Carl Dameron, creative director of Dameron Communications. “Sharing your stories is fun. Let me share the secrets of successful public relations and advertising.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Businesses, government and civic groups that want to liven up their meetings with an interesting and informative advertising and public relations speaker should choose Carl Dameron, creative director of Dameron Communications.
Dameron has run his own public relations firm for more than 30 years, and during that time he has shared his expertise on what makes a good story with everyone from local political candidates to national logistics firms.
“The same elements that make interesting news releases also make good speeches, Dameron said. “In my presentations, I mix humor with a clear, direct message while delivering information you can put to work right away!”
Dameron will explain how important it is to get in front of a story to drive national and regional advertising, public relations and news coverage.
“People who hear me speak should leave with a better understanding of how to improve their own advertising and public relations efforts,” Dameron said. “Sharing your stories should be fun. Let me share the secrets behind successful public relations and advertising.
Getting the attention of the news media is not easy.
Editors, reporters and media managers are constantly bombarded with e-mails from PR people. Most are spiked right away, but releases from Dameron Communications always get a second look.
How? Carl Dameron understands news and knows how to work with busy news professionals.
Dameron Communications has served Southern California clients since 1989
Dameron is available to speak on several advertising and public relations topics including:
Advertising – How to create advertising that works — from flyers to TV commercials and everything in between
Public Relations – How to get media coverage and increase the positive perception of your organization
Government Relations – How to get elected officials to listen and how to leverage their influence
Community Relations – How get the community to understand and support your goals and objectives
The Dameron family 1965 in E. St. Louis, IL. Barbara, Carl T., Crystal (baby), Denise, Carl and Kathleen. “We we integrators,” said Katheleen Dameron.
“When you look at the history of redlining, the history of denying Black people and Native Americans the right to housing, this is a significant step in saying, ‘Yes, we did do wrong,’ and when you do someone wrong, you apologize and you make amends,” Dameron said. “That is the beginning of the healing process.”
(Paris, France). A Chicago suburb recently became the first city in the United States to agree to pay Black residents reparations for slavery and past discriminatory policies and practices.
That decision shows that some communities are beginning to recognize and acknowledge the harm caused by America’s systemic racism, an expert on race relations said.
“It’s a historic decision to do this, and we’re hoping that this is the beginning of people being able to open their minds, open their eyes to what’s happened in the past and the consequences today,” said Kathleen Dameron, an internationally recognized cross-cultural trainer.
The City Council of Evanston, Illinois, recently voted to distribute $400,000 in housing assistance and mortgage relief to eligible Black households. The city will provide $25,000 for down payments on houses or property, home repairs, and interest or late penalties on property in Evanston.
To qualify, residents must either have lived in the city between 1919 and 1969 or be a direct descendant of a black Evanston resident from that time. Those who experienced housing discrimination in Evanston after 1969 are also eligible.
The $400,000 comes from a $10 million reparations fund created in 2019 using tax money from the city’s recreational marijuana program.
“When you look at the history of redlining, the history of denying Black people and Native Americans the right to housing, this is a significant step in saying, ‘Yes, we did do wrong,’ and when you do someone wrong, you apologize and you make amends,” Dameron said. “That is the beginning of the healing process.”
Even though $25,000 is not enough to pay for a house, paying reparations is still important for the city, said Dameron, a Black American now living in Paris.
“It’s not reparations in the sense of, ‘We denied you a house, so we’re going to give you a house now,’ but it is acknowledgement of the damage done, of the impact on the generations of that damage,” Dameron said. “It recognizes and it acknowledges that we did harm consciously, in policy, in law and in practice and we’re seeking to recognize it and to make amends.”
Dameron said that getting national reparations or getting some areas to agree to reparations is still a difficult process.
“One of the problems we have is that there are some people in the United States – and this happens consistently across the United States – they would rather close the swimming pool and have no swimming pool in the community than to have Blacks have access to the swimming pool, so as desegregation started throughout the South, public swimming pools disappeared, public parks disappeared,” she said.
“Some people thought, “I’d rather have nothing than have Back people share in this,” she said.
“That mentality makes it extraordinarily difficult to say, ‘We did you wrong. As human beings, we did not give you a fair environment. We persecuted you. We banned you. We burned your houses down and we killed people.’ ”
So even though Evanston is making amends and recognizing and acknowledging that they caused harm, “that acknowledgement is still difficult for many Americans to make,” Dameron noted.
