In March comes Spring, and with Spring comes new birth. May the same happen in our lives - flourishing a new light and a better version of ourselves, our dreams and passions. Let us make our light shine as bright as possible, as unconsciously we will invite others to do the same.

COVID-19 UPDATE REMINDER

Please remember that the current California health order requires anyone entering our building to wear a mask. 

• Patients with scheduled appointments should receive a phone call no earlier than 24 hours before determining symptoms. Patients showing specific symptoms will be asked to remain in their cars, and providers will come to patients' cars to be seen. We would greatly appreciate your cooperation as SVCHC works to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff. 
• You may notice that our staff continues wearing masks. This is our effort to keep our patients safe.
• If you need help, please call SVCHC at (707)939-6070, or for an emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
• Please note that behavioral health services will continue via telehealth and during clinic services. If you need assistance, call (707)939-6070.
•  Although the state and Sonoma County lifting COVID-19 emergency health orders on Feb. 28, they did not lift the requirement that in healthcare facilities masks should be worn by all. There are new state orders that lift the state’s masking requirements in healthcare facilities on April 3, 2023, but only if OSHA agrees.  

• Please note that CURATIVE and LHI are NO longer offering Covid-19 testing.
• For SONOMA COUNTY Covid-19 Vaccine information, please go here.

What you need to know about the Bivalent booster shots

• Bivalent: The authorized bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, or updated boosters, include an mRNA component of the original strain to provide an immune response that is broadly protective against COVID-19 and an mRNA component in common between the omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5 lineages to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant.

• As of 12/13/2022, the bivalent vaccines age ranged lowered to 6 months.

Which brand to get?

• Moderna Bivalent Booster It is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals six months of age and older.

• Pfizer BioNTech Bivalent Booster It is approved for use as a single booster dose in individuals 5 years of age and older and as a third initial dose for ages 6 months to 4 years.

When to get it?

• Bivalent Booster: At least two months after their primary dose or any previous monovalent booster.

Additional Dose- Moderately or severely immunocompromised people ages six months and older who completed their Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series should plan to get an additional dose at least eight weeks after their second dose. People ages six months and older who completed their Moderna COVID-19 vaccine primary series should plan to get an additional dose at least 28 days after their second dose.

Please note: physical paper vaccination cards are required for 2nd and booster doses.

For questions, please email us at community@svchc.org or call us at 707-939-6070 or click this link.

As of 03/09/2023 ON-SITE Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics are no longer available on Wednesdays.

We are offering OFF-SITE POP-UP Covid-19 vaccination clinics during March.

We have Pop-up vaccination clinics around the city. Some places include The Sonoma Valley Fire Department, Vintage House, Sassarini Elementary School, and Spring Village Burbank Housing.

We truly appreciate the collaboration and support of these organizations, the Sonoma Valley Hospital, the Church of Nazareth, the Chamber of Commerce Radio Shows, and everyone involved in this project.

For more information regarding these vaccination clinics, please visit our website below: 

WHAT WE OFFER (Upon availability)

• Moderna: Bivalent Booster shots (Pediatric and Adults). 

• Pfizer: first dose, second, Bivalent Booster shots (Pediatric and Adults). 
• Pfizer Additional dose: For people with an immunocompromised system.

• Appointments can be made via https://myturn.ca.gov/

• For additional information regarding other vaccination sites and important resources from Sonoma County click this link

March 30 is Doctors’ Day, an annual observance to show our appreciation to physicians who help save our lives and who have spent so much time and energy mastering their field of expertise.

Today we continue to celebrate them and all medical advances, such as Telehealth. A convenient service that helps patients to establish a relationship with their provider and keep in touch with them from the comfort of their homes or away from their provider's office.

SVCHC's TELE-HEALTH SERVICES

Using an smart device (phone or tablet), you can have an office visit from the comfort of your home!

Keeping up with regular doctor visits or seeing a doctor when you have a problem might seem like a challenge. 

Telehealth—video or phone visits with your doctor—has made keeping in touch with your doctor possible when you’re far away or can’t get to their office easily.

Here are some reasons to set up a telehealth visit: 



• Pain Management
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Health
• Have ongoing medical conditions (like asthma or diabetes) that you need to check in about
• Pediatrics
• ADHD Medication Check
• Skin rash, allergies
• Stomach aches, constipation
• Post Hospital / ER Discharge
• Ear Infection Follow-Up
• Depression Follow-Up
• Weight Check (if you have a scale at home)
• BMI (if you have a scale at home)
• Headaches
• Nutrition 
• Prescription Management
• Adult Medicine
• Some GYN
• Skin rash, allergies
• Controlled hypertension or diabetes
• Uncontrolled diabetes (if last HgA1c test is less than 30 days old)
• Birth Control Renewal (oral, ring or patch only)
• Post Hospital / ER Discharge (not appropriate for wound or catheter care)
• Need help addressing substance use 

 If you’re wondering if you should call your doctor, call your doctor!

Click this link for more information about this convenient service at the SVCHC.

MARCH IS...

Every day is Women’s Day, but March is a bit special, for each year, this month, we celebrate their achievements across the world. March 8th was adopted by the women’s rights movement in 1967 and by the United Nations a decade later as International Women's day. The global day continues to be one to reflect on and continue to work towards achieving a better world for women.

Today is a celebration for women all around the world;

Ladies who’ve dared to dream big, ever since they were little girls.

For the diversity and talents that lie within a feminine heart;

For the courage and determination that prevents us falling apart.

We can raise families and build businesses and be proud of all we’ve achieved.

Where once over, visions of that scale, could never have been believed.

Ladies, stand up and be counted, smile at how far we have come

And cherish every single day, whether daughter, wife, or mum.

