Category: Health

March 14 — PHorum: Perspectives in Healthcare

SANTA BARBARA — VNHC is proud to announce that Gary Malkin, multiple Emmy®, Clio, Peabody and ASCAP award recipient, will provide the keynote at the upcoming 5th Annual PHorum: Perspectives in Healthcare. The 2018 PHorum will feature the VNHC Music…

March 22 — Bilingual report: Famed Author and Speaker to Address Santa Barbara Audience

Sponsored by Hospice of Santa Barbara SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Community Education and Engagement Series is pleased to present Five Invitations: What The Dying Teach The Living, An Evening with Frank Ostaseki. On Thurs., March 22, guest…

March 22 — Five Invitations: What The Dying Teach The Living, An Evening with Frank Ostaseki

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Community Education and Engagement Series is pleased to present “Five Invitations: What The Dying Teach The Living, An Evening with Frank Ostaseki.” On Thursday, March 22, guest speaker Frank Ostaseki will discuss the importance…

Through March 27 — Support Group for adults grieving the death of a friend due to Thomas Disaster

SANTA BARBARA — As our community continues to heal from the effects of the devastating Thomas Fire and Flood, Hospice of Santa Barbara is committed to coming alongside individuals and families who may be grieving during this difficult time. Hospice…

March 28 — Livingston Memorial to present seminar on ‘Aging in America’

OXNARD — There will be a presentation about “Aging in America” from 10:45-11:45 am on Wednesday, March 28th at South Oxnard Senior Center, 200 E. Bard Rd., Oxnard 93033. Dr. Lanyard Dial, President/CEO and Medical Director of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse…

Hospice of Santa Barbara Provides Emotional Support for a Variety of Groups Impacted by Thomas Fire and Flood

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has been at the forefront of helping to heal trauma and grief when tragedy strikes for decades. Whether it was the shootings at UCSB or at the Goleta Post Office or now, the…

Hospice of Santa Barbara Provides Community Gathering Space to Those Affected by Jan. 9 Storm

SANTA BARBARA — In light of the devastating events that occurred during the Jan. 9 mudslide, Hospice of Santa Barbara is providing counseling services to individuals and families who may be struggling during this difficult time. In addition to collaborating closely…

Jackson releases statement on mudslide recovery, rescue efforts

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY –  State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement today on the mudslide in Santa Barbara County: “Today has been another heartbreaking and difficult day, as the search and rescue effort continues and the number of casualties has…

Gold Coast Health Plan Introduces New Palliative Care Program

MyGoldCare Provides Coping Mechanisms for Severely Ill Members CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan’s (GCHP) new palliative care program, MyGoldCare, launches January 1 for qualified enrollees. MyGoldCare helps relieve the pain and suffering of those who are seriously ill. The palliative…

Jackson, Limón to introduce legislation in response to the #THOMASFIRE

Three bills will create an opt-out emergency alert system; ensure that translated emergency information is available for immigrant communities; and help ensure that new housing is safe from wildfires  SACRAMENTO – Following a year ravaged by wildfires, including the Thomas Fire, the…

Thomas Fire Forces Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Fundraising Event Cancellation but Can’t Affect the Fighting Spirit of Kids with Cancer

SANTA BARBARA — Due to the unhealthy air quality and overall impact of the fire, some of Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s significant events were cancelled in 2017, including the Annual Little Heroes Breakfast fundraiser in Ventura and the Annual Holiday…

Camarillo Hospice Grief Support in February

Grief Support for Children and Teens Camarillo Hospice, a Program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association, will be offering a children and teens grief support group the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:00 pm starting…

February — Livingston Memorial presents free Community Education Classes and Events

VENTURA COUNTY — As Ventura County’s only non-profit Home Health and Hospice provider, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community. As part of our services, we host free monthly education classes throughout the county which include the following:…

Through April 10 — Camarillo Hospice is Offering a 10 Week Support Group for Bereaved Parents

CAMARILLO — Camarillo Hospice, a Program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, is pleased to offer a 10-week, closed-ended grief support group program, Understanding Your Grief, written by author, educator and grief counselor, Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD. The program is intended to…

Feb. 7 — SBCC presents: Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball Fundraiser

Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros will once again participate in the California Community College Athletic Association’s “Coaches vs. Cancer” initiative, donating all proceeds from this year’s designated event to the American Cancer Society. Members of the community are invited to…

