Press Releases
Board of Supervisors awards $12.4 million in Measure O and state funds for mental health and homeless services
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday awarded $12.4 million to support mental health and homelessness services across the county, the latest in a series of investments funded by Measure O, the quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2020. Read full story
Advisory lifted for remaining coastal and river beaches downriver from Russian River wastewater spill
After two days of water sampling by Sonoma County’s environmental health agency at the remaining coastal beaches (Goat Rock, Stillwater, Black Point and Gualala) and river beaches (Johnson’s, Monte Rio and Patterson Point), the advisory to stay out of the water at these locations has been lifted today. The water testing was done following last week’s sewage spill at the Russian River County Sanitation District treatment plant in Guerneville and samples were within State Recreational Health standards. Read full story
Advisory lifted for three coastal beaches downriver from Russian River wastewater spill
After two days of water sampling by Sonoma County’s environmental health department at Doran, Campbell Cove and Salmon Creek beaches, the advisory to stay out of the water at these three beaches has been lifted. The water testing was done following this week’s sewage spill at the Russian River County Sanitation District treatment plant in Guerneville and the samples were found to be in the appropriate range. Read full story
Sonoma County health officer issues advisory to not eat wild mushrooms after death of county resident
A Sonoma County resident died this past weekend after consuming wild mushrooms. Statewide, there were 35 cases of wild mushroom poisoning, including three deaths and three liver transplants, between Nov. 18 and Jan. 4. Given that, in an average year, fewer than five cases statewide would normally be expected, Sonoma County interim health officer Dr. Michael Stacey is advising residents not to eat wild mushrooms. Read full story
Memorial to recognize 43 lives lost in Sonoma County’s unhoused community this year
On Dec. 19, two days before National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, HomeFirst and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services will host a memorial to honor the 43 individuals who lost their lives between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30 while living without housing in Sonoma County. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Arlene Francis Center, 99 6th St., Santa Rosa, and is open to the public. The space is being provided by FS Global, and Community Foundation Sonoma County granted the needed funding to host the memorial. Read full story
Dr. Michael Stacey named Sonoma County interim health officer
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today appointed Dr. Michael Stacey as Sonoma County’s interim health officer, replacing Dr. Karen Smith, who has held this role since last October. His appointment becomes effective Nov. 1 and will extend through Oct. 31, 2026 unless the County successfully recruits a permanent health officer prior to that date. Read full story
Sonoma County issues mask order for health facilities and encourages residents to get vaccinated for flu and COVID
Given the greater risk of COVID, flu and other respiratory virus-related illnesses over the fall and winter months, Sonoma County Interim Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith issued an order today requiring health care personnel and others to wear masks inside patient care areas of specified health care facilities. The health order, designed to protect the most vulnerable populations, will take effect Nov. 1 and last through March 31, 2026. Read full story
Board of Supervisors approves $5M in opioid settlement funds for substance use disorder projects
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved $5 million in funding to three local organizations that submitted proposals to address the opioid crisis. Read full story
Sonoma County issues health advisory due to poor air quality caused by Pickett Fire in Calistoga
The Sonoma County Health Officer today issued the following health advisory: Areas of Sonoma County may experience poor air quality caused by the wildfire event in Napa County. People may experience adverse health effects from the smoke over Sonoma County and across the region. Below are some things you can do when the air quality is poor. Read full story
Remembering those lost to drug overdoses at Aug. 30 overdose awareness event
An average of 12 people die each month in Sonoma County from drug overdoses, which is the third highest rate among Bay Area counties. With fentanyl having emerged as a stealth drug often unknowingly mixed into other drugs, the situation has only become more dire. To raise awareness of the dangers of overdosing, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services invites the public to attend a free special event that will include music, art, food, demonstrations of overdose prevention tools and a display of classic lowriders from the Latin Rollers Car Club. Read full story
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