The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently launched a free, 24/7 Medi-Nurse advice line in an effort to support Medi-Cal members during the COVID-19.
The Medi-Nurse advice line is for anyone who:
- Does not have insurance, or
- Is a Medi-Cal member but does not have a regular doctor or managed care plan to oversee their care
The Medi-Nurse line can be reached at 1-877-409-9052, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The line is staffed by medical professionals who can answer questions about COVID-19 symptoms, share information about local resources and help callers to:
- Understand if symptoms they are experiencing might be related to COVID-19
- Determine whether they need to self-isolate
- Decide if they need to see a doctor to get tested and/or treated
- Connect with a Medi-Cal provider who can help determine presumptive eligibility for Medi-Cal
The Medi-Nurse line:
- Provides services in multiple languages and can connect callers to interpreters, as needed
For more information about the Medi-Nurse line, download the flyer
Background / Mission
For over 30 years the Pasadena Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Program has been serving the Pasadena community. MCAH staff are responsible for assessing and developing policies, and assuring the priority health needs of women of reproductive age (including pregnant women), infants, children, adolescents, and their families are met. MCAH staff work with community organizations and medical providers to improve access to quality prenatal, medical, dental, and mental health care for low-to-moderate income families.
Vision
All women, infants, and children in Pasadena are healthy, safe, and have equitable access to health resources.
Program Goals
- Improve outreach and access to quality health and human services by promoting the use of preventive health services, screening, and referrals for additional care and support.
- Improve maternal health by promoting protective factors to reduce the impact of adverse life course events among women of reproductive age.
- Improve infant health by promoting perinatal outreach, education, and activities to reduce infant morbidity and mortality.
Contacts
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program
1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91103
Toll-Free Local Resource Line
Get information on how to access services such as health insurance enrollment, prenatal care, medical and dental care, and immunizations:
(800) 304-0015
Services for Families
Outreach services are targeted to identify and support the MCAH population, which includes pregnant women, women of reproductive age, infants, children, adolescents, and their families who are eligible for Medi-Cal assistance or other publicly provided healthcare and social service programs. Outreach services also target community partners and professionals that work with the MCAH population.
- A toll-free information services line to connect women and their families with local healthcare services
- Information on prenatal care and health insurance for children
- Assistance with obtaining Medi-Cal , Medi-Cal services, and other health insurance services
- Assistance in finding resources for children with special health care needs
- Health education and materials
Services for Professionals
- Participate in healthcare planning and resource development with community partners
- Provide technical assistance to healthcare providers and community agencies to maintain a comprehensive network of care that addresses concerns of women of reproductive age, children, and health disparities
- Provide technical support to community agencies, community-based initiatives, and existing programs designed to monitor and support positive health outcomes the MCAH population
- Provide case finding and coordination to at-risk women of childbearing age
- Advocate for pregnant women at the State and local levels to assist in obtaining continuous prenatal care and other services that protect and improve the health and well-being of the MCAH population
- Monitor and advise legislation that impacts women of reproductive age, infants, children and adolescents
- Provide professional development workshops
To schedule services or if you are seeking services that promote healthy women, healthy babies, and healthy lives not listed above, call (626) 744-6097.
Collaboratives, Trainings, and Workshops
Agencies and individual professionals working with low-income women of reproductive age, infants, children, and adolescents are invited to participate in the MCAH Collaborative and the Pasadena Healthy Women, Healthy Babies Coalition. Through policy, planning, review of legislative policies that impact the MCAH population, and collaborative efforts, we strive to achieve optimal health and well-being for our community. Join us as we endeavor to promote healthy lifestyle choices for healthy families and children.
Workshops (for clients)
Pasadena Maternal Child and Adolescent Health staff provides workforce development trainings and workshops to community members and professionals to increase awareness and generate community efforts to improve the health and well-being of Pasadena’s MCAH population.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Breastfeeding
- Developmental milestones
- Infant health and care
- Perinatal depression
- Preconception/Interconception Health
- Prematurity
- Prenatal education
Please contact Pasadena Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Program staff to schedule a client workshop at tfmarin@cityofpasadena.net .
Trainings and Workshops (for professionals)
Pasadena Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health staff provides workforce development trainings and workshops to community members and professionals to increase awareness and generate community efforts to improve the health and well-being of Pasadena’s MCAH population.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Adolescent development
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Infant health and care
- Lactation education
- Maternal mental health
- Perinatal education
- Teen pregnancy prevention
- Trauma-informed care
Please contact Pasadena Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Program staff to schedule workforce development trainings and community workshops at tfmarin@cityofpasadena.net.
Comprehensive Perinatal Services (CPSP)
The Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) provides a wide range of culturally competent services to Medi-Cal pregnant women, from conception through 60 days postpartum. In addition to standard obstetric services, women receive enhanced services in the areas of nutrition, psychosocial and health education. The Legislature enacted CPSP in 1984 in response to findings from the OB Access Project, which found that a comprehensive approach reduced both low birth weight rates and health care costs in women and infants. CPSP became a Medi-Cal benefit in 1987. Medi-Cal providers who provide services to pregnant women may apply to become a CPSP provider. Medi-Cal Managed Health Care Plans are required to provide access to CPSP-comparable services for pregnant Medi-Cal eligible recipients.
Client program requirements:
- Medi-Cal eligible women
- Resident of Pasadena, Altadena, or surrounding cities
- Pregnant or no more than 60 days postpartum
Services for Clients:
- Obstetric care
- Nutrition education/assessment
- Psychosocial education/assessment
- Health education
- Referrals for other services
Local CPSP Providers
Dr. Jonathan Tam
105 N. Hill Ave #203
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 449-2800 for more information and appointments
For Providers
To get more information on becoming a Pasadena CPSP Provider, call (626) 744-6038 or visit https://www.cdph.ca.gov
Download a presentation by the California Department of Public Health (PDF icon with title “CDPH CPSP Presentation”
Understanding the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program PDF