Feb. 9 — 2018 Santa Barbara Go Red For Women Luncheon

Local Montecito Resident Michele Mallet Featured Survivor and Passion Speaker SANTA BARBARA — The American Heart Association wants women on the Central Coast to know that our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends are at risk. Heart disease and stroke kills…

Feb. 10 — Tetanus Vaccine Clinic in Montecito

SANTA BARBARA — In collaboration with Direct Relief, the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics will hold a tetanus vaccine clinic in response to those that have been exposed to flood water and debris following the tragic mudslide in Montecito. Anyone who is…

Jan. 11 — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara presenting ‘New to Grief’

SANTA BARBARA — For those who’ve lost a loved one within the last year, acknowledging the experience of loss with information and strategies to help navigate grief. Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara will present a “New to Grief”…

Feb. 16 — Ventura County Celebrates Women’s Heart Health with Annual Go Red For Women Luncheon

VENTURA — Did you know that in the U.S., cardiovascular diseases kill approximately one woman every 80 seconds?  The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Together, let’s unite to…

Jan. 16 — Community Invited to Attend Marianna Mashek Art Reception at Hospice of Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Inspired by her late mother and her artwork, Santa Barbara artist Marianna Mashek is now looking to follow in her footsteps and serve as an inspiration to others. “I draw and paint from a deep and sacred,…

Feb. 21 — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and New Realm Technology Recognize Children’s Dental Health Month with the Launch ToothHero App to Encourage Good Oral Hygiene

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month with the launch of the ToothHero app, a game which will help kids fight plaque! Parents can bring their children to Franklin Elementary School, located…

Feb. 24 — Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. hosting Dental Health Fair in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month

VENTURA — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. If you have a baby or toddler, you may have questions about thumb sucking, your child’s first dental visit or how and when to clean your child’s teeth. If so, on Saturday,…

Through March 1 — Pet Loss Support Group

SANTA BARBARA — As our community continues to heal from the effects of the devastating Thomas Fire and Flood, Hospice of Santa Barbara is committed to coming alongside individuals and families who may be grieving during this difficult time. Hospice…

Through March 3 —Thomas Fire and Flood Disaster Support Group Offers Solace to Carpinteria Residents

SANTA BARBARA — As our strong, beautiful Santa Barbara community continues to recover from the effects of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Mudslide, Hospice of Santa Barbara is offering counseling services to individuals and families who may be grieving during…

Camarillo Hospice announces grief counseling in Spanish

CAMARILLO — Camarillo Hospice, a Program of Livingston Memorial Vesting Nurse Association, is now offering individual, couple, and family counseling in Spanish for those grieving the death of a loved one. For more information please contact 805-389-6870.   Ongoing Support Groups Young…

Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. to distribute toys throughout Ventura County through Dec. 21

VENTURA COUNTY — It has been a time honored tradition during the holiday season for Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to distribute toys to its pediatric patients. The tradition continues this year as Clinicas’ Toy Giveaway will again take place at…

Local Medi-Cal Recipients and Providers Get Important Updates During Thomas Fire

CENTRAL COAST —  CenCal Health is reaching out to keep its nearly 180,000 members and over 1,500 providers and the community informed with important information and resources as the region faces unprecedented impacts from the Thomas Fire. Updates include critical information about…

Museum of Ventura County (Thomas Fire) update for Dec. 8

Major funding for these programs is made possible in part by the City of San Buenaventura and the County of Ventura. Museum Remains Closed Due to internal air quality, the galleries and the research library at the Museum of Ventura County will remain closed…

TheraMind’s Newest Team Member Ready to Remedy

SANTA BARBARA — The TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Elena Rapoport, who recently joined their local team of physicians serving the Central Coast. Dr. Rapoport serves as Medical Director of the…

Gold Coast Health Plan Helps Fire Victims at Ventura County Shelters

Health Navigators are Assisting Members Impacted by the Thomas Fire CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) is providing trained, bilingual health navigators for its members at the county’s two largest evacuation sites in response to the Thomas Fire. GCHP outreach representatives…

Gold Coast Health Plan Member Alert Regarding Thomas Fire

Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan is Making it Easy for Members to Access Prescriptions and Transportation During the Thomas Fire CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) is alerting its members that during the Thomas Fire, members can get their prescriptions filled, receive…

