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From National Public Health Week to Black Maternal Health Week and Minority Health Month to Stress Awareness Month, April reminds us what it takes to build a healthier California, reinforcing a shared truth: health starts long before a clinical visit.
More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, yet disparities persist, especially for Black mothers. Advancing early risk awareness, including preconception health, is critical to improving outcomes for families across our state.
Stress and isolation continue to impact health, particularly in the postpartum period. Through "One Small Thing," we are encouraging simple acts of support for new mothers—because community connection can be lifesaving.
This month, we are inviting all students, innovators, and community members to be part of the solution to advance cardiovascular health by participating at the in-person UCI VenusHacks on May 16 and 17. We are looking for innovative ideas and technology to shape the future of prevention and care for heart health.
This April, I invite you to take one step—learn your health risks, support a new mother, or join efforts like VenusHacks to help drive innovation. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable California.
Juntos en salud,
Dr. Diana Ramos
California Surgeon General
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Black Maternal Health Week is a chance to recognize the unique strengths, experiences and challenges of Black mothers and birthing people across the country. In California and the U.S., Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. Most of these deaths are preventable.
Through better access to care, stronger community support, and innovation across our health care system, we can work to improve maternal health outcomes. Together, let's listen to those closest to the issue, collaborate across sectors, and invest in meaningful, lasting solutions because when we support mothers and families, we're strengthening the foundation of our communities.
| | Advancing Black Birth Equity Together | The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the critical and unique needs of Black families and other marginalized groups across the state with meaningful community collaboration. Building on the foundation of the implications from the Centering Black Mothers report, the Black Birth Equity Action Plan strengthens alignment across CDPH to improve the health and well-being of Black mothers and families. | |  | Birthing While Black: A Hospital Guide | Created in partnership with the BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center in Fresno, California, this new hospital guide supports Black mothers through the hospital birth experience and postpartum recovery. This resource offers a supportive framework for hospital birth, with information and tips to help Black moms feel as prepared as possible to have the birth experience they deserve. Get informed, prepared, and empowered to advocate for your care. | | | NEW: Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos | | |
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Step into Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos, an audio series that highlights innovations in maternal health. Hosted by the California Surgeon General, these conversations tackle topics around technology, equity, and successes with industry leaders.
In episode 13, Dr. Ramos discusses the intersection of maternal health and technology with Noel Pugh and Dr. Santosh Pandipati of Lōvu Health, a digital maternal health platform bringing together best in class services to care for mother and baby from conception to postpartum. Learn about building tech enabled care, innovation and health policy, and more!
Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos is now available on Spotify and YouTube! Be sure to subscribe and follow for upcoming episodes with other guests and industry leaders.
| | | This Mother's Day, do "One Small Thing" | | |
Ahead of Mother’s Day this year on Sunday, May 10, print and give a "One Small Thing" coupon book, available in English and Spanish, to a new mom in your life. This is an easy yet thoughtful way to offer meaningful support and care during the postpartum period.
The coupons can be exchanged whenever mom may need some extra help with babysitting, household chores and more. You are not just offering kindness, you are helping create connection and care.
Take our pledge to do "One Small Thing For a New Mom" today and you and/or your organization will be highlighted on our webpage. Learn more about our campaign and how to get involved at OneSmallThingCA.org.
| | National Minority Health Month | | |
National Minority Health Month highlights the importance of improving health outcomes and advancing health equity for communities that have been historically underserved.
This observance recognizes the need for equitable access to care, culturally responsive services, and continued efforts to reduce health disparities across California.
Throughout April, organizations nationwide, including our partners at ACEs Aware, work to raise awareness and promote strategies that support healthier futures for all.
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| | Good Neighbor Day America | | |
In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, Good Neighbor Day America is set to be one of the greatest kindness movements in history, inspiring 250 MILLION acts of kindness leading up to the big day on May 16, 2026.
Thousands of organizations and millions of volunteers are coming together to show up for their communities. Consider joining this historic day of love and service. Learn more and sign up today at goodneighbordayamerica.com.
| | STUDY: Project STRIDE Enrollment | | |
Project STRIDE is enrolling eligible pregnant individuals in a study offering free, confidential doula support during pregnancy and postpartum, along with trauma-informed care and harm reduction support. Eligible participants include pregnant individuals who are:
- Within their first 20 weeks of pregnancy
- 21–50 years of age
- Living in California
- Have used cigarettes within the past 3 months
- Able to communicate in English and provide consent
Participants may also receive up to $400 compensation for their time.
