MESSAGE FROM DR. RAMOS

Each year, February brings us another opportunity to not only recognize American Heart Month but also celebrate Black History Month, highlighting the importance of both cardiovascular health and the contributions of Black leaders, especially in medicine.

This includes the groundbreaking work of Black medical pioneers like Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the first American cardiologist to perform open-heart surgery. His innovations continue to shape advancements in cardiovascular health, improving lives here in California and beyond.

For both men and women in the United States, including California, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death. It is also the most common cause of pregnancy-related deaths in California, disproportionately affecting women of color. Even more concerning, over 80% of cardiovascular disease cases among Black mothers go undiagnosed, and more than 80% of related deaths are preventable.

In response to this urgent public health challenge, Strong Start & Beyond is partnering with healthcare providers, community organizations, and Californians to raise awareness, drive action, and implement programs aimed at reversing these disparities.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to advancing heart health equity for all. Let's continue, together in health.

Juntos en salud,

Dr. Diana Ramos

California Surgeon General

NOW AVAILABLE:

Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA)

On January 23, Maternal Health Awareness Day, the Office of the California Surgeon General released the Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA), a simple, eight-question quiz designed to help individuals assess their health before pregnancy and outside of the healthcare setting.

With a focus on proactive prevention by increasing awareness and education, PreMA paves the way for safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for mothers, pregnant people, and their babies.

Help us make PreMA available to people in your community! Download a copy today for yourself or someone else and leave a few at your local grocery store, laundromat, or beauty shop. Add resources specific to your area. Because the quiz has been validated, the questions and recommendations cannot be modified.

For more information about PreMA:

Heart-Healthy Living 💞

Heart-healthy living involves understanding risk, making healthy choices, and taking steps to reduce the chances of getting heart disease, especially during pregnancy. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has information and resources for both patients and providers interested in learning more about pregnancy and heart health.

ICYMI: Birthing Care Pathway Report

In case you missed it, the Department of Health Care Services released the Birthing Care Pathway report, a comprehensive plan to improve maternity care for Medi-Cal members. With an aim to make care accessible, equitable, and patient-centered, this roadmap covers the journey of all pregnant and postpartum members from conception through 12 months postpartum.

LISTEN: Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos 🎧

Step into Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos, a new audio series where health meets real talk.

These conversations will tackle health issues that truly impact everyday life. From reproductive and maternal health to Adverse Childhood Experiences and public health innovations, we'll dive deep into the topics that matter most to Californians and their communities.

In this fiirst episode, explore the intersection of cardiovascular and maternal health with Dr. Afshan Hameed.

PARTNER CORNER

Meet the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. AHA raises awareness for heart health during pregnancy, particularly in relation to the risks of cardiovascular disease. They provide resources and information about conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease both during pregnancy and later in life.

NEW TRAINING: Doula Scope of Practice

Are you a health care provider? The Black Wellness and Prosperity Center released a new online training you may be interested in taking to help improve your maternal health services:

“Enhancing Knowledge of Doula Scope of Practice for Providers.”

This training was developed to equip clinicians in hospital and clinical settings with knowledge on the benefits of doula support for their patients and how to create and utilize opportunities to collaborate with doulas for improved maternal and infant health outcomes.

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST

1) Maternal Health Summit: Improving Cardiovascular Health

Registration is still open for our in-person summit on Thursday, February 20, 2025 in Sacramento, California. This event will explore the critical role of cardiovascular health across the lifespan, with a special focus on its impact during pregnancy and the prevention of associated risks.

2) Strong Start & Beyond: Partnering for Progress Webinar

Registration is now open for next month’s partner webinar on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 12PM. Unable to attend? The webinar will be recorded and published to our YouTube channel.

3) Supporting Children, Families, and Teachers Through the Trauma of Natural Disasters

We recently went live on Facebook for an important conversation inspired by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Aloe Blacc’s experience with the Los Angeles wildfires. We heard from experts like Dr. Brian Alman, CEO and ACE Treatment Solutions Founder and Clinical Direct for Ture Saga, Dr. Michele Evans, a Pediatrician and ACEs/trauma subject matter expert, and Lilliam Paetzold, a principal at Notre Dame Academy in West Los Angeles that welcomed displaced students.

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.

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