AUGUST 9 2022
Senate Democrats Pass Climate Change, Drug Cost Bill
Earlier this week the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act in a partisan vote, addressing climate change, drug prices, and corporate tax reform. The bill would invest $369 billion in climate priorities and $64 billion to extend health insurance subsidies, as well as $300 billion in deficit reduction. It would also cap spending on prescriptions for Medicare participants. Speaker Pelosi indicated that the House will vote on the legislation later this week.
Final Public Charge Rule Headed to White House for Approval
The Biden administration’s final public charge rule, proposed in February, has been sent to the White House for final review. The new rule would replace the Trump administration’s public charge rule which expanded the scope of public charge significantly, and was blocked by the courts. Public charge is a policy that determines which safety net programs immigrants may participate in without penalty.
CAHHS Health Data Exchange
Efforts to improve the ability to move data across health systems is happening. Legislation passed in July 2021, AB 133, requires CA to create a Data Exchange Framework with Jan. 31, 2024 as the goal for full implementation. On July 5, 2022, CAHHS released Data Exchange Framework, Data Sharing Agreement, and initial set of Policies and Procedures. CA Health Care Foundation provides this brief on funding needs and opportunities to improve this aspect of care.
California Declares Monkeypox Public Health Emergency
Last week California joined Illinois and New York in declaring a state of emergency due to the growing Monkeypox outbreak. California was later followed by a national declaration. Declaring a state of emergency allows the state to more quickly funnel funds and resources toward expanding testing capacity, vaccine acquisition, accelerate emergency planning and coordinate communication across local and state departments. California currently has over 1,100 cases. 
Happy National Breastfeeding Month!

We kicked off August with World Breastfeeding Week, are currently celebrating Indigenous Milk Medicine Week, and as August continues we look forward to AAPI Breastfeeding Week and Black Breastfeeding Week. If you would like help promoting your August breastfeeding/chestfeeding events, please send details and graphics to sdiaz@calwic.org, we are happy to add them to our events page or share on social media. We'd also love to feature your WIC breastfeeding/chestfeeding events in the fall issue of the WIC Watch, so be sure to take lots of pictures!
Check Out CWA's YouTube Channel!

CWA has been working to re-vamp our YouTube Channel with clearer titles and playlists. Check it out to find previous webinars, WIC Worksite Wellness content, as well as a collection of WIC participant stories about the CVB increase, breastfeeding peer counselors, and more!
Produce in WIC Food Package Associated With Less Pregnancy Weight Gain, More Breastfeeding
A new study suggests that the 2009 revision of the WIC food package to include fruit and vegetables led to less gestational weight gain and higher rates of breastfeeding among participants.

Childhood Obesity Has Increased to Over 20%
Obesity among children and adolescents dramatically increased from 2011 to 2020, particularly among youths ages 2 to 5 and 12 to 19, as well as children identified as Black, Mexican and white, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.

4 in 10 Americans Struggling With Healthcare Costs
The high cost of healthcare has compelled nearly four in 10 Americans in the past six months to delay or skip healthcare treatments, cut expenses in other areas, or borrow money, according to a new Gallup study.
Fish Oil Supplements - What Does the Evidence Say?
Fish oil supplements claim to be helpful for a whole host of health issues - heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression. Here is a breakdown of what evidence there is, or isn't, for these claims!
Alcohol and Substance Misuse
Alcohol and substance misuse damages the physical, mental, and social well-being of women and hurts children, families, and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased number of people misusing drugs and dying from drug overdoses. WIC Can Help provide information and referrals to help prevent these harmful effects.
Support CWA online!
As a nonprofit membership organization, CWA relies on the contributions of many organizations and individuals to help us achieve our mission. There are many ways to give of your time, talents, or resources to help CWA promote healthy families, strong communities, and bright futures! We appreciate all forms of support and invite you to join us!
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California WIC Association www.calwic.org