Marin County
Marin County Child Care Commission’s 4th Annual Community Meeting on Early Care and Education
The Marin County Child Care Commission started the Month of the Young Child by hosting the Fourth Annual Community Meeting on Early Care and Education at the Marin County Office of Education.
At the April 2 event, the Commission launched the countywide 2020-2025 Early Learning and Care Strategic Plan design process with the support of many organizations, including First 5 Marin, MarinKids, Parent Voices, Parent Services Project, Marin Child Care Council, Papermill Creek Children’s Corner, Community Action Marin and Marin Promise.
County Supervisor Damon Connolly opened the meeting with welcome remarks emphasizing the importance of early education as a key component in making Marin a more equitable county. He also highlighted it as a two-generation approach to address inequities: it keeps parents working and kids learning.
Representatives from State Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Marc Levine’s offices shared updates on the Gov. Gavin Newson’s proposed state budget, including a $500 million one-time investment in the early care and education’s infrastructure and workforce. They also explained some of the bills that could promote positive changes in the field, including Skinner’s SB 234, the Keep Kids Close to Home Act, which is being proposed to equalize the permitting requirements and to strengthen tenant protections for family child care providers.
Meeting participants discussed in small groups some of the key findings from the Marin County 2018-2019 Early Learning and Care Needs Assessment Report, including the reduction in 7 percent of the overall number of child care spaces in the county in the last five years, the lack of spaces for infants and toddlers, and the staff turnover affecting the field. Other findings discussed:
• 46 percent of infants and toddlers and 63 percent of school-aged children with working parents do not have access to child care
• Over 60 percent of infants and toddlers and 54 percent of school-aged children in working families who qualify for subsidized child care (with income at/below 70 percent SMI) are not receiving care
Attendees shared potential solutions to challenges affecting the field, including tax breaks for local businesses to help offset child care costs, and the possibility of providers to join forces in order to offer health and other benefits for their staff.
Jason Lau, PhD, Commissions Chair, closed the meeting by inviting the public to participate in the process of creating the countywide 2020-2025 Early Learning and Care Master Plan: “The Plan will be a guide for our next steps as a county to improve access, quality, and coordination of our early care and education services. I am glad to be part of it and I want to thank everyone here for your commitment to participate in this process in the upcoming months.”
For more information about the Marin County Child Care Commission and to get involved, please visit www.marinchildcare.org or call (415) 499-5827.
Bay Area
Marin County Board of Supervisors Honors FMBC’s 80th Anniversary
The First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC), will be celebrating their 80th church anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at 501 Drake Ave., in Marin City. The Marin County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution to honor FMBC’s 80th anniversary.
By Godfrey Lee
The First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC), will be celebrating their 80th church anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at 501 Drake Ave., in Marin City.
The Marin County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution to honor FMBC’s 80th anniversary. The resolution reads as follows:
- FMBC, a distinguished member of the religious community in Marin County, is celebrating its 80th Anniversary in commemoration of this significant milestone.
- FMBC has provided spiritual nurture and education to its congregation and has extended humanitarian concern and compassion throughout the Marin County community. Throughout its long and impactful history, FMBC has been guided by dedicated and faithful leaders.
- The completion of eighty years of tireless service to its congregation and community reflects the steadfast devotion of countless individuals – both religious and lay – who embody the teachings of the Lord.
- FMBC shares a unique, rich, and dynamic history with Marin City and Marin County at large, having been established in 1944 in the living room of Rev. W.E. Franklin, serving the workers of Sausalito Marinship.
- FMBC, throughout its rich 80 years of history, continues to provide service and support to Marin City and the County in the areas of mentoring, mental health advocacy, social justice, domestic & gun violence, and climate resilience.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Marin County Board of Supervisors honors First Missionary Baptist Church on its 80th Anniversary, recognizing its profound impact on the Marin City community and its unwavering commitment to service, faith, and hope.
The Resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin on Nov. 5, 2024. It was signed by Dennis Rodini, president, District 4, and District 3 Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters.
Alameda County
Access Better Health with Medically Tailored Meals – Transforming Health Through Nutrition for Medi-Cal Patients
Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs. The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.
Advertorial
Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs.
The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.
Medically Tailored Meals are one of 14 new services offered through Medi-Cal that provide members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital.
Medically Tailored Meals: Overview
Malnutrition and poor nutrition can lead to severe health outcomes, especially among Medi-Cal patients with chronic health conditions. Medically Tailored Meals aim to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction by providing essential nutrition.
