WE ARE LIVE!

Please continue being patient with our staff as we navigate our new electronic health record system. Things may still take a bit longer. As mentioned, some processes have changed and may be different from what you're used to.



Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated!

Join us for a FREE, FUN and INTERACTIVE cooking class. September 21st at 2pm at Vintage House. Join us as we continue the partnership with Vintage House to host a monthly cooking class led by our own Registered Dietitian, Joyce Giammattei. For more information or to register call Vintage House at 707-996-0311!

This year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is highlighting the new Talk Away the Dark campaign to shed light on this leading cause of death, including the campaign's PSA film, personal stories and perspectives, shareable social graphics, and other materials. We can all make a difference by learning the warning signs, knowing the risk factors, and bravely having a REAL, open, and honest conversation with someone we care about. 

Risk factors

Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life.

Health

• Mental health conditions
• Depression
• Substance use problems
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Personality traits of aggression, mood changes, and poor relationships
• Conduct disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Serious physical health conditions, including pain
• Traumatic brain injury

Environmental

• Access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs
• Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems, or unemployment
• Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions, or loss
• Exposure to another person’s suicide or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

Historical

• Previous suicide attempts
• Family history of suicide
• Childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma

Warning signs

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.

Talk

If a person talks about:

• Killing themselves
• Feeling hopeless
• Having no reason to live
• Being a burden to others
• Feeling trapped
• Unbearable pain

Protective Factors

• Access to mental health care and being proactive about mental health
• Feeling connected to family and community support
• Problem-solving and coping skills
• Limited access to lethal means
• Cultural and religious beliefs that encourage connecting and help-seeking, discourage suicidal behavior, or create a strong sense of purpose or self-esteem.

Source for more information and other valuable resources

You can also visit the "Suicide is preventable website" by clicking this link.

Check the Sonoma County's Suicide Prevention Events Calendar for September 2023 here.

We invite you to attend this FREE Suicide Prevention Event and spread the word!

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's English resource program, visit here.
• 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.

Leukemia Cancer is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It occurs most often in adults age 55 and older and is the most common cancer in children under age 15.

The diagnosis of leukemia requires specific blood tests, including an examination of cells in the blood and marrow.

In 2022, more than 62,650 people were expected to be diagnosed with leukemia. In addition:

• Leukemia accounts for 3.6% of all new cancer cases.
• The overall 5-year survival rate for leukemia has more than quadrupled since 1960.
• 62.7% of leukemia patients survive five years or more.

For more information, click here.

Lymphoma Cancer is a cancer that begins in the cells of the lymph system, which is part of the immune system that helps the body fight infection and disease.

The 2 primary types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). They occur in both children and adults.

The most common early sign of lymphoma is a painless enlarged lymph node(s) in the neck or upper chest. Sometimes, you can feel the swollen lymph node(s) in your armpit, stomach area, or groin.

The diagnosis of lymphoma requires blood and bone marrow tests, imaging, and a physical examination that may include a lymph node biopsy.

• Lymphoma accounts for 4.3% of all new cancer cases.
• Hodgkin lymphoma is now considered to be one of the most curable forms of cancer.
• The 5-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma has more than doubled since 1960.

There are several treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant. Chemotherapy and blood and marrow transplants are often used to treat lymphoma.

Be part of the cure.

Thousands of patients with leukemia and Lymphoma depend on the Be The Match Registry to find a donor to save their life. Be The Match is the largest marrow and stem cell registry in the world.

For more information, click here

Prostate Cancer occurs when abnormal cells from the prostate (a walnut-shape gland in men that sits below the bladder) grow out of control. It is the 2nd most common cancer in men in the U.S. and it is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in men. More than 230,000 men will be told they have prostate cancer this year. About 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed in his lifetime. Almost 2 out of every 3 prostate cancers are found in men age 65 or older. Symptoms of prostate cancer can sometimes be noticed for the first time when cancer advances, which is why screens are extremely important. The top 7 signs of Advanced Prostate Cancer are:

• Bladder and urinary troubles
• Losing bowel control
• Soreness in the groin
• Leg swelling or weakness
• Hip or back pain
• Coughing or feeling out of breath
• Unexplained weight loss

Some men are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening if you are age 40 to 54 and you are African-American or have a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer.

For more information, click here.

Gynecologic Cancer is any cancer that begins in a woman’s reproductive organs. Every year, approximately 100,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in the United States. It’s important to know your potential risk factors for gynecologic cancer, as well as preventive measures you can take for you and your loved ones. Pap tests, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, genetic testing, and the HPV vaccine are at the forefront of gynecologic cancer prevention.

If you feel something, say something.

• Ovarian Cancer: Spotting or bleeding between menstrual cycles, feeling swollen or bloated in the abdomen, loss of appetite or feeling full quickly, gas, indigestion or nausea, frequent urination, pain, and /or mass in pelvic area.
• Endometrial Cancer: Postmenopausal bleeding, irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles, heavier and/or longer menstrual bleeding than normal, pain and /or mass in pelvic area.
• Vulvar Cancer: Constant itching and/or pain on external genitals, change in skin color of external genitals, a painful ulcer or mass on external genitals, irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles, postmenopausal bleeding.
• Vaginal Cancer: Postmenopausal bleeding, difficulty urinating, pan during intercourse, bleeding after intercourse, pelvic pain and constipation, a vaginal mass that you can feel.
• Cervical Cancer: Any vaginal bleeding that is not related to your menstrual period, postmenopausal bleeding, pain during intercourse and/or bleeding after intercourse, significant watery or foul-smelling discharge.

