After a rise in the rate of maternal deaths, California health officials have a new plan to keep new mothers healthy before and after birth. Their goal: cut pregnancy-related deaths in half by 2026.

Between 2019 and 2021, more than 200 Californians died during pregnancy, at childbirth or within a year of giving birth. That’s about 70 deaths a year, or one mother every five days.

While California has one of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the country, health experts say the number of deaths is unacceptably high. By some estimates, 80% of maternal deaths are preventable.

A new plan from California Surgeon General Dr. Diana E. Ramos calls for an educational campaign targeting patients and health care providers. It focuses on spreading awareness about the factors that contribute to pregnancy-related deaths. Ramos wants patients to become more active participants in their health, and for them to be able to identify potential medical risks even ahead of pregnancy.

For example, the blueprint calls for an accessible, at-home questionnaire to help expecting parents assess their own risk of pregnancy complications. It will allow them to self-screen for risks, such as preeclampsia and preterm births. The vast majority of maternal deaths in California are caused by heart disease, hemorrhage and sepsis or other infections, state data show.

For health care providers, the blueprint suggests universal adoption of a tool known as the Obstetric Morbidity Index. It’s meant to help evaluate maternal risks at any stage of pregnancy and it’s used in other countries.

Ramos is scheduled to launch an educational campaign, Strong Start and Beyond, today in San Francisco. She’s expected to be accompanied by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

The state’s push for improving its maternal mortality rates also comes as California is experiencing a wave of closures of labor and delivery wards. More than 50 have closed in the past decade, creating maternity care deserts around the state. A similar trend is happening nationwide.

California’s new blueprint doesn’t include funding or new programming. It aims to raise awareness about the role that someone’s overall health plays in a pregnancy, Ramos said. She also wants to draw attention to resources already available in communities — including access to doulas, now a covered benefit in the Medi-Cal program — as well as services available through counties, health systems and community groups.

“We have so many resources, but up until now, everyone’s been…doing their own thing, it’s been fragmented,” Ramos told CalMatters. “We’re bringing together all of these efforts, breaking down these silos and really elevating the amazing work that everyone is doing.”

Ramos said her office created the plan with disparities in mind. Black women have the highest maternal mortality rates in the state.

“The significance of the blueprint is that we are moving from identification of the problem to solutions that bring together hospitals, clinics, public health, all centered around the patient,” said Dr. Amanda Williams, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford’s School of Medicine. She is also a member of the advisory group that helped put the blueprint together.

“Sometimes in medicine, we act like people spend their whole life in the office, clinic or hospital, but it’s not where they truly are,” she added. “And so if we want to make a dent in perinatal morbidity and mortality, we have to work collaboratively and we have to work with the community.”

Chronic illnesses are a leading factor in maternal deaths

Prior to COVID-19, about a quarter of all pregnancy-related deaths were associated with heart disease, according to data from the California Department of Public Health.

Ramos says one way to truly make a difference is to emphasize the importance of managing chronic conditions from before pregnancy to after birth. This includes high blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity, all which are linked to heart disease.

In 2020 and 2021, deaths in pregnancy and within the first year of giving birth shot up in large part because of COVID-19 infections, which are included in the data. During the peak of the pandemic, 31% of maternal deaths in California were linked to infections, mostly COVID.

State data show that 23% of deaths happen on the day of delivery, another 23% take place within the first six days from delivery, and 27% occur seven to 42 days after giving birth. This highlights the importance of postpartum care, Ramos said.

“Oftentimes, as a new mom, you’re exhausted, you’re tired…you ignore your health,” Ramos said. “The message we can get to any new mom is to keep their postpartum visit, because depending upon what their healthcare coverage is, whether you’re Medi-Cal, Kaiser, a PPO, your likelihood of keeping that postpartum visit is going to vary, and it’s often at that postpartum visit when any complications that occur during pregnancy are followed through.”

“The postpartum visit can help save a mom,” she said.

Disparities among Black moms continue

In California, Black mothers are three to four times more likely than other racial or ethnic groups to die from pregnancy-related complications. This disparity has persisted for years.

Experts say the inequity is due to several factors, including chronic stress created by discrimination and racism, unhealthy community conditions and a lack of access to high-quality health care.

