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March is Women’s History Month, an opportunity to recognize the leadership, innovation, and resilience of women who have shaped science, medicine, public service, and communities across the state and around the world.
In California this month, we celebrate 60 years of Medi-Cal, an incredible milestone worth all the recognition. Medi-Cal is more than just health care coverage. It is truly foundational to healthy communities, providing essential care to millions of individuals and families.
March is also Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and National Nutrition Month, highlighting the powerful role of healthy eating and preventive care. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and other chronic conditions, while regular screening beginning at age 45 remains one of the most effective tools for early detection.
Sleep Awareness Month reminds us that quality sleep is essential for mental health, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being, especially for new moms. Together, these observances underscore the importance of prevention and healthy daily habits in supporting the health of individuals, families, and communities across California. Let's continue together in health.
Juntos en salud,
Dr. Diana Ramos
California Surgeon General
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For six decades, Medi-Cal has been a lifeline for millions of Californians—connecting families, seniors, children, and individuals to the care they need to live healthier lives. When the program began in 1966, it served roughly one million Californians. Today, it supports more than 14 million people through the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), offering access to doctor visits, prescriptions, and critical health services.
At every stage of life, Medi-Cal has been there for mothers, children, and families, supporting 41% of all births statewide. From doctor visits to mental health care, dental, and vision services, Medi-Cal helps keep millions of people healthy and our communities thriving. Join us and our partners at DHCS in celebrating this amazing milestone in building a Healthy California for All.
| | DHCS began developing a comprehensive policy and care model roadmap called the Birthing Care Pathway in 2023 to cover the journey of all pregnant and postpartum Medi-Cal members from conception through 12 months postpartum. | |  | Medi-Cal offers access to doulas, midwives, and other supports to ensure every birthing parent receives respectful, culturally aligned care. Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. | | | 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 technology, equity, and successes with industry leaders.
In episode 12, Dr. Ramos discusses technology and innovation in maternal health with Susanna Visuri Monacelli, Head of Strategy & Business Development at Philips. Learn about advances in maternal and fetal monitoring, how data and predictive tools help identify risk early, innovation and equity, 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.
| | | "One Small Thing" Campaign Continues to Support New, Postpartum Moms | | |
The postpartum period, or 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.
Across California and beyond, we are calling on everyone to do One Small Thing for a new mom, such as babysitting, providing a ride, delivering a meal, and more. Your small act of kindness could be the support mom needs — and you could be the eyes and ears that help her recognize when she might need medical care.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
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Do one small thing for a new mom in your life.
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Record a short video or take a photo of your action 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.
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Women’s History Month celebrates the leadership and influence of women who have shaped our communities and society. This month, and every month, we honor the impact of these courageous women and recommit to a future where every woman has the support and opportunity she needs to thrive.
In honor of the amazing mothers, sisters, wives, grandmas, aunts and friends that have shaped all of our lives, we stay commited to reducing maternal mortality in California, supporting the health and well-being of all mothers and families across the state.
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Healthy eating plays an important role in not only supporting overall health but also preventing chronic disease. Good nutrition helps strengthen the immune system, supports heart health, and is essential for healthy pregnancies and early childhood development.
We encourage all Californians to make informed food choices, prioritize balanced meals, and explore ways to improve access to nutritious foods in their communities. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is a trusted source of food and nutrition information.
This month, we partnered with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to highlight how nutrition can help women and people experiencing menopause reduce menopause symptoms and optimize overall health.
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Getting enough quality sleep supports heart health, brain function, and emotional wellness, yet many adults in the United States do not get the recommended amount each night.
Practical steps you can take to improve sleep quality:
1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
2. Create a restful environment
3. Limit screen time before bed
Learn more about sleep health and tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sleep and rest can also help you live beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
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| | Although American Heart Month is over, cardiovascular care matters all year long. Heart disease, one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in California, can have immediate pregnancy and postpartum risks and cause life-long health concerns. Pregnant individuals can develop heart disease during pregnancy or after delivery. | | Pregnancy-Related Heart Disease | The California Department of Public Health can help you understand risk, symptoms, and conditions as well as what you should do and ways to manage heart disease. | | | Life's Essential 8™ for Pregnancy | The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™ for Pregnancy are the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health – health behaviors and health factors. | | | Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month | | |
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of screening and early detection to prevent colorectal cancer, which often develops without symptoms in its early stages and why routine screening is so important.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends adults begin regular screening at age 45. Screening can detect precancerous polyps before they become cancer and identify cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
Throughout March, organizations across the country work to raise awareness and encourage individuals to talk with their healthcare providers about screening options.
| | | Events, Webinars & Other Opportunities | |
March 26, 2026 | 3:00-4:00 PM ET | Virtual
The NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health will host a virtual Women’s Health Research Roundtable exploring oral health in women. Speakers Benjamin Chaffee, DDS, PhD (UCSF) and Andrea López, PhD, MPH (California State University, Bakersfield) will discuss how social, economic, and behavioral factors shape oral health outcomes across the life course, including during the transition to adulthood.
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March 27, 2026 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM PT | Virtual
UCSF is hosting Black Mamas Meet Up, a virtual postpartum support group for Black mothers with children up to three years old. The group meets every second and fourth Friday from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM (PST) and provides a supportive space for connection and shared experiences during the postpartum journey.
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March 30, 2026 | 6:00 PM PT | Virtual
The Children’s Partnership and the Mental Health Services Act Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) are hosting Beyond the Fussy Baby – Part 2, a webinar focused on early childhood mental health. This session will explore how community trauma, structural racism, and discrimination impact young children’s socioemotional development and discuss ways to support families and early care providers. For more information and to register, please contact Angela Vazquez at avazquez@childrenspartnership.org.
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April 9, 2026 | 12:00 PM PT | Virtual
The National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women’s Health and the Uniformed Services University Military Women’s Health Research Program are hosting a webinar highlighting research on military women’s health. This session will focus on brain health and neurological disorders affecting women who serve in the military.
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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. Registration is free.
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June 4, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
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. | | | | |