January — Livingston Memorial presents free Community Education Classes and Events

VENTURA COUNTY — As Ventura County’s only non-profit Home Health and Hospice provider, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community. As part of our services, we host free monthly education classes throughout the county which…

Jan. 17 — Slingshot Art Studio Hosts Art Reception in Support of Hospice of Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Join Hospice of Santa Barbara on Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm for a wine and hors d’oeuvres open house reception for SlingShot’s art exhibition at the Leigh Block Gallery. SlingShot, an art gallery designed…

Jan. 17 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Art Reception

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara will hold a Art Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Leigh Block Gallery, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite #100, Santa Barbara. You have the opportunity to view and purchase beautiful…

Jan. 31 — Hospice Volunteer Training begins

CENTRAL COAST — Join Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association’s remarkable core of volunteers–community heroes that give special gifts of time and compassion to patients and their families at the end of life. We will provide you with training that gives…

The Children’s Heart Foundation Joins Forces with the American Heart Association Little Hats, Big Hearts Efforts on the Central Coast

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The American Heart Association and The Children’s Heart Foundation launches Little Hats, Big Hearts on the Central Coast. The program that dons newborns with knitted red caps raises awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of…

SBNC Receives Patient-Centered Medical Home Designation

NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home™ standards emphasize enhanced care through patient-clinician partnership SANTA BARBARA — The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has recognized each of the medical facilities at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics as a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home…

Tips for Coping with the Loss of a Loved One

SANTA BARBARA — The holidays are officially in full swing, and it’s an exciting time to be thinking about all the wonderful memories we’ll be making with our close friends and family members. But perhaps this year, you feel an…

Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree helped Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Burn their Mortgage

SANTA BARBARA — In September, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics made its final payment on the mortgage for the Eastside Neighborhood Medical and Family Dental Clinics. Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, who along with her late husband, Lord Paul Ridley-Tree, provided major support to…

Dec. 21 — Thousand Oaks Farmer’s Market Brings ‘Good Tidings’ During the Holiday Season Holiday “Boutique” Mini Market will take Place at The Oaks Shopping Center

THOUSAND OAKS — To help ‘tide shoppers over through the holidays’, the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) is partnering with the Oaks Shopping Center to offer a four week long special event, “Holiday Boutique Mini Farmers’ Market”. The market…

Next OC LIVE event on ‘Addictive Disorders Studies Community Gathering’ to prevent underage, binge drinking in Ventura County, to be held on Nov. 15 at Oxnard College

Hello friends of Oxnard College, Please join us for our next OC LIVE event ADDICTIVE DISORDERS STUDIES COMMUNITY GATHERING to prevent underage and binge drinking in Ventura County TONIGHT Nov 15th from 6:30-8:00 in the Performing Arts building. This event will feature OC ADS Students and Faculty as…

Dole Packaged Foods, FOOD Share Inc. launch ‘Ray of Sunshine’ food drive

CAMARILLO — Dole Packaged Foods and FOOD Share Inc. launched their “Ray of Sunshine” kick-off event on Oct. 6 at Tierra Linda Elementary School in Camarillo. The event announce Dole’s extended partnership with FOOD Share Inc. and the Ray of Sunshine food drive,…

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care partners with Easy Lift Transportation

SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is proud to partner with another local non-profit organization, Easy Lift Transportation. Like VNHC, Easy Lift Transportation provides a wide variety of specialized services to the southern Santa Barbara community, including transportation for…

CenCal Health Recognizes Local Health Center Partners During National Health Center Week

CENTRAL COAST — In an effort to raise awareness about the numerous services available to people in need through health centers, CenCal Health joined organizations across the nation in recognizing the many services America’s health centers have provided over the last…

Hospice of Santa Barbara Offers Tips on Talking to Children about Tragedies like the Las Vegas Mass Shooting

SANTA BARBARA — In the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting on Sunday night, Hospice of Santa Barbara believes that the most important service they could provide locally is to provide guidance about how parents and teachers can speak to…

Nov. 16 — Emmy Award-winning filmmaker from Ventura screens her documentary on Third World women’s health care at CSUCI

CAMARILLO — An Emmy Award-winning filmmaker raised in Ventura will discuss her documentary, “Heroines of Health” after a screening on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. in Ojai Hall 1986 on the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus. “Heroines of Health”…