Dameron is currently leading a series of seminars on “Healing the Collective Trauma of Racism.” In her sessions, she helps participants recognize the difference between interpersonal and institutional racism.
Participants build a feeling of community and energy to create social justice.
To introduce people to her sessions, she is offering a free, self-paced, one-hour course. You can learn more by going to www.KathleenDameron.com
“I understand people’s anger at being told to be less white,” said internationally recognized cross-cultural trainer Kathleen Dameron. “Be less white. What are the qualities?
“I have a lot of empathy for people being told to be less white,” she said. “I know it hurts. As a Black child and as a grown-up, I have been told to be less Black, straighten your hair, dress to look like a nice corporate person. I can understand how being told to be less white hits you in your identity, because I was told be less Black.”
(Paris, France) Americans should not get upset over reports saying Coca-Cola was asking its employees to “be less white” as part of its mandatory diversity training.
“I understand people’s anger at being told to be less white,” said internationally recognized cross-cultural trainer Kathleen Dameron. “Be less white. What are the qualities?
“Be less oppressive. Where’s the problem? Listen more. What’s the problem? Be less defensive. where’s the problem?” she asked. “But people get upset the minute they hear, ‘Be less white,’ because it hits them in their identity. It hurts and they reject it.”
Dameron said it might be more effective to say, “We’re asking you to create a JEDI society, to create Justice, Equality, Dignity and Inclusion.”
The training course at the center of the Coca-Cola backlash was titled “Confronting Racism.” It advised whites to listen more and be less oppressive, less arrogant, less certain, less defensive and less ignorant,” according to the New York Post.
Coca-Cola denies that it was part of their required training.
“That’s not the point,” said Dameron, who has more than 30 years’ experience training American, European and Asian executives worldwide but is not involved in the disputed training.
“Coca-Cola should have said, ‘We are committed to a fair, equal workplace environment,’” she explained. “It’s not corporate training that makes workplaces fair. It’s offering equal pay and equal opportunities for hiring and advancement regardless of race or gender. That’s how you change.”
Dameron understands why the issue triggered some people’s emotions.
The Dameron family 1965 in E. St. Louis, IL. Barbara, Carl T., Crystal (baby), Denise, Carl and Kathleen. “We we integrators”
“I have a lot of empathy for people being told to be less white,” she said. “I know it hurts. As a Black child and as a grown-up, I have been told to be less Black, straighten your hair, dress to look like a nice corporate person. I can understand how being told to be less white hits you in your identity, because I was told be less Black.”
Dameron is currently leading a series of seminars on “Healing the Collective Trauma of Racism.” In her sessions, she helps participants recognize the difference between interpersonal and institutional racism and build a feeling of community and energy.
To introduce people to her sessions, she is offering a free, self-paced, one-hour course. You can learn more by going to www.KathleenDameron.com
Carl M. Dameron Founder and creative director of Dameron Communications Photo by Robert A. Whitehead/CSUSB
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Any company’s success is still often dictated by its portrayal in the traditional media.
“For a company to really take off, it needs to be accessible to members of the press. So, instead of just sending out a press release every week, a company should be ready to reach out for interviews and provide quotes and soundbites to the media,” said Carl M. Dameron founder of Dameron Commercials.
Establishing a face of the company is also a critical step in becoming media friendly. Whether it’s the CEO or an upper-level manager, the person representing the company should know the ins and outs of the industry and much more.
Here are the five tips that everyone needs to follow when appearing on-camera. Most of it is good advice if we have lined up a print media interview for you as well, or even a phone interview.
Dress Properly
It might sound shallow, but people generally judge others based on how they look. So, decide how you want your company to be perceived by the audience and dress accordingly.
For men, a suit and tie is the safest route to go. For women, it’s best to avoid vibrant clothing, excessive make up, and bulky jewelry as to not distract the viewers’ attention.
Don’t come in with hair that’s too disheveled and covering your face – to be the face of a company, you need to proudly show off your face.
In general, a clean, professional look should always work in most on-camera interview situations.
Do Your Homework
Once you get an opportunity to appear on camera (or on radio or print), you should portray yourself as an expert in not just your company, but in the industry as well.
