This is a series of articles intended to introduce to the community key members of the City’s Team of employees who serve Manteca residents through their respective position and areas of expertise.
Kevin Jorgensen II is the Director of Engineering for the City of Manteca. He’s been City Engineer for the past 8 years.
Kevin Jorgensen II is the Director of Engineering for the City of Manteca. He’s been City Engineer for the past 8 years.
Kevin says he came to Manteca because, “I was very excited to work for a burgeoning, fast-paced City, with a vast array of challenging capital improvement and development projects. I also liked the idea of working for a government agency with a family-orientated focus.”
When asked what he likes about his job, Kevin answered, “We have a team atmosphere, collaborative spirit, and a great group of people to work with. Work moves at a very fast pace and we often have to work cohesively with other departments to accomplish our goals.”
Kevin describes a typical day on the job as revolving around meetings, emails, and providing staff direction, with his priorities being adjusted to meet the needs of development, capital improvement projects, and overarching City endeavors.
He was asked to identify the City’s most significant needs from the Engineering Department’s perspective. “Our most critical and encompassing need is additional funding to keep up with the demands of a flourishing City. Thisis something strongly felt by all City Departments. The vast majority of City employees make every effort possible to improve the City, but there’s only so much that can be accomplished with our funding shortfalls. As it specifically relates to the Engineering Department, our infrastructure facilities supporting transportation, sewer, water, and storm are in constant need of maintenance, upgrades, and expansion. We simply do not have the funding to complete all of the necessary projects that greatly impact the quality of life of our residents.”
Rhoda and Gochin – who have operated a small family-style board and care home in the San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles) for the last 22 years
“Our Governor and Legislature must take immediate action to prevent the seriously mentally ill and seniors from becoming homeless and to avoid the devastation of this critical housing resource for some of the most vulnerable residents in the State,” said Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA Executive Director.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA) will travel to Sacramento August 22-23, in coordination with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Los Angeles County to advocate for fair treatment for Los Angeles County’s seriously mentally ill.
Low-income people living with serious mental illness in LA County and across the State are at risk of becoming homeless. The Department of Social Services recently reported the closing of 27 facilities in Los Angeles County in the first quarter of 2023, that provide care and housing for some of the States most vulnerable residents.
More facilities are expected to close before the end of the year. LARCA Members are urging Governor Newsom and State Legislators to move quickly to provide immediate emergency funding to prevent millions of low-income seniors and adults living with serious mental illness from becoming homeless. Residents diagnosed with a serious mental illness receive approximately $44 a day.
The are too many Homeless seniors on the streets. This person is sleeping on the handicapped ramp of the LA County Board of Supervisors Boardroom.
LARCA members are requesting an immediate infusion of $2,000 for each bed in a state-licensed facility with 70% of their residents receiving the Social Security Income (SSI) payment, living with serious mental illness, and receiving no other supplemental assistance.
Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs), more commonly known as “Board and Cares,” provide housing, 24/7 care, staff assistance to help residents meet their basic daily needs, three meals a day snacks, medication management and more.
The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA) represents over 400 Los Angeles County licensed ARF’s and RCFE’s, many of whom are struggling to keep their doors open and more than 15,000 low-income Los Angeles County residents living with serious mental illness.
Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA Executive Director.
About The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA)
LARCA is a nonprofit community-based membership association with an emphasis on serving the population of owner/operators of Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and their residents, who are reliant on public benefits and/or living with serious mental illness, formed with fiscal sponsorship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Los Angeles County (NAMI GLAC).
Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates, speaks with Baron Jordan, of San Bernardino, at the LaSalle Medical Associates medical office in Rialto, Calif. Jordan is talking to Dr. Arteaga about his healthcare.
“Seniors need to have an ongoing relationship with their healthcare provider,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the three leading causes of death for people 65 and older are heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19. The CDC also notes that 23.3 percent of seniors are in only fair or poor health.
Leading negative indicators for poor healthcare outcomes are obesity and hypertension (high blood pressure). For men aged 65 to 74, 41.9 percent are obese, for men 75 or older, it’s 31.8 percent. For women aged 65 to 74, 45.9 percent are obese, for women 75 or older, it’s 36.1 percent.
Hypertension affects 66.7 percent of men aged 65 to 74 and 81.5 percent of those 75 and older. For women, it’s 74.3 percent of those 65 to 74 and 86.0 percent for those 75 and older.
