County Distributed Information to Residents Ahead of CDC Community Health Assessment
County Public Health staff and volunteers walked door-to-door in South County neighborhoods Thursday, handing out information about an upcoming community health assessment led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address sewage pollution along the Tijuana River Valley.
More than 6,000 households have received information on flyers and doorhangers about the survey known as a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response or CASPER.
To learn more about health concerns and impacts from sewage and pollution in the Tijuana River Valley and the upcoming CASPER survey, visit sandiegocounty.gov/southregionhealth.
CARE Act Reaches One-Year Anniversary
October 1st marks the one-year anniversary of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act program. It has been a successful and inspiring first year
Through the combined efforts of the County’s Behavioral Health Services and Public Defender departments, Superior Court and other partners, there are currently 64 CARE Agreements. CARE Court has also celebrated 2 graduations.
MPOX is a viral disease that can make you sick. One symptom includes a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. MPOX is rare and does not spread easily between people without close contact. The threat of MPOX to the general US population remains low.
Please share the following resources with your community, staff, and partners to help raise awareness and lower the risk of MPOX.
County Confirms First Case of Human West Nile Virus in 2024
County public health officials report that a 71-year-old man tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first human case of West Nile virus reported in the county this year. While this case is not thought to have been contracted in San Diego County, West Nile virus is present here as well, though rare.
Earlier this month, a dead bird found in the Clairemont area of San Diego tested positive for West Nile. The most recent human case of West Nile virus in the county was in 2022.
Board Approves State Funding to Improve the Health of African-American Babies
The Board of Supervisors approved $484,310 from the state to improve health outcomes for African-American babies.
The funding comes from the California Perinatal Equity Initiative to address poor health outcomes like low birth weight, babies being born too early, and even infant and maternal death among Black mothers and babies due to bias and racism, particularly in health care settings.
October 15th - National LatinX AIDS Awareness Day!
You can help end the HIV epidemic. Get connected to HIV prevention, treatment, and supportive services in San Diego County through the SD Getting to Zero app. Get free HIV testing through takemehome.org. Let your voice be heard in the community by joining San Diego County’s HIV Planning Group San Diego HIV Planning Group.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Q&A Sessions
Dreams for Change, a nonprofit focused on empowering underserved communities, is hosting two Zoom Q&A sessions about becoming a VITA volunteer. Learn more about the role and ask questions in either session:
Spread the word and see how you can make an impact!
NEW! Community Cares Program
Do you provide services to help support the basic needs of our neighbors? Many who face food insecurity are also in need of support with housing, education, healthcare, workforce development, and family support. Our outreach partners are invited to attend our food distributions and conduct community outreach to individuals and families receiving food assistance from the Food Bank.
Learn to prepare taxes and join one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in the nation. VITA Offers free tax help to people with low-to-moderate income, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, those who have limited English proficiency, and others who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
The 2024 Live Well Advance Conference & School Summit invites artists of all ages to participate in our Poster Art Contest to showcase their talent and contribute to a powerful message of community collaboration!
We want to give our diverse participants from the San Diego region the opportunity to interpret the conference theme “Ripples of Change: The Power of Partnerships” through art as a medium, with a focus on building healthy, safe, and thriving communities through partnerships.
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM on October 12, 2024.
The application window for the Gun Violence Reduction Program Community Partnership Council is now open!
The new council will act as an advisory body focused on:
Guidance: Advising on violence prevention strategies and resource prioritization.
Action: Developing recommendations for priority strategies.
Information Sharing: Facilitating communication between the community and County entities.
Commitment: Regular meetings from November 2024 to June 2026, occurring every other month.
Application Process: Interested individuals must submit the Community Partnership Council Application via email by October 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM PST to psg-outreach@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Each year, the San Diego HIV Planning Group recognizes individuals who have served the community and made outstanding contributions to the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We extend a cordial invitation to all community members to partake in the submission of nominations.
The Selection Committee, composed of former Dr. A. Brad Truax Award winners, will select one individual to receive the Dr. A. Brad Truax Award. The awards will be presented at a reception honoring all nominees on Friday, December 6, 2024.
The Local Author Program highlights the intellectual and creative accomplishments of writers in the San Diego region and is presented for reading interest as well as the opportunity to highlight the diverse and abundant talent we have locally.
The Showcase includes books and ebooks written by adults, teens and children. In its 59th year, the aim of the Showcase is to bring exposure to local talent and nurture the pursuit of the writing arts in San Diego.
Passionate about improving air quality, healthy food, and access to safe, clean, and green outdoor spaces? Join the environmental justice workshop to inform government climate initiatives, meet people, gain new perspectives, and receive a stipend and training.
Brightline introduces BrightLife Kids, a program designed to support children facing emotional challenges. With interactive activities and expert resources, it empowers kids to cope with stress and build resilience.
The County of San Diego Getting to Zero (GTZ) Mobile Application is intended for San Diego County residents, persons living with or at-risk of contracting HIV, and organizations and individuals involved in HIV related work. App users can connect to resources across San Diego County from any mobile device! Users can search by location, language, services offered, transportation routes, and much more.
SBCS transforms communities to support the well-being and prosperity of children, youth, and families throughout San Diego County. SBCS services and supports assist those throughout the region to reach their fullest potential and touch the lives of more than 50,000 each year.
For more information: Please call (619) 420-3620 or visit
Waves of Honor Free Admission for Active Duty Military and Families!
Through Sea World's Waves of Honor program, military personnel and up to three direct dependents may enjoy one complimentary admission to SeaWorld® San Diego. Offer is available online and for visitation through Dec. 31, 2024.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a global opportunity to raise dementia awareness and support people affected by the disease. The Age Well San Diego Dementia & Brain Health Team would like to share key resources from the California Department of Public Health’s Take on Alzheimer’s campaign which are designed to educate Californians about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and empower individuals and their families.
In an effort to encourage more people to spend quality time outside, wherever and whenever they can - the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation is partnering with Nature Unplugged to host ranger-led hikes during their October 2024 Hike-a-thon.
Champions for Health will be hosting school-located vaccine events. Students can get their flu or COVID-19 vaccine through these events but will require a picture identification card.
The Care Center's mission is to connect individuals and their families to community-based interventions to prevent crime and victimization.
The Center's initative is to link individuals to community-based services to build strong partnerships to address community trauma and build resilience.
Walk through emotions through trained therapists and mental health professionals through Social Solutions! Clients will get the chance to meet and create new friendships in the LGBTQ+ youth community.
Please forward to colleagues, staff, partners, and community members as you see fit. New subscribers can sign up here. If you have any questions on the content of this newsletter or have a San Diego County community event you would like to share with us, please email HHSA.communities@sdcounty.ca.gov.
