Welcome to the OC Health Care Agency's (HCA) press release webpage, which includes copies of our most recent releases as well as an archive of those issued by this department since 2004.
Official press releases are distributed by our Communications team, part of the Health Policy, Research & Communications unit, within HCA. To contact us, call (714) 834-2178 or email HCAComm@ochca.com.
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September 21, 2019
A bat found inside the bike rental shop at Irvine Regional Park at 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869 on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at around 1:30 p.m. has tested positive for rabies.
September 18, 2019
A bat found at the east entrance of a commercial building located at 1188 N. Euclid St. in the City of Anaheim on Friday, September 13, 2019 at approximately 3:45 p.m. has tested positive for rabies.
August 30, 2019
The County of Orange Health Care Agency's (HCA) Environmental Health division has lifted the harbor water area closure encompassing Anaheim Bay, Sunset Aquatic Marina, Portofino Cove, Anderson Street Marina, Mother's Beach, and Admiralty Drive in the City of Huntington Beach. There are currently no water quality warnings or advisories in Huntington Harbor. Laboratory analysis of water samples collected yesterday confirms that the water meets acceptable standards.
August 29, 2019
The County of Orange Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the harbor water area encompassing Anaheim Bay, Sunset Aquatic Marina, Portofino Cove, Anderson Street Marina, Mother's Beach, and Admiralty Drive in the City of Huntington Beach due to a sewage spill. The spill of approximately 60,000 gallons was caused by a sewer main blockage in the City of Stanton.
August 23, 2019
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed that a female teenager traveling internationally from New Zealand to Southern California (Orange County and Los Angeles County) from August 11 through August 15, 2019 was infectious with the measles.
August 19, 2019
A Tustin woman in her 50s was diagnosed this week with West Nile Virus (WNV) fever. She is the first human WNV infection identified in Orange County this season.
July 02, 2019
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has been approved for up to $18 million over three years from the State Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) to fund the Behavioral Health System Transformation Innovation (INN) Project.
June 25, 2019
The OC Health Care Agency's (HCA) 2017 and 2018 Ocean, Harbor & Bay Water Quality Report is now available online and provides an analysis of bacteriological water quality data over a 19-year period for Orange County's ocean recreational waters.
June 24, 2019
June 27 marks National HIV Testing Day, which promotes testing and early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. This year's theme, Doing It My Way, is a call to action that encourages people to get tested for HIV in a way that is best for them. At the end of 2018, there were 6,369 individuals living with HIV in Orange County and by estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an additional 893 residents have HIV and don't know it – some of whom will develop AIDS before realizing they are HIV-infected.
May 20, 2019
In celebration of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 19-25, 2019, the OC Health Care Agency recognizes Orange County's EMS (OCEMS) System and its network of first responders (fire, ambulance, marine safety and law enforcement), dispatchers, hospital personnel and medical professionals for their dedication and commitment in providing day-to-day life saving services to the community.
May 04, 2019
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed the second case of measles in 2019, an infant under the age of 1 who is too young to have been vaccinated and is currently hospitalized. This case has no history of international travel. The infant was seen at the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) emergency department while infectious.
April 30, 2019
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed the first case of measles in 2019, a resident of Placentia in her 20s who reported recent international travel to one of many countries currently experiencing widespread measles activity. The individual is considered infectious between April 23 and May 1, 2019 and is currently under voluntary isolation at home.
April 18, 2019
OC Health Care Agency (HCA) officials have recently confirmed a pertussis-related death in an infant. The case is the first pertussis-related death reported in Orange County, California since 2007. "We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and send our condolences to the family," said Dr. Nichole Quick, Interim County Health Officer.
April 17, 2019
A bat found at the north entrance of a commercial building located at 1021 N. Tustin Ave. in the City of Anaheim on Friday, April 12, 2019 at approximately 5:30 p.m. has tested positive for rabies.
April 12, 2019
The OC Health Care Agency encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on "National Take Back Day," Saturday, April 27 at numerous locations throughout Orange County.
February 23, 2019
Information provided by the Regional Water Quality Control Board – Santa Ana Region (SARWQCB) indicates that several chemicals have been detected in subsurface and indoor air samples at 1000 E. Katella Avenue in the City of Anaheim.