Governor Signs Limón Bill Giving Healthcare Providers Full Information in Mental Health Emergencies

SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 1119, authored by Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) to ensure that emergency healthcare providers have full medical records, has been signed by the Governor. With this new law, emergency healthcare providers will have access to full medical records…

Gold Coast Health Plan Helps Fund the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Fall Prevention Program

Medi-Cal Plan Awards $50,000 to Local Health Care Agency   CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan has awarded $50,000 to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Fall Prevention Program through its Community Health Investments initiative. The award supports supervisor John C.…

Through Oct. 21 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Offers Men a Welcoming Place to Gain the Strength and Courage to Express Grief

SANTA BARBARA — Coping with the death of a spouse, family member or close friend is difficult but even more challenging is processing through your grief while feeling like you have to deal with it in the stereotypical way men…

Heroes in our Community Celebrated at Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara Luncheon at the Four Seasons Biltmore, Coral Casino

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara is proud and privileged to celebrate the 2017 Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara “Jewels by the Sea” at the Four Seasons Biltmore, Coral Casino. This year, the organization will honor the Flower…

‘Round Up’ Your Purchases through Sept. 10 to Support Hospice of Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Whether your latest renovation project involves giving your living space new flooring, plumbing facilities or just a simple paint job, your home improvement purchases can help benefit significant programs in your community. Through Sept. 10, shoppers can…

Bilingual report — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates National Health Center Week 2017 (Through Aug. 19) throughout Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY — August 13-19th, Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will host events throughout all 13 of its health centers, in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW)! These events will be part of a national campaign, with the goal of…

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Celebrate National Health Center Week with a Children’s Oral Health Fair at Goleta Neighborhood Dental Clinic on Aug.19

National Campaign Celebrates the Key to Healthier Communities  SATURDAY — On Saturday, August 19th, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) will hold a Children’s Oral Health Fair, where dentists will provide free visual exams and fluoride varnish applications. The fair will…

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Celebrates National Health Center Week with Free Health Screenings and Vaccinations

National Campaign Celebrates the Key to Healthier Communities  SANTA BARBARA — On Monday, August 14th Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) will hold a “Pop Up” Clinic where William Sansum Diabetes Center will provide free blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c screenings.…

Gold Coast Health Plan Appoints New Chief Medical Officer

Veteran Health Care Professional Selected for Medi-Cal Plan’s CMO Role CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced that Dr. Nancy Wharfield has assumed the role of chief medical officer (CMO) effective immediately. Wharfield had previously served as the Plan’s associate…

Governor Signs Jackson Bill To Help Veterans and Protect Public Safety

SACRAMENTO – Governor Jerry Brown has just signed a bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) that clarifies that military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health disorders associated with their service in the military are eligible for pretrial diversion…

Pre-Registration Opens for NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County’s Family-to-Family Education Program

SANTA BARBARA — As vacations wind down and back-to-school approaches, the new season around the corner marks a time of change and new beginnings. While Santa Barbara County residents are accustomed to seeing the leaves fall a little later in…

Sept. 14 — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara to hold ribbon cutting for The Integrated Care Clinic

SANTA BARBARA —  Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics  and Sanctuary Centers, of Santa Barbara invite you to tour, the Integrated Care Clinic, the first and only collaborative clinic in Santa Barbara to co-locate medical, dental and mental health services. This project is…

Sept. 16 — 2017 San Luis Obispo Heart & Stroke Walk

Walk encourages healthy habits while raising funds to fight heart disease and stroke SAN LUIS OBISPO — Nearly 600 people from San Luis Obispo and nearby cities are expected to participate in the 2017 San Luis Obispo Heart & Stroke Walk on…

Sept. 23 — The 2017 Santa Barbara Heart & Stroke Walk

Walk encourages healthy habits while raising funds to fight heart disease and stroke SANTA BARBARA — More than 500 people from Santa Barbara and nearby cities are expected to participate in the 2017 Santa Barbara Heart & Stroke Walk on Saturday, September…

Oct. 4 — Senior Expo of Santa Barbara Not Just for Seniors

29TH ANNUAL SENIOR EXPO TO DRAW 1,000 SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS Free Health Screenings, Raffle & Door Prizes, 120 Exhibits SANTA BARBARA — Seniors and caregivers looking for one central place to get information about products and services pertaining to their needs will…

