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July is the peak of summer. I hope everyone is enjoying the longer days and wonderful outdoor activities the Golden State has to offer. California summers also bring us reminders to focus on our health.
With temperatures rising statewide – many areas exceeding triple digits this week – it’s crucial to encourage our communities to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned spaces, and check in on those most vulnerable to heat-related illness, including pregnant people, older adults, outdoor workers, and anyone living alone.
Cal OES has a list of cooling centers throughout the state where individuals and families can go to stay cool during extreme heat. Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in California, but early protection reduces lifetime risk. Protective skin measures include sunscreen (SPF 30+), hats, and shade during peak sun hours. Prevention saves lives, so let's get heat ready!
July also marks National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to elevate the voices, experiences and needs of historically underserved communities. Nearly 1 in 6 California adults report experiencing frequent mental distress. For some, summer brings connection and joy; for others, it brings loneliness. Join us in uplifting mental health resources, normalizing seeking help, and strengthening community bonds. California is transforming our entire mental health and substance use disorder system. The result: better behavioral health care for all Californians. Let’s continue together in health.
Juntos en salud,
Dr. Diana Ramos
California Surgeon General
| | Minority Mental Health Awareness Month | | | |
Everyone deserves mental health care that feels safe and supportive, especially individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities who often have unique mental health and life experiences. Did you know that mental health is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, particularly for BIPOC women? Learn how The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is turning awareness into action.
NCUIH supports 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) that serve American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people living in urban settings. In these areas, UIOs are lifelines, providing culturally safe health care that blends Western and traditional practices to address complex behavioral health needs.
| | The CalHOPE Warm Line is a 24/7 peer-run crisis line offering free, confidential emotional support to all Californians. | | Maternal Mental Health Hotline | Pregnant or just had a baby? The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and here to help, 24/7. | | |
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The effects of extreme heat aren’t the same for all Californians. Some are more vulnerable to heat-related illness than others, inclduing children and pregnant people.
A child’s exposure to heat can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke.
When pregnant, the body must work harder to cool down both parent and the developing baby. Extreme heat can also worsen swelling in the legs and feet. Pregnant people are also more likely to become dehydrated.
Take steps to get heat ready and prevent heat-related illness this summer.
| | | Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA) | |
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The Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA), also available in Spanish, is a quick, 8-question quiz that’s all about you—your health, your goals, and your future. It’s not complicated or overwhelming—just a simple check-in to help you understand how your current health might impact a future pregnancy.
Share, repost, and disseminate the quiz today! Leave a few at your local grocery store, laundromat, or beauty shop. Drop off a few in a local library or community center. Leave the questions, add a local resource, and help us get PreMA into the hands of those who need it.
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Meet Mobile Integrated Health
Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) is defined as patient-centered, mobile resources in the out-of-hospital environment. MIH components can include traditional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response, community paramedics, advanced practice provider (PA-C, NP) responders, 911 nurse triage lines, and alternate destination/ER diversion. This approach aims to deliver higher quality and more cost-effective medical care by coordinating resources and helping patients receive the right care at the right location, including assisting them in taking better care of themselves at home.
MIH programs play a crucial role in addressing various health challenges by providing integrated, holistic care. By offering support and resources within the community, MIH can help mitigate the effects of toxic stress, improve reproductive health outcomes, and support maternal health, ultimately leading to healthier families and communities.
On July 10, Dr. Ramos joined the CA MIH Summit hosted by the Beverly Hills Fire Department highlighting:
| | LISTEN: Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos 🎧 | | Opportunities & Community Updates |
1) Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
Join CHOC MI4, the Medical Intelligence Society (MIS), and expert guest speakers for a monthly meeting centered on artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. Designed to cater to all levels of experience, these meetings cover the latest updates in medical intelligence, data science, and the latest AI innovations. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and contribute to the conversation around a variety of AI related topics covered in these impactful sessions. Register now via Zoom for the next meeting on August 12, 2025.
2) AI and the Future of Health Care
Dr. Steven Lin, chief of general primary care at Stanford Medicine, leads a large team caring for over 70,000 diverse patients annually. Facing challenges such as limited time and workforce shortages, Lin sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a promising solution. As the founder of Stanford’s Healthcare AI Applied Research Team, he emphasizes AI’s potential not just for advanced diagnostics, but for expanding access to quality primary care—especially in underserved communities. His focus is on using today’s medical knowledge more efficiently and equitably, not just chasing futuristic breakthroughs. Learn how experts hope to leverage the data-analyzing prowess of artificial intelligence to address pressing equity questions, improve diagnostics, and enhance state Medicaid operations.
3) Free and low-cost things to do in summer in Fresno
Summer break is for fun, exploration, and making memories, but sometimes it can be challenging. With kids out of school, many parents are juggling work and keeping their kids safe, entertained, and ensuring all their needs are met. That’s why the BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center created this guide: to help Fresno families access free and low-cost programs, services, and activities all summer long.
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Strong Start & Beyond Newsletter
Know anyone interested in learning more about our movement to reduce maternal mortality and educate and empower individuals of reproductive age in California? Share this newsletter with them and encourage them to subscribe to our mailing list to receive it directly.
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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