Last year, the California Department of Public Health commissioned a report that found:

• By the time of delivery, about one in five Black mothers were diagnosed with hypertension.
• About one in four Black patients experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy — higher than other racial and ethnic groups.
• Black women were more likely than other groups to report being untreated unfairly or disrespectfully while giving birth at a hospital.
• Older women tend to experience higher rates of preterm births across all racial and ethnic groups. But Black women’s preterm birth rates start to increase at a younger age.

“Nobody is talking about maternal health in California without talking about issues of equity,” said Williams. That’s racial equity, but also financial and geographic.

State data show that mortality rates are also higher for women on government-funded insurance compared to people on private insurance. And when it comes to geography, the San Joaquin Valley has the highest rates of maternal deaths in the state.

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Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Mary Frances (Kutil) Edwards passed away peacefully in Eureka on September 7, 2024.

Mary was born in Springfield, Illinois on September 27, 1942 to Frank A. and Ruth V. Kutil, while they were en route from Wisconsin to California to join Frank’s father, Frank J. Kutil. The family first lived in a small cabin below the airport in Dows Prairie, but after the birth of her brother, Frank G. Kutil. the family moved to Eureka, where Mary lived for the rest of her life.

Mary attended St. Bernard’s Elementary School beginning with Sister Monica’s kindergarten class of 1947. Back then, the school was staffed almost entirely by nuns of the Sisters of St. Joseph Of Orange. After eighth grade, Mary moved on to St. Bernard’s High School, graduating with the class of 1960. While still in high school, Mary got her first job, working in the kitchen at St. Joseph Hospital.

After graduation, Mary attended Frederick and Charles Beauty College and became a licensed beautician. She worked as a beautician in Eureka and in Nice, California. She also worked for several years, as the receptionist for a local law office. Soon after that, she and a friend had a kite making business in Eureka. They often had a booth at local special events. Much later, Mary owned and operated a costume shop in Old Town, Eureka. But of all the jobs she had over the years, the one she was most proud of was homemaker. Mary took very good care of her home and her family. Cooking and canning were two of her many specialties.

In 1965, Mary married John Livingston and in 1969, they had a son, Frank D. Livingston. Mary and John later divorced, but they remained lifelong friends. In 1990, she married Bob Edwards and they were married until Bob’s death in 2012.

Mary enjoyed weaving, knitting, crocheting and quilting. For several years, she had her own hand made spinning wheel and loom. As you might guess, her family and friends were the recipients of many beautiful creations. Mary was a member of the Moose Lodge, the Red Hat Ladies, the Horseless Carriage Club of America, the Humboldt Bay Model A Club, and TOPS. Mary will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Frank A. and Ruth V. Kutil and by her husband, Bob Edwards. She is survived by her son, Frank D. Livingston (Michelle), grandsons, Bradley Livingston (Nicole) and Hunter Toland, granddaughter, Rachael Livingston, and best friend since kindergarten, Madeline Stagnoli.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at St. Joseph Hospital, Caring Companions Care Home, and Hospice of Humboldt for the special care Mary received in her final months. Pall Bearers will be Dennis Grinsell, Paul Jerland, Weldon Benzinger, Bradley Livingston, Hunter Toland, and John Livingston Jr.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home, Del Norte and E Sts. A rosary will follow there at 7 p.m., with Mary’s classmate, Father Michael Cloney officiating. The funeral service will also be at Sanders, on Friday, September 27 at noon, officiated by Father Michael Cloney. Interment will immediately follow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery, officiated by Father Michael Cloney.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Ct, Eureka, CA 95503 or to a favorite charity.

Ferndale Police Department release:

On 09-17-24, Officers from the Ferndale Police Department took a seventeen-year-old male juvenile into custody for felony evading with wanton disregard for safety. The arrest stems from a high-speed vehicle pursuit that occurred on HWY 211 on the 12th of September. 

The Ferndale Police Department received several tips, which led to the suspect driver being identified. Surveillance camera footage was obtained, which positively identified the juvenile suspect driving the involved vehicle. 

The juvenile was transported to the Humboldt County Juvenile Hall, where he was booked and lodge for the following charges: 

• 2800.2(A) CVC-Felony Evading
• 12500(a) CVC-Unlicensed Driver 
• 777 W&I-Juvenile Probation Violation 

The Ferndale Police Department was aided in this investigation by the Bear River Tribal Police Department, The Humboldt County Juvenile Probation Department, and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. The Ferndale Police Department is thankful for the community’s assistance in identifying the juvenile suspect.

