OC Health Care Agency November 2023 Newsletter

What’s

NEWSLETTER

Up NOVEMBER 2023

Director’s Message Dear OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Team,

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

I’d like to start by saying “thank you” for you, your work, your commitment, and your professionalism in serving our Orange County (OC) community. As we pause to celebrate Thanksgiving this month, I hope you have much to be thankful for both personally and professionally. I’m thankful for the great work

To raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl in Orange County (OC), and awareness about local resources for assistance, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) launched the “Fentanyl is Forever” campaign. Dr. Veronica Kelley, Chief of Mental Health and Recovery Services (MHRS) and Dr. Charles Scott Huffman, Associate Medical Director of MHRS, joined with the Board of Supervisors to kick off the campaign during a press conference, which included compelling family testimonies, educational materials, and rescue information. You can see the press conference here. . . . continued on page 2

that’s been done recently and pleased to share some of that work with you. Before I share, we also celebrate our veterans this month. I am honored as the Interim Agency Director to be able to say “thank you” to all HCA staff who have served in our military. I would also like . . . continued on page 2

FEATURED ARTICLES Fentanyl Is Forever.....................1 CRAB Testing............................4 Compliance & Ethics Week...10

(L-to-R): Ellen Guevara, Julie MacDonald, Mark Lawrenz, Sherryl Ramos, Pauline Stauder, Carolyn Secrist, Dr. Veronica Kelley, April Thornton, Diane Holley, and Dr. C. Scott Hoffman at “Fentanyl is Forever” kickoff event.