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Department of Health Services
Press Releases
County Executive names Nolan Sullivan as new director of Sonoma County’s Department of Health Services
Nolan Sullivan, a seasoned public health administrator with nearly 20 years of experience managing county health and human services programs, has been selected by County Executive Maria Christina Rivera to be director of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services following a nationwide recruitment search. Read full story
Sonoma County to use opioid settlement funds on prevention education, substance use treatment
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved a plan to use a portion of the expected $43 million settlement from opioid manufacturers and distributors on programs that treat addiction and educate the public about the dangers of the drug. Read full story
County of Sonoma Crisis Stabilization Unit reopens after environmental hazard closure
Six months after the County’s emergency psychiatric department, known as the Crisis Stabilization Unit located at 2225 Challenger Way in Santa Rosa, was closed due to a mold outbreak followed by significant roof leaks, the unit has reopened and is up and running as of Saturday, Feb. 8. Read full story
New homeless housing program to prioritize individuals with severe mental health needs
The Board of Supervisors today approved final steps necessary for the implementation of the Department of Health Services Behavioral Health Bridge Housing program, which will significantly enhance the County’s ability to support individuals experiencing homelessness in their recovery journey while transitioning to permanent housing. The new program will be housed at the renovated Arrowood Drive facility in Santa Rosa and will open Feb. 3. Read full story
County Health Services Department secures major funding for key early childhood programs
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services announced today that it has received two grants to support early childhood programs. Read full story
Development underway for permanent supportive housing project at George’s Hideaway
Demolition has begun at George’s Hideaway, the former tavern and restaurant in west Sonoma County, making way for permanent supportive housing. The project at George’s Hideaway, located along Highway 116 in Guerneville, involves the creation of 21 units of permanent supportive housing and a navigation center. Read full story
Memorial to recognize 60 lives lost in Sonoma County’s unhoused community
On Dec. 20, one day before National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, HomeFirst and 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 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Arlene Francis Center, 99 6th St., Santa Rosa. The space is being provided by FS Global, and Community Foundation Sonoma County granted the needed funding to host the memorial. Read full story
Sonoma County Health Officer issues order requiring health care facility staff to wear masks
Given the rising risk of respiratory virus-related illnesses, such as COVID and flu, Sonoma County’s Interim Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith has issued an order requiring health care personnel to mask when in patient care areas. The health order will be in effect throughout the remaining respiratory virus season, from Nov. 18 through April 30. Read full story
Sonoma County approves Microenterprise Home Kitchen program
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today voted to establish a local program to permit small-scale residential retail food facilities, known as Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations, or MEHKOs, which are authorized by state law. Read full story
Former state public health director named Sonoma County interim health officer
Dr. Karen Smith, an experienced public health official who previously served four years as director of the California Department of Public Health and state health officer, has been appointed as Sonoma County’s interim health officer. Read full story