We will check to see if you can get the questions ahead of time, or at the least, find out what topics will be covered within the interview. We will submit recommended questions when you have a broadcast interview, but it is up to the interviewer what questions are asked. The more prepared you are, the less likely it is that the words “Uh,” “Um,” and “You know” will make up your diction.
Ignore the Bright Lights and Production Crew
If you’re on TV there will probably be bright lights shining on you throughout the interview and there might even be a production team moving around in your line of vision. However, the cameras don’t pick up all the chaos going on behind the scenes.
If you’re taking part in a one-on-one interview, your eyes and focus should be on the person conducting the interview. Averting your attention away from the interviewer for even a few seconds makes it seem like you’re disinterested, zoning out and lost.
Avoid Industry Jargon
When speaking about your business or industry, it’s best to use terms that everyone can understand, and take the time to explain industry terms in simple language. That way, people who are first learning about your company or industry will have an easier time of knowing what the heck you’re talking about.
Be A Professional
If you’re ever confronted by the interviewer with a question you’re uncomfortable answering, stay collected and take some time to craft a response. Simply saying “no comment” in a calm tone is much better than getting into a potential shouting match with the person in control of the interview. Plus, you don’t want to be on the wrong end of what could become a viral video in this day and age of YouTube.
Daniel Herrera 12, Sonali Herrera 10, mother, Sujana Herrera volunteer to serve at the recent Thanksgiving dinner. They are from Riverside this is their second-year volunteering with The Salvation Army. The annual Christmas Dinner for hundreds of people is at 2626 Pacific St., in San Bernardino on Saturday, December 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The San Bernardino Salvation Army Corp (www.salvationarmyusa.org) hosts its annual Christmas Dinner for hundreds of people at its headquarters, 2626 Pacific St., in San Bernardino, CA 92346. This year, the Christmas dinner will be held on Saturday, December 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
“We share the joy and love of our God who sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to save us from sin. He taught use to love our neighbors as ourselves. We share this Christmas meal and meals every day to show those in need that God truly cares for all of his children,” said Major Daniel Henderson, Citadel Corp director.
Since 1887, the annual San Bernardino Salvation Army Christmas dinner has served thousands of families, mothers, children and men who do not have the means to provide themselves a Christmas dinner. Some just come to enjoy fellowship with others.
People come from Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino for this annual Christmas celebratory meal. The dinner often serves more than 300 people.
“This year, guests will enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, containing potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, pie and other food received from donations,” said Lt. Cathie McCully.
“Every year, volunteers come together to provide the food preparation and service of Christmas meals to dinner guests,” said Major Daniel Henderson, Commander of The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corp. “Our volunteers and staff really do an outstanding job, to make a difference for those who are less fortunate during the holiday season.”
Many of the services provided by the Salvation Army, such as this annual Community Christmas dinner, are made possible through in-kind donations and money raised through the Red Kettle Bell Ringer campaign. “It’s one of ministries your donations serve,” said Major Henderson.
Each Christmas, Inland Empire Salvation Army Corps in eight corps locations combine to serve about 1,800 people holiday meals.
The hungry families are joined by hundreds of volunteers who help prepare the food and serve meals to the families. Along with asking volunteers to help serve food, the Salvation Army is encouraging people to donate turkeys or hams, side dishes and other food by calling (909) 888-1336.
“The San Bernardino Corps also needs food every day for those at our Hospitality House living shelter,” said Lt. Cathie McCully. Up to 100 family members stay in its transitional and emergency family shelters.
For more information about the Salvation Army Christmas dinner, donations or volunteering for the Christmas dinner at The Salvation Army near you, call or visit the locations below.
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino, 2626 Pacific Avenue, (909) 888-1336.
Ontario, 1412 S. Euclid Ave., (909) 986-6748.
Victorville, 14585 La Paz Drive, (760) 245-2545.
Redlands, 838 Alta St., (909) 792-6868.
Riverside County
Riverside, 3695 First Street, (951) 784-3571
Moreno Valley, 14075 Frederick St., (951) 653-9131.
About The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to 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. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church, and also offering holistic programs for people of all ages. 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 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination.
The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
Dameron Communications won a Bronze Award in the Public Service Poster Division in the 2011 competition.
