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LAKEPORT, Calif. — Adventist Health welcomes Joseph Iaccino, DC, MS, to the Lakeport and Lucerne communities and the care team at Adventist Health Clear Lake Medical Office in Lakeport at 801 11th St. and Lucerne at 6300 E. Highway 20.

Dr. Iaccino is a board-certified chiropractor, providing diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially of the spine.

He brings vast experience and expertise in the manipulation of the spine, joints and soft tissues.

He has a specific interest in nutrition and holds a master’s degree in human nutrition and functional medicine from the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Iaccino was inspired to become a chiropractor through his own experience with various sports injuries. His desire to help reduce and eliminate pain for others has been the catalyst for his medical career.

To learn more about Dr. Iaccino and all Adventist Health providers, visit AdventistHealth.org/clearlake.

To make an appointment with Dr. Iaccino, call 707-263-3746 (Lakeport) or 707-274-9299 (Lucerne).
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LUCERNE, Calif. – State and county health officials are partnering to offer a vaccination clinic for COVID-19 and flu shots on Thursday, Dec. 16.

The clinic will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Lucerne Elementary School, 3351 Country Club Drive.

The VaccinateAll58 campaign is partnering with Lake County Health Services to host a series of free COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics for Lake County residents ages 5 and older. No appointments necessary.

COVID-19 vaccinations for adults and children, boosters and flu shots will be offered.

With just a little over half of eligible Lake County residents fully vaccinated, local residents will have the opportunity to receive their first vaccine, complete their second dose, and/or receive a booster.

Lower dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are available for children ages 5 to 11.

All three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, as well as boosters will be available at each clinic for ages 5 and up.

Families are encouraged to safely celebrate the holidays with their loved ones by getting vaccinated to protect themselves and each other against COVID-19.

Health officials said all three COVID-19 vaccines are safe and remain highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from the Delta variant, which is the dominant strain of the coronavirus in the U.S.
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California Assemblymember James C. Ramos will be recognized by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing for extraordinary advocacy work during Hill Day at Home, the group’s annual advocacy event promoting bipartisan solutions for mental health and substance providers and patients.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s 2021 Advocacy Leadership Awards, supported by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., recognizes individuals and organizations that have led legislative or regulatory advocacy and public policy efforts expanding access to services and supports for people with mental health and/or substance use challenges.

Chuck Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, said about Ramos’s selection, “The relentless advocacy of Assemblymember James C. Ramos has made a difference, not only for his constituents but for the entire state of California. Rising suicide rates — particularly among youth — demand a strong and swift response from our public health system. As a result of Assemblymember Ramos’ leadership, California now has a statewide Office of Suicide Prevention with dedicated funding to help support crisis services. This effort will undoubtedly save lives.”

“I am honored to receive this national recognition for mental health advocacy and legislation,” Ramos said. “Too often we forget that mental health is as important as physical health. As a state and a nation we need to ensure we all have access to needed services and that the stigma of seeking and receiving mental health care is eliminated.”

As a California legislator, Ramos has been a champion of children’s mental health. He successfully introduced legislation to expand school suicide prevention policies to cover K-6 students and to combat student bullying.

In 2021, Ramos introduced a measure to streamline the process of creating children’s crisis residential programs and helping to ensure those services are available to families.

Of special note, and in partnership with the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, Ramos authored AB 2112 to establish the state’s first Office of Suicide Prevention at the California Department of Public Health, which was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This historic office will, for the first time in California, provide leadership on suicide prevention and focus on vulnerable groups, including youth, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ and older adults.

Ramos was nominated for the award by the California Alliance of Child and Family Services. “During his tenure in the California Legislature, Assemblymember Ramos has proved himself to be the champion of children’s behavioral health care,” said Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO of the California Alliance. “Assemblymember Ramos established the state’s first Office of Suicide Prevention and secured funding to implement it. He has championed intensive treatment options for youth in foster care. And he has authored legislation that will support children in a behavioral health crisis. The California Alliance was proud to nominate Assemblymember Ramos for this deserving Public Service in Advocacy award. It is due to his efforts that California has new tools and resources to marshal for better mental health care in California.”

