Oral Health

The Commission has limited dollars to spend, but understands that by making strategic investments—that is, using dollars to prevent problems and intervene early for children and families—actually saves money in the long term. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control, children from low-income families who have their first preventive dental visit by age one are not only less likely to have later restorative or emergency room visits, but their average dentally related costs are almost 40% lower over a five year period than children who receive their first preventive visit after age one.

First 5 Butte County’s Oral Health Initiative has four components:

1. Mobile Dental Clinic
Because access to age-appropriate dental care is a serious concern in our area, First 5 commissions in Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties collectively awarded a grant to Northern Valley Indian Health to purchase a Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC) and provide services in all three counties.

To learn more about the MDC:
     ●  Flyer – The Mobile Dental Clinic
     ●  MDC Frequently Asked Questions
     ●  Most recent press release

To learn more about pregnancy and oral health:
     ●   www.cdafoundation.org/guidelines

2. Oral Health Education
A Health Educator from Butte County Public Health provides oral health education to preschoolers and parents. The Health Educator also facilitates meetings of the Butte CountyDental Collaborative. This group of early childhood educators, school nurses, dental professionals, Public Health staff and anyone providing services to families with young children, meets quarterly to discuss issues, problem solve and share information. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information contact Aimee Myles at 538-7274 or amyles@buttecounty.net.

3. Hospital Dentistry at Feather River Hospital
Access to hospital dentistry is very challenging in this area. With a funding award to Feather River Hospital, Dr. Gary Nelson will be allowed to perform hospital dentistry on 75 high-need children under the age of six years who live in Butte County. “High-need” children include very young children, children with special needs, developmentally delayed children, and indigent children who have no other means to access these treatment services. Referrals come from a variety of sources, with priority given to referrals from the MDC.

4. Oral Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
This is a pilot project spearheaded by Dr. Jennifer Hendershot, a pedodontist at Northern Valley Indian Health, to train medical/dental staff on Infant Oral Health and to establish dental homes for high-risk patients under the age of 3 years at Enloe Children’s Medical Center.

Tobacco Education

The Butte County Board of Supervisors has directed the Commission to educate the public on the dangers of secondhand smoke using mass media. First 5 Butte County funds a media campaign that utilizes TV, radio and billboard ads to:
     ● Provide education on the harmful effects of tobacco.
     ● Provide education on making healthy choices for children 0-5, by eliminating exposure to second hand
           smoke.
     ● Encourage smoking cessation.

We encourage and appreciate feedback on the campaign. Contact Anna Dove at: 538-5281 or adove@buttecounty.net.

The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

Children are especially sensitive to the dangers of secondhand smoke. Children who breathe secondhand smoke have more ear infections, are more likely to develop asthma, and are more likely to suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis and other lung diseases.  For children with asthma, secondhand smoke increases the number and severity of asthma attacks. First 5 Butte County Children and Families Commission encourages families to understand the many effects of secondhand smoke and create smoke-free environments for their children. You can create a smoke-free environment by deciding not to smoke in your home, car or around your children and by asking others to not smoke around your children.
     ● Health Effects of Exposure To Secondhand Smoke
     ● How To Protect Yourself And Your Loved Ones From Secondhand Smoke

Smoking Cessation

    ●  California Smokers Helpline (1-800-NO-BUTTS)
    ●  American Lung Association

Family Friendly Supports

Funded by First 5 Butte County Family Friendly Supports help low and moderate wage families meet the basic needs of living. They can boost a family’s resources by 55%. Family Friendly Supports include: free and low cost health coverage, quality childcare, supplemental nutrition programs, tax credits and housing assistance. Real help for real families. For more information:
    ● Family Friendly Support.org

Kit for New Parents

Babies don't come with instruction manuals. That’s why First 5 Butte County Children and Families Commission offers all new and expecting parents in Butte County the Kit for New Parents at no cost! The recently updated Kit for New Parents is a comprehensive parenting resource that includes everything from practical advice on prenatal care to information on a child’s first years. Parents and caregivers can order a Kit by calling First 5 Butte County at (530) 538-7964 or (800) KIDS-025 for the English version and 1-800-50-NIÑOS for the Spanish version. First 5 Butte County is also partnering with breastfeeding support centers, clinics, medical and dental offices, county agencies, home visitation programs and parenting education classes to distribute the Kit across the county. Please order your free Kit today!
    ● NEW Kit for New Parents 
    ● Kit Provider Order Form

Valley Oak Children's Services

   ●  View a summary of available programs in English, Hmong or Spanish

    ●   View the Directory of Child Care and Family Services for Butte County Child Care Centers and
          Subsidized Child Care for Butte County: www.valleyoakchildren.org/DirectoryInfo.htm

Pregnancy Resources: Doctors, Midwives, and More

Dr. Joseph Brooks (OB-GYN)

Chico Nurse Midwives
  Karen Aronson, CNM
  Camille Panaghetti, CNM
  Carolyn Paul, CNM

Esplanade Women’s Care
  Dr. Raleigh Unterseher (OB/GYN)

Butte County Health Department

1 (800) 339-2941

Perinatal Care Guidance Program

538-7341

Clinic Service

538-7341 / 879-3665 / 891-2731

    Family Planning Services; STD/HIV &

    Pregnancy Testing 

Breastfeeding Support Center of Butte County

1 (800) 312-1093 / 891-2740

Breastfeeding Information

891-2731

    or any WIC location

Tobacco Cessation Resources

1 (800) 641-0015

 Local Child Care Planning Council

www.bcoe.org/ess/lccp

Teen Programs 

Adolescent Family Life Program & Cal Learn:

  North Valley Catholic Social Services
10 Independence Circle, Chico

345-1600 /1 (800) 339-8336

Child Safety Seat Program

Kids in Safe Seats (KISS)

538-7341 

Car Seat Training & Low Cost Car Seat Program

1 (800) 339-2941

Prenatal Substance Abuse Services

Touchstone

332-6090

Crisis Resources

Catalyst (Domestic Violence) 

1 (800) 895-8476

Rape Crisis

342-7273

Victim Witness 

534-8301

Mental Health

    Youth 

1 (800) 371-4373

    Adult 

1 (800) 334-6622

Child Abuse

1 (800) 400-0902

Adult Abuse 

1 (800) 400-0902

Resources for Disabled Children

California Children Services 

895-6546

Far Northern Regional Center 

895-8633

Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California 

1 (888) 263-1311
876-8321