Los Angeles — Key state partners joined together as California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary Toks Omishakin, California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Secretary Kim Johnson and other state and local leaders unveiled a new statewide initiative to reduce severe traffic crashes in California’s highest-risk areas. The program launches with a new statewide policy on road safety and …

California Launches Data-Driven Road Safety Initiative to Save Lives Read More »

What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1264, a first-in-the-nation law phasing out the most concerning ultra-processed foods from California schools LOS ANGELES – Building on California’s long-standing leadership to protect children’s health and set higher nutrition standards — from his signature on laws banning dangerous food dyes and chemicals to implementing …

ICYMI: Governor Newsom signs first-in-the-nation law to ban ultra-processed foods from school lunches Read More »

CalHHS is hosting a webinar series focused on federal policy changes in health and human services and how California is responding. Vaccine Access & Guidance Heading into respiratory virus season, Californians deserve clear, science-based recommendations and access to immunizations to protect themselves from vaccine-preventable disease. Learn about the changes to state law to maintain insurance …

CalHHS Connect: How Federal Policy Changes are Impacting a Healthy California for All Read More »

Following the recent signing of the federal government’s “Big, Beautiful” bill into law that guts critical safety-net programs, California continues its mission to protect the health and well-being of all Californians. View an important presentation on how these changes will impact Californians.   CalHHS leaders discuss how these changes will impact Californians:   0:00 Introduction …

 Navigating Federal Cuts: A Presentation with CalHHS Read More »

What you need to know: On July 17, the LGBTQ support option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will end thanks to the Trump administration – but California is stepping up and doubling down on life-saving support for young gay people in crisis. LOS ANGELES – Just weeks after the Trump administration announced that …

Following Trump cut to LGBTQ youth suicide hotline, California steps up to fill the gap Read More »

Today marks 60 years since the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 14,1965 — creating the first national framework to deliver home and community-based services to older adults. In California, the OAA remains a cornerstone of support to help older adults age with health, independence, and …

Celebrating 60 Years of the Older Americans Act Read More »

June 13, 2025 SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is firmly committed to protecting the privacy and well-being of all Medi-Cal members. Recent reports have raised serious concerns about how federal agencies may be using Medicaid data, including the personal data of all 15 million Californians covered by Medi-Cal. We want …

Statement from the Department of Health Care Services on the federal use of Medi-Cal data and member privacy Read More »

Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today slammed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for reportedly providing Medicaid beneficiary information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to the Associated Press, “President Donald Trump’s administration this week provided deportation officials with personal data — including the immigration status — on millions of …

Governor Newsom: Trump handed over Californians’ personal information to Homeland Security, a dangerous violation of privacy Read More »

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The Children Youth and Behavioral Health Initiative invites you to use and share its Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit which includes free resources like social posts, printable resources via Live Beyond, Take Space to Pause, Never a Bother campaigns and free mental health support digital apps. Find #onething to support …

Now Available: CYBHI Mental Health Awareness Month Digital Toolkit Read More »

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the release of the Master Plan for Developmental Services: A Community-Driven Vision (Plan). The Plan makes recommendations on improvements for the service system, including reducing barriers to service access statewide for the growing developmental disabilities community. The Plan reflects extensive and diverse input from the community, capturing what …

California releases Master Plan to better support people with developmental disabilities Read More »