One Small Thing

One Small Thing is a California community-powered social media campaign to encourage supporting new moms. Through small acts of kindness like babysitting, helping with laundry, or bringing over meals, you can be the eyes and ears that help new moms recognize when they might need medical care.

Here are the facts:
• 42% of new moms report severe loneliness/isolation
• Loneliness is the strongest non-medical predictor of postpartum depression
• 62% of maternal deaths occur after hospital discharge when she may have less help and feel isolated

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Un Pequeño Acto de Amor

Un pequeño acto de amor es una campaña de medios sociales  iniciada en California para apoyar las nuevas mamás. A través de pequeños gestos como cuidar al bebé, enviar comida, tu puedes ser los ojos y oídos que le ayudan a una nueva mama reconocer que tal vez necesita atención médica.

Estos son los datos:

  • Más del 42% de las nuevas mamás reportan sentirse solas y aisladas 
  • La soledad es el factor no médico, que predice la depresión posparto
  • El 62% de las muertes maternas ocurren después de que la mam sale del hospital, cuando tiente menos apoyo u se sients mas sola
APRENDE MÁS

Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA) Widget

The Office of the California Surgeon General invites all Californians to take one small step that can save lives. Add the free, evidence-based Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA) Widget to your digital platform to empower individuals to understand and improve their health before pregnancy.

By joining this bold, statewide effort, you’ll help advance California’s goal to reduce maternal deaths by half by December 2026.

Together, we can make preconception health the new standard of care—one click at a time.

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Setting the Trajectory for a Healthier Pregnancy and Beyond

When a pregnant person has lived through ACEs like poor mental health, stress, or lack of support, the impact can ripple across each stage of their child’s development, but with support, connection, and early care, parents can change the path forward.

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Addressing ACEs During Reproductive Years

The reproductive years—before, during, and after pregnancy—provide a critical window to disrupt intergenerational cycles of trauma and promote long-term well-being. Supporting individuals during this time can improve maternal and infant health, strengthen family stability, and lay the foundation for healthier communities.

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Improving Lifelong Health

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events in childhood—like abuse, neglect, or household challenges. With awareness and support, we can take steps to recover and build resilience for ourselves and future generations. 

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Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos

Step into Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos, an audio series where health meets real talk. Hosted by the California Surgeon General, these conversations tackle health issues that truly impact everyday life.

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Strong Start & Beyond

Strong Start & Beyond is a movement to reduce California’s maternal mortality rate by leveraging our state’s investments and partnerships.

The California Maternal Health Blueprint is the framework that outlines the strategies to improve reproductive and maternal health across the state.

JOIN OUR MOVEMENT

Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA)

PreMA is a simple, eight-question quiz designed to reduce preventable maternal deaths by identifying the need for potential medical care before a pregnancy begins. Learn more in the PreMA Issue Brief.

TAKE PREMA NOW

Support New Mom's Mental Health

With 1 in 5 people in California experiencing depression during and after pregnancy, this resource aims to increase awareness and empower individuals to recognize the signs of depression and support the mental health of moms. 

Get more information, resources and support on our Maternal Health Resources page.

View the Resource Document in English and Spanish

Our Priorities

The Office of the California Surgeon General is advancing the health and well-being of all Californians by focusing on three key priorities—ACEs and toxic stress, maternal health, and reproductive health.

Department of Health Care Services

ACEs, PCEs & Toxic Stress

Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress is vital to improving long-term health outcomes across the lifespan.

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Family of three. Father and child are touching the mother's pregnant belly.

Maternal Health

Maternal health is a critical component of overall health, ensuring the well-being of mothers before, during, and after childbirth.

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Illustration depicting various ways people can support a new mom along with the seal of the Office of the California Surgeon General.

Reproductive Health

Reproductive health is an essential part of well-being and a key priority for the Office of the California Surgeon General.

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The California Surgeon General

Diana E. Ramos MD, MPH, MBA

Dr. Diana E. Ramos is a distinguished public health leader dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of all communities. As California’s Doctor, she is the leading spokesperson on the most pressing public health issues of the time within the State of California. With a steadfast commitment to addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences, mental health, and maternal mortality and morbidity, Dr. Ramos has been a driving force in shaping policies and programs that make a lasting impact. Her mission is simple: to advance the health and wellbeing of all Californians.

Learn more about Dr. Ramos, our mission, and the role of California Surgeon General.

Latest News and Updates

Governor Gavin Newsom Recognizes Maternal Health Awareness Day 2026

Jan 23, 2026 |

Governor Gavin Newsom Recognizes Maternal Health Awareness Day 2026 Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a letter recognizing Maternal Health Awareness Day in the State of California. The text of the letter and a copy can be found below: LETTER Today, California...