(Ontario, CA) How to submit and win ADDY awards is the topic of a presentation by an advertising executive on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 5:30-7pm at Westwood College in Upland. The event is free and open to the public. It is being sponsored by the Inland Empire chapter of the American Advertising Federation
Mark Landon, owner of the Landon Agency in Ontario will present “Go for ADDY Gold: How to Win An Addy,” based on his extensive experience as chair of the American Advertising Awards at both the local and national level.
American Advertising Awards (ADDY’s) are given annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) to recognize excellence in advertising throughout the Inland Empire, both for professional and student work. ADDY awards will be presented on March 13, 2015 at the ADDY Gala in Riverside.
For the past 17 years, Landon has been a member of the National American Advertising Awards Committee of the AAF and has chaired many local ADDY competitions, including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and the Inland Empire (for over 10 years).
He served two terms as president of the AAF-Inland Empire, two terms as governor, District 15 and two terms as Western Region Chair. He also spent four years on the AAF National Board of Directors and two years on the AAF National Executive Committee.
“Mark is superbly qualified to lead this discussion,” said Su Pak, President of the AAF-IE. “He is a recognized expert on advertising and the ADDY competition. If you want to learn how to organize, enter, submit and win an ADDY, this is not to be missed.” She said that anyone involved in ADDY submissions at ad agencies, local cities or corporations should attend.
Since 1991, the Landon Agency has specialized in entertainment and lifestyle accounts. Landon has created advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns for record labels, professional sporting events, artists, bands, live theater, TV programs and special events.
Westwood College is located at 20 W. 7th St. in Upland, just north of the I-10 at Euclid. To learn more about the event or the AAF, visit http://aaf-inlandempire.com/
Dameron Communications creates newsletters for cities, counties, colleges, universities, shopping centers, developers, retailers, computer stores, doctors, medical clinics, Non-Profits, attorneys, schools ad more…
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA.) “Dameron Communicators, that’s what we call the newsletter designs,” says Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of the public relations/advertising firm Dameron Communications. “These newsletters boost awareness and business for all clients who come on board.”
“We won’t just design, write and produce printed editions,” adds Dameron, “we’ll also create a social network strategy, and post them on all the major industry websites, create an electronic version for distribution via email and to post on client Web sites.”
“Our clients will get the broadest possible exposure for their services, offerings and successes. Plus, what goes in the newsletters will also be sent to all media outlets in their service area. For Inland Empire clients that’s potential exposure to 4.2 million potential customers,” said Dameron.
“We now how to pull the good stories out of good businesses,” Dameron says, “we know how to tell it, and tell it to more people than ever before.”
Newsletters are designed, written or produced in full color, and are available in two-page, to 64-page formats up to 500,000 units.
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base in California. It is an award-winning agency that creates integrated advertising and public relations solutions to increase clients’ sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues.
Dameron Communications creates advertising for television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and billboards, web sites, mobile web applications, email and more. Public relations services include press releases, press conferences, media relations, television programs, web sites, opinion editorials, promotions, event creation and management, government relations and community relations.
Dameron has earned media coverage for clients from: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, CBS MarketWatch; Fox News, CNN, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, The Press Enterprise, The Sun, The Daily Bulletin, The Orange County Register, The Daily News, The Daily Press and many more.
For more information call Carl Dameron at (909) 534-9500.
Carl M. Dameron Founder and Creative Director of Dameron Communications interviewed on KVCR.
Dameron Communications
Published On : 2/19/2014
By : Ken Vincent
From : KVCR
Categories : Local, Business
KVCR commemorates African-American history month by hearing about the history of trying to get nonprofit government and other small groups with small budgets to realize the importance of public relations. KVCR’s Ken Vincent talks with San Bernardino PR pro, Carl M. Dameron.
Listen to Podcast http://kvcr.org/News/Stories/2014/February/0219_Dameron_Communications
LaSalle Medical Associates celebrates 29 years of service with 160,000 patients
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) In June 1984 Dr. Albert Arteaga and Maria his wife, a nurse started their medical practice not just to heal the sick and injured, but to change patients’ perception of “going to the doctor.”
Dr. Arteaga explains, “I want everyone to feel that going to the doctor is no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.”
The Arteaga’s also built their practice on the belief that “everyone deserves high quality health care”. Everyone also deserves to be treated by their doctor with “dignity and respect regardless of ethnicity or income”.
