The spring season is replenished with flowers. Take this opportunity to learn from them. Flourish where you are planted, be full of life, bring happiness and beauty to others, and represent peace and comfort to those around you!

Join us in participating in Sonoma Valley's Earthquake Shakeout during Sonoma County's "Shakeout Awareness Week."

Would you like to know more about the Big Shaker?

Watch videos and pictures of this large simulator by visiting this website.

For more information, visit SVCHC's event website or the County's Website.

Businesses and organizations can take their groups by registering using this link.

Organizations interested in tabling can register here.

This is also a great opportunity to volunteer. If you wish to support this event, email us here.

WE NEED YOU AS A VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR SHAKEOUT EVENT

For more information, email or contact us at (707)939-6070 ext 198.

You may also register directly in Sign-up Genius here

April is Volunteer Month and, we want to express our appreciation to the many dedicated volunteers serving throughout America, especially those who have helped us throughout the years

"If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life."

Author Unknown

=April is Volunteer Month=

Numerous volunteers have helped us at food distributions, vaccine clinics, cooking classes, health and back-to-school fairs, pre-and post-event activities, and many other special events. Thank you all! We couldn't have done it without you!

The Benefits of Volunteering

Being a volunteer improves the lives of many and can provide many benefits:

• It's good for your mental health.
• It helps prevent isolation.
• It gives you a feeling of purpose.
• It's a chance to make new friends.
• It's a way to connect with loved ones.
• It increases your physical activity.
• It helps you learn new skills.

It's clear that giving back to others and making a positive impact is satisfying, and the rewards go both ways.

Are you getting the benefits of MyChart?

Learn how this great tool can make your health connection easier, more effective, and more enjoyable!

Have you seen the SVCHC's banners decorating our beautiful Sonoma Plaza?

We envision being recognized as an organization that cares about the community and is actively involved in projects that empower it. We are currently working on two major projects: health access for the underserved and emergency preparedness. SVCHC's banners are decorating the beautiful Sonoma Plaza as a reminder that we are always here for you no matter the season.

Look up whenever you are there and tag us with the pics. (Use the QRC below) and invite others to do the same!

SVCHC continues hosting Covered Sonoma events in the community regarding health coverage and Medi-Cal. For future events, scan the QR Code in the flyer below or visit our website.

COVERAGE for COVERED CA & MEDI-CAL

Covered CA: 1 - 800 - 300-1506

Special enrollment is from February through October 2024, allowing enrollment only under qualified life events.

To learn more, click the following link: Covered California.

Medi-Cal: 1-877-699-6868

1. Continues moving forward with renewals/redeterminations after the end of Public Health Emergency (March 2023). 
2.  Beneficiaries who are over income ( and * whose immigration status qualifies) will be transferred to Covered CA. As of February 12th, individuals have 90 days from the notification letter to choose a plan and make a binding payment.

 Medi-Cal Expansions as of January 1st:

1. Full coverage expanded to individuals 26 – 49 years old. This means that any individual, regardless of age and immigration status, may now qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal based on their household income.
2. For Seniors 65 and older: Assets limits have increased - the new law means there will be no asset limits starting in 2024. Applications will not ask for asset information, and Medi-Cal will consider income information, but not assets.

To learn more, click the following link: Medi-Cal

We are hiring!

You can be our next great addition! Check out the following positions!

Not looking for a job right now?

Share it with those who might be interested.

The final day to file your federal income tax return is April 15, 2024, and the day to pay your taxes is April 18th.

April is dedicated to fostering understanding, acceptance, and support for the autism community. This period serves as a critical platform for educating the public about autism spectrum disorders and advocating for the rights and opportunities of those affected. It’s a call to action for people to be more inclusive and supportive, creating a world where everyone can thrive regardless of their place on the spectrum.

The Autism Society of America defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as “A complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.”

The autism spectrum includes a range of conditions affecting social skills, behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Common disorders found within the autism spectrum include:

• Autistic Disorder
• Rett syndrome
• Childhood disintegrative disorder (also known as Heller’s syndrome)

Signs and symptoms are usually noticeable in early childhood and emerge between 24 and 36 months of age. One of the most important autism tools for parents involves learning the early signs of autism in children and infants. You must be familiar with the typical developmental milestones your child should be reaching as well. 

