Press Releases
Sonoma County Department of Health Services issues letter to community to increase awareness about monkeypox
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services today issued the following letter to the community concerning monkeypox: Read full story
Avian flu detected in Sonoma County
Positive cases of avian influenza, or the bird flu, have been found in four wild birds in Sonoma County. While this particular strain of the virus poses minimal risk to humans, out of an abundance of caution the Sonoma County Department of Health Services is warning residents of the potential risk of handling or coming into close contact with a diseased or dead bird. Read full story
Best-selling author Johann Hari to present county-sponsored lecture on “Rethinking Addiction”
Sonoma County residents are invited to hear best-selling author and journalist Johann Hari, who has written extensively on substance abuse and addiction, speak at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts on July 21. The free lecture is being sponsored by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services as well as Directing Change, a mental health nonprofit for students. Read full story
Sonoma County COVID response transitions to new phase
With federal relief funding set to expire at the end of the month, Sonoma County is completing preparations for transitioning its COVID-19 response to a new phase, one focused on providing critical resources for vulnerable communities. Read full story
Bay Area health officials urge awareness about monkeypox as summer travel and gatherings begin
As the summer season begins with increased travel and major events and gatherings, Bay Area health officials urge people to protect themselves against the monkeypox virus, which spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and bodily fluids, such as through crowded settings or sexual contact. Read full story
County of Sonoma Health officials issue heat alert
The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services has issued a Heat Alert in response to the National Weather Service’s Heat Advisory for parts of the county from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 21. The heat alert applies to inland areas of Sonoma County, where high temperatures are forecast in the high 90s and low 100s. Santa Rosa is forecast to reach 103 degrees. Read full story
Sonoma County collects over $500,000 in sales tax funds for behavioral health, homelessness
Sonoma County’s Department of Health Services today reported to the Board of Supervisors that more than $500,000 in Measure O funds have been collected to date to support mental health and homelessness services, two major priorities for the Board of Supervisors. Read full story
HomeFirst to operate the Sonoma County Continuum of Care’s Coordinated Entry System
The Coordinated Entry System in Sonoma County has changed operators from Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa to HomeFirst, a nonprofit agency based in Santa Clara County. The change in operators was approved by the local Continuum of Care Board and took effect on April 1. Read full story
Tina Rivera to be appointed director of SonomaCounty’s Department of Health Services
Tina Rivera, a veteran government official and nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of experience delivering health care and social services to the public, has been named director of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services following a nationwide recruitment search. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote to confirm her appointment for a three-year term at its March 1 meeting. Read full story
WIC to increase fruits and vegetable benefits for four months withAmerican Rescue Plan funding
Starting June1, Sonoma County’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) families will receive atemporary increase in their monthly WIC fruits and vegetables benefit thanks tofunding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Read full story