Strong Start & Beyond

Introducing Strong Start & Beyond, 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.

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.

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.

Improving Cardiovascular Health Issue Brief

This issue brief highlights key insights and opportunities for stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and implement scalable solutions that save lives.

Reproductive Health

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

Education is the foundation for a healthy reproductive life. When you know your options, you can decide what is best for you. This page aims to inform and empower individuals about contraception, abortion and reproductive rights.

The ACEs and Toxic Stress Campaign

Through the Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, our office was allocated $24M to create a campaign to increase public understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. We have the unique opportunity to build a campaign that gives youth and young adults across California the resources and strategies they need to manage toxic stress, heal from adversity, and end cycles of trauma. 

Safe Spaces: Foundations of Trauma-Informed Practice for Educational and Care Settings

The Office of the California Surgeon General has released a free, online professional learning module designed to help early care and education personnel respond to trauma and stress in children.

Understanding ACEs

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) affect all of us and they can lead to a prolonged activation of our stress response called toxic stress – ultimately affecting health across a lifetime. But the topic is complex and simplifying it is key to spreading awareness.

Our new animated “explainer” video, available in English and Spanish, is perfect for presentations, events, social media and more.

Our Priorities

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

Department of Health Care Services

ACEs & Toxic Stress

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

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.

Sympathetic woman hugging friend with EMPATHY and SUPPORT. Friendship concept between two best friends

Maternal Mental Health

Supporting the mental health of moms is essential to promoting healthy families and positive developmental outcomes for children.

Photo collage of mothers and their new born children, pregnant women and families

Reproductive Health

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

Latest News and Updates

Strong Start & Beyond Newsletter

Strong Start & Beyond Newsletter

The Strong Start & Beyond monthly newsletter provides info and resources on the movement’s latest efforts to reduce maternal mortality, educate and empower reproductive-age individuals, and save lives in California.

Strong Start & Beyond Newsletter

The Strong Start & Beyond monthly newsletter provides information and resources on the movement’s latest efforts to reduce maternal mortality, educate and empower reproductive-age individuals, and save the lives of moms and pregnant people in California. Sign up!...