Whooping cough, also known as Pertussis, is currently an epidemic in California. It is a very contagious disease that can cause serious illness in infants, children and adults. Click here for more information.
July's report is now available. Read the latest here!
Continuing its commitment to serve children ages 5 and under, First 5 San Bernardino’s Children and Family Commission approved an investment of $26 million toward programs and services that support the healthy development of expectant mothers and young children. Through 26 programs county-wide, First 5 is providing funding over a three year period toward several categories of service to families, including health care, behavioral and developmental screenings and assessments, early care programs, family resource centers and parenting education services.
SB 220 requires health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies that provide outpatient prescription drug benefits to include coverage for tobacco cessation services. With this bill, California would become the 8th state to mandate coverage for tobacco cessation services.
Advocates for the bill asked us to share information about it with First 5 commissions. Highlights from the bill language are as follows:
(a) Providing tobacco cessation counseling and medication is one of the most clinically effective and cost-effective health services available, second only to inoculations.
(b) Access to counseling and pharmaceutical benefits doubles the successful quit rate and has achieved quit rates of 25 to 30 percent. (c)Experience in health plans indicates that access to all cessation services saves four dollars ($4) for every dollar ($1) invested.
California has successfully reduced tobacco consumption in the last decade, but, despite that success, tobacco addiction costs California $8.6 billion in direct medical costs, which is approximately 12 percent of all health care costs.
First 5 commissions wish to band together and support SB 220.
A quick look at services available for children in every corner of the county. Click here to find the services in physical, oral, and mental health, education and family support or dial 2-1-1 for one-on-one assistance.
Come learn about First 5 California’s Comprehensive Approaches to Raising Education Standards (CARES) Plus Program and share your comments at this public forum.
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Check out the latest family fun events, tips, discount coupons and games in the Summer Family Guide- available in English & Spanish.
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Children drown without a sound. Keep your child water safe this summer, visit www.first5safety.com.
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