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CalOptima Health News
CalOptima Health Creates First Stipend Program for CSUF MSW Students
CBOs Recognized for Efforts to Address Homelessness
Implementation of State Audit Recommendations Announced
Medi-Cal Renewal Text Message Campaign Underway
$25.5 Million to Enhance Behavioral Health in OC's K-12 Schools
CalOptima Health Recognized at HCCSC Finest Awards
Medi-Cal Renewal and CalFresh Enrollment Event
CalOptima Health Baby Shower
Community News
CalFresh Awareness Month Event
BenefitsCal Webinar
Report on Aging in Orange County 2023
Mental Health Webinar
Oral Health Through Pregnancy and Toddler Years
Disabled Person Parking Placard Renewal
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In recognition of Mental Health Matters Month in May, CalOptima Health joins local organizations, providers and advocates to raise awareness about mental health, break the stigma around it and provide support to people living with mental illness. “We all face problems in life that can impact our mental health,” said CalOptima Health Executive Director, Behavioral Health Integration Carmen Katsarov, LPCC, CCM, in a video posted to the agency’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. “An important first step is to be aware when you or someone you know needs mental health support.
Community members get help by calling CalOptima Health’s Behavioral Health line at 1-855-877-3885 (TTY 711) or visiting caloptima.org. They can also contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness Orange County’s (NAMI OC) free, 24/7 OC WarmLine phone number at 1-714-991-6412.
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CalOptima Health Creates First Stipend Program for CSUF MSW Students | |
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CalOptima Health hosted a press conference on March 16 to announce a $5 million investment to support Master of Social Work (MSW) students at CSUF. From left: Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, who represents the Second District and is a CalOptima Health Board member; Supervisor Doug Chaffee, who represents the Fourth District and is a CalOptima Health Board member; Framroze Virjee, President, California State University Fullerton (CSUF); Dr. Mikyong Kim-Goh, Professor and Department Chair, CSUF Department of Social Work; Michael Hunn, CEO, CalOptima Health
To bolster the public health care workforce, the CalOptima Health Board of Directors approved a $5 million investment over five years to support Master of Social Work (MSW) students at California State University Fullerton (CSUF) beginning in the fall of 2023. The program aims to address the shortage of social workers in Orange County. As part of the CalOptima Health Stipend Program, eligible students will receive a $20,000 stipend for each year of the two-year program. Upon graduation, they will commit to two years of full-time paid service in public health care settings or CalOptima Health contracted agencies in Orange County.
“Our goal is to address the shortage of social workers in Orange County,” said Michael Hunn, CalOptima Health’s Chief Executive Officer at a press conference on March 16 to announce the program. “And we hope that the stipend will inspire students to enroll in the Masters of Social Work program at Cal State Fullerton.”
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CBOs Recognized for Efforts to Address Homelessness |  | |
From left: Board members Clayton Chau, M.D., Ph.D., Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Isabel Becerra and Supervisor Doug Chaffee; Chief Executive Officer Michael Hunn; the Salvation Army Orange County Director of Operations Benjamin Hurst, Board Chair Clayton Corwin; Board Vice Chair Blair Contratto; Board member Jose Mayorga, M.D. and CalOptima Director of CalAIM Danielle Cameron.
At the May 4 CalOptima Health Board of Directors meeting, the agency recognized six of the 29 community-based organizations (CBOs) that received grant funding to address homelessness in Orange County. Leaders from American Family Housing, Korean Community Services (KCS) Health Center, Friendship Shelter, Thomas House Family Shelter, the Salvation Army Orange County and WISEPlace were presented with large checks as a symbol of our commitment to their work and partnership. Earlier this year, CalOptima Health awarded the 29 CBOs $30 million in community grants through the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Housing and Homeless Incentive Program (HHIP). See the full list of grantees.
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Implementation of State Audit Recommendations Announced | |
On May 2, CalOptima Health announced the implementation of recommendations made by the California State Auditor in a recently released report covering January 2014–June 2022. Over the past year and a half, CalOptima Health has undertaken a broad effort to strengthen its core mission and launch several groundbreaking initiatives that advance care for members. The findings and recommendations outlined in the report will support our efforts to do even more. “We were pleased to learn that there were very few findings in the Auditor’s report. Actions are already underway to implement the recommendations,” said CalOptima Health CEO Michael Hunn.
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Medi-Cal Renewal Text Message Campaign Underway | |
CalOptima Health has started sending text messages to members in their preferred language about Medi-Cal renewals. The text messages remind members about their upcoming eligibility renewal and inform them to watch for a yellow envelope in the mail with important renewal forms and information. Messages will be sent to members prior to their renewal month and throughout the unwinding period. Members may also receive text messages and emails from DHCS about renewals.