February 21, 2019
The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for Inland Orange County beginning at 10 p.m. this evening to 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. Overnight temperatures in some areas will dip to the low 30s.
February 14, 2019
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has issued the 2019 Award of Excellence to 3,239 Orange County food facilities to recognize local businesses for their outstanding food safety and sanitation practices during 2018.
February 06, 2019
The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for Orange County coastal and inland areas beginning at 10 p.m. this evening to 9 a.m. tomorrow morning.
January 31, 2019
The Environmental Health Division of the Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.
January 17, 2019
The County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed Orange County's first influenza-related death in a person under 65 years of age this season.
January 09, 2019
The County of Orange Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area in the City of Laguna Beach 250 feet upcoast and 250 feet downcoast from the projection of Upland Road due to a sewage spill.
January 04, 2019
The County of Orange Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the bay water area from Bayside Drive Beach to China Cove due to a sewage spill.
December 26, 2018
The County of Orange Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area in the City of Laguna Beach 150 feet upcoast and 150 feet downcoast of Aliso Creek at Aliso Beach County Park due to a sewage spill.
December 5, 2018
The County of Orange Health Care Agency, Environmental Health, has closed the bay water area in the City of Newport Beach from Bayside Drive Beach to 450 feet upbay of Bayside Drive Beach due to a sewage spill.
November 29, 2018
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December 1st, the County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) challenges community members to take the lead in reducing new HIV infections by knowing their status through getting tested.
November 29, 2018
The Environmental Health Division of the Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.
November 27, 2018
The OC Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the bay water area at North Star Beach in Newport Beach due to a sewage spill. The spill of approximately 110 gallons was caused by a blockage in a private property sewer line in Newport Beach.
November 21, 2018
A brown bat found at Wildwood Park located at Shooting Star and Wildwood in Irvine, California on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at approximately 5 p.m. has tested positive for rabies.
November 15, 2018
The The OC Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the bay water area of 43rd Street Beach in the City of Newport Beach due to a sewage spill.
November 14, 2018
The Orange County Local Oral Health Program (OC-LOHP) was established within the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) with funding from the California Department of Public Health last January.
November 3, 2018
The County of Orange Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area 500 feet upcoast and 500 feet downcoast of the Estrella storm drain of Capistrano Bay Community Beach due to a sewage spill.
October 22, 2018
The OC Health Care Agency encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on "National Take Back Day" Saturday,
October 22, 2018
The OC Health Care Agency encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on "National Take Back Day" Saturday.
October 16, 2018
The first human death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Orange County has been confirmed by OC Health Care Agency officials.
October 15, 2018
Chairman Andrew Do, 1st District of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, encourages community members to participate in the OC Health Care Agency's (HCA) Point of Dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness event at the Great Park in Irvine on October 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
October 14, 2018
The County of Orange Health Care Agency, Environmental Health, has closed the bay water area at Sunset Aquatic Marina and Portofino Cove Marina in Huntington Beach due to a sewage spill.
October 3, 2018
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA), in partnership with Chairman Andrew Do and Supervisor Michelle Steel of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, will be hosting a Food Safety Seminar on October 10th in the City of Fountain Valley.
October 1, 2018
The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA), City of Irvine and seven South County cities will be exercising a Point of Dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness event at the Great Park, Irvine on October 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to practice rapid distribution of medicine in the event of a public health outbreak.
September 12, 2018
A bat found at University Community Park located at 1 Beech Tree Lane in Irvine, California on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at approximately 12 p.m. has tested positive for rabies.
August 14, 2018
The Environmental Health division of the OC Health Care Agency has closed the bay water area in the City of Newport Beach from Upper Newport Bay to North Star Beach due to two sewage spills.
August 8, 2018
A Tustin woman in her 70s was diagnosed this week with West Nile Virus (WNV) encephalitis.
August 8, 2018
Smoke from the Holy Fire may pose a health danger to some Orange County residents, especially those in certain high-risk groups.
July 24, 2018
The National Weather Service – San Diego Office has issued a Heat Warning for Inland Orange County, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.
July 5, 2018
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for inland Orange County communities, including the Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.
