Category: Health

Ventura County Wins Federal Opioid Response Grant

DOJ funds to expand Rx and Heroin Suppression OXNARD — The Ventura County Behavioral Health Department, in cooperation with the County’s Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Workgroup, announced (Oct. 5) that the County of Ventura has been awarded a competitive…

Calls intensify for California regulators to take action on chlorpyrifos. See Ventura County report here

Trump Administration stalls court-ordered ban of brain-harming pesticide See Ventura Chlorpyrifos & OP studies  for estimates of the increase in autism and IQ-loss risks from chlorpyrifos use in Ventura County, based upon studies by University of California scientists. SACRAMENTO — The U.S.…

United Way of Ventura County update for Oct. 4

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   President’s Message  Dear Friends, Fall is here and it’s a very busy time at United Way. We recently wrapped up our 29th annual Day of Caring with over 600 volunteers using their muscles to assist…

Nov. 11 — Come celebrate 6 years of harvesting food and fighting hunger together!

SANTA PAULA — Agricultural abundance is the legacy of Southern California, and it’s what makes Food Forward’s work possible still today. That’s especially true in Ventura County, where our organization has flourished over the past 6 years, redistributing over 1 million pounds…

Nov. 13 — Assemblymember Irwin to host Women’s Self-Defense Workshop

Aimed at empowering women and helping them to better protect themselves SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is hosting “Empower + Protect: A Self-Defense Workshop for Women,” an educational event aimed at guiding women through self- defense instruction. The workshop is being…

Nov. 18 — Bilingual report: Health Fair in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — A Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 227 N. Nopal St.,  Santa Barbara. Free health screenings, resource tables, entertainment, activities for the entire family. Click on…

Nov. 22 — Conejo Valley YMCA’s 14th Annual “Turkey Day Dash” on Thanksgiving Morning

THOUSAND OAKS — The Conejo Valley YMCA is hosting its 14th annual Turkey Day Dash on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 22. The 5K run/walk and 1K family fun run/walk is held at California Lutheran University (60 West Olsen Rd., Thousand…

Nov. 23 — CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to hold Information Session

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — CASA Information Sessions for October 2018 Tuesday, November 27, noon – CASA office, 75 Higuera Street, Suite 180, San Luis Obispo Learn more about volunteer opportunities at CASA of SLO County by attending an Information Session – become an…

Governor Signs Jackson Bill to Help Residents Fireproof Their Homes

SACRAMENTO – Governor Jerry Brown today signed legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help homeowners pay for repairs that will make their homes more fire resilient. SB 465, the Wildfire Safety Finance Act, allows local governments to expand their Property…

Governor Signs Jackson’s Wildfire Prevention and Emergency Response Bills

SB 1260 helps reduce wildfire risk, SB 821 ensures residents are enrolled in emergency alerts, and SB 917 helps homeowners recover mudslides losses SACRAMENTO – Following years of catastrophic wildfires in California including the devastating Thomas Fire and subsequent Montecito debris…

Bilingual report: 3rd Annual Ventura County Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention Conference to be held Sept. 19 at Oxnard College

OXNARD — With suicide on the rise nationwide, how can we make a difference in our community? Keynote Speaker: Chris Hayes Retired NFL Player, Former Super Bowl Champion, Author and Motivational Mentor Workshops in English and Spanish: “Talk Saves Lives” training…

Hospice of Santa Barbara Recognizes Heroes of Hospice

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) hosted about 340 guests for the 6th Annual Heroes of Hospice “Jewels by the Sea” Luncheon on Wednesday, September 12 at the Four Seasons Biltmore, Coral Casino. Each year, HSB recognizes the…

Gold Coast Health Plan Teams Up with CSU Channel Islands to Train Nursing Students

A group of nurses will oversee student projects at the Medi-Cal Plan CAMARILLO – Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has announced its partnership with California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI) to train nursing students. Starting in the spring semester, five nurses from…

October — Museum of Ventura County Hosts Exhibit and Events for National Aids Awareness Month

VENTURA — In honor of National AIDS Awareness month, the Museum of Ventura County will host an exhibit, AIDS History and Queer Art, to raise awareness of both the disease’s history in Ventura County and the recent rise in new…

Oct. 3 — 30th Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara. Free Health Screenings, Activities, and Exhibits for Seniors and Caregivers

SANTA BARBARA — Seniors and caregivers looking for one central place to get information about products and services to stay healthy and active will find it all at the Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, Wednesday October 3, 2018 from 9 a.m. to…

Oct. 7 — 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Bright lights and cameras will be out in force at the 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars, a gala to raise funds for ACT Today!, the nation’s leading autism nonprofit organization providing help and support to children…

Oct. 16-17 — Healthcare Job & Education Fair

CENTRAL COAST — Meet our Nursing Leadership and Recruiting Team, learn about job opportunities with Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, and earn CE credits for your healthcare career. Sandwiches, salads and beverages will be served. Registration is recommended and admission is FREE.…