Share up-to-date messages about the renewal process from CalOptima Health’s Medi-Cal renewal communications toolkit for community use. The toolkit includes information and resources about the renewal process you can share with members and community stakeholders through your communication channels and social media pages.
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CalOptima Health Invests $25.5 Million to Enhance Behavioral Health in OC's K-12 Schools | | |
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CalOptima Health’s Board of Directors approved up to $25.5 million in funding for all 29 Orange County School districts to increase access to behavioral health care for K–12 students. This funding is available through a statewide initiative called the Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP). “Our children are facing unprecedented levels of stressors, and the need for timely and effective mental health support has never been greater,” said Carmen Katsarov, LPCC, CCM, CalOptima Health’s Executive Director of Behavioral Health Integration. “The time to act is now, so we can ensure the health and well-being of our community’s children.”
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CalOptima Health's Communications Department Honored | | |
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CalOptima Health recently received four Finest Awards from the Health Care Communicators of Southern California (HCCSC). These annual awards recognize excellence in marketing and communication in health care. CalOptima Health's Communications department won awards for:
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2023 Report to the Community (Category: Publications, Collateral and Design — Special Publications)
- CalOptima Health’s Logo Design (Category: Publications, Collateral and Design — Logo Creation/Brand identity)
- OneCare “One Solution, Zero Hassles” campaign (Category: Advertising — Ad Campaign)
- CalFresh campaign (Category: Public Relations Campaigns — Overall Campaign)
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Promote Medi-Cal Renewal and CalFresh Enrollment Event | | |
CalOptima Health Hosts Baby Shower for Members | | |
CalFresh Awareness Month Event at Northgate Market |  | |
Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District, Northgate Market and County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) have teamed up to bring a CalFresh Awareness Month event to La Habra.
On Wednesday, May 24, 4:30–7 p.m. residents can learn about and apply for CalFresh, which provides money for groceries, and other public assistance benefits programs. Chef Pablo will be at the event to demonstrate how to make a dish that CalFresh recipients can make at home.
Attendees can visit SSA’s eligibility staff at the Mobile Response Vehicle to apply for benefits or check on their existing cases. The CalFresh Healthy Living team from OC Health Care Agency will lead a docent-style tour of the Northgate Market at 1305 W. Whittier Blvd. where attendees can sample food while learning how to live a healthy, active and nourished lifestyle. OC Waste & Recycling will also share tips on reducing food waste. A mariachi band will play and children can enjoy First 5’s educational activities.
The Office of Supervisor Chaffee, Northgate Market and SSA appreciate the partnership with the community in spreading awareness of this vital support. To help us promote this event, you can find flyers in multiple languages by clicking here.
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BenefitsCal Webinar Offers Training on the New Portal | |
Last month, Orange County officially launched a new benefits enrollment portal called BenefitsCal. The new website replaces the former portal, MyBenefitsCalWIN, as a new simple way for our residents to apply for, view and renew benefits for health coverage, food and cash assistance. The State will be hosting a training on the new portal for community-based organizations on Thursday, May 25 from 9–11 a.m.
Additional resources to help navigate the portal include a reference guide and YouTube videos.
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Report on Aging in Orange County 2023 | The Report on Aging in Orange County 2023 is now available online. The report maps the system of senior support and data available in six key areas: digital divide, food insecurity, social isolation and loneliness, transportation, housing insecurity, and disabilities. | | |
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Orange County Department of Education is hosting a virtual webinar titled “How School Counselors can Mitigate Anxiety in Youth” on Tuesday, May 30 at 3 p.m. The webinar is geared toward school counselors, school-based mental health providers and other educators who support student mental health.
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Oral Health Through Pregnancy and Toddler Years | Smile, California has a new brochure that focuses on Healthy Smiles from Pregnancy Through the Toddler Years. The brochure is designed to inform pregnant women and new moms about the importance of oral health for both them and their infants. For more materials about dental care and coverage during and after pregnancy, click here to view the Medi-Cal Dental Program's Pregnancy Materials page. | |  |
Disabled Person Parking Placard Renewal | Permanent disabled person parking placards will not auto-renew this year for those who have had one for 6+ years. This year, the DMV will mail renewal letters and individuals are required to inform the DMV the placard is still needed. There is no charge to renew the Disabled Person Parking Placard. For more information, click here. | | |
CalOptima Health, A Public Agency www.caloptima.org
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