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SLO County Health Access Update
Connecting Children Ages 0-5 to Health Care
April 2022
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
Reduced-cost surgery for the uninsured
CSF Medical Non Profit Foundation provides reduced-cost surgical services for medically uninsured individuals regardless of race, color or citizenship. They provide individualized support from Patient Health Advocates to guide patients through the process with CSF, ensuring the best care is received.

Through CSF the cost of most surgical procedures is reduced by up to 80%. When the patient is referred, CSF looks for the specialist they need and makes the appointment at an initial cost of $120.00. They then negotiate a fixed rate for all surgical costs. Patients receive surgery at hospitals in the Bakersfield area; hotel discounts may be available. Referrals from the Central Coast are accepted. Visit https://csffoundation.org/ to learn more or call 661-404-4748.
Grab n' Go Goodie & Resource Bags
After a two-year hiatus, a variety of community events are taking place on the Central Coast in honor of April - Month of the Child & Child Abuse Prevention Month. Families who aren't able to attend events can still receive goodies from local organizations!
FREE Grab n' Go Goodie & Resource Bags are available for families to pick up at local SLO County Library locations*. Bags are filled with fun supplies including a free pass to the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, kids books, stress relief balls, and much more! 

Pick up April 12 - 30, 2022 during library hours while supplies last.
One bag per family.
*Paso Robles families, pick up at
The Link Resource Center 1802 Chestnut St. Paso Robles (M-Th 10-2).

Questions? Call Gwen Garcia at 805-543-3700. 
CDC Milestones updates
The CDC has made some changes to its developmental milestones checklists to simplify them, update them to current research, and increase referral accuracy. 

Learn more about the milestones and download new materials at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html. Order free booklets, posters, and more at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/resources.html.
Update to CA rent relief and COVID-19 hardship eviction protections
Important eviction update from the SLO Legal Assistance Foundation:

On March 31, 2022, California extended some protections for tenants who are facing eviction for unpaid rent.

Through June 30, 2022, tenants who completed an application for rent relief on or before March 31, 2022 cannot be evicted for unpaid rent that was due before April 1, 2022. Additionally, tenants who have been approved for rent relief but are still waiting for the money to be disbursed by the state can ask the court to stop an eviction for unpaid rent due before April 1, 2022. Tenants who are eligible for these and other eviction protections must still file a response to an eviction lawsuit within 5 court days of being served.

Tenants can contact SLO Legal Assistance Foundation at (805) 543-5140 or at intake@slolaf.org for help filing a response to an eviction lawsuit.
Trauma-Informed Care: Tip of the Month
Information alone doesn't support change. Most change occurs in relationships and social interactions. Rather than leading with the great information you have to share, establish a trusting relationship with clients first.

TIP: Practice first dropping from your head to your heart and empathizing with your clients' stress and pain. Then offer helpful resources and suggestions.
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