New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Health and Medical

Rep. Sanchez tries desperately to sign OC residents up for ObamaCare

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana 2 Comments

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 46th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT: Barb Solish, 202-731-7627, Barb.Solish@mail.house.gov

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ FOCUSES ON GETTING OC COVERED WITH IN PERSON ENROLLMENT

Garden Grove, Calif. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) today led a rally in Santa Ana launching “Countdown to Enroll OC,” her effort to connect Orange County residents with certified, in person bilingual health insurance enrollment services through Covered California.

“Covered California’s enrollment deadline, March 31st, is a big day that’s less than fifty days from now,” said Rep. Sanchez. “That’s why I’m launching the Countdown to Enroll OC. From now until March 31st, I will be doing everything I can to connect Orange County residents with in person, bilingual enrollment support. We are putting the emphasis on signing up in person, right here, right now.” Continue reading→

Rep. Sanchez to host an ObamaCare/Covered California rally on Feb. 13

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Health and Medical, Loretta Sanchez, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 46th Congressional District

ADVISORY, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT: Barb Solish, 202-226-8373, Barb.Solish@mail.house.gov

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ TO HOST COVERED CA RALLY LAUNCHING ‘COUNTDOWN TO ENROLL OC’

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) will host a rally with Covered California’s Executive Director Peter Lee launching “Countdown to Enroll OC,” her effort to connect Orange County residents with certified, in person bilingual health insurance enrollment services through Covered California this Thursday, February 13, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. PST at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (SARTC), 1000 East Santa Ana Boulevard, Santa Ana, CA 92701-2690. Continue reading→

ObamaCare event to be held in Santa Ana on Feb. 11 at Latino Health Access

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Health and Medical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: February 10, 2014

Media Contact: Press@BarackObama.com

OFA-CA Volunteers Holding Event to Encourage Local Community Members to “Be Covered on the 1st”

Millions of Americans Already Benefiting from Affordable Care Act

Santa Ana, CA – This Tuesday, February 11, local OFA volunteers will be taking part in a national day of action to make sure fellow community members have the tools and information they need to get enrolled in quality, affordable health insurance.

Millions of Americans are enrolling in health coverage through the new health insurance marketplace that fits their budgets and covers their needs, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. There is still time to sign up, and OFA is dedicated to having the one-on-one conversations with neighbors, friends and family members that help them get the information they need to enroll. Continue reading→

Confirmed measles cases in Orange County

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Confirmed Measles Activity in Orange County Underscores the Importance of Childhood Vaccination

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Health Care Agency has confirmed three cases of measles in Orange County in the last six weeks. These cases are unrelated and thus far have not resulted in transmission to other Orange County residents. In the last five years, Orange County has only seen zero to one case of the measles per year. The Orange County Health Care Agency reminds people that the way to protect yourself and your family against the measles is to get the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Continue reading→

Free ObamaCare enrollment assistance offered by AltaMed on Feb. 8

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Health and Medical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

FREE ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE IN ORANGE COUNTY ON FEB. 8TH AS DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR OBAMACARE COVERAGE APPROACHES

February 15th Marks Deadline to Sign up for Obamacare Coverage Effective on March 1, 2014, AltaMed Health Services to Offer Free Enrollment Assistance for Orange County Residents

WHO/WHAT: February 15th marks the deadline to sign up for health care coverage effective March 1, 2014 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Navigating through the new health insurance plans under the ACA can be overwhelming for many, especially for those who may be purchasing health insurance for the first time. On Saturday, February 8, 2014 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., not-for-profit AltaMed Health Services, the largest network of Federally Qualified Community Health Centers in southern California, will provide the public with free enrollment assistance at its Health Insurance Resource Center in Santa Ana. Certified enrollment experts will be available to address the public’s questions regarding who qualifies for coverage under health care reform, what’s covered, where to enroll, who are the plan providers and more. The public can call 877-462-2582 to get more information. Continue reading→

ObamaCare enrollment assistance at the Santa Ana Library throughout February

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County

Community Alert: Healthcare Insurance Enrollment at the Library

SANTA ANA, CA (February 4, 2014) – The Santa Ana Public Library will be offering one-on-one assistance to help you select the best plan for your medical needs and budget, as well as to help you find out if you qualify for low-cost or no-cost coverage through Medi-Cal.