RISE Launches Public Awareness Campaign

New resources help make the connection between health and relationships SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — RISE is proud to announce the launch of its latest public awareness campaign focused on the relationship between health and experiences of sexual assault/abuse and intimate partner…

Aug. 17 — FREE Children’s Dental Day

CENTRAL COAST — Dr. Steven Johnson is hosting the eighth annual FREE kids dental day, Little Hearts, Big Smiles, Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 1:00 to 5:00pm. Johnson Family Dental in Solvang, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Camarillo will offer free…

Jackson Bill To Create “California Trust Women” License Plate Passes Assembly Transportation Committee

SACRAMENTO – As the White House and Republican Congress continue to threaten federal funding for family planning services in their latest healthcare proposal, a bill by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)  to create a specialized pro-choice license plate with proceeds…

State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson’s Bill to Ensure Healthy After School Program for Kids Advances

SB 55 seeks to build on an existing program created by Jackson legislation to prevent childhood obesity SACRAMENTO – A bill by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to extend a program that encourages healthy eating and exercise in California’s after school programs…

Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. to host ‘Festival del Sol’ free health fair for seniors on July 22

VENTURA COUNTY — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will host “Festival del Sol,” a FREE Health Fair for Seniors on Saturday, July 22th from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at their El Rio Health Center, located at 221 Ventura Blvd. Suite…

Through June 18 — Clinicas to hold Week-long Celebration of National Men’s Health Week 2017

VENTURA COUNTY — National Men’s Health Week (NMHW) is part of a national campaign which begins June 12th and ends on Father’s day, June 18th, 2017, with the goal of raising awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease…

Limón Bill Gives Healthcare Providers Full Information in Emergencies

SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 1119, authored by Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) ensures that emergency healthcare providers have full medical records so that they can make well-informed healthcare decisions when treating patients with mental illnesses. The measure passed unanimously out of the…

Santa Barbara City College’s vocational nursing program named #5 best LVN program in California by PracticalNursing.org

Practicalnursing.org evaluated California’s 129 state-approved LVN schools, which includes community colleges, technical centers, private career training schools and vocational schools. The website’s team analyzed overall pass rates of the NCLEX-PN, the exam used by state boards that tests proficiency and knowledge…

Assemblymember Limón committed to protecting healthcare

By Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) Recent actions taken at the federal level around health care would have serious consequences for California. The new law could strip health care coverage from as many as 24 million Americans—4.6 million of which are…

June 20 — Death and Cupcakes

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara welcomes you to join a discussion about death and the celebration of life in a comfortable and welcoming setting. This gathering is a group-directed discussion of end-of-life issues; not a support group or…

American Heart Association Hosts and Evening of “Pinot and Purses” to Raise Funds to Fight Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke

SANTA BARBARA – Pinot and purses – two of a girl’s best friends were combined for a fun, filled philanthropic evening benefitting the American Heart Association’s fight to end heart disease in woman. “Pinot and Purses” took place on April 4,…

May 13 — Let’s Have a Ball at the 17th Annual Santa Barbara Heart Ball at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club

Winners to be Recognized from Student Art Contest Hosted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation SANTA BARBARA — The 17th annual Santa Barbara Heart Ball – a fundraiser supporting the American Heart Association – is set for Saturday, May…

May 16 — Death and Cupcakes

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara welcomes you to join a discussion about death and the celebration of life in a comfortable and welcoming setting. This gathering is a group-directed discussion of end-of-life issues; not a support group or…

Sunrise Rotary Supports Bright Smiles for the Sixth Consecutive Year at Eastside Family Dental Clinic

SANTA BARBARA — The skies cleared on Friday, February 24th for the Free Dental Day at Eastside Family Dental Clinic. The event has been sponsored by Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise since 2012 and has provided hundreds with dental procedures…

Ventura County Board of Supervisors Presents Laguna Farms With Health Champion Award

Local Farming Company Recognized for Workplace Wellness  OXNARD — Laguna Farms, berry grower in Ventura County and affiliate of Reiter Affiliated Companies, will receive the ‘Health Champion’ award on March 7, 2017 at the Board of Supervisors meeting for their commitment…

Ventura County Go Red For Women Luncheon Raises Awareness About Women and Cardiovascular Disease

