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September is a month of reflection, celebration, and recommitment, for life in general but especially to community health. As we welcome the start of fall next week, let us honor several important milestones and awareness campaigns in that spirit.
September 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Latino communities that continue to shape California’s identity. It is also the 175th anniversary of California’s statehood, reminding us of our shared history and the resilience of the communities that built this state.
Closer to our work, we celebrate the first anniversary of Strong Start & Beyond, our movement dedicated to giving every child and family the healthiest beginning possible. September also shines a light on Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, calling us to deepen our efforts to break stigma, expand access to mental health support, and remind every individual that help and hope are always within reach.
Together, these observances remind us that health is not only about medicine but also about culture, community, and compassion. They challenge us to continue building bridges, honoring heritage, and strengthening programs that give every Californian the chance to thrive. Let’s continue together in health.
Juntos en salud,
Dr. Diana Ramos
California Surgeon General
| | 1 Year of Strong Start & Beyond | | | |
One year ago, the Office of the California Surgeon General launched Strong Start & Beyond, a groundbreaking movement to advance the Golden State's commitment to reproductive and maternal health and reduce the maternal mortality rate 50% by December 2026 through early intervention, culturally responsive care, and expanded community-based support systems. In just one year, the movement has united communities, clinicians, and leaders across the state with a shared goal to reduce maternal mortality together.
In 2025, Dr. Ramos empowered Californians with the Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA), a simple, eight-question quiz designed to reduce preventable maternal deaths by helping people identify the need for potential medical care, even before a pregnancy begins.
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to maternal health equity, as we continue to work together to improve maternal health across the state. When mothers, pregnant people, and babies thrive, our communities thrive as well, bringing us closer to a Healthy California for ALL.
| | Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | | |
Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources.
Whether you’re facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference—we can help save lives. This September and beyond, let us do our part to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking.
| | Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, the 988 Lifeline's counselors are here for you. Call or text 988. | | Help is available for pregnant people and new parents experiencing mental health challenges. Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). | | The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative has consolidated resources to remind children, youth, and caregivers that you never have to feel alone and help is always within reach. | | National Latino Physician Day | | |
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During Hispanic Heritage Month, National Latino Physician Day (NLPD) is dedicated to improving the quality of care for the United States Latino patient population by increasing the number of Latino physicians who provide culturally and linguistically concordant care. Every year on October 1, NLPD represents an urgent “Call to Action” for hospitals, academic medical centers, educators and legislative leaders to incorporate structural changes to improve Latino representation in the U.S. physician workforce. As the first Latina California Surgeon General, I encourage the next generation of Latino students to pursue careers in medicine. 6% is not enough. |
| | ICYMI: Back-to-School Season | | In case you missed it, California Surgeon General Dr. Diana E. Ramos hosted a Facebook live conversation last month on supporting parents and teachers during the back-to-school season. Get practical tips and expert advice from Dr. Daniel Amen of Amen Clinics and Victor Dominguez of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. | | Also, learn the ten ways California is helping families as kids head back to school! California is rolling out nation-leading supports to help families save money and set students up for success. From the Universal Meals Program providing two free meals a day to all TK-12 students and the Farm to School initiative bringing locally grown, nutritious food to cafeterias, to Universal Transitional Kindergarten ensuring every 4-year-old gets a strong start, families have more access than ever. Free before, after, and summer school programs are cutting childcare costs, while the CalKIDS program is giving millions of students college savings accounts. Plus, with nearly 2,500 community schools integrating health, mental health, and family supports, California is making sure every child can thrive. | | LISTEN: Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos | | |
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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 7, multi-talented filmmaker and yoga instructor Mel Mah discusses the topic of wellness and finding your purpose.
In case you missed it, check out episode 6 with Bertha Perez-Sanchez on her experience with gestational diabetes and pregnancy complications. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for future episodes.
| | | Opportunities & Community Updates |
Fact vs Fiction: What Actually Works - Contemporary Clinical Suicidology
Much of what is done in the name of clinical care for suicidal risk is based on a well-established history that centers on controlling a person who is suicidal largely out of fear and a presumption that providers know best what the person needs. Importantly, clinical research is increasingly showing that many common practices for suicidal risk are ineffective or may actually increase risk. This presentation will systematically review the history of dealing with suicidal risk from its medieval origins, through decades of a carceral medical model approach, right up to present day suicide-focused interventions that reliably and effectively decrease suicidal suffering and related behaviors. Register now for the webinar on Tuesday, September 30 at noon.
Mestizaje Dance Performance: Interwoven Identities between Mexico, Philippines, and Spain
On Friday, September 19 from 7-9pm at CSU San Marcos, enjoy a dance performance and conversation with the artists that delve deep into the heart of cultural convergence, narrating a story of unity, diversity and shared history through the universal language of dance. At the core of “Mestizaje” is the celebration of mestizaje itself – a term that historically signifies the process of cultural and racial mixing between Indigenous peoples of the Americas and Europeans. Email ntnguyen@csusm.edu for more details.
Medical Intelligence, Information, Investigation, and Innovation (Mi4) Institute and Medical Intelligence Society meetings
Join the Monthly MIS/MI4 meeting hosted every second Tuesday of the month by the CHOC Sharon Disney Lund Medical Intelligence, Information, Investigation and Innovation Institute (MI4) and Medical Intelligence Society (MIS). Robust discussions on topics related to AI and data science in medicine as well as game-changing innovations in healthcare. Register now for the next meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Film Screening: The Cigarette Surfboard Documentary
On Wednesday, November 19 from 5:30-8pm at CSU San Marcos, the Center for Tobacco and the Environment is co-sponsoring a screening of "The Cigarette Surfboard’: An Environmental Surf Documentary." In this film, Taylor Lane, an impassioned surfer, creates a functional surfboard with 10,000 littered cigarette butts collected from California beaches. This immersive documentary gives viewers an up-close experience of the ocean through surfers' eyes to amplify a message of urgency and possibility regarding the well-being of our oceans. A moderated Q&A with Taylor Lane and filmmaker Ben Judkins will follow the screening. Reserve your spot now.
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From Monthly to Quarterly Newsletter
After a year of monthly updates, the Strong Start & Beyond newsletter is going quarterly! Don't worry, you'll still receive the latest information and resources on our efforts to reduce maternal mortality, educate and empower reproductive-age individuals, and save the lives of moms and pregnant people in California. For daily updates and content, be sure to follow us on social media.
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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