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Air-pollution study finds Valley residents pay millions on ‘completely preventable’ medical costs
Air in the San Joaquin Valley costs a fortune. So say researchers at UC Merced, who found that three prevalent air pollutants in the region can cost San Joaquin Valley residents more than $700 million dollars per year in medical expenses, school absences and lost productivity. “People do understand money,”…
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New holistic BIPOC-focused counseling service is ‘a breath of fresh air’ in the Valley
A well-established Bay Area-based counseling service has brought its inclusive approach to therapy to Stockton. Sankofa Holistic Counseling Services opened its first Stockton branch at…
UC Merced breaks ground on new $300M medical education building. ‘It was very much a dream’
There will soon be an exciting addition to the ever-evolving skyline of buildings one sees on the horizon when driving northbound on Lake Road toward…
As mental health consequences of pandemic linger, Napa teen doubles down on helping peers
It started with an Instagram poll. “What is the biggest issue you are dealing with?” asked Yesha Sacatani, a junior at American Canyon High School.…
Foster kids miss out on sports and music. A new California plan aims to help them catch up
Foster kids often miss out on Little League or music lessons. That’s one of the consequences of changing homes, or living with a family on…
Black Maternal Health Symposium equips Valley birthing professionals and providers with advocacy tools
Behind the grim statistics of Black women who have died from pregnancy-related issues are the faces of women like “Selena.” Sharee Wilburn, a community health…
Valley schools and health centers are partnering to meet state health mandates. What’s behind the trend?
From mental health checkups to streamlining vaccinations, school districts and health systems across the Valley are forming more partnerships to create pathways for K-12 preventable…
As California prepares to house more homeless with Prop. 1, this Central Valley city has a head start
As California communities prepare for a possible building boom thanks to voters’ approval of Proposition 1 to fight homelessness, Stockton has already started work on…
Medi-Cal now covers undocumented people of all ages. How Valley groups are getting the word out
Roman Perez has worked many years in construction-related jobs, but being undocumented meant health insurance was out of reach for him and his family. Recent…
Need mental health help in Merced, Stanislaus or San Joaquin counties? Events are planned throughout May
One in four Central Valley residents have needed or had someone close to them need treatment for serious mental illness, an issue that cuts across…
‘There’s a lot of anxiety.’ How some Valley schools are addressing students’ mental health needs
Seeking mental health care can seem daunting at any age. For the students of Tracy Unified School District, a new wellness center hopes to make…
Prop. 1 wins, despite Valley voters’ rejection of mental health funding overhaul. What happens now?
Despite being roundly rejected by Central Valley voters, Proposition 1 has passed by a razor-thin margin statewide, which means counties across California will begin the…
Black women are at highest risk for pregnancy deaths. How a new California law addresses the problem
Khadija Fox screamed in pain when the doctor forcefully pulled her baby out in a Stockton hospital birthing room years ago. The attending nurse yelled…