CalOptima Health is participating in the Department of Health Care Services’ Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP). On January 3, CalOptima Health released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) offering $36.5 million in grants to community based organizations (CBO) to support the delivery and coordination of health and housing services for Medi-Cal members who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness. The funding areas include the following three priority areas: 1) infrastructure to coordinate and meet member housing needs; 2) partnerships and capacity to support referrals for services; and 3) delivery of services and member engagement. The online portal to submit applications will open January 23, and all applications are due by January 31. 

Community-based organizations that are interested in learning more about the application process are invited to register for our webinar on Wednesday, January 11, at 1 p.m.

In line with CalOptima Health’s mission to serve our members’ health needs and the purpose of HHIP, this NOFO aims to connect people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing and bring online new permanent housing units. There is also a dedicated pool of funding for organizations with small operational budgets (less than $5 million) serving equity populations. 

For questions, contact CalOptima Health Program Manager Jasmine Awadallah at jasmine.awadallah@caloptima.org or 657-900-1459. 

CalOptima Health Chief Medical Officer Richard Pitts, D.O., Ph.D., was interviewed by KFI News about the agency’s $50.1 million Comprehensive Community Cancer Screening and Support Program for Medi-Cal Members. The program, which Dr. Pitts has referred to as “our Orange County cancer moonshot” aims to improve access to cancer screenings and make the process more comfortable. “Everybody benefits — the patients, society, the cost goes down,” Dr. Pitts told KFI reporter Corbin Carson. “With rare exceptions, no one should die from breast, colon, cervical or lung cancer in certain types of smokers. Get screened.” Listen to Dr. Pitts’ radio segment.

The Orange County Health Care Agency makes it easy for individuals to get a COVID-19 vaccine. There are several ways to find an appointment.

Vaccinations are also available for anyone who is homebound, and transportation services are available for those who need a ride to a vaccination site. If you need help scheduling a vaccination appointment, call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at 714-834-2000.

Community members are encouraged to join the Priority Center School Readiness for an online series on Positive Parenting. The series is throughout the month of January and will be held virtually via Zoom. The series will be available in English and Spanish. 

CalOptima Health 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.