June 19, 2018
The Environmental Health division of the OC Health Care Agency has closed the ocean water area in the City of Huntington Beach from the intersection of Harbour Channel and Midway Channel at the end of Coral Cay Lane to Park Avenue Beach, 11th Street Beach, and Coral Cay Beach due to a sewage spill.
National HIV Testing Day is Wednesday, June 27
June 18, 2018
June 27 marks National HIV Testing Day, which helps promote testing and early diagnosis of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. There are 6,711 individuals living with HIV disease in Orange County and by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, an additional estimated 941 residents who have HIV and don't know it – some of whom will develop AIDS before realizing they are HIV-infected.
June 18, 2018
A bat found was found on the corner of S. Country Hills Road and S. Mohler Dr. in Anaheim, California on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at approximately 7:15 p.m. and has since tested positive for rabies.
June 5, 2018
Orange County residents are invited to take just 10 minutes out of their day this month and learn a skill that can save a life: Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
May 31, 2018
The Environmental Health division of the OC Health Care Agency has closed the ocean water area in the City of Laguna Beach at Wood's Cove from the projection of Center St. down coast to Moss St. due to a sewage spill.
May 3, 2018
The Environmental Health division of the OC Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.
April 25, 2018
The OC Health Care Agency encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on "National Take Back Day" Saturday, April 28 at several locations throughout Orange County.
April 13, 2018
The Environmental Health division of the OC Health Care Agency has closed the ocean water area in the City of San Clemente from El Portal Access to 300 feet down coast of the San Clemente Pier due to a sewage spill.
March 14, 2018
The Environmental Health division of the OC Health Care Agency has closed the harbor water area in the City of Huntington Beach at Sunset Aquatic Marina and Portofino Cove Marina due to a sewage spill.
March 11, 2018
The Environmental Health division of the OC Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.
March 6, 2018
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) announces the availability of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-19 Mental Health Services Act Plan Update for public review and comment at www.ochealthinfo.com/mhsa through April 4, 2018.
February 27, 2018
The Environmental Health division of the OC Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.
February 20, 2018
The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for Orange County beginning at 10 p.m. this evening to 8 a.m. tomorrow morning. Overnight temperatures in some areas will dip to the low 30s with isolated locations in the upper 20s.
February 14, 2018
The OC Health Care Agency in partnership with the Orange County Perinatal Council is proud to announce the launch of a new website (www.everywomanoc.org) with the goal of providing essential health information and resources to women who are considering pregnancy, pregnant, or in the postpartum period with infants through their first year of life.
February 8, 2018
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has issued the 2018 Award of Excellence to 3,110 Orange County food facilities to recognize local businesses for their outstanding food safety and sanitation practices during 2017.
February 6, 2018
The County of Orange Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area in the City of Newport Beach from Pearson's Port down bay to the edge of the Bay Shores Community Association Docks due to a sewage spill.
January 22, 2018
The OC Health Care Agency in partnership with the Orange County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board will present a Public Forum on January 24 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Delhi Center in Santa Ana to address the opioid epidemic in Orange County and identify prevention and treatment needs to reduce overdose and addiction.
January 9, 2018
The Environmental Health Division of the OC Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.
November 30, 2017
A bat found in the parking lot of the Canyon Terrace Shopping Center located at 100 North Tustin Avenue in Anaheim on November 28, 2017, has tested positive for rabies. Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat or saw someone else having contact with the bat is asked to call OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Epidemiology at (714) 834-8180 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or (714) 834-7792 after hours to determine the risk for rabies.
November 28, 2017
In commemoration of World AIDS Day, on December 1, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) challenges the community to take the lead in reducing new HIV infections by knowing their HIV status by getting tested through their health care provider or at a location offering free HIV testing.
November 9, 2017
The County of Orange Health Care Agency has confirmed the County's first influenza-related death this season.
November 7, 2017
A bat found near the entrance of Laguna Niguel Regional Park by the Ranger's Office on November 3, 2017 has tested positive for rabies. Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat or saw someone else having contact with the bat is asked to call OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Epidemiology at (714) 834-8180 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or (714) 834-7792 after hours to determine the risk for rabies.
November 5, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area in the City of Seal Beach from the mouth of the San Gabriel River to the projection of 4th St. due to a sewage spill.
