CalOptima is collaborating with the County of Orange Social Services Agency to host two virtual information sessions on the CalFresh program. Both virtual sessions will cover the same information. This training is open to community stakeholders.

The first information session will take place today, Wednesday, October 27 from 3–4 p.m. and the second information session will take place on Thursday, October 28 from 9–10 a.m.

Click here to access the event flyer.

On October 20, the California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary and the California Department of Public Health Director issued a joint statement to announce the indoor mask mandate for students and staff will remain in place beyond November 1. The state will continue to monitor conditions through the winter.

This back-to-school season has been an exciting time for students, as many are returning to in-person learning for the first time in over a year. While families rush to get everything checked off their Back-to-School to-do lists, it’s possible that one important item may have been missed — an eye examination. Making sure a child can see clearly and effortlessly is a critical component in setting up a child up for success in the classroom.

Click here to continue reading about the importance of vision screenings.

Join Family Voices of California for their 19th Annual Health Summit. The virtual event will be divided into two days — November 3 and 4 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Click here for the event flyer. Click here to register.

Join the Orange County Aging Services Collaborative Policy Committee to learn about the California Master Plan for Aging on November 5 from 8–11 a.m. Hear about what is happening at the state and local level and voice any concerns regarding aging issues. The event will be virtual, but will also have very limited in-person attendance. Click here to RSVP.

On behalf of the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC), the Office of Care Coordination is facilitating the Youth Action Board (YAB) recruitment and selection process. The YAB is an advisory board comprised of Transitional Aged Youth (TAY), ages 18-24, who have experienced unstable housing and/or homelessness in their lifetime. This advisory board will inform the CoC board about the unique experiences and barriers that TAY undergo and their experiences in navigating the homeless service system. The YAB will work in collaboration with the Lived Experience Advisory Committee to inform the CoC Board with recommendations towards the CoC's programs and services, policies and procedures, and overall system functionality.

The Office of Care will accept applications through October 31,2021. All applications must be emailed to CareCoordination@ochca.com.

Although the rates of unexplained sudden death in infants [sometimes called sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or sudden unexplained/unexpected infant death (SUID)] have decreased over the past couple decades, about 3,500 sleep-related deaths still occur each year in the U.S. Recent research shows that unsafe bedding, such as loose blankets in the sleep area, remains a leading factor associated with infant death.

Although the exact causes of SIDS are often unknown, the risk can be reduced by creating a safe sleep environment. Other recommendations to reduce the risk are:

Click here to watch the CDC Safe Sleep video.

On November 18, from 2:30–5 p.m. CalOptima and other public agencies and community-based organizations, such as the Orange County Health Care Agency, the Orange County Department of Education and the American Cancer Society, will host Escape the Vape! at the Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center in Anaheim.

The event was developed to educate children, teens and families about the harmful effects of smoking and vaping, and will feature various peer-to-peer education activities, including:

Students can enter an essay contest (middle and high school) and a coloring contest (elementary school) leading up to Escape the Vape! All contest submissions are due by Friday, November 5, and winners will be presented an award at the event.

For more information, including event registration and contest entry, go to:

CalOptima Customer Service remains ready to respond to member needs, as we adhere to guidelines to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 transmission. Our building is closed to visitors. Members can call Customer Service from the safety of their home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have staff who speak their language. Members can also visit www.caloptima.org and access their member portal.