Through Oct. 24 — Food Forward Recovers Thousands Of Pounds Of Fresh Produce, Donates to Local Hunger Relief Organizations as part of Glean805

VENTURA COUNTY — Food Forward, a Regional Gleaning Organization Recovers Thousands Of Pounds Of Fresh Produce That Otherwise Would Go To Waste And In Turn, Donates This Abundance To Local Hunger Relief Organizations During Fall Campaign, Glean805: Harvest For The Hungry. Glean805…

Through Oct. 30 — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Volunteer Training

VENTURA COUNTY — Join Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association’s remarkable corps of volunteers–community heroes that give the gifts of time and compassion to patients and their families at the end of life. You will be provided with training to give you confidence…

Senator Jackson Bill to Help Montecito and other California Homeowners Recover Mudslide Losses Passes Senate, Heads to Governor

SACRAMENTO — Legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)  to help Montecito and other California homeowners whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by fire-induced mudslides, passed off the Senate floor today on a 27 to 12 vote and now heads to…

Update: Channel Island Harbor Water Quality

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard Channel Islands Response Team is monitoring the dissolved oxygen concentrations (and other parameters) at multiple locations along the Channel Islands Harbor on a weekly basis. Additionally, on August 6, the City deployed an automated remote…

VCCDC offers disaster recovery grants for Thomas Fire victims

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), a local non-profit community economic development organization, has created a disaster recovery assistance grant program for Ventura and Santa Barbara County residents who were affected by the Thomas Fire and/or Montecito Mudslides.…

Dr. Sheldon Jordan of TheraMind Gives Grand Rounds Presentation at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

SANTA BARBARA — Dr. Sheldon Jordan, MD, FAAN is widely recognized as a leader in brain imaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) targeting techniques to treat Major Depressive Disorder and other neurological and psychological…

Guest commentary: A Guide to Hispanic Healing Herbs

Editor’s Note: Recently we received a request by reader Isabel González to include a series of columns on Latino health. Isabel, age 13, who plans to be a doctor, even provided us with a link to a half-dozen Latino health websites. Thank you…

Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates National Health Center Week 2018 throughout Venetura County through Aug. 18

VENTURA COUNTY — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc.  celebrates National Health Center Week 2018 throughout Venetura County through Aug. 18. Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will host events throughout all 13 of its health centers, in honor of National Health Center…

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics celebrations National Health Center Week 2018 through Aug. 18

National Campaign Celebrates HealthCare Heroes SANTA BARBARA — As part of a national campaign, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) will be celebrating National Health Center Week 2018, from August 12th – 18th, with events to raise awareness about the mission…

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics receives coveted 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is proud to announce our fourth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Less than 15% of charities four consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics continues…

Federal Court orders national ban on brain-harming chlorpyrifos within 60 days

Decision confirms that California must also take action to protect communities now. Ventura County Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety (VC CAPS) is a local coalition in the CPR network. SACRAMENTO — Slamming the Trump administration’s repudiation of science, today the 9th Circuit Court of…

Bilingual commentary: The Alarming Rise of Suicide Rates

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local 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 •…

Center for Autism & Related Disorders Is The Presenting Sponsor At 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD) is the presenting sponsor of the 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars, a red-carpet evening to raise funds for ACT Today!, the nation’s leading autism nonprofit organization providing help…

CenCal Health’s Physicians’ Quality of Care Rates Among Highest of Nation’s Medicaid Plans

SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health rates in the top ten percent of Medicaid plans nationwide for 17 of 21 clinical quality of care measures. Of those, CenCal Health was in the top five percent for eight of the indicators. This…

Child Hope Services and Foster VC Kids invite community members to an inspirational and informative Foster Care Summit, Aug. 11

Community members are invited to attend the Foster Care Summit, designed to encourage and equip individuals who have a heart for foster care and adoption. VENTURA COUNTY — Child Hope Services and Foster VC Kids will host a Foster Care Summit, August…

September — Livingston’s Camarillo Hospice Grief Support Groups 

Livingston’s Camarillo Hospice Grief Support Groups  Camarillo Hospice, A Program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, is offering two separate group for bereaved parents: Bereaved Mother’s Support Group Second Thursday of every month 6:00 to 7:30 pm  Bereaved Father’s Support…

Sept. 4 — Trauma Informed Parenting Classes Series 1: Understanding How Trauma Impacts Relationships

SANTA MARIA — A four part education series on educating parents about the impact of trauma: Helping children develop healthy attachment styles Learning appropriate ways to manage behavioral challenges Creating resilience within child and community Where: Santa Maria Foursquare Church…

Sept. 12 — Hospice of Santa Barbara to Recognize Outstanding Community Organizations and Individuals at 6th Annual Heroes of Hospice Luncheon

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is pleased to honor special heroes in our community at its 6th annual Heroes of Hospice “Jewels by the Sea” luncheon on September 12. The event will be held at the Four Seasons…