This service is provided by bilingual (English/Spanish) certified enrollment counselors. Individual meetings are on a first come, first served basis. Counselors will be available on the following dates: Continue reading→

Nguyen gets an OC GOP award as her CalOptima takeover gets slammed by the Feds

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Janet Nguyen, Jose Solorio, Orange County, Republican Party, Santa Ana, Seniors Leave a comment

Cartoon Janet Nguyen

Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen was recognized this week as “Local Elected Official of the Year” by the Orange County Republican Party, according to the Voice of OC.

Nguyen commented on the award stating, “I’m humbled to be recognized for the work I have done for the people of my community. In 2013 transportation issues, sweeping changes to healthcare laws and prison realignment proved to be a challenge for many. People have looked to their local government for help and I worked tirelessly to provide leadership in tough economic times. My commitment is to making government work for the people in the most efficient and responsible manner that is accountable to the taxpayers.”

But karma quickly caught up with Nguyen as “Federal officials Friday ordered CalOptima, Orange County’s health plan for low income and disabled residents, to immediately halt enrollment of elderly patients into its 16,000-member OneCare program, citing a “serious threat to the health and safety” of participants,” according to the Voice of OC. Continue reading→

OC Health Profile Report identifies key health disparities

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Latinos, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County Health Profile Report Identifies Key Health Disparities

(Santa Ana) – A new report from the Orange County Health Care Agency shows a complex picture of health in Orange County. Orange County’s health indicators fare well compared to other counties and state and national data, however disparities exist in health conditions amongst groups of people based on economics, race, ethnicity, gender, age, and geography. The report provides a breakdown of many health and health-associated indicators at a sub-county level to help in understanding where these health disparities occur.

As just one example, while overall rates of obesity are lower in Orange County (23.8%) than in California (25.4%) and the nation (27.8%), obesity continues to disproportionately impact some communities more than others. With an obesity rate of 39.8%, Latina women are nearly twice as likely to be obese as compared to the overall population. Continue reading→

Everest College to host an American Red Cross blood drive on Jan. 27

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Business, Charities, Entertainment, Health and Medical Leave a comment

Everest College-Santa Ana will partner with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Monday, Jan. 27th. The blood drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the campus of Everest College (500 West Santa Ana Boulevard in Santa Ana). Everest College staff and students will be welcoming donors to help them achieve their goal of 27 participants. Continue reading→

Rep. Sanchez slams ObamaCare’s lack of Hispanic outreach in California

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Latinos, Loretta Sanchez Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 46th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 10, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT: Barb Solish, 202-226-8373, Barb.Solish@mail.house.gov

REP. SANCHEZ CALLS ON COVERED CALIFORNIA TO RAMP UP HISPANIC OUTREACH

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) today sent a letter to Peter Lee, Executive Director of Covered California, calling on the health insurance exchange to increase Hispanic outreach efforts.

“Hispanics make up two-thirds of California’s uninsured population and yet less than five percent of Covered California enrollees are Hispanic,” said Rep Sanchez. “In order to carry out the true intent of the Affordable Care Act, Covered California must to better to fill this gap. I am encouraged by recent efforts, but there is much more that can and must be done.” Continue reading→

Find out about ObamaCare enrollment at the Santa Ana Library

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Health and Medical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County

Community Alert: Healthcare Insurance Enrollment @ the Library/ Inscríbete en Covered California en la Biblioteca Pública de Santa Ana

SANTA ANA, CA (January 8, 2014) – The Santa Ana Public Library will be offering one-on-one assistance to help you select the best plan for your medical needs and budget, as well as to help you find out if you qualify for low-cost or no-cost coverage through Medi-Cal.