“Life is Why” Sponsor Dignity Health Central Coast Helps Raise $236,000 to Fight Heart Disease & Stroke  WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The American Heart Association (AHA) hosted its annual Ventura County Go Red For Women Luncheon on Friday, February 24, 2017, at the…

Santa Barbara Go Red For Women Luncheon Raises Awareness About Women and Cardiovascular Disease

SANTA BARBARA — The American Heart Association (AHA) hosted its annual Santa Barbara Go Red For Women Luncheon on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort with the goal of raising awareness about the risk of cardiovascular…

May 13 — Gold Coast Health Plan to present 6th annual Community Resource Fair in Oxnard

OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan will host their 6th Annual Community Resource Fair at Plaza Park in Oxnard. Free health screenings and resource information will be offered by various health and community agencies. Please see flyer for more information.

April 4 — CSUCI to be bathed in blue in honor of “Light it Up Blue” Global Autism Awareness

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) sophomore Samuel Capozzi doesn’t speak in the traditional sense, but his is the voice of many with autism. Capozzi, 21, will be one of the students with autism who will address the crowd at CSUCI’s 6thAnnual…

March 23 — Prominent Legislative Advocate To Discuss The Future Of Mental Health Services

SANTA BARBARA — Rusty Selix, JD., a mental health advocate and policy expert in California’s mental health system for nearly four decades, will be the featured speaker for the March NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Southern Santa Barbara County…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson introduces bill to create ‘California Trusts Women’ pro-choice license plate

SACRAMENTO – With reproductive rights and funding being threatened by the Trump Administration and the Republican-controlled Congress, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has introduced a bill to create a specialized reproductive freedom license plate, with proceeds benefiting reproductive health care services…

Volunteers to be Honored at Wish Night 2017 Gala

CENTRAL COAST — Two volunteers will be honored by Make-A-Wish® Tri-Counties at the 8th Annual Wish Night gala on March 3 at the Hyatt Regency in Westlake Village. Meredith Garofalo/KEYT News Channel 3 has been named community partner of the…

San Luis Obispo Wear Red Day Luncheon Raises Awareness About Women and Cardiovascular Disease

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The American Heart Association (AHA) hosted its annual Wear Red Luncheon in San Luis Obispo on Friday, February 3, 2017 at the San Luis Obispo Country Club with the goal of raising awareness about the risk…

March 4 — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Celebrates Cavity Free Children

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics celebrates Children’s Dental Health on Saturday, March 4, 2017 by giving special recognition to children who are cavity free. Over one-hundred cavity free children ages 3 to 12, who are patients at one of…

March 1 — Mental Wellness Center and SBCC Wellness Connection Bring “The Love Effect” to Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — The Mental Wellness Center, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Wellness Connection, and San Marcos High School Wellness Connection Club are bringing “The Love Effect” to Santa Barbara and the community is invited to join the movement. The…

Through Feb. 27 — American Heart Association Flags to Fly on State Street in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA – In recognition of February as National Heart Month, the Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara will showcase symbolic red flags representing the American Heart Association (AHA), bearing the iconic heart and torch emblem. This will be the third year…

Mental Wellness Center Welcomes Two New Board Members

SANTA BARBARA — The Mental Wellness Center is proud to announce the appointments of Ned Emerson and Vickie Gonzales to its Board of Directors. Ned Emerson brings over four decades of business and sales experience to the Mental Wellness Center’s…

8 Ways to Make Resolutions Stick in 2017: Santa Barbara Family YMCA offers tips to make lasting change

SANTA BARBARA — Making resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans. However, while choosing a resolution is easy, sticking to it can be impossible. A 2014 YMCA survey found that less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions.…

CenCal Health Pilot Project to Help Eligible Seniors Receive At-Home Assistance

CENTRAL COAST — To ensure that vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities continue to receive at-home medical services, CenCal Health is launching a pilot project with DASH (Doctors Assisting Seniors at Home) to serve its members. DASH is a program…

Gold Coast Health Plan Signs Contract with New Pharmacy Benefit Manager

Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan to Begin Partnership with OptumRx in 2017 CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has finalized its contract with OptumRx to manage the prescription drug benefits for the Plan’s more than 207,000 members. Starting next year, the Minnesota-based…

CenCal Health and Community Action Commission Partner to Tackle Rising Senior Hunger Rates and Reduce Effects of Malnutrition and Isolation

