WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps announced the approval of $640,000 for public health programs in Ventura County as part of the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill and the Military Construction Veterans Affairs appropriations bill (H.R. 3043) which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives late last night. Both of these appropriation measures passed the House and Senate with strong bipartisan majorities earlier this year.

At the request of Congresswoman Capps, the bill includes $400,000 for St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard for the Latino Health Care League's diabetes initiative to promote effective approaches to improve diabetes self-management and care.   Specifically the program will increase education and collaboration among health professionals to ensure effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes.  The program also involves community outreach to improve the treatment of diabetes in high-risk, high prevalence communities.

“Diabetes is a debilitating and often deadly disease that affects far too many people in our community, especially Latinos” said Capps, a nurse and Member of the Health Subcommittee.  “I am particularly worried about young people as diabetes approaches epidemic proportions among our children.  Through preventive programs that provide education and health care, we can improve the treatment of those living with diabetes and prevent others from developing the disease.  I am pleased that this outstanding program at St. John’s Regional Medical Center has been allotted this much needed funding and I will continue my efforts to support their life saving work.”

“St. John's Regional Medical Center and the Latino Health Care League are heartened to receive news of support for our diabetes prevention and management programs,” said Rev. Christina M. Fernandez, Vice President, Mission Integration at St. John's.  “Diabetes is a growing health concern in Ventura County, especially among our Latino population.  St. John's diabetes initiative will provide education and case management designed to delay the onset of diabetes and lessen its impact over time.  We are very grateful for Congresswoman Capps’ advocacy.”

Additionally, at the request of Congresswoman Capps, the legislation also includes $240,000 for the Ventura County Probation Office for their Juvenile Wellness Court.  This program provides treatment and services for juvenile offenders with mental health and chemical dependency problems. The Ventura   County Probation Agency, Behavioral Health Department, Public Health Department and the offices of the District Attorney and Public Defender work with the Ventura County Juvenile Court, the Office of Education and local community-based organizations to provide intensive case management for juvenile offenders with severe mental illness and/or chemical dependency to develop individual plans to better facilitate rehabilitation.

 “The Ventura County Juvenile Wellness Court is a remarkable program that takes an innovative comprehensive approach to helping our young people who are in trouble with the law and struggling with mental illness and/or chemical dependency,” said Capps.  “Their comprehensive approach has proven to be more successful in rehabilitating these young lives than traditional approaches.   I am pleased that that the Ventura County Probation Office has received this critical funding and I will continue my efforts to support this effective program.”

“The Fiscal Year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill and the Military Construction Veterans Affairs appropriations bill (H.R. 3043) is an excellent measure that responsibly funds America’s priorities,” continued Capps.  “I hope that President Bush will reconsider his ill-advised veto threats and approve this much needed funding.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.