Sonoma To Dispatch ‘Health Coaches’ To Help Combat Tooth Decay In Children
To help fund the Cavity Free Sonoma program, the county has received a $3.5 million grant from the state Department of Health Care Services.
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Sonoma County Seeks To Reduce Cavities In Kids
Sonoma County health officials are rolling out a multi-pronged plan that seeks to reduce by one half the number of kindergarten students with tooth decay. The plan, which focuses on children covered by Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, will place “health coaches” at 10 of the county’s community health centers. These coaches will doggedly stay on parents about their kids’ dental care, making sure they do not miss their appointments and educating them about the unhealthy effects of sugary drinks. The health coaches will also conduct a comprehensive oral assessment of each child, allowing clinics to track progress and coordinate their care. (Espinoza, 5/15)
In other news from across the state —
KPCC:
Officer Involved: San Bernardino County
An investigation by KPCC and The San Bernardino Sun found more than 70 percent of people shot by officers in San Bernardino County in a recent six-year span showed signs of drug or alcohol use. That’s more than double the rate in L.A. County based on the same analysis there. But public health data show similar rates of drug overdose deaths in the two counties, which experts say is an indicator drug use is also about the same. (Gilbertson and Mendelson, 5/15)
Ventura County Star:
Women's Health Center Opens In Oxnard
A new women’s health center has officially opened in Oxnard.The center, which had been seeing patients for a few weeks, celebrated its grand opening Thursday. It is operated by the Dignity Health Medical Foundation and is located in the medical pavilion at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Suite 280, 1700 North Rose Ave., Oxnard. The center includes nine exam rooms, one procedure room and includes what Dignity officials call the latest in obstetrics and gynecological technology. (Kisken, 5/15)
The Mercury News:
Santa Cruz Neurosurgeon, Nurse Arrested On Child Sex Charges
A neurosurgeon who, until recently, was employed by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and a Dominican Hospital nurse have been arrested on multiple charges of sexual offense against children. (Masters, 5/15)