October 24, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on "National Take Back Day" Saturday, October 28 at more than 25 locations throughout Orange County.
October 24, 2017
Free seasonal flu shots for adults and children three years of age and older will be offered in the cities of Tustin and Westminster as part of an annual series of emergency preparedness exercises.
October 23, 2017
The County of Orange Health Officer and OC Health Care Agency Director today issued a Local Health Emergency Declaration in response to damage from the Canyon Fire 2. The declaration assists the City of Anaheim to qualify for debris removal costs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
October 23, 2017
Temperatures in most of Orange County are expected to reach the high 90s to 100 degrees today through Wednesday, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.
October 23, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area at Woods Cove from the projection of Center Street to Moss Street in the City of Laguna Beach.
October 18, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area 1,000 feet upcoast and 1,000 feet downcoast of the Balboa Pier in the City of Newport Beach.
October 13, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency celebrates National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) on October 15 by promoting testing and early diagnosis of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
October 6, 2017
The first human death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Orange County has been confirmed by OC Health Care Agency officials. The case is an elderly female resident of Anaheim who died with WNV infection complications.
October 6, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed our county's first case of influenza, signaling that flu season is officially here and serving as a reminder that the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated.
September 30, 2017
The OC Heath Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the harbor water area at Sunset Aquatic Marina and Portofino Cove in Huntington Harbour to swimming and diving due to a sewage spill on September 29, 2017.
September 15, 2017
The Waste Not OC Coalition (WNOC) was formally recognized in the Congressional Record this week for its notable contributions and meaningful progress to end hunger in Orange County, California, where more than 300,000 residents (including one in five children) experience food insecurity each month. Read the full Congressional Record here.
September 11, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA), in partnership with Chairwoman Michelle Steel and Vice Chair Andrew Do of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, will present a Food Safety Seminar on October 5 in the City of Garden Grove.
August 25, 2017
Temperatures in most inland Orange County and surrounding mountain communities are expected to reach high temperatures in the 90s on Sunday, 8/27, warming to 95 to 105 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.
August 21, 2017
The Orange County Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area on the north side of the west basin in Dana Point Harbor at Baby Beach, Youth Dock, Guest Dock, and "A" through "C" docks due to a sewage spill.
August 15, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) today released the "Opioid Overdose and Death in Orange County" report. Among key findings: the rate of opioid-related emergency department (ED) visits has more than doubled since 2005.
July 7, 2017
A Laguna Beach female in her 70s has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year.
July 6, 2017
The Orange County Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the bay water area at Harbor Marina in the City of Newport Beach. The spill of approximately 100 gallons was caused by a blockage in a private property owner's sewer lateral (pipe that connects a building to main sewer line in street).
June 15, 2017
June 27 marks National HIV Testing Day, which helps promote testing and early diagnosis of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. There are 6,762 individuals living with HIV disease in Orange County, and by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, an additional 669 residents who have HIV and don't know it – some of whom will develop AIDS before realizing they are HIV-infected.
June 13, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency's 2016 Annual Ocean, Harbor & Bay Water Quality Report is now available online and provides a yearly analysis of bacteriological water quality data over a 17-year period for Orange County's ocean recreational waters.
May 25, 2017
Orange County residents are invited to take just ten minutes out of their day Thursday, June 1 and learn a skill that can save a life: Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
May 9, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency's Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area from the Talbert Channel in Huntington State Beach to Highland Street in the City of Newport Beach.
May 9, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency's (HCA) field implementation of an electronic system that enables the instantaneous sharing of a patient's medical history from ambulance to hospital has been recognized this month by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services for its innovation.
May 1, 2017
Orange County residents are encouraged to follow the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) on Facebook and Twitter as we celebrate Mental Health Matters Month this month by shining the spotlight on simple behaviors people can implement in their everyday lives that will #UpliftOC.
April 28, 2017
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) today warned the public against consuming deer-antler tea due to botulism risk. One confirmed case and one suspect case are both adult residents of Orange County, California and the LADPH's preliminary investigation suggests these cases may be associated with the consumption of a deer-antler tea product acquired during the month of March.
April 27, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications this National Take Back Day, April 29, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at more than 20 participating locations throughout Orange County.
