|
Welcome to 2026! January brings with it a sense of possibility, a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, reset our priorities, and step forward with renewed purpose. As we begin this new year, we are reminded that health is not just an individual goal but a shared commitment to one another and to the well-being of families and communities across California.
This month, as we recognize Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and National Birth Defects Awareness Month, we celebrate the power of prevention, early detection, and early action. Simple, proven actions such as routine screenings, vaccination, preconception care, and folic acid, can change lives, strengthen families, and help ensure every child has the healthiest possible start.
On Friday, January 23 (123 Day), we proudly join the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in observing Maternal Health Awareness Day, a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together with urgency, compassion, and commitment to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and to ensure every birthing person is seen, heard, and supported at every stage of care.
Thank you for the leadership, heart, and dedication you bring to this work. As we look ahead to the year before us, let us move forward with hope, determination, and a shared belief that together, we can build a healthier, more equitable California for generations to come.
Juntos en salud,
Dr. Diana Ramos
California Surgeon General
| | "One Small Thing" Campaign Launches to Support Postpartum Moms | | | |
The year after childbirth is one of the most vulnerable and isolating times for mothers. In California, more than 60% of pregnancy-related deaths occur after hospital discharge, when medical visits taper off and social support often falls away. Research shows that loneliness and perceived isolation are among the strongest predictors of postpartum depression, anxiety, and crisis.
That’s why the Office of the California Surgeon General launched a community-driven movement to support new moms. Across California and beyond, we are calling on everyone to do "One Small Thing" for a new mom. This includes simple, everyday gestures like babysitting, providing a ride, delivering a meal, and more. Your small act of kindness could be the support she needs — and you could be the eyes and ears that help her recognize when she might need medical care.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
| |
-
Do one small thing for a new mom in your life.
-
Record a short video or take a photo of your “one small thing” and share it on social media using the hashtags #OneSmallThing, #StrongStartAndBeyond, and #MaternalHealth.
-
Invite others to support a new mom as well, including your family, friends, neighbors, workplaces, and community groups.
Learn more about the campaign and how to get involved at OneSmallThingCA.org.
| | NEW: Maternal Health Resources on CA.gov | | |
We’re excited to share that California’s Maternal Health Resources webpage is now live on CA.gov, the official website for the State of California where you can find and access government services, resources & more.
This new webpage brings together easy-to-use, trusted information on pregnancy, postpartum care, mental health, and support services. Whether you’re a parent, supporting one, or looking for reliable resources, help is easily available all in one place.
| | 1/23: Maternal Health Awarness Day | | |
|  |
|
This Maternal Health Awareness Day, we join the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and hundreds of organizations across the United States, to reaffirm our commitment to preventing maternal deaths and advancing respectful, evidence-based care.
Maternal health is community health. Every mother deserves safe, respectful, and quality care—before, during, and after pregnancy. When mothers thrive, our families and communities thrive, too. Learn more about our efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality at StrongStartAndBeyond.org.
| | | Latina Border Health Forum | |
California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos kicked off the new year in San Diego visiting San Ysidro Health to highlight Covered California's open enrollment as well as maternal health in border communities.
Thanks to our partners for bringing together leaders from across the state and region for a powerful conversation on advancing health access for Latina women and border families. Access to health coverage helps our families and communities thrive.
| | NOW ON SPOTIFY: Office Hours with Dr. Ramos | | |
Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos, an audio series where health meets real talk, is now available on Spotify!
Hosted by the California Surgeon General, these conversations tackle health issues that truly impact everyday life. Catch up on our latest conversations around topics like:
Stay tuned for new episodes coming soon on both YouTube and Spotify! 🎧
|
| | | | Birth Defects Awareness Month | |
National Birth Defects Awareness Month focuses on steps that can help reduce the risk of birth defects and support healthy pregnancies. Birth defects can happen for many reasons, and not all birth defects can be prevented. Preconception health, managing chronic conditions, avoiding harmful substances, and taking folic acid before and during pregnancy play a critical role.