These are sobering statistics, and they point out the necessity for seniors to have an ongoing relationship with their healthcare provider. “Conditions like obesity and hypertension can be managed with proper lifestyle changes and medication,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, President of LaSalle Medical Associates.
“Seniors need to have an ongoing relationship with their healthcare provider. We deploy an active outreach program to our senior patients,” says Dr. Arteaga, “and make it a point to contact them when it’s time for a checkup or a follow-up visit to track their compliance with healthcare directives and medications. “Follow up, follow up, follow up is the magic formula. Continuity is King.”
For those who have reached the age of 65, the average life expectancy for women is an additional 19.7 years, and for men, 17.0 years. But life expectancy itself is not the goal. The aim is for one’s remaining years to be fruitful, free from debilitating diseases, and able to interact with friends and family free of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
LaSalle Medical Associates has clinics in Fontana, Rialto, Hesperia, Victorville, and two in San Bernardino. The LaSalle healthcare professionals know what senior care requires and they treat all their older patients with respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Carl Dameron is 64 years old and stays in touch with his doctors. This is a diabetic check-up with his PA at Lasalle Medical Clinic’s Mt. Vernon Office.
“We have only one standard of care for all our patients,” says Arteaga, “and Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous or white are all welcome and we stand ready to help those who are not covered by their employer, a pension fund or private insurance, enroll in one of the healthcare coverage alternatives.”
For more information or to make an appointment, call 1-855-349-6019.
BRIEF: 265 words
Seniors: Stay in Touch with Your Healthcare Provider
“Seniors need to have an ongoing relationship with their healthcare provider,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the three leading causes of death for people 65 and older are heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19.
Obesity and hypertension (high blood pressure) contribute to those outcomes. For men 65 to 74, 41.9 percent are obese; for 75+, 31.8 percent. For women 65 to 74, 45.9 percent are obese; for 75+, 36.1 percent.
Hypertension affects 66.7 percent of men 65 to 74, 81.5 percent of those 75+. For women, it’s 74.3 percent of those 65 to 74, 86.0 percent 75+.
“Obesity and hypertension can be managed with proper lifestyle changes and medication,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, President of LaSalle Medical Associates. “Seniors need to have an ongoing relationship with their healthcare provider.
“We make it a point to contact our senior patients when it’s time for a checkup or a follow-up visit to track their compliance with healthcare directives and medications,” says Dr. Arteaga. “Follow up, follow up, follow up is the magic formula. Continuity is King.”
For those now 65, the average life expectancy for women is 19.7 years, and for men, 17.0 years. And those extra years need to be fruitful, free from debilitating diseases while interacting normally with friends and family.
“LaSalle cares, and we stand ready to help those who are not covered by their employer, a pension fund, or private insurance, enroll in one of the healthcare coverage alternatives.”
For more information or to make an appointment, call 1-855-349-6019.
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About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to approximately 365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Tulare counties.
Carl Brown, Director of Public Works, City of Manteca.
MANTECA, CALIF. The City of Manteca created a Traffic Solutions Committee in 2022 to improve and create safety solutions on the City’s streets. This multi-departmental group is led by the City’s Director of Public Works, Carl Brown. Through various measures, the committee analyzes safety concerns and brings viable solutions to the City.
As Director of Public Works, Brown has a multitude of responsibilities including streetlights, traffic signal operation, signs and markings, curbs and sidewalks, and environmental compliance. “We constantly work on improving efficiencies and effectiveness of processes and programs and ensure that all services continue to be performed as our citizens expect, he explains.
“Improving traffic safety and reducing pedestrian injuries is the top priority of the Traffic Solutions Committee in Manteca,” Brown stresses. A few of the enhancements include the following.
City traffic improvements such as flashing stop signs that increase visibility so people are more likely to stop. This also reduces right-angle crashes by alerting drivers of upcoming roadway changes, so they do not unintentionally run the stop sign. “Right-angle crashes are the most common type of crash that results in a fatality or serious injury at stop sign-controlled intersections,” Brown adds.
Flashing Stop Sign
New high-visibility crosswalks ensure that pedestrians and drivers have safer access when crossing the street. These alert pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to designated pedestrian crossing areas and help give drivers enough time to react to pedestrians on the road.