April 25, 2017
Today, the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) released the "Drug and Alcohol Morbidity and Mortality in Orange County" report that provides a summary of the leading causes of substance-related overdoses in Orange County. Compiled in collaboration with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner division, the report found that the overall rate of drug/alcohol overdose deaths in the county increased by 82% since 2000.
April 24, 2017
The County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) has issued the 2017 Award of Excellence to 3,285 Orange County food facilities to recognize local businesses for their outstanding food safety and sanitation practices during 2016.
April 20, 2017
A bat found on a picnic bench adjacent to the lake and near a restroom at William Mason Regional Park in the City of Irvine on April 15, 2017 has tested positive for rabies.
April 6, 2017
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) celebrated National Public Health Week by honoring the people, programs, organizations and jurisdictions that help to make Orange County a healthier place to live, work and play.
Just released findings from statewide survey shows disparity in availability of healthy and unhealthy products.
March 8, 2017
New research shows that in Orange County the availability of e-cigarettes has grown by 12 percentage points and nearly 21% since 2013. This finding is part of new research released today on the availability and marketing of tobacco products, alcohol, condoms and healthy and unhealthy food options in California stores that sell tobacco.
February 27, 2017
The Environmental Health Division of the Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.
February 17, 2017
The Environmental Health Division of the Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.
February 15, 2017
On behalf of the Orange County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), the Health Care Agency is pleased to announce that Orange County's 2017-19 Health Improvement Plan is now available online at www.ochealthiertogether.org. The plan lays out assessments, goals, objectives and strategies for addressing the priority health areas and overall public health system over the next three years.
February 6, 2017
The County of Orange Health Care Agency, Environmental Health, has closed the bay water area in the City of Newport Beach from 43rd Street to the projection of Via Genoa on Lido Isle due to a sewage spill.
February 6, 2017
The Environmental Health Division of the Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.
February 2, 2017
The County of Orange Health Care Agency has confirmed Orange County's first influenza-related death in a person under 65 this season. A male in his 50s who was a resident of Laguna Woods died of complications related to influenza infection last week.
January 25, 2017
The County of Orange Health Care Agency, Environmental Health, has closed the ocean water area in the City of Laguna Beach from 300 feet upcoast to 300 feet downcoast of Aliso Creek at Aliso County Beach due to a sewage spill.
January 18, 2017
The Health Care Agency reports a rapid increase of flu activity in Orange County over the past few weeks and reminds residents that it's not too late to vaccinate. More than 900 confirmed influenza cases have been reported by local medical providers to date this season.
December 16, 2016
The County of Orange Health Officer today issued a Health Officer Order that closes the Children's Dental Group of Anaheim (CDG) due to positive laboratory results for Mycobacterium in CDG's internal water system.
November 30, 2016
On behalf of the Orange County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), the Health Care Agency announces the availability of the 2017-19 Orange County Health Improvement Plan for public review and comment at www.ochealthiertogether.org through December 16, 2016. The plan lays out assessments, goals, objectives and strategies for addressing the priority health areas and overall public health system over the next three years.
November 29, 2016
In commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) challenges the community to take the lead in reducing new HIV infections by knowing their status through getting tested at one of the locations offering free HIV testing on Thursday, December 1.
November 8, 2016
Today, the County of Orange Health Officer has lifted his Health Officer Order, in effect since September 15, 2016, and permitted the Children's Dental Group of Anaheim to resume use of that facility's on-site water system to perform patient dental procedures. Spanish version
October 19, 2016
The first human death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Orange County has been confirmed by Orange County Health Care Agency officials. The La Habra resident in her 60s died with WNV infection complications.
October 18, 2016
The Orange County Health Care Agency has confirmed our county's first confirmed case of influenza signaling that flu season is officially here.
October 13, 2016
To commemorate the creative call of Global Handwashing Day, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) launched The Art of Handwashing campaign to encourage handwashing best practices among Orange County businesses.
October 12, 2016
The Health Care Agency encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on "National Take Back Day" occurring Saturday, October 22 at more than 30 locations throughout Orange County.
October 7, 2016
Free seasonal flu shots for adults and children three years of age and older will be offered in the cities of Buena Park and Placentia as part of an annual series of emergency preparedness exercise.
