Professional Resources

Smiling baby holding a ball and looking at her mom

First 5 Orange County is committed to supporting early development of children ages 0-5 and of embracing making a system-level impact to ensure kids grow up happy, healthy and ready for kindergarten.

As part of that function, First 5 Orange County takes an active role in enriching parent involvement and resources, encouraging innovation and investing in systems of care that benefit the whole child.

Below are resources for providers that also serve to optimize young children’s health and development by promoting the importance of early childhood.

Infant formula shortage resources

This message was provided to health care providers by the American Academy of Pediatrics Orange County Chapter and the Orange County Health Care Agency.

A nationwide shortage of infant formula has been ongoing for several months. The shortage was initially due to COVID-19 pandemic related supply chain issues which were then compounded with a voluntary recall of some Abbott Nutrition products and ceasing of production in the Sturgis, Michigan plant due to possible association with some serious bacterial infections in infants. While a number of measures are being taken at the federal level and through CDPH/WIC to increase access to formula, intermittent and sporadic shortages have been reported.

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Toolkits for Providers

We need your help in sharing these necessary resources to inform and educate parents, families and caregivers about important issues affecting their communities and supports being provided. By acting together, we can leverage our voices and underline the connection between educating families and the well-being of them and their children. Thank you for sharing!

COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit for Kids, Pregnant Women

Information, links and resources to share with families to encourage vaccination of Orange County’s young children and pregnant women.

Child Care in Orange County Social Media Toolkit

Child Care and its Impact on Orange County’s Economy.

Medi-Cal for Families Premium Waiver Social Media Toolkit

For those part of Medi-Cal for Families that have been paying monthly premiums during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stigma Free OC Toolkit

Stigma Free OC is a county-wide movement which aims to clear the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction. This campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of these illnesses by creating an environment where people are seen and supported in their efforts to achieve wellness and recovery.

Perinatal Substance Use for PN-3 Providers

Recognizing perinatal substance use disorder as a significant consideration when addressing perinatal mental health system-wide, First 5 Orange County adapted a series of short videos originally produced in Florida, as a resource for local healthcare and other prenatal-to-3 service providers. The videos demonstrate recommended screening and intervention strategies for perinatal substance use, appropriate language and attitudes to reduce stigma, the use of motivational interviewing, and how to establish a Plan of Safe Care in order to keep mother and baby together safely upon discharge from the hospital. Partners are encouraged to utilize the videos when training staff or offering education to their clients.

Please refer to page 15 of the Orange County Perinatal Mental Health Toolkit for available substance use screening tools and local recovery resources.

After watching the videos, please share your feedback by taking a short survey. Contact us through this survey if you are interested in customizing this video for your area.