New high-visibility crosswalks
Speed lumps (yes, lumps, not bumps or humps), are on Hacienda Ave. and North Walnut Ave. These lumps slow down speeding cars in the neighborhoods. The speed lump is a variation on the speed hump, adding two-wheel cut-outs designed to allow large vehicles, such as emergency vehicles and buses, to pass with minimal slowing.
Speed Lumps
The Committee is updating and adding pavement markings, yield limit lines, warning signs, red curbs, and street parking markings to decrease traffic accidents. A yield line, also called shark’s teeth or give-way line, is a marking used to inform drivers of the point where they need to yield and give priority to the oncoming vehicle or pedestrian traffic at an intersection or roundabout controlled by a yield sign.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash, and sewer services. For more information call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 86,928. Manteca continues to grow at 4.1 percent a year. The City has 25,670 households with a median home price of $432,100. The median annual household income is $82,538.
Photo caption: Contents of an average food box, meat, vegetables, bread, beans, oil breakfast food, and more
“In 2022, the San Bernardino Corps provided groceries to 10,318 households. The donation from The Gas Company will allow us to serve another 2,000 people a month,” said The Salvation Army’s Major Isaias Braga.
REDLANDS, CALIF. In 2022, the San Bernardino Corps provided groceries to 10,318 households. But food insecurity has dramatically increased in the San Bernadino Valley.
To help ease the burden The Southern California Gas Company has made a $100,000 donation to The Salvation Army of the San Bernadino area to help provide meals to hungry families.
“The donation allows us to expand our food disruption service from three Thursdays a month to four Thursdays a month beginning this June. Our extra distribution day will take place at the San Bernardino Airport on the fourth Thursday of each month,” said The Salvation Army’s Major Isaias Braga.
Photo caption: Hungry people receiving meals at the 4:45 pm free dinner at the Hospitality House at 925 W. 10th St., San Bernardino CA 92411
In The Salvation Army’s most recent food distribution, they were able to serve 144 families with 518 people.
“This was just one day and thanks to SoCalGas we can continue to offer these services four weeks a month and help fight food insecurity to more than 2,000 individuals,” said Major Braga.
“SoCalGas understands that many families and seniors are experiencing hardships. Food insecurity is a critical issue that is impacting many people in the communities we serve, said Kristine Scott, Senior Public Affairs Manager for SoCalGas.
The “Fueling Our Communities” grant is one opportunity to demonstrate SoCalGas’ commitment to investing in our service area communities. We are proud to partner with The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps to help those in need.”
The Salvation Army serves food for a family of five to last for a week, and if the family is larger than five the family receives two boxes. “We serve hungry families once a week, four weeks a month on the first week from The Redlands location and the other three Thursdays at our warehouse in San Bernardino,” said Major Braga.
For more information or to sign up for the FREE food program please call (909) 792-6868.
Donations can be made online at SBCSVA.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY, specifying that you want your donation applied to San Bernardino Corps in California.
PHOTO CAPTION: Majors Isaias (left) and Adelma Braga.
The Salvation Army serves Meals for the Hungry Sunday through Friday at 4:30 pm at 925 W. 10th St. in San Bernardino. Listen to the testimony of people who are served.
People need your help. Please give today at SBCSVA.org.
Listen to the testimony of people who are served by the food disruption service.
The Salvation Army may provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available.
San Bernardino Corps Serves: San Bernardino, Redlands, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers evangelical programs for boys, girls, and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 792-6868.
Homeless senior sleeping on the handicapped ramp of the LA County Board of Supervisors Boardroom.
“We are losing facilities that care for seriously mentally ill adults because the reimbursement rates are inadequate. Mentally ill adults have nowhere to go and end up homeless,” said Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA’s Executive Director.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. Just $44 per day is all that the State of California budgets to provide seriously mentally ill adults with housing and food at a licensed Adult Residential-care Facility (ARF). It’s not enough.
As a result, adult residential care facilities are closing, and mentally ill adults have nowhere to go. At a time when the State and the County have both announced funds being budgeted to create more residential care for seriously mentally ill homeless adults, ironically, they are failing to fix a problem that results in people who are now housed and cared for and putting them back on the streets.
It seems the right-hand does not know what the left hand is doing. There is a clear failure to analyze the whole picture and come up with a solution that does not create new problems.
Adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities get between $191 and $391 for care and housing. The Los Angeles Regional Caregivers Association (LARCA) is a nonprofit group that advocates for parity with facilities that work with the developmentally disabled.