The California Department of Public Health reminds us that practicing healthy habits and managing medical conditions before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of birth defects:
|
| Cervical Cancer Awareness Month | |
This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the importance of preventative care, regular screenings, and ensuring all Californians have access to lifesaving services. Through routine screening and HPV vaccination, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
Did you know that Every Woman Counts (EWC), through the Department of Health Care Services, provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to California’s underserved populations? The mission of the EWC Program is to mitigate the devastating medical, emotional and financial effects of breast and cervical cancer and eliminate health disparities for medically underserved, low-income individuals.
Also, be sure to check out the New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines approved to strengthen women’s preventive health. The guidelines now include a new option for women to self-collect samples for screening.
|
| 1 Year Anniversary of the LA Wildfires | | Opportunities & Community Updates | |
January 27–29, 2026 | Online
Maternity care providers and lactation advocates can expect presentations on the effectiveness of programs, research, and interventions for continuity of care in breastfeeding support.
| |
BrightLife Kids Information Session
Whether you are navigating the ups and downs of parenting firsthand or you're dedicated to supporting the families in our community, we want to invite you to learn more about BrightLife Kids, a behavioral health program that provides families and their children with free, 1-on-1 coaching and digital resources to navigate everyday challenges like anxiety, tough behaviors, and major life transitions. To learn more about how to get this into the hands of your community members, we encourage you to join us at an upcoming Information Session:
| |
January 27, 2026 | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Online
Behavioral health trainers, program managers, workforce and community-based partners can expect an overview of the MBH-CBPTP, including up to $10,000 in training support for individuals pursuing careers as Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselors, Community Health Workers, and Peer Support Specialists.
| |
The Perinatal Advisory Council: Leadership Advocacy and Consultation invites you to their upcoming webinar, Promotion of Breastfeeding is Health Promotion. The webinar will focus on the health benefits of breastfeeding for both the breastfeeding mother and the breastfed baby. Additionally, the webinar will present information on the economic benefits of breastfeeding to society and how all of us can help promote breastfeeding. General admission is $20 to Earn 1 RN-CE. Watch the live webinar with no credits for $12.
| |
The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) is pleased to invite you to attend the 2nd Annual NHMA Summit, taking place on January 24, 2026, at the Bakersfield College Renegade Event Center. This summit will provide attendees with the opportunity to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, and there is no registration fee to attend. They are honored to feature Guest Speaker Dr. Raul Ayala, Past President of the California Academy of Family Physicians, who will share valuable insights and expertise with attendees.
| |
The goal of the Stanford University Minority Medical Alliance (SUMMA) Conference is to equip premedical and pre-health students with tools to apply to medical school and other health training programs. The SUMMA Conference is open to all students from all backgrounds interested in pursuing a career in medicine to address health inequities.
| |
California's Infant Botulism Hotline
As part of its emergency response to infant botulism, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) established a public hotline to answer questions from concerned parents and caregivers about the outbreak. CDPH’s medical staffing line for health care providers and other clinical and case consultation continues to operate 24/7.
-
Public Hotline: The Infant Botulism Hotline (1-833-398-2022) is available toll-free 7 days a week, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Pacific Time (PT).
-
Clinical Support Line: The clinical support line (510-231-7600) is open 24/7 for suspected infant botulism cases. Calls from medical providers receive priority response.
For more information, visit CDPH's Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program or the Infant Botulism Parents Corner.
ICYMI: Updates on HR 1 Impacts on Medi-Cal and CalFresh
Last year, the Republican majority in Congress and President Trump enacted H.R. 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act or OBBBA). CalHHS leadership provide an update on the latest efforts to address the bill’s impacts on safety-net programs in California and highlight recent guidance. The session also provides an update on the impacts of other federal actions on California and the state’s recent award under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Learn more about recent federal policy changes in health and human services and how California is responding in the CalHHS Connect webinar series.
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.
| | | | |