Some of the most common signs of ASD in children are:

• ​​Not responding to their name 
• Avoiding eye contact
• Getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell, or sound
• Repetitive movements and phrases
• One-sided conversations without needing a response

Other examples can include:

• Avoids or does not keep eye contact
• Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
• Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
• Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
• Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)
• Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age (for example, shows you an object that they like)
• Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
• Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
• Does not notice other children and join them in play by 36 months of age
• Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months of age
• Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months of age

Of course, ASD is unique in every person, and no two autistic people will be the same. 

Children with ASD also tend to excel at particular things and have above-average intelligence. Some things that they might excel at include music, academics, and visual skills. Roughly 40% of those diagnosed with autism have above-average intellectual abilities. 

Inclusion and acceptance of autistic people are just as important as increasing understanding and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Source

For more information, visit the CDC Website.

Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being and minimize the exacerbation of health-related issues.

Stress can cause the following:

• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration.
• Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests.
• Trouble concentrating and making decisions.
• Nightmares or problems sleeping.
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, or skin rashes.
• Worsening of chronic health problems and mental health conditions.
• Increased use of alcohol, illegal drugs (like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine), and misuse of prescription drugs (like opioids).

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

• Take breaks from news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but constant information about negative events can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, TV, and computer screens for a while.

• Take care of your body: Staying physically healthy can improve your emotional well-being. Here are some ways to improve your health:

• Eat healthy. Have fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat or no-fat dairy. Limit foods with unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugars. See Healthy Eating Tips.
• Get enough sleep. To help you sleep better, go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Adults need 7 or more hours per night.
• Move more and sit less. Every little bit of physical activity helps. Start small and build up to 2 ½ hours a week. You can break it into smaller amounts, such as 20 to 30 minutes a day.

• Limit alcohol intake. Choose not to drink or drink in moderation. For men, this means having 2 drinks or less a day or 1 drink or less for women. Find out more at Drink Less, Be Your Best.
• Avoid using illegal drugs or prescription drugs in ways other than prescribed. Don’t take someone else’s prescription. Substance use treatment is available, and recovery starts with asking for help.
• Avoid smoking, vaping, and the use of other tobacco products. People can and do quit smoking for good.
• Continue with regular health appointments, tests, screenings, and vaccinations.
•  Make time to unwind. 
• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
• Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. 
• Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Connect with your community-based or faith-based organizations.

For more information, check the CDC website.

You may also navigate the following links:

• How Right Now — Finding What Helps
• Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
• Suicide Prevention
• I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet (NIMH)
• Mindfulness Coach – PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)

For Families and Children

• Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
• Adolescent Mental Health
• Tools for Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Children and Youth

LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU

• To learn more about SVCHC's Behavioral Health Department, visit our website.
• Resources for the LGBTQ community go to this link.
• Buckelew monthly resource packet and events.
• NAMI SONOMA support services.
• Hanna Center Community Mental Health Hub.
• For local resources, visit the county services.
• Resources for parents and children click here.
• "Suicide is Preventable." website.

Signs of testicular cancer:

• Any enlargement of a testicle
• A significant loss of size in one of the testicles
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen, back, or in the groin
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

Risks Factors

• Age: Young men between the ages of 15-35 are at the highest risk for testicular cancer. However, it can occur in men of any age.
• Race: Testicular cancer is 4.5 times more common in white men versus black men. The risk for Hispanics, American Indians, and Asians falls between that of white and black men.
• Non-Descending Testicle (Cryptochidism): Normally, after birth, the testicles descend from inside the abdomen down into the scrotum. In some men, one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. Men with a history of a non-descending testicle are 3 to 17 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than men whose testicles descended normally. Surgery to correct the non-descended testicle (orchiopexy) may not reduce the risk of testicular cancer but may allow for better observation of the testicle for abnormalities.
• Gonadal Dysgenesis: The abnormal development of a gonad (testicle), which is usually part of a genetic syndrome, increases the risk of testicular cancer.
• Klinefelter Syndrome: A genetic syndrome where males are born with an extra X chromosome increases the risk of testicular cancer.
• Personal or family history of testicular cancer: Having a father, brother, or uncle with testicular cancer may slightly increase one’s risk of developing testicular cancer.
• Weaker evidence suggests that infertility, testicular atrophy, twinship, or abnormal semen parameters may increase one’s risk for testicular cancer.
• Carcinoma in situ (CIS) also called intratubular germ cell neoplasia:The presence of carcinoma in situ in the testicle increases the risk for testicular cancer.