“We are losing facilities that care for seriously mentally ill adults because the reimbursement rates are inadequate. Mentally ill adults have nowhere to go and end up homeless,” said Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA’s Executive Director. “How can anyone think that $44 a day is enough to provide housing, food, and care for the mentally ill who cannot take care of themselves?”
Adult Residential-care Facilities prevent homelessness and provide meals, housekeeping, laundry, and medication management. Failure to take medications is a key predictor of psychiatric relapse, which can lead to overuse of emergency services, incarceration, and homelessness.
To prevent further facility closings, LARCA members and community supporters advocate for the following:
Immediate infusion of $2,000 per bed for each state-licensed facility with 70% of their census on SSI and living with Serious Mental Illness with no supplemental
Raise reimbursement rates to facilities that provide care and housing to low-income residents living with Serious Mental Illness that is on par with those living with Developmental Disabilities.
Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA Executive Director.
“With proper funding, Adult Residential Facilities can take 936 homeless seniors off the streets right now,” said Tinson.
According to the California State Commission on Aging people over 50 are more than half of all homeless and the fastest-growing segment of the homeless. They need proper care, provided by properly funded licensed care facilities.
About The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA)
LARCA is a nonprofit membership association with an emphasis on serving the population of owner/operators of Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and their residents, who are reliant on public benefits and living with serious mental illness, formed with fiscal sponsorship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Los Angeles Chapter (NAMI GLAC) and financial support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
“This is an important milestone for us, and it will enable us to keep moving forward as we continue to help homeless seniors and seriously mentally ill adults,” said a
LARCA is a community-based membership association that represents more than 350 state-licensed Adult Residential Facilities and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, more commonly known as Board and care in the community. LARCA members provide housing and care for more than 15,000 low-income Angelenos living with Serious Mental Illness.
LARCA champions resources for facilities and their residents building increased public awareness and support for housing and health solutions that serve vulnerable, low-income adults and elderly people living with mental illness, a population at risk of homelessness.
LARCA Executive Director Bennie Tinson, MPP, says, “This is another important milestone for us, and it will enable us to keep moving forward as we continue to advocate for seniors and adults living with serious mental illness to ensure these individuals receive the care and housing to meet their needs.
“LARCA members provide 24/7 care and housing in a residential-like setting, providing meals, medication management, and helping residents meet their basic daily needs. The low SSI rate residents receive makes it difficult for facilities to continue to provide quality care and housing. As a result, 27 Adult Residential Facilities that house and provide care for low-income residents living with Serious Mental Illness closed in the first quarter of 2023,” said Tinson.
LARCA is a nonprofit membership association with an emphasis on serving the population of owner/operators of Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and their residents, who are reliant on public benefits and/or living with serious mental illness, formed with fiscal sponsorship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Los Angeles Chapter (NAMI GLAC) and financial support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
LARCA started to bring together owners and operators of licensed Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) based in Los Angeles County that provide vital, long-term housing and care services to vulnerable, low-income adults and the elderly, including people living with serious mental illness. Membership is currently being offered at no cost.
About The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA)
LARCA is a nonprofit membership association with an emphasis on serving the population of owner/operators of Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and their residents, who are reliant on public benefits and/or living with serious mental illness, formed with fiscal sponsorship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Los Angeles Chapter (NAMI GLAC) and financial support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga, Founders of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. dedicated to ending health care disparities.
“People of color are tired of being treated differently by doctors because of their skin color. At LaSalle, we pride ourselves on treating all patients with respect and giving them the care, they need, regardless of their ethnicity,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, MD, founder and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
In a new policy statement, “Eliminating Race-Based Medicine,” pre-published online May 2, 2022, in Pediatrics, the AAP observes that race is a historically derived social construct that has no place as a biologic proxy. Over the years, the medical field has inaccurately applied race correction or race adjustment factors in its work, resulting in differential approaches to disease management and disparate clinical outcomes.
“The American Academy of Pediatrics is taking an important step toward dismantling race-based medicine. This effort calls for acknowledging the impact that differential lived experiences have on individual and population health outcomes through a race-conscious health equity lens rather than through approaches that have inappropriately identified skin color as an independent risk-adjusting variable,” Dr. Wright said.
“Social determinants of health need to be carefully considered in the development of care delivery strategies including factors embedded in broad categories such as access, the physical environmental and community supports. Evidence informed incorporation of these factors is vital in all areas of medicine.”