For more information, click this link.

Childhood Cancer This month, we honor those with pediatric cancer. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) is recognized every September by childhood cancer organizations around the world.

With a goal to increase awareness and raise funds for those affected by childhood cancer, the American Childhood Cancer Organization encourages everyone to support this cause in different ways:

• PJammin® for Kids with Cancer: It’s simple – wear your pajamas to school or work in exchange for donations! From a school to a small business or a big corporate office, you can host a PJammin event anywhere! Learn more and register here.
• Go Gold® for Kids with Cancer: Organizing a Go Gold® event in your community, school or workplace. Best part is, you can Go Gold however you want! Check out our event ideas and register here.
• Participate in our GO GOLD® the RUN: Now through September 30!

Funds raised by these events help ACCO provide free resources to families, support advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, assist families through their journey, and more.

Advocacy

Get involved on a state, local, or global level with our advocacy program. Help advocate for all kids with cancer. Learn more here.

Shop Our Gold Gear

Show off your support for kids with cancer all year round with gold gear! Car decals, stickers, capes, shoe laces – we have it all. Check out our shop.

Donate

If you don’t have time to host or join an event this month, make a donation to help kids with cancer!

To learn more on how you can support click here

To support the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, click here.

2023 Theme: Take Control in 1, 2, 3

The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”. The campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older adults from communities disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events that continue to threaten the nation.

We know older adults can face more significant risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas.

Emergency managers and all those who work with and support older adult communities can access the new webpage available in English and Spanish languages at Ready.gov/older-adults and Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores. For more information on preparing with disabilities, visit Ready.gov/disability or Ready.gov/es/discapacidad in Spanish.

To learn more, visit ready.gov and Listos California.

For local information and resources, visit the "County of Sonoma emergency, readiness, response and recovery" website.

HUNGER ACTION

Hunger Action Month is a nationwide initiative dedicated to raising awareness and taking collective steps toward ending hunger. Your voice, actions, and commitment will help ensure our community has the food needed to thrive. Together, let’s turn compassion into action and ensure that no one in Sonoma County goes to bed hungry.

Because when people are fed, futures are nourished.

SVCHC and Redwood Empire Food Bank began a collaboration on June 19, 2018.

The eligibility/outreach department of SVCHC saw a big need in the community after the initial fires of October 2017 and decided to contact this food organization and local volunteers to serve families in need. Since then, Redwood Empire Food Bank delivers on the 1^st and 3^rd Friday of the month. Our committed staff and volunteers arrive early in the morning to distribute and help end hunger in our community. Distribution hours are from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. or until supply lasts. 

For other local resources, visit:

Redwood Empire Food Bank also provides food at other sites.

FISH of Sonoma Valley Provides essential Services to help those in need. For assistance or to find ways to support, call them at 707-996-0111 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Staying healthy through the autumn season takes a nice combination of wholesome habits and safety tips. Below are some tips that can help you take charge of your health and safety this fall.

• Get the flu shot to help prevent the spread of the flu. Also, if you become sick, stay at home to help prevent the spreading of an illness.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of germs. Additionally, wash your hands often to cut down on germs.
• Begin preparing your home for winter by cleaning out gutters, adding a weather strip to doors and windows.
• Check or replace batteries in carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.
• Create an emergency backpack to be ready and prepared if a natural disaster or accident occurs.
• Even though holiday parties are coming up, never drink alcohol and drive. Call a friend, family member, taxi or Uber to pick you up instead of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
• Get enough vitamin D. As the days become shorter, natural light can lead to a lack of vitamin D. Try to get outside in the sunlight for 15 minutes per day to get your fill.
• Take a brisk walk. If you tend to be really active in the summer months, the cooler fall temps might keep you indoors more. Schedule a quick walk at lunchtime to get fresh air and a bit of exercise.
• Stay hydrated. Believe it or not, feeling chilly can dehydrate you much like sweating on a hot day can, as your body works hard to stay warm. Track your water intake to be sure you get enough water.
• Check your calorie intake. As we naturally stay indoors more, it’s easy to become less active. When we are less active, we need fewer calories. Comfort food is synonymous with cooler temps, yet these dishes can often pack in more calories. Evaluate your input and your output to stay on top of your weight and maintain a healthy balance.
• Be vigilant about handwashing. This isn’t just a fall tip but one that you need to practice all year round.
• Schedule any check-ups that you may have missed over the summer. Staying on top of your wellness visits, as well as any vaccines you might need, is key to staying healthy.

Source

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. 

On September 5th, BENEFITSCAL went live in Sonoma County. 

As of September 5th, BenefitsCal is now live for Sonoma County. BenefitsCal.com is the new website for customers to apply for, view and renew benefits for Medi-cal health coverage, Calfresh food and Calworks cash assistance.

People can do their own accounts, visit BenefitsCal.com to create a new account. Otherwise, SVCHCs Certified Enrollment Counselors, will also be using this system to help patients to apply and/or upload documents for Sonoma County Human Services - Medi-Cal or Calfresh programs.

If you need additional assistance, call the Customer Service Center at (877)-688-6969 or call (707) 939-6070 to make an appointment with SVCHC Certified Enrollment Counselor.

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

“Service to others leads to greatness."

(Jim Rohn) 



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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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