Sept. 15 — San Luis Obispo and The American Heart Association Lace Up to Fund Research and Change Lives

The Heart Walk’s mission is to fund research to cure heart disease and stroke  SANTA BARBARA — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, is hosting the 2018…

Sept. 19 — Our County. Our Kids Hosts Children’s Group Therapy in Conjunction with CALM in Santa Maria

CALM group therapy 12 week series starting September 19 to address domestic violence issues for kids SANTA MARIA — To provide support for children who have been exposed to domestic violence, Our County. Our Kids, a program of Santa Barbara…

Sept. 22 — Bilingual report: Fall Prevention Awareness Day Provides Reminder for Parents & Caregivers

VENTURA COUNTY — The annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day (FPAD), September 22, raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. Ventura County Public Health’s Safe Kids Coalition would also like to raise the awareness of unnecessary falls among children.…

Sept. 29 — Alzheimer’s Association Partners With The Collection at RiverPark for Oxnard Walk to End Alzheimer’s

OXNARD — On Saturday, Sept. 29, the Ventura County community is invited to participate in the Oxnard Walk to End Alzheimer’s, an event benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. Over 14,000 people in Ventura…

Sept. 29 — Santa Barbara and The American Heart Association Lace Up to Fund Research and Change Lives

The Heart and Stroke Walk’s mission is to fund research to cure heart disease and stroke SANTA BARBARA — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, is…

Ventura Residents Rally in Camarillo on July 26 for Safe Alternatives to Brain-Harming Pesticide Chlorpyrifos. See related news here

Diverse coalition calls for county protections and statewide ban CAMARILLO — There’s a better way to grow food in Ventura County that doesn’t risk damaging the brains and health of local children. That’s the message brought by a diverse group…

Bilingual commentary: The Consequences of Diet

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local 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 •…

CSUCI Nursing Program receives award to expand participation in Los Angeles’ ‘Care Harbor’

CAMARILLO — When asked about her experience “Care Harbor,” a massive free clinic held annually in downtown Los Angeles, 2018 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing graduate Alysha Payne is at a loss for words. “It was absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “They have dentistry,…

Governor Signs Jackson Bill to Prevent Domestic Violence Homicides

SB 1331 expands law enforcement training in domestic abuse cases SACRAMENTO — Today Governor Brown signed legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to prevent domestic violence homicides by training law enforcement officers to identify domestic abuse victims whose lives are…

Honorees announced for Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation’s (VCMRF) 25th Annual Fainer/Tauber, MD Awards

VENTURA — Honorees have been announced for Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation’s (VCMRF) 25th Annual Fainer/Tauber, MD Awards. The 2018 honorees include: Physician, Beverly Valles Torres, MD; Nurse, Rashidah Khan, RN; Community Service Award, Michael Boyko; Oral Health Specialist, Catherine Chien,…

Senior Focused Technology Utilized by GranVida Voted Top Five Gerontechnology Product by Medtech Boston

CARPINTERIA — Society today is focusing on the quality of life among the fastest growing population—American seniors. According to the California Department of Aging, seniors will have an overall increase of 112 percent during the period from 1990 to 2020.…

RISE Launches LGBTQ+ Outreach Campaign

New grant funding increases LGBTQ+ outreach and services SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — RISE is proud to announce the launch of its latest public awareness campaign, bringing awareness of RISE services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in…

Camarillo Hospice announces new groups in August

CAMARILLO — Camarillo Hospice has announced new groups in August. Healing Grief through Meditation: Mondays August 6, 13, 20, and 27 12:00 to 1:15 pm Meditation can help reduce the pain that comes with grief and loss. This class will provide you with…

Through Aug. 20 — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Bereavement Class – Mindfulness in Grief

SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Bereavement Class – Mindfulness in Grief, A Meditation Group. Open to both new and experienced meditators. Group includes time for instruction in meditation and processing one’s grief. Presented by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, Santa Barbara. Eight…

Aug. 26 — Ventura County Reproductive Rights Network annual Write for Your Rights event

VENTURA — The Ventura County Reproductive Rights Network is hosting its signature Write For Your Rights event to bring together our community’s collective voice during a time when threats to reproductive rights are at an all time high. Attempts to block…

Jackson Advances Statewide Industry-Funded Drug & Sharps Take-Back Program

Safe disposal of unused prescription drugs and medical sharps will reduce misuse and addiction while protecting water supply SACRAMENTO – To address a growing problem of prescription drug abuse, the devastating opioid epidemic, accidental poisonings, and traces of pharmaceuticals found in…

Guest commentary: A Shoddy Façade of a Solution: The Recent Executive Order

WASHINGTON, D.C.—  Statement from Sindy Benavides, COO and Acting CEO of the League of United Latin America Citizens (LULAC): “People across the nation and beyond have heard our voices, forcing President Trump to reverse the injustice of his Administration’s own making:…