Dr. Albert Arteaga, MD, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., says, “As a Latino-owned organization, we have always treated every patient—adult or child—with the most conscientious and rigorous care.
Many of our doctors and support staff are themselves minorities and they know very well how important it is to make all patients feel comfortable and to deliver to all patients the highest standard, the gold standard, of care.”
The gold standard of care is a method, procedure or measurement that is widely accepted as being the best available to test for or treat a disease.
Race-based care has been pervasive for decades. One example is how some pediatricians deal with Black children who may be suffering from a urinary tract infection. According to Dr. Joseph L. Wright, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, from American Academy of Pediatrics, rather than apply the gold standard test, they use a lesser procedure because they assume that Black children don’t get urinary tract infections as often as white children.
But that is not the case at LaSalle. “When we interview prospective providers, we make sure that they are in sync with our values and standards,” says Dr. Arteaga. “The gold standard is the only standard we apply to the people under our care.”
After two years of virtual doctor visits, all of LaSalle six clinics are open for person-to-person patient visits. Clinics are now open in San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Hesperia and Victorville.
“The evolution of modern medicine has produced incredible advancements and accomplishments in health care,” Dr. Wright said. “But we must acknowledge and address the stark inequities that persist in leaving vulnerable populations behind. We are better than this. Now is the time for change.”
For more information or to make an appointment at a LaSalle Medical Associates Clinic call 1-855-349-6019. Fontana, San Bernardino 17th Street, San Bernardino Mt. Vernon Ave., Rialto and Hesperia.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest, independent, and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately 365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, and Tulare counties.
“I am honored to be entrusted by the Mayor and City Council with this opportunity to make recommendations on how our City Charter can be improved so that our city government can operate more effectively. The current Charter recognizes that periodic review is necessary, and adjustments should be made to enable the city to return to its All-America City greatness,” said Prince.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. Attorney Timothy P. Prince, Esq., of Tomlinson & Prince has been named to the City of San Bernardino Charter Review Committee. Tim was recently approved unanimously by the City Council.
“I am honored to be entrusted by the Mayor and City Council with this opportunity to make recommendations on how our City Charter can be improved so that our city government can operate more effectively. The current Charter recognizes that periodic review is necessary, and adjustments should be made to enable the city to return to its All-America City greatness,” said Prince.
San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran
“I was pleased to make Timothy Prince one of my Mayoral appointments to the City Charter Review Commission,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “We appreciate his willingness to step up and serve the residents of San Bernardino.”
The Charter Review Committee is a nine (9) member committee, established by Resolution No. 2017- 243, tasked with completing a periodic review of the City Charter to identify potential amendments that enhance clarity, efficiency, and the principles of the council-manager form of government. Each member must be a registered voter within the city and no member can be an employee of the city. The term of office coincides with the term of the nominating City Council member or Mayor.
Other committee members are Rikke Van Johnson, 6th Ward Commissioner; Phil Savage, 7th Ward Commissioner, Chairperson; Rabbi Hillel Cohn, 4th Ward Commissioner, Vice Chairperson; Casey Dailey, 1st Ward Commissioner and Angela Torres, 3rd Ward Commissioner.
Meetings for the Charter Review Committee are held the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 in the board room at 201 North E Street.
About Attorney Timothy P. Prince, Esq., of Tomlinson & Prince
Timothy Prince is the lead attorney at Tomlinson & Prince. He was honored as San Bernardino’s Best Attorney for three consecutive years.
At Tomlinson & Prince, he represents companies and individuals in a wide variety of cases, including Wrongful Termination, Business Litigation, Real Estate Wrongful Death, and Personal Injury. A winning philosophy guides the firm and delivers highly effective, cost-efficient representation that is designed to get optimal results. “Our clients always come first,” says Prince.
Patient Jasmine Cruz of Fontana age 8 with Nurse Megan. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or is a senior in high school, visiting the pediatrician for immunizations should be an important part of back-to-school preparations. Many schools start in August, so it’s not too soon to make that appointment.
“It is important not to wait until the last minute,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “As we get closer to August, more schools will be opening for a new year, and we will become even busier.”
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – Schools start their fall terms soon and that means it’s time to get your children’s annual checkup and vaccinations. From Covid to measles, it takes a concerted effort to prevent outbreaks and parents who care for their children and other people’s children need to make sure their kids’ vaccinations are up to date.