PREVIOUSLY: 

• Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public Help Locating Two People Missing From Property Near Willow Creek
• Trinity County Issues Arrest Warrant for Missing Man Last Seen Near Willow Creek a Month Ago, Sheriff’s Office Says
• Oregon Deputies Arrest Fugitive Who’s Wanted in Connection to Missing Humboldt County Woman

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help in the Bailey Blunt missing person investigation.

Bailey Blunt was reported missing to Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) one year ago on Sept. 25, 2023. Blunt was last seen on Sept. 22, 2023, when she reportedly went to retrieve her belongings from a location off Berg Rd and State Route 299, where she had been staying with her ex-boyfriend Tyler Burrow.

Since law enforcement’s first response to investigate the disappearance of Bailey Blunt, multiple searches of the Berg Rd. property were conducted, including the use of highly specialized K-9 teams and ground searchers without success. Blunt has not utilized any credit cards or contacted any of her loved ones since the disappearance a year ago. Interviews have been conducted by investigators with more than 30 individuals, including Tyler Burrow. Search warrants have been issued and served on vehicles, properties, cellular phones, and electronic records as part of the ongoing investigation. Tips received throughout the investigation have led to thorough searches of locations in Humboldt and Trinity Counties, and Oregon. At this point, the Sheriff’s Office has followed up on all possible leads and is requesting the public’s help in this investigation. Investigators believe there are people in this community that know what happened to Baily Blunt.

Baily Blunt is 29 years old and described as a white female, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Blunt has a tattoo of a trident on her neck and a fishing hook on her left hand.

If anyone has any information, please contact Investigator Jennifer Taylor with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division.  To make an anonymous crime tip please call 707.268.2539 or email HSO@co.humboldt.ca.us .   

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The Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees has faced some pretty intense scrutiny in the nine months since its five members voted to enter a land exchange agreement with a mysterious corporation called AMG Communities - Jacobs, LLC — a deal that the same board voted to ditch last month after multiple delays in closing escrow.

But make no mistake: Those who volunteer to serve on school boards should be commended for their time and service. They invariably want what’s best for their community and its young people. 

And now, less than two months before Election Day, there’s a vacancy on Eureka City Schools’ board. Prior ECS Board Member Mike Duncan has evidently vacated his position before the end of his term, and he is not running for re-election. 

The district issued the following notice today, inviting any interested candidates who live in Trustee Area 2 to reach out to Superintendent Gary Storts. 

September 17, 2024 - NOTICE is hereby given that all qualified persons who would like to apply for the open position on the Board of Trustees for Eureka City Schools, Trustee Area 2, may contact Eureka City Schools, c/o Gary Storts, Superintendent (stortsg@eurekacityschools.org), for a candidate information sheet. All candidate information sheets (original copies) must be submitted on or before Wednesday, October 16, 2024, no later than 4:00 p.m., to the Superintendent’s Office of Eureka City Schools (2100 J Street, Eureka, CA 95501 – Room 108).

Qualifications for Office: The applicant shall be a registered voter residing in Trustee Area 2 for Eureka City Schools. The boundaries for Trustee Area 2 can be reviewed by visiting https://www.eurekacityschools.org/Governance/governance_board and clicking School Board Trustee Areas or through the Humboldt County Office of Education – District Locator (https://hcoe.org/district-locator/).

Links: 

• ECS Trustee Areas
• HCOE District Locator

NOTICE is further given that appointment to the office will be made in the event there are no nominees, or no qualified nominees. (Appointments will be made pursuant to 10515 of the Elections Code or 5326, 5328, and 5328.5 of the Education Code.)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Constance (Connie) Thompson of Eureka. She lived nearly her entire life in Eureka and died of complications from a long history of heart disease.

She was born Constance Elaine Martins on June 20, 1943, to Wallace William Martins and Pauline Campbell-Martins. She grew up in Eureka and attended local schools, graduating from Eureka High School in 1962.

She met the love of her life, Jack Thompson, while in high school. He used to pick her up at the corner of H street and Del Norte streets for lunch during her senior year. Connie told the story that the principal called her mom to alert her of the situation, and she let him know that she approved. Excited to start their lives together, the two were married on November 24, 1962 in Eureka.

Connie began working as a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph Hospital after graduation, and also completed an LVN program at night with her good friend Karen Zeck. Though neither would become nurses, they remained lifelong friends. Connie spent 45 years working in the medical industry in Eureka. She began at Burns clinic, North Coast Medical Group, and finally the center for Women’s Health, retiring in 2013 as an office manager. She enjoyed working with the doctors and staff throughout the years and made many lasting friendships that carried on throughout her life.

