CA Health & Human Services

With higher risks of heavy rain, snow, flooding and mudslides over the next several months, @governor.ca.gov Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for a potentially historic El Niño winter.

If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed with current events and the constant news cycle, you are not alone. Free mental health support is available at calhope.org for Californians of all ages and backgrounds.

In recognition of LGBTQ History Month, we celebrate the legacy of LGBTQ+ people and their enduring contributions that continue to shape and enrich our communities—this October & beyond. #CaliforniaForAll

California Surgeon General Dr. Diana E. Ramos joined state and maternal health leaders in Bakersfield on October 6 to recognize seven hospitals across Kern County for completing the Obstetric Comorbidity Index pilot: osg.ca.gov/2026/10/27/kern-county-obstetric-comorbidity-index-pilot

H.R.1. expanded work requirements for some people receiving CalFresh, putting their food benefits at risk. California is taking action to help more eligible people keep their benefits.

California, with El Niño on the way, reach out to neighbors who might need a hand, especially older adults, people with disabilities and kids. Together, we can stay safe and prepared for winter weather. Get helpful tips at ready.ca.gov. 🌧️💙

NEXT WEEK: CalHHS is hosting two webinars on peer support & workforce, including guidance on sustainable funding solutions for peer support programs and the history, evidence base & effective implementation of peer support services. 📲 Register at www.chhs.ca.gov.

Whether it’s healthcare, housing or education, CARE teams are committed to walking alongside people with serious mental illness as they take steps to accomplish their goals. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

California, as El Niño heads our way, remember to check your address, flood zone and nearby waterways. Know your risk, make a plan, and find practical steps to prepare & stay safe at ready.ca.gov.

A little preparation today can make all the difference when a storm comes. This week, set aside a few minutes to check your emergency kit, update contact numbers, and make a plan with your household—roommates, tíos, and kids included! 📲 ready.ca.gov

CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson recognized the California Department of State Hospitals for their exceptional leadership, commitment & collaboration to improve timely access to care for individuals found incompetent to stand trial and expanding access to community-based treatment & diversion programs.

A very strong El Niño is expected this year in California. Having an emergency plan can help protect you, your loved ones, and your neighbors when a storm hits. Find tips and resources to help you and your community prepare at ready.ca.gov.

In partnership with California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) Program, two new skill building programs with @ucirvine.bsky.social will help rural-serving health professionals enhance their geriatric and maternal behavioral health skills. 👉 Apply now: bit.ly/4sikDJF #RuralHealth #CalRHT

There’s no single path to success. CARE is designed to provide Californians struggling with serious mental illness with a path to stability and recovery by tailoring treatment plans to reflect individual needs and goals. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

When we build social connection into our everyday life, we uplift and strengthen communities across California. Learn more about how California Love, California Strong is creating opportunities for belonging throughout the state at calovecastrong.com. 🍪♟️🎨

This Menopause Awareness Month, California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos reminds us that menopause is a natural part of aging. Understanding its changes can help women feel informed, empowered & confident about when support may be helpful. 📲 menopause.org

Saturday, October 24 from 10am– 2pm is the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day! Prevent drug misuse & overdose by cleaning out your medicine cabinet & properly disposing of medications you no longer need. Find a collection site near you: dea.gov/takebackday

If you lost important legal documents due to a natural disaster, we can help you replace your vital records after a declared statewide emergency. Order certified copies of birth, death and marriage records at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx

Wellness and opportunity go hand and hand. The CARE Act offers participants a team of providers who are with them every step of the way, with a commitment to helping people pursue the best of their potential. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

Preparing for El Niño doesn’t have to be complicated. Take a few minutes every weekend to help you and your family be storm-ready. Remember—ready starts with you. Visit ready.ca.gov for simple steps and tips.

We're building belonging, community by community. ❤️💪🏽 California Love, California Strong is bringing Californians together by creating meaningful opportunities for self-care, service, and social connection. Visit calovecastrong.com to learn more. #CAloveCAstrong

Read Justice Charles F. Adams' perspective in CalMatters on how CARE Court is helping transform lives and redefine the role of the justice system for people with serious mental illness across California: calmatters.org/commentary/2026/10/care-court-california-judge-experience

Don't wait until the last moment! Take some time to organize your emergency and disaster supplies, including: ✅ Medications ✅ Documents ✅ Food ✅ Water ✅ Flashlights ✅ Chargers Find more El Niño-ready tips at ready.ca.gov.

