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, early childhood, and health equity.
ACEs & Toxic Stress
California’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, set a bold goal to reduce Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress by half in one generation.
Mental Health
The mental health of an individual is inextricably linked to some of the greatest health challenges of our society.
Reproductive Health
Reproductive health is an essential part of well-being and a key priority for the Office of the California Surgeon General.
Addressing ACEs in California
The ACEs Aware initiative is a first-in-the nation effort to screen patients for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to help improve and save lives.
26,900+
Individuals have taken the ACEs Aware training.
67%
Percentage of participants who were not previously screening for ACEs indicated that they planned to begin screening.
1,153,000+
ACE screenings conducted.
14%
Percentage of ACE screenings conducted of Medi-Cal beneficiaries age 20 and under.
Information & Resources
Priorities Handout
Under Dr. Diana Ramos’ leadership, the Office of the California Surgeon General has established three key priorities: Reproductive Health, Mental Health, and ACEs and Toxic Stress. Learn more about the priorities, the office, and how to connect by downloading the handout.
ACEs Storytelling: An Educator’s Story with Principal Allie Greene
The third video in the ACEs Storytelling series captures the game-changing power of trauma-informed education at Laguna High School in Sonoma County. Watch as Mishale Ballinger of the Sonoma County Office of Education shares her experience working with Principal Allie Greene and other staff at the high school to give them tools to use their knowledge of ACEs and toxic stress to improve outcomes for their students.
Videos
Latest News and Updates
California Surgeon General Underscores Importance of Prenatal Dental Care
Dr. Diana Ramos, California Surgeon General, confirms, “Oral health care is an important part of overall health, especially during pregnancy. Regular dental visits can also help detect any potential...
California Surgeon General Underscores Importance of Prenatal Dental Care
Dr. Diana Ramos, California Surgeon General, confirms, “Oral health care is an important part of overall health, especially during pregnancy. Regular dental visits can also help detect any potential problems before they become serious. As a practicing obstetrician...
California Surgeon General Diana Ramos, MD, Puts Mental Health and Inequities of Care at the Top of Her Statewide To-Do List
Dr. Ramos spoke with her alma mater University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine to outline her goals and priorities as California’s Surgeon General. Learn more here.
Dr. Ramos Goes Live with the American Medical Association
Earlier this month, Dr. Diana Ramos joined AMA Chief Experience Officer Todd Unger on AMA Update to discuss #HispanicHeritageMonth, her priorities for her new role as California’s Surgeon General and how physicians' clinical experience can prepare them for leadership...
Dr. Ramos Shares Key Priorities and Vision for a Healthier California
Dr. Ramos sat down with State of Reform to discuss her plan to expand services for youth behavioral health and reproductive health in her new role, as well as her intention to make health equity the epicenter of her work as California’s Surgeon General. Read the full...
Dr. Ramos Shares Her Vision with the New York TImes
Dr. Ramos recently spoke with Soumya Karlamangla of the New York Times to discuss her priorities, why the role of State Surgeon General is important and how California is prioritizing mental health for all. Read the article here.