Central Valley

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Kaiser Permanente is supporting local nonprofits as they seek innovative ways to enroll eligible households in CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program has seen a surge in applications during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to ensure people have access to and can afford nutritious food, so they can stay healthy.

Kaiser Permanente has awarded $95,000 grants to two organizations serving the Central Valley.

The Center for Human Services (CHS) in Modesto will use the funding to provide a program specialist at each of four outreach sites, reaching at least 2,200 individuals with enrollment assistance and food distribution (onsite or virtually). CHS will also implement 12 CalFresh pop-up events that include meal and produce distribution, nutrition information, and assistance with CalFresh enrollment. The Center for Human Services has Family Resource Centers in Newman, Patterson, Oakdale and Ceres.

“This funding will increase our capacity to provide access to CalFresh food benefits, emergency food and other concrete support for vulnerable community members,” said Lori Schumacher, program director for the Center for Human Services. “Family Resource Centers are one of our agency’s key strategies for strengthening communities and supporting members health, well-being and positive life conditions.”

Catholic Charities (CC) of the Diocese of Stockton also received a grant and will use it to provide CalFresh application and retention services to all low-income households throughout San Joaquin County, especially those who have been impacted by COVID 19. CC will prescreen 8,000 individuals for CalFresh eligibility, and help an estimated 2,000 people complete CalFresh applications and also provide retention assistance to 1,500 individuals to ensure they continue accessing their CalFresh benefits. The funding will also support staff training and community education. The overall goal is to help reduce food insecurity.

“We are really very grateful for the partnership with Kaiser Permanente which makes it possible for Catholic Charities to be available to families in need during these critical times,” said Elvira Ramirez, executive director for the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton. She added that she has heard from several clients who were grateful to receive assistance from the comfort of their homes during the pandemic.

“Nutritious food is critical to total health,” said Sanjay Marwaha, MD, physician in chief for Kaiser Permanente in the Central Valley. “We want to help bridge the gap for those who are most vulnerable, and others affected by the pandemic.”

“Collaboration is key as we work to help improve the health of our community during this challenging time,” said Corwin Harper, senior vice president and area manager, Kaiser Permanente Central Valley. “We are proud to provide resources to organizations that are doing such incredible work to serve those in need.”

Diabetes is a rapidly growing health problem. Currently, more than 21 million people in the United States have diabetes. Without care, diabetes can lead to complications that include kidney failure, eye problems, nerve damage, heart disease and high blood pressure, stroke, and more.

The good news: although diabetes is a lifelong condition, by taking action you can live a healthy life. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with it for some time, these steps are key to keeping diabetes under control:

•Keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels well controlled:
◦Test your blood sugar to be sure it is in the target range set by you and your doctor.
◦Take blood sugar medication as prescribed by your doctor.
•Eat a healthy diet. The right nutrition is key to preventing, delaying, or better managing diabetes.
•Aim for a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, losing as little as 7 to 15 pounds can make a big difference in your health.
•Stay or become more physically active. Try walking for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.

Kaiser Permanente offers variety of online diabetes education classes on topics such as prediabetes, the basics of diabetes and healthy eating. Click here for additional information on upcoming classes.

(Updated 12-18-2020)

Note: Drive-thru flu clinics are now closed. Flu shots are available at walk-in clinics at select facilities, or by appointment as indicated below.

3800 Dale Road Medical Offices
Available by appointment from provider or Injection Clinic

Manteca Medical Offices
Available by appointment from provider or Injection Clinic

Modesto Medical Center
Available by appointment from provider or Injection Clinic

Stockton Medical Offices
Available by appointment from provider or Injection Clinic

Tracy Medical Offices
Available by appointment from provider or Injection Clinic

Kaiser Permanente visitation policies are based on the state’s colored-tier system for COVID-19 activity for each county and are subject to change if a county tier status shifts.

Please do not visit or accompany patients if you have a cough or cold or are sick. All visitors must wear a proper face mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of distance from other visitors and patients while on our campus.

Any visitor who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 30 days or showing any COVID-19 symptoms will not be permitted entrance.

Visitor Policy (Red Tier 2)

Hospital
• 1 visitor per patient

Pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care
• 2 visitors at a time, rotating between 2 designated
Caregivers

Labor & Delivery
• 1 visitor at a time and a doula by prearrangement

Surgery (same day)
• 1 visitor at a time

Emergency Room (depending on capacity)
• 1 visitor at a time with adult patients
• 2 visitors at a time for pediatric patients

Medical Offices and Clinics
• 1 visitor for pediatric patients or patients with
disabilities or cognitive impairments, and
language needs

Visitor Guidelines
• Screening of visitors will be conducted at entrances.
• Any visitors with fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms, or confirmed COVID-19 will not be allowed entry.
• Any visitors must wear a mask, social distance, follow safety precautions, and limit movement while in the facility.
• If not accompanying the patient in the exam room, support persons will wait for the patient outside the clinic.

Policies are in accordance with California Department of Public Health guidelines.