Some social media posts have claimed that vaccines can cause autism spectrum disorder. This is false. Studies either done by or funded by the Centers for Disease Control have found “…no link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] in children.”
The CDC goes on to say, “The COVID-19 vaccines for children have the same active ingredients as the vaccines given to adults. However, children receive a smaller and more age-appropriate dose that is right for them. The smaller doses were rigorously tested and found to create the needed immune response for each age group. Making it important for your child to get the vaccine made for their age group.”
Whether your child is starting kindergarten or is a senior in high school, visiting the pediatrician for immunizations should be an important part of back-to-school preparations. Many schools start in August, so it’s not too soon to make that appointment.
“It is important not to wait until the last minute,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga., president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “As we get closer to August, more schools will be opening for a new year, and we will become even busier.”
There are four vaccinations all kindergarteners must have before entering school for the first time, said Dr. Cheryl Emoto, medical director for LaSalle Medical Associates. And, as they grow older, children need additional immunizations.
“Children entering kindergarten should receive boosters for Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chicken pox),” she said.
If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only booster immunizations for the above diseases are needed. However, they should have also received vaccinations for these and several other diseases prior to age 2, and as kindergarteners may need several doses of immunizations if not “caught up.”
When children turn 11, they can and should receive the meningitis vaccine for the first time, Dr. Emoto said. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends children this age receive another Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) booster, she noted.
Parents can schedule these vaccines shortly after the child’s 11th birthday, but they can also be part of a back-to-school immunization routine for any student, even those over 18.
“Children older than 11 who have not received these vaccines should also come in to get them,” Dr. Emoto said. “And if you have a teenager who is enrolling in college, planning to live in a dormitory, and hasn’t been vaccinated for meningitis, Covid and other communicable diseases, they should be vaccinated now.”
Girls aged 9 and older, and young women up to age 26 who have not had a sexual encounter, can receive the vaccine against the human papilloma (HPV) virus. While giving this vaccine to girls in elementary school is not without controversy, many doctors, including those at LaSalle Medical Associates, are highly in favor.
“The HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer,” Emoto explained. “It is important that a girl receive three doses, which are given over a six-month period, before her first sexual encounter in order for the vaccine to be fully effective.”
One vaccination not available during the back-to-school season is the flu shot. Flu shots are given in the fall when the vaccine becomes available from manufacturers. The CDC also points out, “Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and there has been extensive research supporting the safety of flu vaccines.”
“We depend on when the vaccine is shipped,” Emoto said. “We may have flu vaccines in September this year, but in past years it wasn’t until October that we received the vaccine. Once we receive it, we encourage all children six months to 18 years to receive an annual flu vaccine.”
Children younger than 8 who are being immunized against flu for the first time receive a two-part vaccine, she said. The second dose is given four to six weeks after the first.
“Healthy children 2 years of age and older have the option of receiving the vaccination as a nasal spray instead of as an injection, Emoto said. The nasal spray is just as effective.”
LaSalle serves people covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare and Covered California. LaSalle staff have been trained to help people who come into a clinic without any insurance to get signed up for whatever coverage they qualify for.
LaSalle also accepts patients covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle cares and it shows.
For clinic locations and more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go online to lasallemedicalassociates.com.
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Prevent Covid, Measles and Other Disease Outbreaks—Get Your Children Immunized Now!
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – School starts soon and that means it’s time to get your children vaccinated. From Covid to measles, it takes a concerted effort to prevent outbreaks. Parents who care for their own and other peoples’ children need to make sure their kids’ vaccinations are up to date.
Visiting the pediatrician for immunizations should be an important part of back-to-school preparations. “It is important not to wait until the last minute,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga., president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “As we get closer to August, more schools will be opening for a new year, and we will become even busier.”
Four vaccinations all kindergarteners must have include boosters for Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chicken pox).
When children turn 11, they should receive the meningitis vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends children this age receive another Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) booster, she noted.
Girls aged 9 and older, and young women up to age 26 who have not had a sexual encounter, can receive the human papilloma (HPV) vaccine. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Flu shots are given in the fall when the vaccine becomes available from manufacturers.
LaSalle has clinics in San Bernardino, Victorville, Hesperia, Rialto, and Fontana. For more information call (909) 890-0407 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go online to lasallemedicalassociates.com.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to approximately 365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