September 29, 2016
This week, the Orange County Healthy Aging Initiative (OCHAI) released the Orange County Older Adult Profile, 2016. The report was funded by the Orange County Health Care Agency and highlights key health, social and economic indicators impacting the health and well-being of Orange County older adults.
September 23, 2016
A bat found in the parking lot behind Zion Market in the Northwood Town Center at 4800 Irvine Blvd. in Irvine on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 has tested positive for rabies. Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat or saw someone else having contact with the bat is asked to call Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) Epidemiology at (714) 834-8180 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or (714) 834-7792 after hours to determine the risk for rabies.
September 15, 2016
The County of Orange Health Officer today issued a Health Officer Order that requires the Children's Dental Group of Anaheim to cease the use of that facility's on-site water system for any patient dental procedures.
August 15, 2016
The Health Care Agency (HCA) is continuing to provide free meningococcal vaccinations to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Orange County venues serving that community. MSM have been disproportionately affected by the current outbreak impacting Southern California.
August 3, 2016
The OC Health Care Agency strongly encourages men who have sex with men (MSM) in Orange County to get meningococcal vaccination as an outbreak of meningococcal disease, which has disproportionately affected MSM, has led to three new cases and another death here within the past 7 days.
August 3, 2016
An Anaheim female in her 60s has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year.
July 25, 2016
The California Department of Public Health is reporting an increase of meningococcal disease in Southern California, particularly in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. A cluster of cases in the last several months has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men (MSM).
July 1, 2016
Over the next six months, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) will introduce followers on social media to our highly qualified, richly diverse, and deeply passionate in-house team of physicians through video and story-telling.
June 29, 2016
Beginning on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, the OC Health Care Agency's (HCA) Behavioral Health Services team will be hosting countywide informational meetings throughout the summer to seek public input and discuss participation in a 5-year Drug Medi-Cal pilot project to expand and improve the public's access to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services.
June 15, 2016
Temperatures in many inland Orange County communities are expected to reach high temperatures near 100 degrees on Sunday, 6/19, and most of inland Orange County is predicted to hit the 100 degree mark Monday, 6/20, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.
May 26, 2016
Orange County residents are invited to take just ten minutes out of their day Thursday, June 2 and learn a skill that can save a life: Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
May 25, 2016
The County of Orange Health Care Agency's (HCA) Public Health Services division has been awarded five-year national accreditation status by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) following a rigorous peer-review assessment process.
May 20, 2016
Authorization to Use and Disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) - This authorization form is for: County of Orange clients to request a copy of their own medical information or to request that their medical information be released to another health care provider. Third parties such as client representatives or attorney's requesting medical information.
April 11, 2016
The County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) has issued the 2016 Award of Excellence to 3,630 Orange County food facilities to recognize local businesses for their outstanding food safety and sanitation practices during 2015.
April 4, 2016
Notice is hereby given that the Orange County Emergency Medical Services (OCEMS) / Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed closure of the Emergency Department at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center – San Clemente.
March 30, 2016
Waste Not OC, a coalition working to combat food insecurity in Orange County, has been selected as a model practice by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) after demonstrating exemplary and replicable qualities in response to a local public health need.
March 10, 2016
Testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that an Orange County resident has tested positive for Zika virus.
March 7, 2016
The Health Care Agency is pleased to announce that recruitment is now open for the CalOptima Board of Directors.
March 1, 2016
The County of Orange has been selected following a highly competitive process to participate in the National "Stepping Up" Summit aimed at reducing the prevalence of individuals with mental illnesses in jail, to be held in April in Washington DC..
February 8, 2016
Information provided by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) indicates that several chemicals have been detected in soil, groundwater and in air at 1224 E. Pomona St. in the City of Santa Ana.
February 8, 2016
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, many of us think about matters of the heart. This year, give yourself and loved ones a healthy gift from the heart by getting a free blood pressure screening on Thursday, February 11, 2016.
January 27, 2016
The County of Orange Health Care Agency has confirmed Orange County's first influenza-related death in a person under 65 this season. The Public Health laboratory confirmed that the 50 year-old male, who was a resident of Westminster, was infected with influenza B virus.