SANTA BARBARA —  CenCal Health executives and staff recently spent time with local seniors at the Goleta Valley Community Center, one of 11 sites across the county where the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County (CAC) provides a nutritious meal…

Montecito Family YMCA: 7 Healthy Habits for Your Family to Help Solve Childhood Obesity

California now ranked No. 1 in percentage of children considered overweight or obese; Childhood obesity has more than tripled during the past 30 years MONTECITO – September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and while the dangers of childhood obesity are…

CenCal Health Launches Campaign to Educate Provider Community on Behavioral Health Services in SB, SLO Counties

CENTRAL COAST – CenCal Health, in partnership with the Central Coast Medical Association, The Holman Group, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness and San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department recently hosted three seminars in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and San…

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Awarded $11,000 to Support their Continued Leadership in Community Health Care

Foundation recognizes health center as vital member of California’s safety net SANTA BARBARA — Blue Shield of California Foundation has just awarded a grant of $11,000 in unrestricted funds to the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics in recognition of their critical role in…

Santa Barbara Heart & Stroke Walk/Run Raises More Than $210,000 to Fight Heart Disease and Stroke

CENTRAL COAST — More than 1 in 3 Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. Santa Barbara resident and owner of Tri-County Produce, John Dixon is all too familiar with this devastating disease. He was born with heart disease and had…

Ventura County Heart & Stroke Walk/Run Raised Nearly $150,000 to Fight Heart Disease and Stroke

CENTRAL COAST — Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. – killing about 2,200 Americans each day – one every 40 seconds. To combat these statistics, the American Heart Association (AHA) hosted…

FOOD Share launches 5th Annual CAN-tree Collection with kick-off breakfast on Oct. 13

Seeks 200,000 Pounds of Food to Restock Shelves VENTURA COUNTY — FOOD Share will launch its inaugural Share16 Holiday Campaign and 2016 CAN-tree Collection drive with a kick-off breakfast held at its warehouse on Thursday October 13th, 8:30am-9:30am. Community, business,…

Celebrate National Eating Healthy Day on Nov. 2 with the American Heart Association and Dignity Health Central Coast

CENTRAL COAST — The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (AHA) will celebrate its annual National Eating Healthy Day on Wednesday, November 2nd.  On this day, many companies across the country will join the AHA’s efforts to raise awareness of eating healthy…

Braille Institute Offers More Than 70 Fall Classes to Help People with Low Vision Pursue Passions and Stay Active in Our Communities

Free, innovative classes build confidence and skills to help people return to activities they love SANTA BARBARA —Free fall classes at Braille Institute Santa Barbara offer life-enhancing and life-changing experiences  to anyone in the tri-county area facing the challenges of vision loss. The fall…

GranVida Educates Community on Memory Care Services. Walk to End Alzheimer’s to be held Oct. 1

CARPINTERIA — Most seniors expect to live out their lives enjoying time with their families and making more memories to cherish, however more than 5 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, leaving them dependent on others to help them…

Resolving the ‘Hispanic Paradox’ — Study co-authored by a UCSB researcher reveals Latinos age slower, neutralizing higher health risks of obesity and diabetes

By Jim Logan / UC Santa Barbara A new paper co-authored by a UC Santa Barbara researcher reveals that Latinos age at a slower rate than other ethnic groups. The findings, published in the current issue of Genome Biology, may one day…

NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County to Offer Family-to-Family Education Program for Families of Adults Living with Mental Illness

SANTA BARBARA — NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County, a program of the Mental Wellness Center, will offer its Family-to-Family Education Program for family members of adults living with mental health conditions. The free, 12-session course is designed to help all…

Ventura County Housing Trust Fund (VCHTF) announces Sept. 22 as date for annual fundraising event to focus on ‘Housing Opportunities for People with Special Needs’

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Housing Trust Fund (VCHTF) is proud to announce the date of its annual fundraising event with a focus on Housing Opportunities for People with Special Needs, on Thursday,September 22, 2016, 5:00-8:30 p.m., at the historic Camarillo Ranch, Camarillo,…

Gold Coast Health Plan Turns 5

Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan to Celebrate 5-Year Anniversary CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) is celebrating its five-year anniversary on Friday, July 29 with a fun event that will recognize the contributions of the Plan’s employees. GCHP went live on July…

Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates National Health Center Week 2016 throughout Ventura County through Aug. 13

