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Dear Community Members,
Scroll down to view highlights and important news from our agency, including tips to help you plan for the next emergency; details on Medicare's open enrollment period; free resources available to community members who are struggling or in crisis; upcoming community events; and more!
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Wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters often occur without warning. Having a plan and emergency supply kits handy will help provide peace of mind and allow you to better handle any emergency you’re faced with.
If you’re away from your family members when disaster strikes, it’s important to know how to reach each other and where to meet if you can’t get home. Visit Ready.VenturaCounty.gov now to get started on your family’s emergency plan.
A basic emergency supply kit should include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Wet wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal hygiene)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Local maps
View additional items you may wish to include in your kit. Consider keeping an extra supply kit in your car and at work in case you’re stranded.
| | Meet HSA Disaster Response & Recovery Administrator Jeffrey Garcia. In this video, Jeffrey shares what led him to a career in emergency management and his advice to community members when preparing for emergencies. | | |
Every year during Latino Heritage Month, our nation honors the histories, cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans and celebrates heritage rooted in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Right here in Ventura County, Latino culture and influence are felt far and wide, from music and food to art and architecture. This month and always, we proudly celebrate the generations of Latinos who have contributed to the vibrance, strength and diversity of our community.
| | Our offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. You can visit BenefitsCal.com to manage and apply for benefits online. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, Sept. 8. | |
WIC: Women, Infants & Children
California's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) continues to enroll and support participants. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have children under the age of 5, call (805) 981-5251 or visit the Ventura County Public Health website to see if you’re eligible for WIC benefits.
If you’re already enrolled in WIC, keep using your benefits and attending your appointments. WIC appointments can be completed by phone or in person at a WIC location.
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The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7) is your opportunity to review your current health and prescription drug coverage to ensure it continues to meet your needs for 2027. Since plan costs, benefits, provider networks, and covered medications may change each year, be sure to carefully review the materials you receive from Medicare and your health or prescription drug plan.
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging's Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) will begin scheduling free, one-on-one Medicare counseling appointments during the third week of September. Information on how to schedule an in-person, phone or virtual appointment with a HICAP counselor will be posted on our website.
If you have Medicare questions before the Open Enrollment Period, please contact HICAP at HICAP@VenturaCounty.gov or 805-477-7300.
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Are You in Need of Housing Support?
Our Homeless Services Program offers individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness information and referrals to available resources in the county. The program also offers rental assistance to community members who meet certain eligibility criteria.
Call 805-385-1800 or visit our website for details.
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The City of Ventura is hosting an open house and resource fair on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 4-5 p.m., ahead of the State of the City Address. The event will feature:
- Interactive booths showcasing various City departments and community partners that offer helpful resources and services
- Live performances from local students and cultural groups
- A K9 and Mounted Unit meet and greet with the Ventura Police Department
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A Touch-a-Truck experience with vehicles from Ventura Police, Fire, Water, Public Works, and more
For additional information, visit CityOfVentura.ca.gov/SOTC.
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Celebrated every September, National Voter Registration Day involves dedicated individuals and organizations all over the country helping to get Americans registered to vote in time for the next election.
Visit the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder website to:
- Check your current registration status.
- Register to vote in Ventura County.
- Make changes to your voter registration.
- View upcoming elections.
- And more!
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September is World Alzheimer’s Month
World Alzheimer's Month is a time to deepen understanding, encourage early conversations, and remind individuals and families that they do not have to navigate Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia on their own.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's, and that number continues to grow. HSA's Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) is here to help. We provide information, assistance, and referrals to community resources, in addition to a wide range of services and support for family caregivers.
For more information, call 805-477-7300 or visit VCAAA.VenturaCounty.gov.
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No Longer Eligible for Medi-Cal? Contact Covered California
If you’ve recently lost your Medi-Cal eligibility, you may be able to sign up for a Covered California plan now, without waiting for open enrollment. Many people who lose Medi-Cal qualify for low-cost or even $0/month coverage through Covered California.
Visit CoveredCA.com or call 1-800-300-1506 for more information.
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