|
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a solemn reminder of the families who have experienced unimaginable loss. Honoring these parents and children calls us to strengthen systems of care, expand mental-health and bereavement supports, and work together to reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths across our state.
We also recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Health Literacy Month—each reminding us that prevention, clear communication, and trauma-informed care can save lives.
These observances highlight a powerful truth: health is not only about medicine—it is about compassion, connection, and community. Together, they urge us to listen more deeply, communicate more clearly, and act more boldly to advance health equity and belonging in every corner of California. Thank you for your continued partnership and leadership. Let's continue together in health.
Juntos en salud,
Dr. Diana Ramos
California Surgeon General
| | NOW AVAILABLE: Issue Brief + Video on ACEs and Reproductive Health | | | The reproductive years—before, during, and after pregnancy—provide a critical window to disrupt intergenerational cycles of trauma and promote long-term well-being. Supporting individuals during this time can improve maternal & infant health, strengthen family stability, and lay the foundation for healthier communities. | |  | When a pregnant person has lived through ACEs like poor mental health, stress, or lack of support, the impact can ripple across each stage of their child’s development, but with support, connection, and early care, parents can change the path forward. The video is also available in Spanish. | | | Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month | | |
From mid-September through October, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month-long observance, spanning from September 15 to October 15, recognizes the rich diversity and lasting impact of Hispanic communities in shaping our shared story.
On October 1, the Office of the California Surgeon General proudly recognized National Latino Physician Day, a moment to highlight the vital contributions of Latino physicians and the need for greater representation in medicine. Although Latinos make up nearly 19% of the U.S. population, they represent only 6% of practicing physicians.
| | California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos joined medical students and leaders at UC Irvine to share how increasing diversity in healthcare strengthens trust, improves health outcomes, and ensures culturally responsive care for all communities, especially the Latino community. Let’s continue to learn, celebrate, and uplift voices that inspire connection, resilience, and pride across California and beyond. | | Menopause Awareness Month | | |
| | |
This October, we’re joining public health heroes across the nation in highlighting the importance of understanding menopause, a natural phase of life and reproductive health that affects millions of women.
From hot flashes to sleep issues, menopause can show up in many ways and every experience is different, but symptoms can be managed.
Raising awareness helps break the stigma, promote open conversations, and ensure access to supportive care and resources. Together, we can empower women to navigate this stage with knowledge, compassion, and confidence.
| | | 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. Informative, empowering, and thought-provoking, whether a health professional, advocate or simply curious about improving well-being, these conversations are a trusted source for insight and guidance.
Later this month, Dr. Ramos will speak with Dr. Debra Gierut about menopause and the stigma surrounding it. In the meantime, check out our latest episodes if you haven't already:
| |
EPISODIO 8: Programa Cardiovascular Promotora de UC Davis
| En este episodio, Dr. Martin Cadeiras, Cardiologo y Director Cadiaca de UC Davis, habla sobre cómo los trabajadores de salud comunitarios (promotoras) están ayudando a prevenir enfermedades cardíacas, el papel del estrés en la salud cardiovascular y cómo los programas innovadores, desde la formación en las escuelas hasta la asesoría a través de telemedicina, están cambiando la manera en que los californianos acceden a la atención médica. | |
EPISODE 9: Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Return to Zero: Hope
| In this episode, Dr. Kiley Hanish, a neurodivergent occupational therapist who specializes in mental health during the perinatal period, highlights Return to Zero: Hope, a community of bereaved parents, families, and providers offering inclusive resources and holistic support for anyone whose life has been touched by loss. This includes infertility, secondary infertility, miscarriage, ending a wanted pregnancy, stillbirth, infant or toddler death, loss through surrogacy or failed adoption. | | Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month | | |
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, observed annually on October 15, honors the lives lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and the death of newborns. It is a day of reflection, healing, and solidarity for families who have experienced these profound losses while also raising awareness about the impact of pregnancy and infant loss. Every year, communities worldwide join the International Wave of Light at 7pm to remember and heal together.
This October, we honor the memory of all the babies gone too soon and mourn with grieving parents, families & caregivers whose little one remains close to their heart— always.
| | | | | In the Light of Loss with March of Dimes | | March of Dimes, a national non-profit organization that works to improve the health of mothers and babies in the U.S., is hosting a webinar series that blends lived experience with actionable strategies and lifts the voices of families and the pathways to systems change. During Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, explore the realities of pregnancy and infant loss, the systems that shape maternal care, and the opportunities we all share to reimagine support for grieving families. Register now for the webinar on Tuesday, October 28. | | |
| | |
With school, work and life, you don’t have time to be sick! Per the California Department of Public Health, make sure everyone in the whole family 6 months+ is vaccinated against flu.
Pregnant? Protect yourself and your developing baby by getting your flu vaccine this fall and winter virus season. A flu vaccine now will protect your baby when they’re born. Babies younger than 6 months are too young to get the flu vaccine. Their only protection is from maternal antibodies passed on during pregnancy.
Contact your doctor, pharmacy or visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccine appointments.
|
| | Opportunities & Community Updates |
Bedside Providers Plus Goes Live
Power to Decide has launched Bedside Providers Plus, a new digital hub helping healthcare professionals stay current in sexual and reproductive health. Access trend reports, research summaries, and real-world clinical scenarios- all in one place.
Pregnancy Care Support Group (Fresno County)
The Black Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC) is proud to offer Pregnancy Support Groups designed to ensure healthier, happier pregnancies through both support and resources. These free sessions provide moms-to-be in Fresno County with education, community, and direct access to trusted health professionals. Visit the BWPC website to learn more about what you can expect, eligibility, and other important details.
Perinatal Psychosis Webinar (10/22 at 12pm)
Hosted by the Michigan Institute for Care Management and Transformation, this presentation will give an overview of the nature of psychosis and how to differentiate its symptoms from those of other psychiatric conditions that may present similarly in the perinatal period. Attention will also be paid to treatment options for postpartum psychosis. Additionally, assessing and managing risk in cases of postpartum psychosis will be discussed. Register now for the webinar on October 22, 2025 at 12:00pm.
Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance Webinar Series (10/23 at 12pm ET)
Explore how digital platforms are transforming maternal mental health care. Experts will discuss safe, effective tools that empower both providers and parents. Register now for the webinar on October 23, 2025 at 12pm ET (9am PT).
Safe Sleep & Bereavement Webinar hosted by First Candle (10/28 at 9am)
For families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a baby, this session offers a safe, compassionate space to connect and share. Parents and grief support experts will talk openly about navigating loss, finding community, and taking steps toward healing. You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Register now for the webinar on October 28, 2025 at 9am.
|
|
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.
ICYMI: Vaccine Access and Guidance in California
In case you missed it, the California Health & Human Services Agency hosted a webinar on vaccine access and guidance in California, a timely topic heading into respiratory virus season. Under updated California law, health plans and insurance companies regulated by the state, including Medi-Cal, are required to continue covering routine immunizations recommended by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This includes vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Californians are encouraged to review CDPH’s vaccine recommendations and check with their health plan or insurer if they have questions about coverage. To schedule a vaccine appointment, individuals can contact their health care provider, visit a local pharmacy, or go to MyTurn.ca.gov.
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.
| | | | |