“Uplift Family Services couldn’t be prouder of the leadership and passion Assemblymember Ramos has demonstrated during these turbulent COVID-19 years,” said Eva M. Terrazas, vice president of Public Policy and Special Initiatives at Uplift Family Services. “Assemblymember Ramos’s laser focus on addressing the behavioral health needs of youth, particularly BIPOC youth, not only addresses the structural inequalities in health care but also moves us forward by providing racially equitable solutions.”

“Faced with a pandemic, workforce challenges and rising demand for mental health and substance use treatment services, this year’s advocacy award winners have risen to the challenge and gone above and beyond to improve the mental well-being of their communities,” Ingoglia said. “Under their proactive leadership, innovative new programs and partnerships were created, and new funding was secured to get people the care they need. Their work — and their relentless drive to realize their visions — will have a lasting impact and is a blueprint for smart and effective advocacy.”

The National Council will honor its 2021 Advocacy Leadership Award winners at a reception during Hill Day at Home on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Learn more about the 2021 Advocacy Leadership Award program.

The Advocacy Leadership Awards will be broadcast from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Those who wish to watch the ceremony must register by using the Hill Day at Home link.

Once registered, registrants will receive an email with a Badge ID and a link to login on the Hill Day At Home site to access presentations and the Advocacy Leadership Awards broadcast. By clicking on the “Agenda” button on the left, the day’s program, including the awards portion, can be viewed on the livestream.

Ramos represents the 40th Assembly district which includes Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature.
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With the rapid spread of the COVID-19 omicron variant across the state, Covered California is urging uninsured and eligible individuals to act now so that they can have comprehensive health care coverage for all of 2022.

Coverage is critical to both getting needed preventive care and covering the costs of unforeseen care. The first enrollment deadline is fast approaching, and Californians need to sign up before the end of the year in order to have their health care coverage be effective on Jan. 1.

“Covered California is urging everyone who needs coverage to check out their options and sign up, before the end of the month, so they can start the New Year with protection and peace of mind,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the fact that life can indeed change in an instant. With the omicron variant surging across the state, every Californian should be sure to have coverage and take the needed steps to stay healthy and safe.”

Californians who sign up by Dec. 31, and pay their first bill, will have their coverage take effect on Jan. 1.

A national nonprofit group recently analyzed claims data across the country and examined cases of COVID-19 in which patients were admitted to the hospital and required ventilation or admission to the intensive care unit, which is much more likely to occur among the unvaccinated.

FAIR Health, which manages the nation’s largest database of privately billed health insurance claims, found that the average cost for a complex care COVID-19 hospitalization was $127,281 in California.

In cases where a patient needed to be hospitalized, but did not require ventilation or admission to the ICU, the average cost in California was $42,674, which is virtually identical to the average costs for Covered California enrollees who are admitted to hospitals for all reasons.[1]

Finally, for patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and received only outpatient care — which is much more likely for people who have been vaccinated and received their booster shot — the average cost in California was $1,334. For those with insurance, only a small fraction is paid out-of-pocket by the consumer.

“No one wants to end up in an emergency room or hospital for COVID-19 or any other reason, but if you do, a quality health insurance plan through Covered California can save you tens of thousands of dollars,” Lee said. “In addition, having health insurance means you are more likely to get preventive care and regular treatment for chronic conditions, which helps keep you out of the hospital in the first place.”

Significant savings for more than one million uninsured Californians

Signing up for quality coverage is more affordable — for more people — than ever before thanks to the increased subsidies provided under the federal American Rescue Plan that took effect earlier this year.

An estimated 1.1 million Californians are uninsured and eligible for financial help. The vast majority of the uninsured, more than 940,000 people, are able to get coverage through either Covered California or Medi-Cal at no cost.

Californians who do not qualify for a $0 premium will still likely see significant savings through the increased financial help available due to the American Rescue Plan. Right now, more than half of Covered California enrollees are paying less than $10 per month, and 75 percent are paying less than $100 for their brand-name health plan.

“Many of the people who are uninsured right now do not know they are eligible for financial assistance, or they have not checked recently to see how affordable quality coverage can be,” Lee said. “Do not wait until the last minute, or let the Dec. 31 deadline pass, without checking your options.”

