traveling Internationally to be Fully Vaccinated against Measles

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today urged Californians to make sure they are protected against measles. Vaccination is especially critical for those who plan to travel internationally. In 2019 to date, there have been 38 cases of measles in California. This is an increase of 15 cases from last week, and …

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California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris Launches Statewide Listening Tour

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2019 MEDIA CONTACT: Media@OSG.ca.gov Sacramento, Calif. — California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris launched today a statewide listening tour at Fruit Ridge Community Collaborative (FRCC) in Sacramento to raise awareness about the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences, toxic stress and serious health conditions. “As California’s first Surgeon General, one …

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Cleaning Up Wildfire Ash Safely: CDPH Recommends Ways to Avoid Potential Health Hazards

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised residents of recent burn areas to use caution in cleaning up ash from wildfires. The ash from trees burned in forest fires is relatively nontoxic and similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace. …

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CDPH Recommends Stay Indoors and Reduce Outdoor Activity To Avoid Wildfire Smoke Inhalation

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised residents where wildfires have been burning, along with people in the smoke’s path, to stay indoors and reduce outdoor activity. “Smoke from wildfires can cause eye and lung irritation. Breathing smoke can also make asthma symptoms …

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Smart Care California Announces Third Annual C-Section Honor Roll

Over half of the hospitals that offer maternity services in the state made the list Sacramento – Smart Care California, a coalition of public and private health care purchasers that collectively purchase or manage care for more than 16 million people statewide, released the third annual C-Section Honor Roll. The Honor Roll recognizes 122 hospitals …

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