Last chance for ObamaCare enrollment assistance before the Jan. 15 deadline

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Health and Medical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE IN ORANGE COUNTY ON JAN 11 AS DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR OBAMACARE COVERAGE APPROACHES

January 15th Marks Deadline to Sign up for ObamaCare Coverage Effective on February 1, 2014, AltaMed Health Services to Offer Free Enrollment Assistance for Orange County Residents

WHAT: January 15th marks the deadline to sign up for health care coverage effective February 1, 2014 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Navigating through the new health insurance plans under the ACA can be overwhelming for many, especially for those who may be purchasing health insurance for the first time. On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2013 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., not-for-profit AltaMed Health Services, the largest network of Federally Qualified Community Health Centers in southern California, will provide the public with free enrollment assistance at its Health Insurance Resource Center in Santa Ana. Certified enrollment experts will be available to address the public’s questions regarding who qualifies for coverage under health care reform, what’s covered, where to enroll, who are the plan providers and more. The public can call 877-462-2582 to get more information. Continue reading→

Orange County reports season’s first influenza death

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County Leave a comment

Orange County Health Care Agency

Orange County Reports Season’s First Influenza Death

Most Influenza in the County is pH1N1

(Santa Ana) – A 28 year-old Orange County woman died last week from influenza A (pH1N1)-related disease. This is the first influenza-related death reported in the county in a person under 65 this season.

Reports of influenza disease have increased in Orange County in the last couple of weeks. The vast majority of reported cases have been Influenza A and most of those have been due to a strain called pH1N1, the same strain that has been circulating since the 2009 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an alert discussing reports from several states of severe illness in young and middle-aged adults due to pH1N1 virus. Continue reading→

A look at downtown Santa Ana’s hip restaurants and bars’ health violation record

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Bars, Food, Health and Medical, Public Safety, Santa Ana 9 Comments

Downtown Santa Ana has been invaded over the past few years by eateries that cater to hipsters and yuppies – not to the local populace. These establishments are pricey but we have found that their food safety and hygiene record is not always what you would hope for.

Unfortunately our Board of Supervisors voted a few years ago to not allow letter grade ratings of our local eateries. So we are supposed to go online and look for ourselves, but hardly anyone ever does that.

Here are our latest findings for the year 2013, as reported by the Orange County Health Agency, into what is going on in Downtown Santa Ana’s hip restaurants and bars. Major Violations (in red) pose the highest risk of causing food poisoning (or foodborne illness. Major violations are sometimes resolved during the inspection or a reinspection may be scheduled to verify compliance. Minor Violations (in blue) pose less risk of causing food poisoning (or foodborne illness), and do not warrant immediate verification of compliance.

The Little Sparrow, located at 300 N. Main St., in Santa Ana: Continue reading→

ObamaCare registration assistance offered on 12/21 at Altamed, in Santa Ana

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Health and Medical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

NON-PROFIT OFFERS ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE ON DEC. 21 AS DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR OBAMACARE COVERAGE APPROACHES

December 23rd Marks Deadline to Sign up for Obamacare Coverage Effective on January 1, 2014, AltaMed Health Services to Offer Enrollment Assistance for Orange County Residents

December 23rd marks the deadline to sign up for health care coverage effective January 1, 2014 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Navigating through the new health insurance plans under the ACA can be overwhelming for many, especially for those who may be purchasing health insurance for the first time.

On Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013 at 10 a.m. not-for-profit AltaMed Health Services, the largest network of Federally Qualified Community Health Centers in southern California, will provide the public with enrollment assistance at its Health Insurance Resource Center in Santa Ana. Certified enrollment experts will be available to address the public’s questions regarding who qualifies for coverage under health care reform, what’s covered, where to enroll, who are the plan providers and more. Continue reading→