In addition, the American Rescue Plan provides financial help to many middle-income families. These middle-income families who earn more than $106,000 a year, and were previously ineligible for federal assistance, are now saving an average of nearly $800 a month on their health insurance premiums.

The financial help for middle-income consumers can also benefit those who are currently insured directly through a health insurance company. An estimated 260,000 Californians have direct coverage and can switch to Covered California, and potentially get the same health plan, and save hundreds of dollars per month.

“Visit CoveredCA.com, where you can see the health plans available in your area and how much you can save on the coverage you’re already paying for,” Lee said.

Those interested in applying for coverage can explore their options — and find out whether they are eligible for financial help — in just a few minutes by using the Shop and Compare Tool at CoveredCA.com. All they need to do is enter their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage to find out which plans are available in their area.

In addition to signing up consumers through its website, Covered California also partners with certified and licensed enrollers who provide free and confidential help throughout the state. Covered California works with more than 11,000 Licensed Insurance Agents, who have established more than 500 storefronts in communities across California.

Consumers can visit https://www.coveredca.com/support/contact-us/ and search for the agent nearest them.

Consumers can also call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 and get information or enroll by phone.

Signing up for a health plan will also help Californians avoid being subjected to the state individual mandate. Consumers who can afford health care coverage but choose to go without could pay a penalty when they file their state taxes in 2023. The penalty is administered by California’s Franchise Tax Board, and could be as much as $2,400 for a family of four.

Covered California’s open-enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2022 — unlike the federal deadline, which is Jan. 15 for states that use healthcare.gov. Consumers who sign up after Dec. 31 will have their coverage start on Feb. 1.

Covered California’s online enrollment portal and certified enrollers will also help people find out whether they are eligible for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round, and the coverage will begin the day after a person signs up. In addition, people can apply for Medi-Cal online or by picking up an application at one of the many county resource centers throughout the region.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — It’s “flu” season and the Lake County Public Health Division has announced its community influenza vaccination clinic schedule.

Getting vaccinated is a great way to avoid getting the flu, and this is especially important during the time of COVID-19.

Anyone 6 months of age or older is encouraged to get a flu vaccine. Being careful to use good hygiene is another way to protect yourself and those around you.

If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm instead of your hands. A virus can easily be passed from your hands to the things you touch.

Wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Try not to touch your face with your hands. A virus can enter your system through the membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth.

Protect yourself by continuing to avoid close contact with non-household members, especially if they are ill or unmasked.

Choosing a healthful lifestyle can also help to keep you well. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water and staying physically active can help to maintain a healthy immune system.

The symptoms of the flu include a temperature of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit combined with a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and a lack of energy. If you are ill, stay home to keep from infecting others.

Lake County Public Health is offering seasonal flu vaccines for free this year, in addition to COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 Vaccines that will be available include first and second doses of Pfizer and Moderna, and first dose of Janssen. Masks are required to participate in all clinics.

Lake County Public Health will be offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court in Lakeport. Appointments can be made at http://myturn.ca.gov or by calling 1-833-422-4255.

Scheduled drive clinics for the seasonal flu vaccines are as follows; dates and locations are subject to change and additional dates will be announced as vaccine and staffing allows.

Lakeport

— Tuesday, Nov. 9, and Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

— Wednesday, Nov. 17, and Thursday, Nov. 18, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are also available in a variety of locations such as your primary care provider and local pharmacies.

The Lake County Public Health Division wishes you all a healthy and happy fall and winter season. Together, we can help to decrease the spread of influenza and COVID-19 in our community.

Please call 1-800-794-9291 or 263-1090 with questions or concerns.
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On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 367, the groundbreaking Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021.

AB 367 will require all public schools serving students in grades 6 to 12, Community Colleges, & California State Universities to stock restrooms with an adequate supply of free menstrual products, commencing in the 2022-23 school year.

“Our biology doesn’t always send an advanced warning when we’re about to start menstruating, which often means we need to stop whatever we’re doing and deal with a period. Often periods arrive at inconvenient times. They can surprise us during an important midterm, while playing with our children at a park, sitting in a lobby waiting to interview for a job, shopping at the grocery store, or even standing on the Assembly Floor presenting an important piece of legislation. Having convenient and free access to these products means our period won’t prevent us from being productive members of society, and would alleviate the anxiety of trying to find a product when out in public,” said Assembly member Garcia.

