SVCHC continues hosting pop-up vaccine clinics in Sonoma Valley. If you haven't received your Covid-19/Flu shot, this is an excellent opportunity to get them!

Sonoma County WIC is moving out of SVCHC's building. Their last day onsite is Friday, December 15^th.

They are moving to the new County services building at 19080 Lomita Ave. (The old Nelson building) and will reopen there on Monday, December 18^th.

Coping with Holiday Anxiety and Stress

Why can the holidays be stressful?

We gather with family and friends for the holidays, seeking peace and joy. But for some of us, it’s the season of stress and depression. Visions of warmth and happiness run headlong into too many expectations. We face overwhelming demands, from the hustle and bustle of shopping to caring for our children and elderly parents.

No wonder stress and depression are common this time of year. Unfortunately, many of us don’t want to talk about our symptoms. We suffer in silence.

Plan for holiday stress

Understanding our stresses and worries can help us better prepare to cope and find new ways to enjoy the season. Planning can make a difference. And when things still keep us down, we need to know when it’s time for help on a higher level.

Stress and depression during the holidays are commonly associated with:

• Overspending on gifts, trying to keep everyone happy
• Heightened tensions, especially when we gather in groups
• Physical exhaustion from holiday-related errands and obligations

How to minimize holiday stress

What can we do to minimize the stress? It all starts with good choices. Please just hang on to your healthy habits. It’s OK to indulge a little, but overdoing it only adds to feelings of stress and guilt. Include healthy fruits, vegetables, and vitamins in your diet; use them as a pre-party snack.

• Exercise: Scheduling a regular time helps.
• Get enough rest: Most adults need six to eight hours each night.
• Find time to visit with friends and have some fun. Know that others may get upset when things go wrong, so learn to be understanding. Holiday anxiety can affect us all.
• Develop a holiday budget. Decide what you can afford and stick to it. Charitable giving may be a more rewarding alternative to buying gifts.
• Use your calendar to plan specific days for shopping, baking, and visiting friends. Plan your menus and shop efficiently.
• Get some fresh air. Studies have shown that winter’s decreasing daylight can lead to seasonal affective disorder, so any time spent outdoors can be helpful.
• Pay attention to your symptoms of stress. Despite your best efforts, you may still need help. Have your symptoms of anxiety and depression lasted for more than two weeks? Are they affecting your daily life, resulting in poor concentration, sleep or appetite disturbance, and thoughts of death or suicide? Don’t let these feelings linger, and see your doctor as soon as possible. He can help decide the best course of action. And you may enjoy the holidays even more than you thought possible.

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AVAILABLE

• To learn more about SVCHC's Behavioral Health Department, visit our website.
• Resources for the LGBTQ community go to this link.
• Buckelew Programs and a monthly resource packet.
• NAMI SONOMA support services.
• Hanna Center Community Mental Health Hub.
• For local resources, visit the county services.
• Resources for parents and children click here.
• "Suicide is Preventable." website.

WINTER TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS

WELCOME TO SVCHC DENTAL CLINIC!

Taking care of your health includes taking care of your smile. Oral health is essential for your well-being. Dental checkups and cleanings are important for healthy teeth and gums and for diagnosing and treating dental problems. Our friendly, high-quality dental team is here to help you keep your teeth healthy. For a healthier smile, a steady regimen includes:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Eat a balanced diet
• Visit your dentist regularly

We welcome patients insured through Medi-Cal, as well as the uninsured or under-insured.

We offer preventative and restorative services, including:

• Primary and preventive care for adults and children
• X-rays and exams
• Routine cleanings
• Deep cleanings
• Composite fillings
• Extractions (excluding wisdom teeth)

For more information, contact us at (707) 939-6070 or check our website here

Our monthly cooking class will continue in 2024, with fun and new ways to prepare healthy ingredients, plus special speakers and presenters.

Stay tuned for the dates!

Drunk driving is the #1 cause of death on our roadways.

