Press Releases
Celebrate Valentine's Day by Showing You Care: Know Your Status
This Valentine’s Day, Bay Area health officialsremind everyone who is sexually active to have a conversation with your primarycare provider and to be screened regularly for sexually transmitted diseases(STDs). Read full story
Department of Health Services Releases First Ever Summary Measures of Health Report
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) has released the first in a series of surveillance reports, describing life expectancy and the leading causes of death and premature death across Sonoma County communities. Read full story
Flu Season Continues, Sonoma County Health Officials Urge Flu Shot
Flu activity in Sonoma County continues to be widespread. Every year, the flu sickens and kills thousands of Americans, and this year rates of illness in California and the rest of the country are trending moderately high. Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged get a flu shot as soon as possible. The flu vaccine is available in Sonoma County and it is safe and effective. Read full story
Blue-Green Algae Toxins Detected in Russian River
On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 DHS received test results indicatingthat a low-level of blue-green algae toxins are present in certain areas of theriver. In accordance with state guidance, the level of toxin present is enoughto trigger the posting of “Caution” signs. Signs in both English and Spanishwill be posted at the ten major beaches along the Russian River. Read full story
New Survey Reveals Sonoma County Kids Still Bombarded with Tobacco and Alcohol Ads, and Products
Just released findings from statewide survey shows unhealthy products easily edge out healthier ones, and more retailers are now selling e-cigarettes and/or little cigars, popular among youth. Read full story
Sonoma County Adopts Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Safe Management of Pain
Today the Committee for Healthcare Improvement, a coalition of healthcare providers that is part of Sonoma County Health Action, announced health care organizations across Sonoma County are implementing common guidelines for safe pain management. Read full story
Department of Health Services Releases Results of Local Farmworkers Health Survey
Today, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) released the first- ever study of local farmworkers' health and well-being. The main finding from the study found that the vast majority of farmworkers permanently reside in Sonoma County with their families. Read full story
Two Bats Tested Positive for Rabies
Two positive cases of animal rabies were reported during the first week of April to the County Department of Health Services. Both cases involve bats, one found in Sebastopol and one in Windsor. These were the first two animals to test positive for rabies in 2015. Read full story