California: Governor Newsom proclaims Strong Start & Beyond Day as state launches new maternal health initiative
The Californer/10291682

~ Sacramento, CA - Governor Gavin Newsom has declared September 17, 2024 as Strong Start & Beyond Day in California as the state launches a new initiative to improve reproductive and maternal health. This effort is a collaboration between community, public, and private partners.

The announcement was made by California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with California Surgeon General Dr. Diana E. Ramos and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. They also released the California Maternal Health Blueprint, which will serve as a framework for outreach, education, and other strategies aimed at reducing the state's maternal mortality rate by 50%.

Governor Newsom stated that while California has the lowest maternal mortality rate in the nation, there is still much work to be done. On average, a new mother loses her life every five days due to pregnancy-related complications in the state. This issue is even more prevalent among Black women who are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. Additionally, Hispanic and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have seen an increase in maternal mortality rates.

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These statistics are unacceptable and serve as a call to action for the state of California. While progress has been made through legislation such as the Momnibus Act and adding Medi-Cal coverage for doulas, Governor Newsom believes more can be done.

The Strong Start & Beyond initiative will be led by the California Surgeon General and aims to use existing partnerships and investments to improve maternal health outcomes. The newly released California Maternal Health Blueprint will guide this effort by educating individuals on reproductive health issues and working towards reducing the state's maternal mortality rate.

Governor Newsom emphasized that California will continue to lead in addressing this crisis and work urgently towards improving maternal health across the state. He believes that by working together with partners, families can have a strong start and healthy future, ultimately strengthening communities and the state as a whole.

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In addition to the proclamation, Governor Newsom also signed legislation to help Holocaust survivors recover art stolen by the Nazis. He visited the Holocaust Museum LA with David Cassirer and other families of Holocaust survivors to sign this legislation.

Furthermore, California businesses dominated Inc. Magazine's annual rankings of the top 5,000 companies for revenue growth over the past three years. Out of the 5,000 companies listed, 672 were from California, nearly 200 more than the next closest state.

Governor Newsom also issued a warning to Norwalk for their unlawful ban on new homeless shelters and supportive housing. The Department of Housing and Community Development sent a Notice of Violation to the city for their actions, citing that it goes against efforts to address homelessness in the state.

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