Join us for a FREE, FUN, and INTERACTIVE cooking class.

We continue partnering with Vintage House to host a monthly fun and interactive cooking class led by our Registered Dietitian, Joyce Giammattei. (upcoming class, December 7th). We'll take a break in November so you can enjoy Thanksgiving with your families.

Check out the promo video below and share it with your friends and family! For more information or to register, call Vintage House at 707-996-0311!

SVCHC will be hosting pop-up vaccine clinics in the Valley offering the Flu and the new Covid-19 booster. See below for more details

SVCHC'S patient transportation van has a new look!

Now, it will be easier to spot us on the road.

The cold weather is coming, and we offer transportation for those without access to a vehicle or who are unable to safely drive themselves. This service is offered Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please call 707.939.6070 ext.128 for more information.

Allied Health Services provides this service in collaboration with Sonoma Valley Community Health Center.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER

• About 1 in 8 U.S. women and 1 in 833 U.S. men will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lives.
• In 2023, an estimated 300,590 cases (297,790 women and 2,800 men) of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the US.
• An estimated 43,780 people will lose their lives to metastatic breast cancer in 2023.
• As of January 2022, there were over 4 million women living with a history of breast cancer in the US.
• About 9 percent of all new breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women 45 and under.
• Though Black women have a lower incidence of breast cancer than white women, Black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer. 

MYTHS ABOUT BREAST CANCER

Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer

Here’s The Truth:

Injuries to the breast do not cause cancer.

Occasionally, a breast cancer diagnosis may follow an injury simply because the injury drew attention to a lump that had formed previously. However, the injury did not cause the cancer—the cancer was already there.

Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts

Here’s The Truth:

There is no connection between breast size and cancer risk. Obesity and breast density, on the other hand, can both increase the risk of breast cancer.

Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women

Here’s The Truth

A breast cancer diagnosis can happen at any age or at any time.

About 9 percent of new breast cancer cases in the United States are found in women under age 45, and these cases are more likely to be found at a later stage, according to the CDC.

Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer

Here’s The Truth

Studies on mobile phone signals have shown no link between phone use and cancer.

Myth: All breast cancers are the same

Here’s The Truth

There are many different types of breast cancer—which are determined by the specific cells in the breast that become cancer—and each type has different features and considerations.

Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer

Here’s The Truth

Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. But if you discover a persistent lump in your breast that is new or notice any changes in breast tissue, it should never be ignored.

Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer

Here’s The Truth

No matter what the type, bras do not cause cancer. There is no evidence to support the myth that lymph fluid is restricted when wearing an underwire bra. Likewise, no evidence supports the idea that going braless reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only

Here’s The Truth

It is estimated that approximately 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 530 will die.

Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it

Here’s The Truth

A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer, nor does it spread it. Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.

Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too

Here’s The Truth

While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. Statistically, only about 10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease.  

Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer

Here’s The Truth

According to the National Cancer Institute, regarding families who are known to carry BRCA1 or BRCA2, “not every woman in such families carries a harmful mutation, and not every woman who has a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer. But, a woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer."

Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer

Here’s The Truth

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

For more information, check the source here

October is National Chiropractic Health Month.

This year’s theme is “Relieve, Restore, Resume”. Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) help people relieve their pain, restore their function, and resume their lives through an evidence-based, patient-centered, and non-drug approach to MSK health. A healthy spine is essential to overall health and vitality!

Sonoma Valley Community Health Center offers chiropractic services to help you and your family maintain healthy, active lifestyles.

Chiropractic care provides relief for many health issues, including:

• headaches
• neck pain
• shoulder pain
• back pain
• sciatica
• sports injuries

In addition to providing relief from pain and discomfort, chiropractic care helps optimize posture, physical mobility, and endurance. Many chiropractic patients also report sleeping better and feeling more rested upon awakening.

Chiropractic care is not just for adults. Children can also benefit by receiving care for injuries sustained during sports such as soccer, football, and baseball or even due to falls from bicycles and skateboards. SVCHC’s chiropractic care can be adapted to meet your family’s needs, whether it is to provide relief from pain or to improve mobility and well-being.

Ask your provider about our chiropractic services today!

Meet our chiropractor, Todd Lloyd, DC, and call us to book and appoinment with him.

Dr. Todd Lloyd has been committed to helping patients achieve better health and a pain-free life through natural, safe, and effective Chiropractic wellness for almost 20 years.



Since his graduation from Life Chiropractic College West of Hayward, CA, in 2002, he has helped thousands of patients across northern California. Dr. Lloyd’s inclusive chiropractic treatment style extends to everyone in your family, from pregnant mothers to the middle-aged and elderly.

Dr. Lloyd has over 1500 hours of postgraduate continuing education in the fields ranging from spinal trauma and rehab to sports injuries and treatment.

In his practice, Dr. Lloyd has a special interest in relieving your discomfort while reinforcing stability and balance in your spine. Recognize your neutral spine, and keep that stability with all of your daily activities. It’s a learning process, and you’ll have to practice it daily. You might even need some help along the way. His background in sports training and human performance is what sets his unique ability and talent apart in the profession. Outside the office, Dr. Lloyd tries to keep up with the ultra-runners in the hills in Sonoma County.

WE CELEBRATE DENTAL HYGIENE THIS MONTH!

Taking care of your health includes taking care of your smile. Oral health is essential for your well-being. Dental checkups and cleanings are important for healthy teeth and gums and for diagnosing and treating dental problems. Our friendly, high-quality dental team is here to help you keep your teeth healthy. For a healthier smile, a steady regimen includes:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Eat a balanced diet
• Visit your dentist regularly



We welcome patients insured through Medi-Cal, as well as the uninsured or under-insured.

