November 12, 2020
OC Health Care Agency Launches Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Campaigns
The Orange County Health Care Agency (OC HCA) launched three mental health awareness and suicide prevention campaigns to encourage Orange County residents impacted by COVID-19 stress. The first is aimed at reducing the stigma in support of wellness and recovery and the other two are focused on suicide prevention.  

The campaigns are focused on helping Orange County residents cope with the stresses and disruptions they face because of COVID-19. The campaign empowers people to take the next step in managing their own mental health care.

For more information visit:


For more information about mental health and suicide prevention resources, visit OC Health Care Agency’s Behavioral Health Services. 
Addressing the Needs of Orange County
Veterans and Military Population
On November 11, Veterans Day, we honored our heroes — the men and women who answered the call to military service. We remember their achievements, their courage and their dedication and say thank you for their sacrifices. But getting help isn’t always easy for veterans and their families. Approximately 50% of returning service members that need treatment for mental health conditions seek it, but only half of them receive adequate care. Lack of access to mental health services is the root cause of the mental health crisis in America. Too often, veterans fly under the radar and we miss the opportunity to connect with them, inform treatment planning decisions and help them access care and benefits.
 
The Orange County Veterans & Military Family Collaborative (OCVMFC) in partnership with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) and 211OC request 3 minutes of your time to complete the following short survey to better understand how our community is addressing the needs of the Orange County veterans and military population, including families and children. If you have any questions, please contact Mitzi Huff at mhuff@cgcinc.org.
 
By completing the survey, it will help the initiative give our veterans and their families the care they need and deserve. Please submit your survey no later than December 31, 2020. Thank you. Click here to access the survey.

COVID-19 Vaccine Survey
The Orange County Health Care Agency (OC HCA) is asking for your input toward a COVID-19 vaccination. The information provided will help OC HCA in planning for the distribution of the vaccine when it becomes available. Click here to access the survey. All responses are anonymous and confidential. The survey is available in eight languages.
Orange County Community Indicators Report
The 2020-21 Orange County Community Indicators report covers the broad impacts of COVID-19 and looks to a future with more tele-work, tele-health and less office space. The report also includes a core set of indicators on a range of topics that track where the county is performing well and making progress, as well as where improvement is needed. Click here to download the report. 
Upcoming Webinars in the Community
CalOptima Community Alliances Forum
COVID-19 Impact, Recovery and Resilience
CalOptima Regulatory Alerts
Due to the rapidly changing situation surrounding COVID-19, CalOptima is posting a roundup of federal/state rules, guidance and news related to COVID-19. It will be updated frequently.
 
Below are the recent COVID-19 Regulatory Highlights:

  • CDPH News Release: State Officials Announce Latest COVID-19 Facts (posted 11/4/20 through 10/30/20)
  • CDPH HCF Conference Call Notification — Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 11/3/20 through 10/30/20)
  • CDPH News Release: State Officials Announce Latest COVID-19 Facts (posted 10/30/20)
  • CMS COVID-19 — Vaccine Toolkits and Interim Final Rule — 30-Day Comment Period [Due 11/18/20] (posted 10/29/20)
  • CMS COVID-19 Vaccine and Significant Cost Determination (posted 10/29/20)
  • CDPH LHD Conference Call Notification — Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 10/29/20)

Providers and other health care professionals with questions can contact the Provider Relations department by phone at 714-246-8600 or email at providerservices@caloptima.org.
County of Orange Social Services Agency Announces Approval of Hot Food Waiver for CalFresh Clients
As of November 4, 2020, and through November 22, 2020, current CalFresh households are approved to purchase hot, prepared foods using their California Golden State electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card.

CalFresh recipients wishing to purchase hot, prepared foods with their EBT cards should click here for a list of authorized EBT retailers in their area.

For more information, or to check EBT balance, please visit the CalFresh Benefits Helpline at 877-847-3663 (FOOD).
2020 General Election Results in Orange County
Visit the OC Registrar of Voters website for the latest election results in Orange County.  
South Coast Air Quality Management District App
The South Coast Air Quality Management District app features interactive maps of the South Coast Air Basin (which includes all of Orange County) and shows current and forecasted air quality conditions. The app allows users to get alerts when air quality changes or for health alerts due to events such as smoke from wildfires. Click here to download the app. 
How to Contact CalOptima During the COVID-19 Pandemic
CalOptima Customer Service remains ready to respond to member needs. 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.

  • Medi-Cal toll-free: 1-888-587-8088
  • OneCare Connect toll-free: 1-855-705-8823
  • OneCare toll-free: 1-877-412-2734
  • TTY 711
  • PACE: 1-714-468-1100; toll-free: 1-855-785-2584
  • PACE TTY: 1-714-468-1063

Our buildings are closed to members but we are continuing to serve our members through our Customer Service phone lines, as we adhere to guidelines to reduce the possibility of transmission.

CalOptima
505 City Parkway West
Orange, CA 92868
 
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
13300 Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92843
 
County Community Service Center
Limited community partners are providing services on-site. CalOptima services are being provided remotely to ensure the safety of our members and employees.
15496 Magnolia Street, Suite 111
Westminster, CA 92610

For CalOptima specific updates on COVID-19, please visit our home page at www.caloptima.org.

National information can be found on the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.coronavirus.gov and local information can be found at the Orange County Health Care Agency (OC HCA) website at www.occovid19.ochealthinfo.com.
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