Key Features:
- Post-Discharge Delivery: Meals are delivered to patients’ homes immediately following discharge from a hospital or nursing home.
- Customized Nutrition: Meals are tailored to meet the dietary needs of those with chronic diseases, designed by registered dietitians (RD) or certified nutrition professionals based on evidence-based guidelines.
- Comprehensive Services: Includes medically tailored groceries, healthy food vouchers, and food pharmacies.
- Educational Support: Behavioral, cooking, and nutrition education is included when paired with direct food assistance.
Key Benefits:
- Address Food Insecurity: Mitigates poor health outcomes linked to food insecurity.
- Support Complex Care Needs: Tailored to individuals with chronic conditions.
- Improve Health Outcomes: Studies show improvements in diabetes control, fall prevention, and medication adherence.
Patient Testimonial:
“My diabetes has gotten better with the meals. I’ve kept my weight down, and I feel much better now than I have in a long time. I’m one of the people this program is meant for.” — Brett
Eligibility:
- Eligible Populations: Eligible Medi-Cal members include those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, and chronic mental or behavioral health disorders. Also, those being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement are also eligible.
- Service Limitations: Up to two meals per day for up to 12 weeks, extendable if medically necessary. Meals eligible for reimbursement by alternate programs are not covered.
Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes:
- Health Outcomes: Research indicates a 22% to 58% decrease in emergency department visits and a 27% to 63% decrease in inpatient admissions among Medically Tailored Meals recipients, translating to significant health care cost savings.
Project Open Hand: A Success Story
Project Open Hand has been a leader in providing Medically Tailored Meals, significantly impacting the lives of Bay Area Medi-Cal patients with chronic illnesses. Since its inception, Project Open Hand has delivered nutritious meals to individuals with diabetes, HIV, and other serious health conditions, demonstrating remarkable health improvements and cost savings.
Key Achievements:
- Improved Health Outcomes: Project Open Hand’s research found a 50% increase in medication adherence among recipients of Medically Tailored Meals.
- Reduced Hospitalizations: Their program showed a 63% reduction in hospitalizations for patients with diabetes and HIV.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients reported better health and increased energy levels.
Project Open Hand ensures that each meal is prepared using fresh, wholesome ingredients tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of its clients. By partnering with Medi-Cal managed care plans, Project Open Hand continues to provide life-saving nutrition to those who need it most.
Join Us in Our Mission
You can experience the profound impact of Medically Tailored Meals by joining the Medi-Cal Community Supports services initiative. Your involvement can make a difference in promoting your health through nutrition.
Learn More
For more information about Medically Tailored Meals and how to get involved, call the state’s Medi-Cal Health Care options at 800-430-4263 or contact your local managed care plan.
In Alameda County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Alameda Alliance for Health: 510-747-4567
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
In Contra Costa County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Contra Costa Health Plan: 877-661-6230
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
In Marin County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
In Solano County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
Your health and well-being are your health care provider’s top priority. Medically Tailored Meals are designed to enhance quality of life by advancing health care through the power of nutrition. Experience the benefits today, and take the first step toward a healthier you.
Bay Area
Marin County Seeks Input on Community Needs from Marin City, San Rafael Residents
You can make a difference. Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.
By Godfrey Lee
You can make a difference.
Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.
There will also be two community meetings where you can also share your ideas and concerns.
The community meeting for San Rafael will be held at the San Rafael Community Center at 618 B St. in San Rafael, on Monday Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.
The community meeting for Marin City will be held at the Marguerita C. Johnson Senior Center at 640 Drake Ave. in Marin City, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by Performing Stars.
Food and Spanish translation services will be provided at all meetings. Childcare is available upon request.
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of November 20 – 26, 2024
-
California Black Media3 weeks ago
California to Offer $43.7 Million in Federal Grants to Combat Hate Crimes
-
Activism4 weeks ago
An Inside Look into How San Francisco Analyzes Homeless Encampments
-
Black History3 weeks ago
Emeline King: A Trailblazer in the Automotive Industry
-
California Black Media3 weeks ago
California Department of Aging Offers Free Resources for Family Caregivers in November
-
California Black Media3 weeks ago
Gov. Newsom Goes to Washington to Advocate for California Priorities
-
Activism3 weeks ago
OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland
-
#NNPA BlackPress4 weeks ago
PRESS ROOM: Clyburn, Pressley, Scanlon, Colleagues Urge Biden to Use Clemency Power to Address Mass Incarceration Before Leaving Office