Connie and Jack had two sons — Loren in 1967, and Brent in 1971. They enjoyed taking the boys camping, hunting, fishing, and always attending motorcycle or car races. Many fun weekends were had at the family property in Hoopa, or at the house on K street with the K Street gang.

Connie was always interested in learning new things and later in life she revisited her desire to play the violin. She worked tirelessly at becoming proficient and ultimately became accomplished and played with the Four Seasons Orchestra, for which she was very proud. Connie and Jack purchased a motorhome and intended to travel some in retirement. They made a few trips to the Central Balley and enjoyed staying at Benbow. They made a couple of trips to McCloud with their close friends and always had a great time. They also spent many weekends taking their 1954 Buick Special to the local car shows where they made many friends.

Connie was predeceased by her mother and father, her loving husband Jack (2021), her brother Wally Martins, Jr., her half-brother Mel Martins, and her precious dog Punkin.

She is survived by her sons Brent of Eureka, Loren and daughter-in law Melissa and granddaughter Brittney from Galt, Calif. They adored Brittney and enjoyed the exhausting Disneyland trips when she was little, and celebrating her accomplishments as she grew up. She is also survived by her sister Jacalyn Martins, half brother Wayne Martins (KD), half sisters Cheryl Martins, Patricia Andrews, and Jackie Bainbridge; nieces and nephews Tosha, Joy, Jeremy, Robert, Lateese, Ali, Tiffany, and Elijah, and numerous cousins. She loved her two Cairn, terriers Maggie and Molly.

We will be hosting a celebration of lives well lived for Connie and Jack on September 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Old Growth Cellars, 1945 Hilfiker Lane in Eureka.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude or American Cancer Society as these were important to Connie.

Stanley (Stan) F. Krupka Jr. was born on Sept. 25, 1940 and called home on June 17, 2024 at the age of 83. He was born in Eureka to Stanley F. Krupka Sr. and Doris Karen Sonberg Krupka. Stan (Sonny) lived all of his life on the family ranch (The Little Ponderosa) at the end of Mitchell Road in Eureka.

He felt the most comfortable at his home surrounded by his many sculptures, including: Tetradactyl, Ceratops, Cowboy, complete with guns, which was on display at the California State Fair, dragon, pirate, six-foot stagecoach with horses, that was on display at Wells Fargo Banks, Danial the Lion that stands six feet tall and resembles Stan, a four-foot cow which stands outside the original barn, and so many more. He was in the process of building a longhorn steer when a defibrillator would not allow him to use the electric welder for fear of execution. His signature was his initials enclosed in his beloved redwood trees. The family plans on have Stan’s sculptures on display for public viewing at some point in the future.

Stan and three of his fellow senior Eureka High football members traveled to Oakland and tried out for the Raiders Football team. Unfortunately, a horrific automobile crash in Willits on their way home ended their career in football. One classmate perished in the crash. Stan was a man of few words; he expressed his love through his sculptures and his service in volunteering. He spent many years volunteering for Pop Warner football and many civic organizations. He was also proud of his large (very large) train that he donated to Sequoia Park for the children to play on.

He never had his own children and was particularly touched when his nephew, John Etchell and Gracie Hayes, named their son (Sonny) after him. It meant so much to him. Everyone at his celebration of life service expressed their belief that they were special to him because of his sweet smile and raised eyebrows that he bestowed on them individually.

Private family services were held June 30, 2024, at the Krupka Ranch in Eureka. He was laid to rest at Ocean View Cemetery between his parents.

He was pre-deceased by his loving parents, his sister Geraldine Giddings, his brother-in-law Robert Etchell, his nephew Stanley F. Giddings, his uncles Fred, Bud and Orrin Sondberg, his niece Julie Etchell and his Aunt Lucille Younger.

He is survived by his loving sister Frances Etchell of Healdsburg. His nephew Robert (Gary) Etchell, Jamen Etchell, Greg (Dana) Etchell, Matthew (Jacqueline) Etchell, Gerry (Ray) Newton, Dawn (Milton) Rose, Rita Goad, Richard (Angela) Giddings, Doris Farris and many great-nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to his niece Rita Goad and cousin Dixie Klemp for all their care in his later years. Their care allowed “Uncle Sonny” to remain at home.