Health News > Our public health coverage starts with the pandemic and digs into issues like mental health, drug use and disparities across the county.
We answer your questions about COVID-19, the vaccine, where and how to get tested and more.
Mental-health crisis response could expand in Santa Cruz County
Programs would dispatch mental health workers, not police
Santa Cruz County, Kaiser Permanente draft care agreement for low-income residents
After years of negotiations, county supervisors to consider plan
Santa Cruz County CalFresh, Medi-Cal recipients to see less money, more paperwork
As pandemic rules expire, safety-net gaps widen
New Santa Cruz drop-in center offers help to teens, young adults
‘Thrive Hive’ provides employment support, health and housing services
Expansion of mobile mental-health services lags in Santa Cruz County
‘988’ hotline starts, legislators advance money for non-police responses
Watsonville hospital moves closer to acquisition
About $8 million needed by Aug. 31
Teacher shortage continues at Watsonville High School
Student group laments online courses, lack of counselors, police presence
Scotts Valley council bans sale of flavored tobacco
Plus: Road, park, facilities improvements on tap
Challenges outlined for new mental-health crisis response in Santa Cruz County
Dial ‘988’ to start in July, but non-police response remains limited
Paramedics try to reduce non-emergency hospital visits
New program aims to lower costs for Medicare patients in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County classrooms expected to stay open amid COVID surge
About 25% of students stayed home this week, county schools superintendent said
Meeting Wednesday on proposed Live Oak medical complex
Road improvements anticipated near Kaiser Permanente project
State mandate raises vaccination rate among Santa Cruz County healthcare workers
More than 9 in 10 vaccinated at hospitals, nursing homes ahead of Sept. 30 deadline
Young Santa Cruz County residents lag with vaccines
Lessons from Santa Clara County’s high vaccination rate
Santa Cruz jail inmates transition to private mental health care
County behavioral health clinicians to leave
Map: COVID-19 test sites in Santa Cruz County
Symptoms or potential exposure? Get tested, health officials say
How to get a COVID vaccine in Santa Cruz County
Your questions answered
Vaccines came slowly for most vulnerable in Santa Cruz County
Deaths ‘may have been prevented’ at senior living facilities
Mass vaccination clinic for teachers likely to be delayed
Santa Cruz County's vaccine supply is the limiting factor
Updated: What the stay-at-home order means for Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz Local answers your questions
Santa Cruz needle exchange group sued
Private outfit blamed for syringe litter, advocates say they prevent disease