That philosophy has been successful. On the first day of his practice Dr. Albert Arteaga and Maria saw two patients at their clinic at 17577 Arrow Boulevard in Fontana. Now LaSalle Medical Associates cares for 160,000 patients across nine counties in California.
Success came quickly as word spread of caring doctors that also accepted Medi-Cal and affordable cash payments.
By 1992 the Fontana location grew and LaSalle had added clinics in Hesperia and two in San Bernardino
On the first day, owner Dr. Albert Arteaga and his wife Maria then employed as his nurse and still his chief assistant saw two patients at their clinic in Fontana. Today, LaSalle Medical Associates has grown to four clinics and 120 employees, and an Independent Practice Association (IPA) serving more than 1,900 doctors.
To run the growing business the Arteaga’s opened a corporate office in San Bernardino at 685 Carnegie Drive, Suite 230.
The Arteaga’s started an Independent Practice Association or IPA in 1995 in response to changes in health care created by government and insurance companies. The insurance companies prefer to negotiate for health care services and compensation with groups of physicians rather than individual doctors.
LaSalle Medical Associates accepted the challenge and has grown to a network of 1,900 independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care. Now LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in California.
LaSalle has a team of 120 healthcare professionals at LaSalle’s four clinics in San Bernardino County. Through its IPA 1,900 independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, deliver high quality patient care in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Stanislaus, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, San Joaquin and Madera counties.
“I think 29 years shows we have been doing good things for our patients and employees and we have been doing it for a long time,” Dr. Arteaga said. He added, “It proves two things. Number One, we are honest. Number two we are reliable. We aren’t here today and gone tomorrow. In the medical field, being solid means being reputable and reliable.”
In 29 years of business the Arteaga’s have seen good times and bad, recession and boom, and several business challenges. Through it all Dr. Arteaga has strived not only to be a great physician, but also a good businessman.
“Treating patients with dignity and respect is not only the right thing to do, it is also a good business practice, it has built us a solid, loyal patient base,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Those patents in turn recommended LaSalle Medical Associates to their friends and family. Some of who now have chosen LaSalle for their health care needs for three generations.
“It’s not usual for us to see the second generation of children we started treated 29 years ago,” said Maria Arteaga. “We are honored to be trusted with the lives of our patients and their children.”
The LaSalle Medical Associates Healthcare team gave more than 10,000 flu vaccines last year. LaSalle is getting ready for this years flu season. Left to right: Dr. Joseph V. Selvarj, Dr. Albert Arteaga, Dr. Cheryl Emoto, and Dr. Felix A. Albano.
The new flu season starts September 1, 2013 with flu vaccines available at all LaSalle clinics. LaSalle has the Fluzone High Dose vaccine for seniors, the intradermal flu vaccine is a shot that is injected into the skin instead of the muscle, and nasal flu mists for children and adults. Photo by: Chris Sloan
The Arteaga’s have also focused on keeping expenses low and service quality high. And they have helped many patients who might otherwise struggle to pay for even basic medical care to find insurance that will pay the bill.
Since Dr. Arteaga’s specialty is pediatrics, La Salle Medical Associates initially focused on serving children of the lower income and disabled. Dr. Arteaga quickly realized there were even greater community needs.
With his guidance, LaSalle expanded its service to include family and internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology. All stemming from the Arteaga’s “obligation” to “help whenever we can.”
Public and professional recognition has not escaped LaSalle Medical Associates and The Arteaga’s.
In 2012 Dr. Albert Arteaga, became California’s first-ever CDC Childhood Immunization Champion and one of only 39 across the country receiving the prestigious honor.
The California Medical Association awarded him the “Ethnic Physician’s Leadership Award,” recognizing his contributions to medical care in the Latino community. He also was named one of the top 15 Latino-owned businesses in the Inland Empire by Hispanic Lifestyle magazine.
Dr. Arteaga was awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for his outstanding contribution to the community.
Inland Empire Health Plan selected LaSalle’s clinics as Riverside and San Bernardino counties’ best healthcare provider, while the African American Health Initiative selected LaSalle as a “model provider” of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County.
The San Bernardino Board of Supervisors has presented Dr. Arteaga a Resolution for his outstanding community efforts, and the Inland Empire Health Plan awarded LaSalle Medical Associates a Proclamation Award in appreciation of outstanding community work and for being the state’s number one enroller of the Healthy Families program, an insurance plan for children of low-to middle-income families.
