|
As summer comes to a close, many of us may feel like the break flew by too quickly. The back-to-school season stirs up familiar images: colorful backpacks, neatly packed lunchboxes, and little ones proudly sporting their first-day outfits. It's a cherished ritual filled with both excitement and a touch of nervous energy, as families adjust to new routines, schedules, and the occasional carpool chaos.
For parents sending young adults off to college, back to school looks a little different. It’s not about crayons and glue sticks, it’s about dorm checklists, tuition deadlines, and the growing weight of independence. This is a milestone filled with pride and possibility but also uncertainty and change.
As we enter this season of transitions, let’s take time to support one another—students, parents, educators, and caregivers alike. August also brings important reminders of the critical role health plays in learning and development. It is both National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and National Immunization Awareness Month, opportunities to celebrate and support new parents in their breastfeeding journey and to ensure children of all ages are up to date on the vaccines that keep them—and our communities—healthy and protected.
Later this month, I invite you to join a special Facebook Live conversation with Dr. Daniel Amen and Victor Dominguez from the YMCA, where they’ll share practical tips to help families and educators start the school year strong—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
I also encourage anyone working with kids, including school settings, to take our trauma informed training. Safe Spaces is a free, online training designed to help individuals working with children and youth recognize and respond to signs of trauma and stress. Together, we can make this school year one of resilience, connection, and success—for every generation. Let’s continue together in health.
Juntos en salud,
Dr. Diana Ramos
California Surgeon General
| | National Immunization Awareness Month | | | August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual opportunity to emphasize the critical role vaccines play in protecting people of all ages, to inform others about the benefits of staying up to date on routine vaccinations, and to encourage conversations with trusted health care providers. Together, we can help protect our communities through informed vaccination choices. | | Millions of pregnant people have safely received vaccines and given birth to healthy babies. Certain vaccines are recommended for anyone who is pregnant like flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Tdap. Learn more about immunizations for a healthy pregnancy. | | As the new school year approaches, ensure your child’s health is in top shape. It’s not too late to schedule a doctor check up and make sure they’re up to date on all vaccines. Learn more at shotsforschool.org. | | Supporting Parents, Teachers & Kids | | |
|  | |
On Tuesday, August 19 at noon, you're invited to join Dr. Diana Ramos for a Facebook live conversation on supporting parents, teachers and kids this back-to-school season with Dr. Daniel Amen, a prominent figure in brain health, and Victor Dominguez, a respected community leader. The discussion will provide practical advice, expert insights, and community resources.
Also, whether you are a parent of a child heading to their first years of elementary school or a college student pushing through your final years, there are important health related tasks to keep in the mind. The American Medical Associaiton highlights 10 things doctors wish all patients knew during this back-to-school season.
|
| | Teen Mental Health & Drug Use Awareness | |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched Free Mind, a new campaign for teens with mental health and substance use issues before the school year starts. The campaign gives teens and their parents or caregivers helpful information and resources about drug use and mental health.
According to the CDC, drug overdoses are a growing public health problem. Their goal is to connect with young people by explaining how mental health and drug use are linked, what puts them at risk, and how to stay safe.
| |
Learn more about substance use prevention efforts for California youth and families:
| National Breastfeeding Month | |
|
The first week of August marked a key moment to make breastfeeding visible as a right and a vital public health strategy.
What are the social difficulties faced by new mothers? Who takes care of those who care? What does it mean to defend breastfeeding in a country where decent conditions are at risk? Why is it said that breastfeeding is more than food?
California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos speaks with Radio Bilingue host Chelis Lopez in Spanish on this important topic, as we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month this August. Learn more about breastfeeding, including resources for the public and professionals.
| | | | |
Meet YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is a nonprofit with nearly 145 years dedicated to expanding access and opportunities for all generations through youth development, healthy living, and social impact. This summer a new chapter was launched: The LA Y is the Center for Community Well-Being. It highlights the Y’s role as a trusted, community-centered resource that goes beyond traditional fitness to meet urgent regional needs—providing wraparound services, emergency support, mental health resources, foster youth services, leadership development. With multiple programs, learn more at YMCALA.ORG and @ymcala on all social media platforms.
| | LISTEN: Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos | | |
| | |
Step into Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos, an audio series where health meets real talk. Hosted by the California Surgeon General, these conversations tackle health issues that truly impact everyday life.
In episode 6, Bertha Perez Sanchez joins Dr. Ramos for a conversation in Spanish about her experience with Gestational Diabetes and the risks during and after pregnancy.
In case you missed it, check out episode 5 on preventing preterm birth and preeclampsia with Stanford professor Dr. David K. Stevenson. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more upcoming episodes.
| | | Opportunities & Community Updates |
California Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Portal (Cal-MAP) Addresses Youth Mental Health
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, ACEs Aware is hosting a webinar on how Cal-MAP equips providers to address youth mental health. Through Cal-MAP, providers who screen for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress can be connected with child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers for real-time support. In this webinar, we will provide an overview of Cal-MAP’s services, including consultation on screening, diagnosis, and treatment from child psychiatrists, as well as resource and referral guidance from licensed social workers.
Medical Intelligence, Information, Investigation, and Innovation (Mi4) Institute and Medical Intelligence Society meetings
Join the Monthly MIS/MI4 meeting hosted every second Tuesday of the month by the CHOC Sharon Disney Lund Medical Intelligence, Information, Investigation and Innovation Institute (MI4) and Medical Intelligence Society (MIS). Robust discussions on topics related to AI and data science in medicine as well as game-changing innovations in healthcare. Register now for the next meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
|
|
Postpartum Pathway Concept Paper Charts Improvements to Maternal Health
On July 31, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) jointly released Enhancing Postpartum Care for California’s Birthing Population through “The Postpartum Pathway”: A Concept Paper in partnership with the California Department of Public Health, Office of the California Surgeon General, Purchaser Business Group on Health, and California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. In response to California’s maternal health crisis and recognizing that most maternal morbidity and mortality occurs during the postpartum period, DHCS, CDPH, OSG, PBGH, and CMQCC came together between 2022-2024 to design a more coordinated, patient-centered approach to postpartum care. This work aligns with DHCS’ broader Birthing Care Pathway, which outlines a comprehensive policy and care model for Medi-Cal members from conception through 12 months postpartum.
Have suggestions on collaboration or interested in being featured in an upcoming newsletter or other communication channel? Contact us for consideration at strongstartandbeyond@osg.ca.gov.
| | | | |