Don’t let anybody tell you that there are set paths for you to follow

As a little girl with a dream, is an inspiring woman of tomorrow.

So celebrate all women, and acknowledge the great things they do

And tell a lady close to your heart, just how much she means to you.

(Ms Moem)

We want to recognize all the women in our clinic and community. Thank you for being an inspiration to many and for all you do!

Did you know that March is National Nutrition month?

To learn how you can observe this celebration, read the following article from our dietitian Joyce Giammatei.

This year the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics theme is "Fuel for the Future." They are encouraging us to eat with sustainability in mind in order to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment. Here’s how you can fuel for the future:

• Eat with the environment in mind.
• Try eating more plant-based meals.
• Limit foods that come in packages.
• Buy in season and shop locally as much as possible.
• Consider growing your own food.
• Try to save money by planning your meals and using the food already in your house.
• Look into community resources such as WIC and the Food Bank.
• Avoid fad diets and be sure to eat a variety of food from all the food groups.
• This month try a new fruit or vegetable. Or cook with a new spice or herb.
• Make mealtimes matter by involving the whole family in the shopping and cooking. Then sit down together and enjoy your meal!

COLON CANCER: THE NO. 2 CANCER KILLER

Facts:

• Screen colonoscopies can detect colon cancer early, allowing for more effective treatment.
• Colon Cancer Strikes 1 in 20. Incidents and mortality rates are higher among African American.
• Both men and women are at equal risk.
• Risk factors include smoking, eating red or processed meat, lack of exercise, and excess body weight.
• Colon cancer screenings should begin at age 50. About 90% of colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in people over this age.
• People with type II diabetes are at an increased risk and tend to have a less favorable prognosis.
• People with a family history of colon cancer are at higher risk and should begin screening at a younger age. 1 in 3 cases occur in those with a family history of the disease.
• Conditions like Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis increase risk.

=REDUCE YOUR RISK=

Controllable lifestyle factors can influence risk factors.

• Quit Smoking
• Maintain Weight
• Limit Alcohol
• Keep a Healthy Diet
• Exercise Regularly

To learn more click here

10 minutes of your time can make a difference in the lives of those more vulnerable in our valley.

Starting January 2023, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is seeking your feedback about the need for programs for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers in Sonoma County. Paper copies of the survey are available at your local senior center.

To participate in the survey, click here.

Feel welcome to stop at our site for a printable copy.

Location: #19270 Sonoma Hwy.

Make the best out of this Spring.

Be prepared!

Spring is in the air—along with all the sneeze-inducing pollen! Seasonal allergies are very common, but no need to suffer.

Here is what you can do to prepare for the upcoming high pollen counts:

• MONITOR YOUR POLLEN COUNTS. Check your local weather forecast or the National Allergy website for daily pollen counts and the breakdown of pollen or mold types.

• DRIVE WITH YOUR WINDOWS UP. Also, shut the vents and recirculate the air inside your vehicle or use your air conditioner.

• STAY INDOORS DURING HIGH COUNTS. If you need to go outdoors, do it later in the day when pollen counts are typically lower.

• VACUUM AND DUST FREQUENTLY. The more allergens you can remove from your furniture and floors the better. Pet-friendly vacuum cleaners often do the best job sucking up pollen and other allergens.

SYMPTOM RELIEF

Here are some remedies that can reduce your histamine response once you have been exposed to allergens:

• AVOID DIETARY TRIGGERS. Dietary triggers such as dairy, gluten, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives can all lead to increased inflammation in the nasal and respiratory pathways causing worse allergy symptoms.

• SIP SOME APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. Apple cider vinegar helps break up mucus in the body, letting you breathe again. Try diluting 1 to 2 tablespoons in a glass of water or with lemon juice.

• EAT SOME PROBIOTICS. Although mostly recognized for their use in balancing our gut bacteria, probiotics have been shown to support the immune system, which is also responsible for our allergic response to many triggers.

• FLUSH YOUR NOSE. Nasal irrigation is the draining of saline from one nostril through

Source

COVERED CALIFORNIA

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

Covered CA Open Enrollment ended on January 31st. However, individuals can qualify for Covered CA Special Enrollment period under specific circumstances within 60 days of the event. Circumstances include:

• Lost Health Insurance
• Turned 26 Years Old
• Moved to or Within California
• Married or Entered a Domestic Partnership
• A Child is Born, Adopted, or Received into Foster Care
• Change of Household Size
• Domestic Abuse or Spousal Abandonment
• Affected by Wildfires
• Returned from Active Military Service
• Released from Jail or Prison
• Gained Citizenship or Lawful Presence
• Current Enrollees Who Experience a Life Event

For more information, you can visit the Covered California Website. You may also check the list of Qualifying Life Events.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with SVCHC's eligibility department at (707) 939-6070.

We have the following positions open. Help us find great candidates for our team!

SUPPORT US WHILE SHOPPING AT

WALMART ONLINE

Two ways to support SVCHC

1) Donate change by rounding up your purchase at checkout on Walmart.com

2) Donate products from a SVCHC’s registry & have the items shipped straight to us.

Together, we can make a difference in the health of our community members!

“Service to others leads to greatness."

(Jim Rohn) 



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Thank you for investing in health for Sonoma Valley children, families, and seniors.

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 the 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!

ADDITIONAL

· Appointments for SVCHC W.I.C Office must be made via phone prior to 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 am-9:45 am or until supply lasts. 

· Visit the Sonoma County Website for more info about Covid-19 vaccine clinics and testing.

To find more community resources available click the button below.

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Sonoma Valley Community Health Center | Sonoma, CA

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

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