VENTURA COUNTY — August 7-13th, Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will host events throughout all 13 of its health centers, in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW)! These events will be part of a national campaign, with the goal of…

Foodbank Needs Your Help to End Summer Hunger

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Seeks Donations by June 30 to Reach $100K Matching Grant SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is approaching the end of its End Summer Hunger campaign, a month-long campaign to raise $100K to help feed…

Just Being Healthy in Today’s Mobile World

Just Being Healthy (JBH) will participate in the 5th annual Global Wellness Day, an international day to celebrate wellness and healthy living, by working to improve a person’s total body wellness caused by the stressors of life, and in many…

Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting available through CSU Channel Islands beginning fall 2016

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) will offer classes required for a Certificate of Healthcare Interpreting beginning in fall of 2016. The Healthcare Interpreter Certificate prepares students to become English-Spanish interpreters in medical settings, a field that is exploding with opportunity. According to…

Mental Wellness Center Welcomes Andrea Carnaghe as New Board Chair

SANTA BARBARA— The Mental Wellness Center is proud to announce Andrea Carnaghe as the organization’s new board chair. The Mental Wellness Center is a private, non-profit organization providing recovery, education, and support services for individuals affected by mental illness including…

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Welcomes Michelle Dahlkemper and Lailain McGrath

SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) is pleased to announce the addition of Michelle Dahlkemper as Chief Operating Officer. Dahlkemper brings sixteen years of experience as a registered nurse with extensive experience in post-acute healthcare including palliative…

Gold Coast Health Plan Awards Nearly $60,000 to Support Community Health Care Programs in Ventura County

Medi-Cal Plan Issues Funds Under New Community Investment Initiative CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) is sponsoring two programs under its newly created Alternative Resources for Community Health (ARCH) initiative. The goal of ARCH is to invest in the health and…

Bilingual commentary: Cognitive Testing…What’s My Name?

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes…

CenCal Health Presents Dignity Health with Healthcare Innovation Award for Outstanding Care and Service

SANTA BARBARA / SAN LUIS OBISPO — CenCal Health, the health care program serving low-income residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, presented a Healthcare Innovation Award to Dignity Health at their board meeting on May 18. The…

Gold Coast Health Plan Teams Up with Health Partners to Host Diabetes Awareness Event on June 11

Public is Invited to Day of Free Health Screenings, Cooking Demonstrations, Entertainment and Raffles CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has partnered with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the Ventura County Department of Public Health and Dignity Health’s St.…

May is Mental Health Month: Mental Wellness Center Offers Tips to Improve Your Mental Wellness

SANTA BARBARA — In honor of Mental Health Month in May, the Mental Wellness Center is spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about. The nonprofit organization is offering the community a few easy tips to…

Letter Carriers prepare to collect and carry more than 100,000 pounds of food in one day for Ventura County’s hungry

VENTURA COUNTY — On Saturday, May 14, Ventura County letter carriers will be caravanning more than just incoming and outgoing mail; and community members won’t have to venture far from their doorsteps to give back to the local hungry in…

Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates 2016 National Women’s Health Week throughout Ventura County through May 14

VENTURA COUNTY — May 8-14th, Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will host events in honor of National Women’s Health Week! Women throughout Ventura County can visit any of the 13 Clinicas Health Centers and participate in the FREE activities being…

VCMMCC Signals Rejection of Pharmacy Benefit Manager Selection

Commissioners to be More Active in the Selection Process CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission (VCMMCC) directed staff to prepare an agenda item for an upcoming special meeting formally rejecting all current bids received for the pharmacy benefit manager…

Community Discovers Future of Technology for Visually Impaired

SANTA BARBARA — Technology leaders recently shared insights on the evolution and future of technologies for the visually impaired at a Braille Institute Santa Barbara community education event titled Active Aging with Low Vision: Focus on Technology. Guests enjoyed a…

Foodbank Launches Healthy Community Pantry on April 26

Foodbank CEO and community leaders will be on hand April 26 to launch Healthy Community Pantry, which provides local produce and staples, as well as nutritional education, to local families. SANTA BARBARA — The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is…

VCMRF’s Children’s Resource Program

WHY WAIT A YEAR? Protect your senses! Once a year a charitable event generously offers a free dental clinic; however, every day there is a child in pain who requires help, NOW! The Children’s Resource Program (CRP) began 31 years…