What does the future hold?
“As a large provider of service to Medi-Cal patients we understand what the state’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act and expansion of Medi-Cal means here in California. A lot of uninsured people with a high demand for service are going to be coming to doctors, clinics and hospitals in 2014. LaSalle is preparing to welcome those one million new low income patients in the nine counties we serve,” said Dr. Arteaga.
He added, “We are recruiting more health care professionals to increase our ability to provide more health care to more patients at the rate Medi-Cal pays”.
LaSalle has also created new partnerships to fund expansion and is contracting with more cost effective service providers with larger service areas for lab work, x-rays, imaging and supplies, and expanded their billing and payment capabilities. More info please visit homeinsurance-companies.com.
Dr. Albert Arteaga. The California Medical Association awarded him the “Ethnic Physician’s Leadership Award,” recognizing his contributions to medical care in the Latino community. He also was named one of the top 15 Latino-owned businesses in the Inland Empire by Hispanic Lifestyle magazine.
For the Arteaga’s success is defined by service to those in need of medical services. By any measure LaSalle Medical Associates patient growth is a testimony to their service to their communities. Not bad for a couple of idealist who wanted not just to heal the sick and injured, but to change patients’ perception of “going to the doctor.”
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to LaSalleMedical.com.
-end-
LaSalle-PR-213.4 Anniversary
For More information call
Carl M. Dameron@ (909) 534-9500
“For families with no insurance, LaSalle Medical Associates offers immunizations for free through the California Vaccines for Children program.”
(San Bernardino, Calif.) – August is the month many Inland Empire children head back to school. Many of them, especially in grades 7-12, need to make sure they have all the necessary back-to-school immunizations.
At LaSalle Medical Associates children can get their vaccinations for free, often the same day.
“At LaSalle we know how important childhood immunizations are to parents, schools and children’s health. With most Inland Empire children starting school in only a few weeks, a delay could result in children missing school,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
Dr. Arteaga urges parents to schedule appointments for their child’s back-to-school examinations as soon as possible with a letter to all parents served by their four clinics in Fontana, San Bernardino and Hesperia.
“I received a letter from LaSalle reminding me to bring in my children for their annual check ups and immunizations. I called at 8:30 a.m. Monday morning to get an appointment for 2 p.m. the same day,” said Malaika Jacocks. “We lost our shot record and the nurse gave us certified copies for the school – without being asked, she was so nice.”
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) encourages all parents to have their children immunized. According CDPH:
Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from certain dangerous childhood diseases. Without immunizations, your child can get these diseases – some of which have no cure.
When you get your children fully immunized, you are giving them the best protection against these diseases. Getting immunized also helps protect your community.
Diseases spread more easily from person to person if people don’t have all their shots.
“Children in families who receive Medi-Cal will not be charged for school vaccines,” Dr. Arteaga said. “And for families with no insurance, we can offer this immunization for free through the California Vaccines for Children program.”
The California Vaccines for Children program is a federally funded program.
The state of California requires that all children in grades 7-12 be immunized against whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Before starting classes, children in these grades must show proof of having been immunized after their 10th birthday.
“Most children are immunized against pertussis before they started kindergarten,” said Dr. Arteaga. “But the immunization weakens over time, so the new law makes sure adolescents are still adequately protected against this disease.”
This state law came after an epidemic of pertussis cases in 2010, affecting more than 9,000 people and causing 10 deaths, including two infants in San Bernardino County. Pertussis epidemics affected many states in 2012 and California rates appear to be higher than usual again in 2013.
Vaccinating older children not only keeps them healthy, but also prevents the disease from spreading from adolescents to infants and preschoolers, who are at greater risk of serious complications.
Children starting kindergarten also need immunizations, including a pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria vaccine designed for young children called DTaP. They also need proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis and Varicella (chicken pox.)
“If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only booster immunizations are needed for kindergarteners,” Dr. Arteaga said. “However, if the child is behind on their other required immunizations, they may need several doses of immunizations to get caught up.”
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
About LaSalle Medical Associates established in 1984
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Medi-Cal and Healthy Families primarily serve LaSalle’s patients. LaSalle also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately 160,000 residents in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
-end-
LaSalle-PR-215.3 Annual Shots Kids
For More information callCarl Dameron@ (909) 534-9500
Carl M. Dameron
