MESSAGE FROM DR. RAMOS

As we start to close out the year, we take time to recognize observances that honor history, elevate community voices, and shine a light on health conditions that impact millions.

This month, we join Governor Gavin Newsom in celebrating Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the deep histories, cultural traditions, and enduring contributions of Tribal communities across California and the nation. Native peoples have cared for and shaped this land for generations, and their leadership continues to strengthen the health and well-being of our state.

November is also American Diabetes Month. In the U.S., nearly one in five adults in the U.S. with diabetes (around 8.7 million people) are unaware they have the condition while one in three adults has pre-diabetes. National Diabetes Month aims to increase awareness about prevention, management, and the importance of early detection.

Prematurity Awareness Month is observed every November to raise global and national awareness of preterm birth, its causes, impact on families, and prevention strategies. One in ten births in the U.S. is preterm. California is making progress in lowering preterm births and among the highest scorers in the nation in March of Dimes 2025 Report Card. Every step forward means a healthier start for babies and families.

This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for your continued partnership in helping make California more resilient and healthy. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving! Let's continue together in health.

Juntos en salud,

Dr. Diana Ramos

California Surgeon General

NEW: Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA) Widget

The Office of the California Surgeon General invites all Californians to add the free, evidence-based Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA) widget to their online, digital platform.

Simply scan the QR code or use this link to access the HTML code to add it today! Already have the widget displayed on your website? Let us know so we can proudly feature your support on our website.

PreMA is a simple, eight-question quiz designed to reduce preventable maternal deaths by identifying the need for potential medical care, even before a pregnancy begins.

2025 March of Dimes Report Card

Preterm birth- when a baby is born before 37 weeks- accounts for 15% of infant deaths in the United States. These rates do not impact all communities equally: babies born to Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander mothers, as well as families living in rural areas, experience disproportionately higher rates of preterm birth.

California continues to maintain a lower preterm birth rate compared to most states and has the lowest rate of babies dying before their first birthday.

American Diabetes Month

American Diabetes Month is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the millions of individuals and families affected by diabetes.

It’s a time to highlight the importance of early detection, prevention, and access to quality care, especially for communities facing higher risk and barriers to treatment.

If you have diabetes, a healthy pregnancy and baby is possible when you take steps to follow a healthy eating plan, stay physically active, and manage your blood glucose (blood sugar). Learn more about diabetes and pregnancy.

Holiday Mental Health Support

Do you have a new addition to your family this holiday season? Pregnancy or a new baby can bring big changes for everyone, including partners and family members.

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available to help you or a loved one keep the season bright. The Hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in English and Spanish.

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 10, learn about menopause from stigma to support with Dr. Debra Gierut, a board certified OB-GYN at Kaiser Permanente, including:

What people should know
Common symptoms
Getting help and support
Supporting loved ones experiencing menopause
& more!

Opportunities & Community Updates

The Reproductive Health Hotline (ReproHH) is Live

ReproHH is a new, free, and confidential resource designed to support clinicians nationwide in providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare. The hotline connects frontline providers with experts from the UCSF Department of Family & Community Medicine, offering real-time clinical guidance to help fill critical gaps and strengthen access to high-quality care.

Perinatal Mental Health 101 Training Webinar

On Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 10:30 am to noon PST, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health is hosting a training webinar on various Maternal Mental Health Disorders, including the differences between them, risk factors, and treatment options.The course is designed for providers, administrators, and public health employees, though all are welcome. CEUs/CMEs are not available for this event.

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST

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 at (833)398-2022, open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST to answer questions from concerned parents and caregivers about infant botulism. Trained public health staff continue to be available to provide answers and information to concerned members of the public with questions about the outbreak. CDPH’s medical staffing line for health care providers and other clinical and case consultation continues to operate 24/7.

Cal Hospital Compare Announces 2025 Maternity Care Honor Roll Hospitals

California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos celebrates the 82 hospitals across the state recognized by Cal Hospital Compare for delivering exceptional maternity care that supports safer births and healthier outcomes for California families. “As an Obstetrician Gynecologist, I am proud to celebrate these hospitals for their leadership and dedication to advancing maternity care in California,” said California Surgeon General. “Their work is essential in achieving our shared goal of improving maternal health and ensuring every mother and birthing person receives safe, high-quality care.”

Funding Opportunities for 'Representative Research' Proposals

California is funding opportunities for innovative research in ‘representative research’ aimed at leveraging the existing expertise within our state for biomedical research, with the goal of including underrepresented populations, who have been underrecognized or historically excluded, as research participants so research can benefit all Californians and reduce health disparities. The California Initiative for Precision Medicine (CIAPM) is launching two Request for Applications (RFAs) to inspire and support researchers in the state to bridge interdisciplinary fields and/or create authentic partnerships amongst institutions and/or between institutions and the communities they serve.

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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