Tricia Blocher

This document describes the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP), an all-inclusive approach designed to enhance student academic achievement and behavior through increased physical activity. It outlines CSPAP's five core components: Physical Education, physical activity at school beyond PE, before and after-school activities, staff involvement, and family and community engagement. The document also details a seven-step process for schools to successfully develop, implement, and evaluate a CSPAP plan.

Key discussions during the meeting included a public story presentation detailing a severe healthcare-associated MRSA infection experience, which influenced changes in infection prevention staffing. The committee received updates from the CDPH HAI Program regarding the SIR rebaseline using 2022 data for various infection types, noting that most SIRs are on track to meet new reduction targets. Updates were provided on Project Firstline, a CDC-funded initiative for infection prevention training in skilled nursing facilities, and the development of updated infection control regulations for acute care hospitals. The Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG) introduced its new CMS QIO role. The Transforming Nursing Home Care Together (TNT) program results for skilled nursing facilities in Los Angeles County were presented, showing increased participant confidence in quality improvement. The Antimicrobial Resistance/Stewardship Subcommittee discussed and approved partnering with local health departments to assess the scalability of electronic MDRO tracking systems for inter-facility transfers, and proposed a motion to study susceptibility reporting gaps through micro-outreach. Other business included nominations for the new committee chair, as the current chair's term ends in December 2025, and discussion of future agenda items such as sepsis prevention and device utilization practices.

The meeting agenda for the Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Committee includes several action items requiring discussion, public comment, and a vote. These action items pertain to the approval of the January 2026 minutes, AB 2651 (Informed Parents, Healthy Schools Act), SB 1311 regarding dental assistants' infection control courses, and AB 1843 concerning communicable diseases like hepatitis B and C. The agenda also allocates time for legislative updates from the Health Officer Association of California, updates from the Center for Infectious Diseases (CID) at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and specific updates on Immunizations, COVID-19 Control, Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Healthcare Associated Infections, Tuberculosis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, HIV/AIDS, and Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. Reports from affiliate organizations (CACDC, CAPHLD, CSHCA, CTCA) are also scheduled.

The California Department of Public Health's Final Plan outlines a strategic approach to implement Behavioral Health Transformation through its Population-Based Prevention Program. This comprehensive plan details statutory requirements, operational components, implementation strategies, and funding investments for Fiscal Years 2026-2029. Key strategic areas include addressing priority populations (including Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern; children, youth, and families; immigrant and refugee; LGBTQIA+; older adults; people with Intellectual and Development Disabilities; Tribes; and veterans), alongside statewide prevention strategies encompassing policy initiatives, focused strategies, awareness campaigns, training and technical assistance, community engagement, and evaluation. The plan aims to improve behavioral health outcomes, reduce disparities, prevent suicide, self-harm, and overdose, while reducing stigma and promoting cultural responsiveness across California.

The meeting focused on guiding the phase two program for population prevention under the Behavioral Health Services Act. Key discussion points included utilizing funds to maximize statewide strategies and policies, with over 50% of funds directed toward populations under 25 years of age. Speakers emphasized incorporating evidence-based practices and cultural relevance, and ensuring strategies target high-risk populations while reducing stigma surrounding seeking help. The discussion also covered funding allocation, compliance with statutory requirements (including preventing self-harm and overdose), and the need for system-wide integration across intervention, treatment, and recovery, working closely with partners like HCS. A final plan for phase two is scheduled to cover July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. Priority populations for investment strategy include people of color, indigenous people, children, youth and families, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQIA, tribal populations, and veterans. The session concluded with an overview of six program components and the announcement of plans to create a new Social and Behavioral Health Office within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to centralize work and create efficiencies.