During Assembly member Garcia’s tenure in the California State legislature, as the self-proclaimed Period Princess, she has been and continues to be a vocal champion and advocate of period dignity policies.

In 2017, the Assembly member successfully passed and had legislation signed into law to ensure low-income schools in disadvantaged communities provide students with free menstrual products.

In addition, Assembly member Garcia led the successful effort to permanently eliminate the tax charged on menstrual health products in AB 150 (2021, Chapter 82) of the 2021-22 State Budget Act.

This effort started an international movement to rectify the discriminatory taxation of menstrual products, which cost Californians born with a uterus over $20 million annually.

Garcia is committed to continue the fight to ensure that having a uterus is no longer stigmatized by misunderstanding, bias, or fear.

AB 367 was inspired by the trail blazing actions of Scotland, where Parliament adopted The Period Products (Free Provision) on Nov. 24, 2020. Scotland’s new law declared access to menstrual products as a human right and requires all designated public places to provide menstrual products free of charge to anyone who needs them.

“Last year, Scotland showed the world this pioneering policy can be passed, with bipartisan support, and become law. I propose we build upon California’s prior menstrual equity laws by declaring that access to menstrual products is a human right and expand access. Just as toilet paper and paper towels are provided in virtually every public bathrooms, so should menstrual products. It is time we recognize and respond to the biology of half the population by prioritizing free access to menstrual products, and eliminating all barriers to them,” said Garcia.

Numerous groups pledged its support of the bill and praised Garcia’s effort to bring attention to the topic of menstrual equity.

“We’re proud that California has taken this step to advance menstrual equity by bringing AB 367 into fruition. By providing direct access to free menstrual products in public schools, we are ensuring more equal access to education and encouraging all students to reach their fullest potential. CASC is grateful to be a part of this progress and we thank Assemblymember Garcia for championing this effort and making it possible for #MenstrualEquityforAll,” said Catherine Xu, California Association of Student Councils.

“Passing AB 367 prioritizes the health and dignity of thousands of California students and recognizes access to menstrual products as a basic need. By removing this significant barrier for young people, we are one step closer to realizing true equal access to education for all students, regardless of gender, race, or economic status,” said Ariana Rodriguez, policy counsel, ACLU of Southern California.

“The signing of AB 367 is a win for students and families statewide. We're immensely proud of the role high school and college women in IGNITE played in championing menstrual equity for all,” said Sara Guillermo, CEO, IGNITE.

"Across our communities, girls and gender-expansive youth lack access to the means to manage their menstrual health with dignity. This is a groundbreaking win made all the more vital because of the pandemic, and will ensure that everyone who does get a period has the right to affordable, accessible, and safe period products,” said Emma Mayerson, founding executive director of Alliance for Girls.

"With the help of legislators, AB 367 was initiated and lobbied by youth activists, who are the leaders of the menstrual movement. California represents the largest state population of menstruators in the country, and the fifth largest economy in the world. California joins a growing number of states who lead the way in demonstrating that menstrual equity is a matter of human rights. This policy will move us all closer to eliminating period poverty and period stigma in our lifetime. It’s feasible and possible. PERIOD. is proud to stand with California to change thousands of lives for the better. By providing menstrual products in schools, California will help ensure its students have equal access to education and are empowered to reach their full potential, irrespective of their gender or economic status,” said Michela Bedard, PERIOD; Executive Director and Damaris Pereda, PERIOD. National grams Director.

Upcoming Calendar

20Apr
04.20.2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Earth Day Celebration
Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center
20Apr
04.20.2024 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Boatique Wines Stand-up Comedy Night
25Apr
04.25.2024 1:30 pm - 7:30 pm
FireScape Mendocino workshop
27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Northshore Ready Fest
27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
27Apr
04.27.2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Inaugural Team Trivia Challenge
5May
05.05.2024
Cinco de Mayo
6May
05.06.2024 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Senior Summit
12May
05.12.2024
Mother's Day

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