Impairment begins with the first drink.

Weekends and holidays can be dangerous times on our roadways. Two of the most celebrated days of the year, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, also are among the most deadly. That's why December has been recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Taking personal responsibility for a safe ride saves lives.

Before taking that first drink, have a plan that includes a designated driver, a taxi or ride share, or an overnight stay at a friend's home. Just a single drink can cause a decline in visual function, mental judgment, and motor skills, resulting in driver impairment.

In the 1980s, the United States saw a significant reduction in alcohol-involved crashes due to lowering the legal driving limit to 0.08 blood alcohol concentration, increasing the minimum legal drinking age to 21, and instituting educational campaigns about the dangers of drinking and driving.

However, for more than 20 years, drivers with alcohol concentrations at or above 0.08 have remained involved in about one-third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. That's about 10,000 lives lost every year.

To learn more, visit here.

Safe Toys & Gifts Month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of selecting toys and gifts that meet safety standards and align with a child’s age and developmental stage. The goal is to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inappropriate or hazardous toys, especially during a time when gift-giving is common.

 Here are ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving:

• Check Labels: Always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Avoid Small Parts: Steer clear of toys with small parts or choking hazards for young children.
• Inspect for Hazards: Examine toys for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.
• Read Reviews: Research toys and gifts online, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.
• Consider Child’s Age: Consider a child’s age, interests, and abilities when selecting gifts.
• Support Educational Toys: Choose toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.
• Spread Awareness: Share safety tips and information about Safe Toys & Gifts Month with your community and on social media.

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MEDI-CAL AND COVERED CA COVERAGE

1. Medi-Cal continues processing renewals/redeterminations paperwork. Those who don't renew will receive a termination notice. Beneficiaries who are over income (and whose legal status qualifies for Covered CA) will be transferred automatically to Covered CA.

PLEASE NOTE: Currently, open enrollment is from November 1st through January 31st. For coverage on January 1, 2024, apply by December 15th, 2023.

Medi-Cal helps you and your family stay healthy. Even if you’ve been denied full Medi-Cal recently, see if you’re eligible now. Immigration status does not matter, but income does. Applying will not affect your immigration status. Learn more at GetMedi-CalCoverage.dhcs.ca.gov.

Medi-Cal Expansion: If you have emergency Medi-Cal, you should receive a notification letter before December 15th. If you haven't received any yet, call the Human Services Department at 1 877-699- 6868 and make sure they have your correct information.

Help us share this information with people who can be great candidates for the following positions, we are excited to grow our team!

We need volunteers for different projects and events! Email us if you wish to make a difference in our community through SVCHC.

 email

Remember to stay up to date through our social media platforms, where you'll find videos, resources, and information on current topics.

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Thank you for investing in the health of the Sonoma Valley community.

Sonoma Valley Community Health Center has been on the front lines, providing care to our community since 1992. Low-wage jobs, minimal health benefits, and high living cost mean too many of our neighbors lack access to affordable health care. SVCHC spends approximately $1 million each year on providing care to our patients who are under or uninsured. Thanks to generous, community-minded people like you, we can ensure that all of our neighbors have access to quality care.

Thank you for your support!

• For questions regarding renewing Medi-Cal or questions about Covered California, please get in touch with the SVCHC Eligibility Team at (707)939-6070 or by email: eligibility@svchc.org

• Appointments for the W.I.C. Office must be made via phone before visits. Please call 707-565-6590.

• REFB Food Distribution is at SVCHC every 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. Distribution hours are from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. or until supply lasts. 



• To receive a Free COVID test, visit this website.

• SRJC is offering FREE ESL noncredit classes. For more information, click this link.

For more community resources, visit our website.

Community Resources

OUR MISSION: To provide accessible quality health care to those who need it, especially the underserved.

OUR VISION: To be recognized as a leader in providing patient and community-centered care in collaboration with other organizations.

707-939-6070 * www.svchc.org * community@svchc.org

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