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| | TOOLKIT: Respectful Maternity Care | |
Every woman giving birth deserves to feel safe, respected and involved in decisions about their care. The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ) Respectful Maternity Care Toolkit offers practical resources to help clinicians, care teams, and health system leaders strengthen respectful, patient-centered maternity care.
The RCM toolkit includes strategies and training materials focused on dignity, communication, autonomy in decision-making, informed consent, and accountability across key stages of the birth journey, including labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period.
| | Heart Health at Warp Speed | | |
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Calling all students, help us transform heart health at VenusHacks!
Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women — during pregnancy & beyond. We’re teaming up with VenusHacks to help change that, and we need YOU, students from ANY field. No experience needed — just creativity and enthusiasm.
Learn more and apply today at VenusHacks.com. Applications close on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Questions? Check the FAQ at VenusHacks.com or email venushacks.uci@gmail.com. Let’s build solutions that save lives.
| | | Events, Webinars & Other Opportunities | |
Accepting on rolling basis until filled
The Medical Board of California (Board) is seeking applications from interested parties for two licensed midwife positions and one licensed physician position on the Midwifery Advisory Council (MAC). These positions are for a three-year term ending June 30, 2029.
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April 21, 2026 | Virtual
Join the EnviroNatal Network for a virtual symposium exploring how environmental change intersects with maternal and infant health. The event will center shared learning, cross-sector collaboration, and practical strategies for communities nationwide.
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April 21, 2026
The Center for Scholars & Storytellers (CSS) at UCLA, in partnership with 180 Degrees Consulting at UC Berkeley, is accepting submissions for Comedy for Common Ground, a national student-led creative challenge for storytellers ages 18–25. Youth participants are invited to submit an original short comedic video focused on issues important to Gen Z, including mental health, civic engagement, and technology and social connection. Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their work before industry leaders, with submissions open through April 21, 2026.
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April 21, 2026 | 9-10 AM PT | Virtual
Join the California Department of Health Care Access and Information for the Spring 2026 California Rural Health Transformation Program (CalRHT) Webinar for an overview of California’s newly approved CalRHT Program, including 2026 initiatives, key milestones, grant timelines, and early engagement opportunities to support partnerships across rural communities. This webinar is especially relevant for rural health providers, community partners, health systems, and organizations serving rural California.
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April 24, 2026
The SOGH is now accepting applications for its 2026 Future Leaders Award, a professional development opportunity for current medical students, residents, and fellows. The award covers registration for the 2026 Annual Clinical Meeting in Chicago and includes a $500 travel stipend, along with mentorship and hands-on leadership experience supporting conference activities. Applications are due by Friday, April 24, 2026.
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May 8, 2026
The Commission for Behavioral Health (CBH) has officially released the Innovation Partnership Fund (IPF) Request for Application (RFA), the first round of a significant multi-year investment to support bold, equity-centered innovations in California’s public behavioral health system. This year, up to $20 million in grants will be awarded to support community-centered solutions that improve mental health and substance use disorder services across the state. Funding opportunities include both small grants (under $500,000) and large grants ($500,000–$5 million) for eligible community-based organizations, nonprofit entities, tribal organizations, and other partners. Application deadline is May 8, 2026. Anticipated contract start date is July 2026.
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Community Innovation Pilot Awards (CIPA) Program
May 29, 2026
The University of California, San Francisco Center for Health Equity, in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health, launched the CIPA Program to support innovative, community-based models across California that aim to improve Black maternal and infant health by reducing chronic stress, addressing neighborhood conditions, and expanding access to high-quality, respectful care. During the initial two-year funding cycle, the CIPA program will support 4 to 5 community-based organizations in California that are addressing maternal and infant health disparities through culturally congruent, community-centered perinatal programs and services for pregnant and postpartum Black women, other Black birthing people, and their families. Awards will range from $160,000–$200,000 per year (not to exceed $200,000 annually, including indirect costs). The deadline is May 29 at 12 PM. For questions, contact CIPA@ucsf.edu.
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29th Annual Quality of Life for Families Conference
June 4, 2026 | California Endowment Center, Los Angeles
Early registration is now open until May 15 for the 29th Annual Quality of Life for Families Conference, a one-day, in-person conference focused on challenges in perinatal care from pregnancy through the fourth trimester. This year’s conference will highlight strategies to improve continuity of care for birthing people, neonates, and families, with an emphasis on inclusivity, informed decision-making, and postpartum transitions from hospital to home. Continuing Education Credits Available: CME, RN-CE, LCSW/LMFT.
| | Have a suggestion or an interest in collaborating or being featured in an upcoming newsletter or other communication channel? Contact us for consideration at osginfo@osg.ca.gov. | | | | |