Statistics:

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men 15-35 years old.

Because testicular cancer usually can be treated successfully, a man’s lifetime risk of dying from this cancer is VERY LOW: about 1 in 5,000

Unfortunately, half of all men diagnosed with testicular cancer do not seek medical attention until after the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Testicular cancer accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers in men.

For more information, visit here.

April 11th is National Pet Day!

National Pet Day dedicates the day to those pets who may not always get the companionship and attention pets deserve. While loving our pets is something we do every day, the observance encourages helping out orphaned pet companions. It will improve their health and enhance their opportunities for adoption.

National Pet Day is an excellent time to do a few checks for your pets.

• Go through your forever family member's toys. Throw away any items that are no longer safe.
• Maintain your pet-friendly home. Keep cords and toxins secure from your four-legged friends. This includes phone chargers.
• Verify when vaccinations are due and schedule an appointment to update if they are due.
• Check collars to ensure tags are secure and numbers are current. We sometimes forget to update this information when we move or change numbers.

Benefits:



According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pets can contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.

In addition, pets contribute to:

• Better sense of purpose
• More social connection
• Help increase productivity wherever you work
• Pets help manage anxiety
• Pets can help you be more active
• Pets provide a sense of togetherness and fulfillment
• Playing with a pet elevates levels of serotonin
• They provide companionship
• They make you feel safe
• Pets help decrease blood pressure in stressful situations

How to observe National Pets Day:

• Take supplies to those pets in shelters.
• Help a friend with pets who is recovering from an illness. 
• Adopt a pet.
• Give your pets extra love with a bath and rub down.
• Use #NationalPetDay on social media.

Source

• For questions regarding renewing Medi-Cal or questions about Covered California, please get in touch with the SVCHC Eligibility Team at (707)939-6070 or by email: eligibility@svchc.org

• Appointments for the W.I.C. Office must be made via phone before visits. Please call 707-565-6590. New location: 19080 Lomita Ave. Sonoma, CA.

• REFB Food Distribution is at SVCHC every 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. Distribution hours are from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. or until supply lasts. 



• Interest lists are open for the following affordable housing complexes:
• MAHONIA GLEN - SANTA ROSA
• 414PETALUMA
• CASA DE ROSAS - SANTA ROSA
• LAUREL AT PERENNIAL PARK

• Click here to check the flyer for Rental/Financial Assistance for Santa Rosa residents.

For more community resources, visit our website.

If you need a W5 scan card, please call (707) 939-6070 ext 212 or send an email at community@svchc.org

Families with Cal Fresh, Medi-Cal, or children who receive school lunches may qualify for SUN Bucks (Summer EBT).

Families with Cal Fresh, Medi-Cal, or children who receive school lunches may qualify for SUN Bucks (Summer EBT).

"Just1Mike" is hosting Free Heart Screenings!

To register for a free screening, click here

Thank you for investing in the health of the Sonoma Valley community.

Sonoma Valley Community Health Center has been on the front lines, providing care to our community since 1992. Low-wage jobs, minimal health benefits, and high living cost mean too many of our neighbors lack access to affordable health care. SVCHC spends approximately $1 million each year on providing care to our under or uninsured patients. Thanks to generous, community-minded people like you, we can ensure that all of our neighbors have access to quality care.

Thank you for your support!

You may also support SVCHC whenever you shop at Walmart.com or through the mobile app. Donate Spare change by rounding up your orders to the nearest dollar at check out.

Check our link here.

OUR MISSION: To provide accessible quality health care to those who need it, especially the underserved.

OUR VISION: To be recognized as a leader in providing patient and community-centered care in collaboration with other organizations.

707-939-6070 * www.svchc.org * community@svchc.org

//Let's stay connected//