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SLO County Health Access Update
Connecting Children Ages 0-5 to Health Care
October 2021
Information and articles from these newsletters are housed on the San Luis Obispo County Health Access website. The website is updated frequently and is intended as a resource for professionals working with children ages 0-5 and their families. Please visit: SLOHealthAccess.org
The Eviction Hold Has Ended But Resources Are Still Available
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The temporary eviction hold (AB 832) ended September 30, 2021. Two things that are important to know:

1) The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief programs are still accepting applications. Tenants and landlords can apply at the state website Housing is Key.

2) There are still protections for tenants if they are in the process of applying for CA COVID-19 Rent Relief. More information at Housing is Key.

How can you help? Direct clients who are behind on rent and/or utilities to Housing is Key and help them apply if possible. Encourage clients to reach out to the following organizations if they need more assistance with their application process: 5 Cities Homeless Coalition, California Rural Legal Assistance, Salvation Army, United Way/2-1-1. Please note that the application does not include questions about citizenship or immigration status and does not impact public charge.

Legal resources for families facing eviction: 
  • SLO Legal Assistance Foundation helps tenants fill out and file forms with court (download Referral Form here)
  • Legal Intake: (805) 543-5140
  • Landlord-Tenant Clinic: (805) 548-0797
  • FAQs about eviction laws (English and Spanish): slolaf.org
  • California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA), Inc, (805) 544-7994
Are the Young Children You Know Being Screened for Lead?
October 24-30 is Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention week throughout the State and the SLO County Public Health Department reminds us to pass on this important message: "Even small amounts of lead can harm a child’s health. Ask your doctor about a blood lead test.”

Young children are at high risk for lead poisoning because they often put objects and their hands in their mouths. There is no safe amount of lead intake, and lead poisoning can cause brain damage, behavioral problems, seizures, digestive issues, hearing problems, and stunted growth. Millions of California children have not been tested for lead poisoning.
 
All children should be screened at ages 1 and 2 to prevent lead poisoning. This screening is free for children on Medi-Cal and through private insurance.

You can help by reminding families with young children to ask their doctor about blood lead screening. For great handouts in English and Spanish, download this brochure for parents from CenCal and visit the CA Department of Public Health's resources for reducing lead in the home.
No-Cost Counseling for Parents with Young Children
MP Health is providing virtual mental health and wellness support and counseling for parents/caregivers with children age 0 - 5, in partnership with First 5 SLO County.

The services are free to SLO County parents and available in English and Spanish. Call (805) 235-2547 or email mphealthsb@mysecuremail.com.
It's Really Hard to Navigate Health Care and Health Insurance Systems - Get Help Here
The SLO County Public Health Department's Health Care Access and Navigation Program helps SLO County residents get access to the health care they need, with a focus on adult services.

​Whether an individual does or doesn't have health insurance or isn't sure what to do next to find a health care provider, the Health Care Access and Navigation staff will help.

Call 805-781-4838 or email for a free, confidential evaluation in English or Spanish. Learn more here.
Local Health Referral Information at SLOHealthAccess.org
SLOHealthAccess.org has a wealth of information to help you help families, with local resources related to:
  • Practical Resources for Basic Needs
  • Behavioral Health
  • Immigration: safety and service access  
  • Dental
  • Prescriptions
  • Medi-Cal & Covered CA
  • Transportation
  • Special Needs   
  • Parental Substance Use, and 
  • Resources to help parents advocate for services

General needs and system navigation:
Send families in need of help to their local Family Resource Center.

Can't find an answer? 
Let us know and we will find you the information you are looking for. For general questions about health access and health care reform, contact:
Becca Carsel, Health Access Project Director, 
at (805) 674-0776 or becca@carselgroup.com