As Californians, it's important to know what steps to take before El Niño weather arrives: ✅ Know your risk ✅ Check your insurance ✅ Nail down your plan ✅ Organize your emergency supplies Find more helpful tips to help you prepare & stay safe at ready.ca.gov.

Guided by a holistic philosophy and principles of equity, active listening and innovation, CARE Court meets people where they are to connect them to resources that can improve their quality of life and empower them to reimagine what is possible. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

At this year's directors meeting, CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson expressed gratitude to WIC leaders for their efforts to support families through commitment & innovation. Their relationships with participants & support are key to WIC’s effectiveness. 📲 myfamily.wic.ca.gov

A very strong El Niño is expected this year. That's why it's important to take time to nail down your household plan. Know your evacuation routes, decide on a family meeting place & make a communication plan. Find tips & resources to help you prepare at ready.ca.gov.

The CARE Act connects Californians living with serious mental illness to people who understand their challenges through their own lived experience. When someone shares their story of recovery and success, hope feels within reach. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

The Social Health Council connected this month to further its multi-disciplinary work to strengthen communities through belonging & social connection. Council members discussed the global summit at the Vatican, work that's underway & opportunities to collaborate across sectors.

¡El seminario web de Carga Pública ya está disponible para verlo cuando usted quiera: https://bit.ly/4dKp4qB Aprenda los conceptos básicos, acceda a información confiable y vea la grabación cuando le sea más conveniente.

Missed the live Public Charge 101 webinar, or need a refresher? The recording is now available on demand: https://bit.ly/4dKp4qB Learn about current public charge policies, who is affected, and where to find trusted information and resources.

This Filipino American History Month, we celebrate generations of Filipino Americans who have helped shape the Golden State. The spirit of bayanihan—coming together to support one another—shows how connection can strengthen our communities and support our well-being.

“I can see the relief, their physical relief.” CARE teams step in so families don’t carry the weight of serious mental illness alone. The CARE Act provides coordinated support, real partnership and a path toward stability. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

New findings show that participants engaged in CARE are increasingly ready to connect with services. Through the CARE Act, people can access treatment, housing and other support to achieve greater stability and wellbeing. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

The CARE Act is part of California’s broader effort to strengthen behavioral health—designed to work alongside existing services, not separate from them. CARE is helping systems work together more effectively and connecting people to support. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

Want to feel more uplifted? Try incorporating a little movement mindfulness and service into your day. California Love, California Strong is creating a deeper sense of belonging through self-care, service, and social connection. 📲 calovecastrong.com

The CARE Act is helping people become and remain housed. Stable housing creates a stronger foundation for treatment and recovery and promotes long-term well-being for people with serious mental illness. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

IMPORTANT: @governor.ca.gov Gavin Newsom urges Californians to stay safe and know their rights amid increased federal immigration enforcement!

Want to feel more uplifted? Try incorporating a little movement mindfulness, and service into your day. California Love, California Strong is creating a deeper sense of belonging through self-care, service, and social connection. 📲 calovecastrong.com

Current events in the news can sometimes cause emotional distress. If you're struggling with difficult emotions, don't be afraid to reach out. Help is available at calhope.org for Californians of all ages & backgrounds.

Each & every day, people with disabilities make invaluable contributions to our workplaces, economy & communities. This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to creating equal opportunity for all to succeed. #NDEAM

CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson participated in a panel discussion at the 2026 First 5 California Summit in Anaheim on universal childcare and the strides California has made during the Newson administration.

CalHOPE offers free mental health resources to Californians of all ages & backgrounds, including a Warm Line for emotional support. Call (833) 317-HOPE (4673) to speak with a peer counselor who will listen with compassion & provide non-judgmental support. 📞💛

In California, state & local partners are working together to mitigate the impact of H.R. 1. CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson + Deputy Secretary California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Abby Snay learned how Alameda County plans to support residents through collaboration & service integration.

CARE is person-centered—because real recovery starts with listening. See how the CARE Act supports people through individualized plans built around dignity and connection: www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act