We offer preventative and restorative services, including:

• Primary and preventive care for adults and children
• X-rays and exams
• Routine cleanings
• Deep cleanings
• Composite fillings
• Extractions (excluding wisdom teeth)

To book and appointment or for more information, call us at (707) 939-6070

OCTOBER 1-7, 2023, WAS MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK BUT WE OBSERVE IT EVERY DAY!

This year, the National Alliance of Mental Illness theme to raise awareness for Mental Illness Week is "Together we care. Together, we share." Here are some facts you can use to spread the word.

Annual Prevalence of Mental illness among U.S. adults by demographic group:

• Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual: 50.9%
• Mixed/multiracial: 34.9%
• American Indian or Alaska Native: 26.6%
• White: 23.9%
• Black or African American: 21.4%
• Hispanic or Latino: 20.7%
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 18.1%
• Asia: 16.4%

Source

Here are other resources available to you and those around you.

• To check out our program, visit our website.
• The young LGBTQ community can visit this link.
• For Buckelew programs website and resource packet.
• For local resources, visit the County services on this site
• To find support for you and your little ones, click here.
• For the "Suicide is preventable website," click this link.

Held annually in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month allows communities nationwide to join forces to raise awareness about the far-reaching impact of domestic violence.

The #Every1KnowsSome1 campaign focuses on the theme that everyone knows someone affected by domestic violence, whether they realize it or not.



One in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Domestic violence also disproportionately impacts survivors of color, survivors with disabilities, immigrant survivors, and other survivors already experiencing marginalization and discrimination. High rates of domestic violence are not private, individual problems; they require community solutions. By acknowledging this reality, we can collectively work towards ending domestic violence and creating safe, healthy communities for everyone.

Survivors of domestic violence often suffer in silence due to myths and misunderstandings. In Sonoma County, more than 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetimes. Although it isn’t easy to talk about, having conversations about family violence is crucial to support survivors and ensure that families live free from harm.

Enter YWCA Sonoma County’s Introduction to Domestic Violence, a community education presentation aimed at helping our community members spot the signs and discern myths from facts. Whether you’re an educator, employer, social service worker, first responder, medical provider, parent, or a concerned citizen, we need you to help us end domestic violence in our community.

To check the YWCA October Calendar Activities to raise awareness on Domestic Violence, go here.

For local help, you can contact YWCA AT 707-546-1234 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week or go to their website.

Being prepared makes a difference! 

To learn more about safety tips to protect yourself and your loved ones, visit our website by clicking this link. 

For local information, click here.

• Clocks will “fall back” one hour at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
• Federal law still prohibits states from enacting permanent daylight saving time (DST).
• Proposed legislation to change federal law, such as Senator Marco Rubio’s Sunshine Protection Act, has stalled in 2023 despite gaining momentum in 2022.
• Without new movement on proposed changes, Americans should expect clock changes to continue into 2024.

• Dozens of states continue to consider proposals to adopt either permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time. Yet, no states have adopted a legislative change in 2023.

MEDI-CAL AND COVERED CA COVERAGE

To learn more, click the following links:

Medi-Cal

Covered California

1. Medi-Cal beneficiaries whose renewals/redetermination are due in June and who have not submitted their paperwork by mid-June will be receiving a termination notice by the end of this month.

2.  Medi-Cal beneficiaries that are over income (and *status that qualifies for Covered CA) will be transferred to Covered CA. A plan must be chosen and paid for a plan before July 31^st ,  otherwise, Covered CA will be lost and will have a coverage gap. 

PLEASE NOTE: Nonetheless, due to the Special Enrollment period ( 60 days ), they will have until August 29th to choose a plan; otherwise, they will not be able to get Covered CA until Open Enrollment 2024 (Nov 2023 - Jan 2024), which starts coverage until January 1st, 2024. 

You can access the Renewal Toolkit here

Enrollment Partner Toolkit here

Access the Program Eligibility by Federal Poverty Level for 2024 here.

How to safely participate in Trick-or-Treating

• Always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If trick-or-treating doesn't start until after dark where you live, consider checking with your town or park district for Halloween activities offered earlier in the day. Research shows that evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. are the riskiest times of day for child pedestrians.
• If your older children are trick-or-treating alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home and get flashlights with batteries for everyone.
• Cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Most (62%) child pedestrian traffic fatalities occurred mid-block, rather than at intersections. Make sure kids know not to cross the street between parked cars or out of driveways or alleys.
• Don't assume cars will stop just because they have the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.
• Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. Only go to homes with a porch light on and, ideally, a well-lit pathway.
• Older children should travel in groups and create a "buddy system" to get each other home safely.
• Caution kids never enter a home or car for a treat. Notify law enforcement authorities immediately about any suspicious or unlawful activity.
• Review with your child how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency, get lost or are prone to wander. 

For more information about a safe Halloween celebration, click this link. 

Make a difference in the community by helping through the SVCHC.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can"

(Arthur Ashe) 



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Thank you for investing in the health and education of our students in the Sonoma Valley.

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 patients who are under or uninsured. 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!

• 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 SVCHC W.I.C. Office must be made via phone prior to visits. Please call 707-565-6590.

• 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. 



• To receive a Free COVID test starting on September 25th, visit this website.

For more community resources, visit our website.

Community Resources

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

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