Nearly 6 in 10 Californians delayed or skipped medical care in the past year because of cost, and 4 in 10 reported their conditions worsened as a result — trends that disproportionately affect communities already facing disparities, including Black Californians.
Prince George’s County is planting an additional 2,147 native trees and more than 3,000 native perennials, shrubs, and smaller trees through the end of May as part of its Urban Tree Planting Program, a major investment in environmental justice, climate resilience, and community beautification.
Black Women’s Health Disparities Highlight Gaps in Research and Care
News You Might Have Missed
Health officials say a respiratory virus spreading in parts of the United States is not new, and most people should not panic, even as cases increase in California and other states.
Charles found himself on the receiving end of one of the most punitive periods in U.S. legal history: the War on Drugs. What began in part as an attempt by then-President Richard Nixon to get reelected, ended up accelerating during the crack-cocaine epidemic of the 1980s that affected millions. During this time, federal and state lawmakers across the country defaulted to punishment, creating and passing laws with draconian penalties for drug possession and sales.
Despite recent progress, more than 16 people die every day on U.S. roads over six months
Free health screenings and vendor exhibits draw a broad cross-section of residents; Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, Rep. 35th District, warns Kern County has been a designated health care shortage area “for decades” with no remedy in sight.
California has always been seen as the land of vitality — sunshine, beaches, and wellness culture. But beneath that image is a growing public health crisis we cannot afford to ignore.
Drug overdose deaths in Los Angeles County fell sharply last year, offering a rare sign of progress in a crisis that has devastated communities across the region. But health officials say the improvement has not reached everyone equally.
An investigation into cosmetic surgery chains by KFF Health News and NBC News has prompted consumer warnings from industry groups representing plastic surgeons and a call for more transparency around physician disciplinary actions in California.
Maintaining health coverage plays a critical role in protecting your long-term health and your family’s well-being. Preventive care — including routine screenings, wellness visits, and age-appropriate checkups — can detect health issues early, support chronic disease management, and help you stay healthier year-round. Covered California health plans include preventive services that are available at no additional cost when you see an in-network provider, even before you meet a deductible. Taking advantage of these benefits and keeping your coverage active are important steps in staying healthy.
The recent release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poses a challenge for communities and individuals struggling with food insecurity. The new guidelines flip the traditional food pyramid on its head, recommending increased intake of costly red meat, whole dairy products, healthy fats, and whole grains.
After a grueling year of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to treat breast cancer, Sadia Zapp was anxious — not the manageable hum that had long been part of her life, but something deeper, more distracting.
Oral health is more than just a bright smile, it’s an important part of a child’s growth, development and overall well-being. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among kids in the U.S., affecting nearly half of children ages 2-19. About 1 in 10 children ages 2-5 experience untreated decay, a number that climbs to nearly 1 in 5 by ages 6-8.
For nearly three decades, the Rev. Wesley Crawford Sr., a longtime civil rights advocate and Kern County leader, has carried the torch of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in Bakersfield, organizing annual MLK Day Breakfasts that serve as both celebration and call to action for the community.
Each year on the third Monday in January, communities across the nation honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. In Bakersfield and throughout Kern County, that legacy is reflected not only in remembrance ceremonies, but in hands-on service and community care.
When Matthew Hurley was looking to take PrEP to prevent HIV, the doctor hadn’t heard of the medicine, and when he finally did prescribe PrEP, the bills sent to Hurley were expensive … and wrong. “I decided to write in because the process was really super frustrating.” At one point, Hurley asked, “Am I just going to stop this medication to stop having to deal with these coding issues and these scary bills?”
Lenia Watson-Burton, a 37-year-old U.S. Navy administrator, expected that cosmetic surgery would get rid of stubborn fat quickly and easily — just as the web advertising promised.
In December, incoming California Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) announced her leadership and committee appointments for the 2025–2026 legislative session, including several members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).
