Press Releases
Measure O annual report shows increase in funding for essential homelessness, mental health services
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today accepted the Measure O update and annual report for fiscal year 2022–23. Presented by the Citizen’s Oversight Committee for Measure O, a quarter-cent sales tax that was approved by voters in 2020 to fund mental health, substance abuse disorder and homelessness services, the annual report provides an update on the growing list of achievements attained during this second full year of the measure. Read full story
Sonoma County health officials issue cold weather warning
The County of Sonoma today issued a cold weather warning in response to the National Weather Service frost advisory from midnight to 10 a.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service is also predicting sub-freezing wind chill temperatures from Sunday into early Monday. Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors, as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged cold weather exposure. Read full story
Memorial to honor lives lost in Sonoma County’s unhoused community
On December 21, National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, HomeFirst and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services will host a memorial to honor individuals who lost their lives over the last year while living without housing in Sonoma County. The event will take place at the Arlene Francis Center, 99 6th St., Santa Rosa, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Read full story
Mobile Crisis Units to expand countywide by year’s end
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved plans to expand Mobile Crisis Units, teams of mental health professionals who respond to emergency calls that do not involve law enforcement, throughout the county by the end of the year. Read full story
Sonoma County Department of Health Services awarded grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for child safety seat education program
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services has received a $90,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to support the county’s efforts in educating parents and caregivers about the importance of child safety seats and making sure that every child in our community travels safely. Read full story
With respiratory viruses circulating, all Bay Area Health Officers recommend actions to stay healthy for the holidays
As levels of circulating respiratory viruses increase and people spend more time indoors for the holiday season, it’s important to know all the ways to stay healthy this winter. Read full story
Sonoma County names Dr. Tanya Phares of Nevada as health officer
Dr. Tanya Phares, an experienced physician executive from Reno, Nevada, who has held several leadership roles in health care, was appointed Sonoma County’s new health officer today by the Board of Supervisors. Read full story
Sonoma County Behavioral Health to host job fair November 9
The Sonoma County Behavioral Health Division is hosting a job fair on November 9 to recruit for multiple open clinical positions. Potential candidates are encouraged to pre-apply for a position by November 1. Participants who register, pre-apply and meet the minimum qualifications for the applicable job classification, will be given an opportunity to participate in an in-person interview during the fair on November 9. Read full story
Sonoma County extends health advisory due to poor air quality
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services is extending a health advisory through Saturday, Sept. 23 due to smoke from wildfires currently burning in Northern California and Southern Oregon. The original health advisory was in effect from Sept. 19 through Sept. 21 Read full story
Sonoma County extends health advisory due to poor air quality
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services is extending a health advisory through Thursday, Sept. 21 due to smoke from wildfires currently burning in Northern California and Southern Oregon. The original health advisory was in effect from Sept. 19 through Sept. 20. Read full story