First 5 Los Angeles

First 5 California Statement on the Infant Formula Shortage

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 26, 2022

As California children and families continue to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many families now face a national shortage of infant formula.

Key Points: 
  • As California children and families continue to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many families now face a national shortage of infant formula.
  • Long-term supply chain issues have impacted U.S. manufacturing, but the infant formula supply chain was recently disrupted due to Abbott Nutrition recall of infant formula, affecting families in California and across the United States.
  • Parents and caregivers should NOT dilute formula or use homemade recipes for substitution when formula supply is scarce.
  • CDPH also temporarily expanded the WIC authorized product list to include additional infant formula options for California families using WIC benefits and is continuing to work to add more options.

The First 5 Network Responds to Governor Newsom's May Budget Revision

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

ALAMEDA, Calif., May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The First 5 Network, comprised of First 5 California, the First 5 Association of California, and the 58 local county First 5s across the state, applauds Governor Newsom's May Revision proposals centered on supporting a whole-child, whole-family framework to address the pressing needs of California's youngest children and their families. California's $97 billion surplus has provided an unprecedented opportunity to reconstruct and build a robust early childhood system for the long term.

Key Points: 
  • Critical investments in healthcare, early literacy, early intervention, and transitional kindergarten were among the most prominent in the Governor's revised budget plan.
  • However, the First 5 Network was disappointed to see that the Governor did not adopt our priority to maintain continuous eligibility for children until their 5th birthday without need of an eligibility review.
  • This could mean that thousands of California's youngest children will lose coverage for well-child visits and preventive services, including immunizations and critical developmental screenings.
  • As the First 5 Network, we continue to support the Governor's January Budget proposal to fund Home Visiting programs and early literacy investments.

First 5 California Executive Director Jackie Wong Applauds Governor Newsom's May Revision Budget

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, May 14, 2022

said Jackie Wong, Executive Director for First 5 California.

Key Points: 
  • said Jackie Wong, Executive Director for First 5 California.
  • The May Revision does not address the challenges that prevent low-wage earners from utilizing the state's Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance (SDI) programs.
  • "California can lead by making our family paid leave program the most equitable in the nation by addressing the shortfalls in these programs."
  • The May Revision Budget proposal outlines the following new investments:
    $290 million to support children's mental health and community-based youth suicide prevention and outreach programs.

First 5 California Announces New Deputy Director

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 9, 2022

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- First 5 California (First 5) announced today the hiring of Sara Bachez as the organization's Deputy Director of External and Governmental Affairs. Bachez will lead the development and implementation of the organization's bold public policy agenda guided by the Commission's North Star.

Key Points: 
  • SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- First 5 California (First 5) announced today the hiring of Sara Bachez as the organization's Deputy Director of External and Governmental Affairs.
  • Bachez will lead the development and implementation of the organization's bold public policy agenda guided by the Commission's North Star.
  • "Our commitment to the Golden State's children and families has never been stronger," said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California.
  • Bachez holds a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University Sacramento and an undergraduate degree in mass communications from UC Berkeley.

Giannina Pérez Named Chairperson of California Children and Families Commission

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Yesterday, Giannina Prez, former Senior Policy Advisor for Early Childhood in the Office of the Governor, was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to the California Children and Families Commission , commonly known as First 5 California.

Key Points: 
  • Yesterday, Giannina Prez, former Senior Policy Advisor for Early Childhood in the Office of the Governor, was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to the California Children and Families Commission , commonly known as First 5 California.
  • Giannina Prez has been a fierce advocate for young children and families for nearly two decades, said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California.
  • Ms. Prezs experience both inside and outside government will be an incredible asset to the First 5 California Commission.
  • Prez has previously worked with Early Edge California and Children Now, leading policy initiatives centered on children and families.

First 5: Jackie Thu-Huong Wong Named Incoming Executive Director of First 5 California

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Californias Children and Family Commission recently named Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, a refugee born during the fall of Saigon and the first woman of color as incoming Executive Director of First 5 California .

Key Points: 
  • Californias Children and Family Commission recently named Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, a refugee born during the fall of Saigon and the first woman of color as incoming Executive Director of First 5 California .
  • Ms. Wong previously served as Chief Deputy Director for First 5 California.
  • As Chair of First 5 California, I could not be more pleased to announce the appointment of Jackie Thu-Huong Wong as the next Executive Director, said First 5 California Chair Dr. Nadine Burke Harris.
  • Ms. Wong will take the helm from Executive Director Camille Maben, under whom she worked closely with as Chief Deputy Director in the last year.

First 5: Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s First Surgeon General is a True Champion for Children and Families in the State

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 4, 2022

Californias first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, whose departure was recently announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, continues to be a champion for children and families in the state.

Key Points: 
  • Californias first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, whose departure was recently announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, continues to be a champion for children and families in the state.
  • Along with the Commissioners, she has been committed to providing the information, resources and tools necessary for children and their families to lead healthy lives.
  • We applaud Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris' leadership and commitment to elevating the needs of children who experience toxic stress, and its disproportionate impact on children of color.
  • Dr. Nadine Burke Harris contributions as Californias First Surgeon General, Chair of the First 5 California Commission, a pediatrician and mother have led to landmark changes to California's public policy landscape.

First 5: The Governor Unveiled the 2022-23 Budget Proposal Which Serves as a Framework to Advance the Health and Well-being of California’s Youngest Children

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 13, 2022

On Monday, Governor Newsom released his proposed 2022-23 budget plan, a framework that features important investments to advance the health and well-being of Californias youngest children.

Key Points: 
  • On Monday, Governor Newsom released his proposed 2022-23 budget plan, a framework that features important investments to advance the health and well-being of Californias youngest children.
  • These are critical investments as we continue to confront the historic barriers our families face including racism, injustice, and poverty.
  • We applaud the governor for keeping the needs of parents and children a centerpiece in this years budget, said Camille Maben, executive director at First 5 California.
  • Central to the governors budget proposal is funding for the implementation of previously created supports and services for families.

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS FIRST 5 LA GRANTEES REDUCING EARLY CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 10, 2020

First 5 LA is a Los Angeles based public grant-maker and early childhood advocacy organization.

Key Points: 
  • First 5 LA is a Los Angeles based public grant-maker and early childhood advocacy organization.
  • First 5 agencies were created throughout California by voters to invest Proposition 10 tobacco tax revenues in early childhood health and development.
  • Looking at Los Angeles County communities where RECO activities occurred, the community-level study indicated RECO activities reduced early childhood obesity rates by 0.59 percentage points, on average.
  • As elsewhere, obesity is a major public health problem in Los Angeles County, and early childhood is a critical time for preventing it.