News And Announcements Index

A genetic ultrasound using the latest 4-D sonogram technlogy can provide valuable information about the health of the unborn baby.

More than 40 percent of Los Angeles County's homeless population are women and children.

First 5 LA's emerging evaluation approach for its $600 million universal preschool initiative was showcased recently at the American Evaluation Association's annual conference.

Trish Ploehn is the newly-appointed director of LA County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Studies show that pregnant women with periodontal disease (a serious gum infection that destroys attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth) may be seven times more likely to have a baby born too early and too small.

About 130 representatives of more than 50 organizations shared a wealth of resources, strategies, and accomplishments to promote optimal health for mothers-to-be and their babies.

The Long Beach Family Literacy Program of the Long Beach Unified School District, a First 5 LA grantee, celebrated National Family Literacy Month in November.

Jose A. Ramos Jr., is director of Community Services for Los Angeles County at Children's Bureau of Southern California.

With Christmas trees twinkling and candles aglow, our homes will soon be looking festive for the holidays. But all these lovely decorations can create safety hazards, especially for young children.

Blanca Vargas, 30, remembers how guilty she felt when she was pregnant with her second child, and still addicted to methamphetamines, which can lead to premature birth, deformities, and a host of developmental problems.

First 5 LA's Healthy Births Initiative and its four community-based "Best Baby Collaboratives" (BBCs) are using innovative web-based technology to improve birth outcomes.

Helen Chavez is director of Special Initiatives at Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP), where she spearheads programs involving inclusion, early literacy, and health.

LA County Mayor Michael Antonovich was honored recently for his past year of service as chair of the First 5 LA Commission.

Nicte Mack of Los Angeles was always careful about eating healthy and getting regular exercise.

Sacha Klein has been named to head First 5 LA's new Policy Department, which will lead development and implementation of policy initiatives.

Jeanne Smart is a registered nurse who is responsible for perinatal nurse home visitation program in the LA County Public Health Department's Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health area.

First 5 LA Commissioners last Thursday approved a revised implementation plan to identify five "Baby Zones" to demonstrate how LA County communities can build safe and friendly places.

First 5 LA and Telemundo Los Angeles' series on pregnancy, "Primeros Pasos," focused last week on healthy eating and cooking for pregnant and parenting women.

Although California voters failed to approve Prop. 86 during last Tuesday's elections, the Children's Health Initiative of Greater Los Angeles is pledging to continue its efforts to provide health coverage.

Garrison Smith, director of the Foster Youth Mental Health Initiative for Children's Law Center of Los Angeles.

This week's installment of First 5 LA/Telemundo Los Angeles KVEA 52's series on pregnancy, "Primeros Pasos," will focus on how to avoid and deal with high risk pregnancies.

Proposals are being accepted by First 5 LA through 5 p.m., January 5, 2007 for qualified groups or individuals to design and implement pilot programs to provide training and mentoring to family, friends, and neighbors who provide informal child care.

Rose L. Clark is a licensed psychologist and the administrative clinical director for United American Indian Involvement, Inc.'s Robert Sundance Family Wellness Center and the Ah No Ven (Healing) Home

The first in a series of 24 weekly Spanish TV news segments about the importance of maternal health and prenatal/infant care will air this Wednesday at 6 p.m. on Telemundo Los Angeles KVEA-52.

More than 450 professionals and parents participated in The Help Group Summit 2006, held Oct. 20 and 21, at the Skirball Cultural Center in West Los Angeles.

First 5 California's recently-released evaluation report shows more and more parents are accessing First 5 California programs to help ensure their children enter school healthy and learning.

As co-founder and executive director of InnerKids, Susan Kaiser Greenland teaches children how to develop mindful awareness.

I'm excited that First 5 LA is embarking on a new media partnership with Spanish TV station, Telemundo Los Angeles KVEA 52, to promote key messages about how to give our children the best possible start in life.

More children in Los Angeles County are living in poverty, increasing 16 percent from 2000 to 2004, according to the 2006 Children's ScoreCard.

"A Place for Every Child: Inclusive Child Care," is the theme of the Special Needs Advisory Project's November 4 third annual educational conference for child care providers in Los Angeles.