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CalFresh Benefits: What it Means for Marin
 CalFresh aka as SNAP at the federal level is considered one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in California and nation-wide. Due to the current government shutdown, effective November 1, nearly 15,000 Marin residents will not be able to access this critical benefit, which allows people access to food and preserves limited income for other basic needs. The Office of Emergency Management and HHS activated the Emergency Operations Center to develop and implement a plan with key community partners, including the SF Marin Food Bank and the County Office of Education, to get resources to residents who are food insecure.
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2025 Community Health Needs Assessment
Marin’s 2025 Community Health Assessment/Community Health Needs Assessment (CHA/CHNA) identifies chronic disease, disability prevention, mental and behavioral health, and substance use disorder as top concerns. Healthy Marin Partnership is currently collaborating with community partners and stakeholders to develop the 2026–2028 Community Health Improvement Plan. Attend the First 5 forum.
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BHSA Integrated Plan FY26/27-FY28/29 Open for Public Comment
 The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Integrated Plan for FY 2026–2029 is now available for a 30-day public comment period from October 3 to November 4, 2025. Read the Plan. Submit your comments. The plan outlines initiatives to strengthen behavioral health care across Marin County, including housing interventions, full-service partnership programs, behavioral health services and supports, and early Intervention programs. Public Hearing: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 6:00 PM Point Reyes Conference Room 20 North San Pedro Rd., San Rafael, CA. Or join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 892 8195 5591 | Passcode: 81389).
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Tobacco Minimum Floor Price Law
On Tuesday, the Marin County Board of Supervisors adopted a Tobacco Minimum Floor Price Law (MFPL), a measure designed to reduce tobacco use, protect youth from nicotine addiction, and advance the County’s equity goals. The ordinance sets a $12 minimum price for tobacco and nicotine products which will increase by $1 on an annual basis. It also bans the sale of vapes and heated tobacco products. The ordinance takes effect on September 1, 2026, with compliance enforced in partnership with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. Marin would join more than 50 California jurisdictions—including San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Sonoma Counties—that have adopted similar protections. For more information about Marin County’s tobacco prevention efforts, visit: https://www.marinhhs.org/tobacco-prevention-services.
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Infection Prevention Quarterly Workshop
Marin County Public Health invites you to attend an in-person workshop designed to strengthen your Infection Prevention (IP) Program. Join fellow Infection Preventionists and facility partners for a hands-on, collaborative learning experience focused on real-world challenges, practical tools, and peer networking. Topics: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, Vaccinations, Overview of our Regional Public Health Lab and Ombudsman Program. Thursday, December 4, 2025 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM (8:00 – 8:30 AM registration, we will promptly start at 8:30 AM) 3240 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94901 Room 109–110 Registration required: https://forms.office.com/g/C8cAHwz5VB. This workshop will be in person only – no virtual option available.
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Newborn Screening - Termination and New Coalition
 Advances in genomic sequencing may soon allow us to screen for hundreds of conditions with a single test, and the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (ACHDNC) remains disbanded following its abrupt termination by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in April 2025. This decision, made without public explanation, has sparked widespread concern among medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, and policymakers due to the committee’s central role in guiding the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP)—the list of conditions recommended for newborn screening across U.S. states. In response to the ACHDNC’s dissolution, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) announced the formation of a Newborn Screening Coalition in October 2025. While this coalition represents a crucial stopgap measure to prevent immediate harm, experts stress it cannot fully replace federal coordination. The coalition is expected to launch in early 2026 and include 15 voting members from diverse professional backgrounds.
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mpox (Monkeypox)
Last week, the California Department of Public Health issued an advisory that there had been community spread of Clade I mpox in Southern California. Providers are reminded to remain vigilant for mpox cases. If you encounter patients with characteristic rash or other concerning symptoms, visit our local mpox webpage for the latest guidance on testing.
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Message from the Deputy Health Officer
Dear Colleagues,
 Growing up, my family fell on hard times when I was in elementary school, and we relied on food benefits. I remember what it felt like to try to learn on an empty stomach.
Today, many of the children in our community face that same struggle. Food insecurity puts them at increased risk of chronic medical conditions and can affect how their bodies and brains grow. It makes it harder for them to stay engaged and succeed in school. Sometimes, a simple question about food security during an appointment is all it takes to connect a family with resources they need.
As we head into the holiday season, I’m reminded that this time of year brings joy for many, but added stress for families who are struggling. By staying engaged in our community-each in our own way-we can continue to make a real difference together.
Melanie Thompson, DO, MPH
HealthOfficer@marincounty.gov
This newsletter was reviewed for language and readability using AI-assisted editing tools.
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