California Surgeon General Highlights Recently Released Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA) Tool to Support Health in AAPI Communities
SACRAMENTO – As part of the Strong Start & Beyond movement, California Surgeon General Dr. Diana E. Ramos recently released the Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA), a simple and easy-to-use eight-question quiz that helps people understand how their current health status and history affects a future pregnancy.
Today’s Ethnic Media Briefing
Thank you to those that were able to join us for today’s press event with the California Surgeon General.
Please find the links to the recording and the Media Kit with additional resources below:
- Recording
- Media Kit
- VIDEO: About PreMA
“Health begins long before pregnancy,” said Dr. Ramos. ” PreMA is a conversation starter that can be taken anytime anywhere outside of the healthcare setting, encouraging early actions to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and baby.”
Why PreMA is Critical for AAPI Communities
Data show that 1 in 3 women of reproductive age in the U.S. has at least one chronic health condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. The PreMA quiz seeks to normalize proactive health discussions while emphasizing family and community values that are central to many AAPI cultures.
PreMA is a conversation starter that can be taken anytime anywhere and encourages early actions to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and baby. While California continues its work to address maternal health disparities across the state, including efforts from the California Department of Public Health and Department of Health Care Services, PreMA empowers people to act now.
Key Features of PreMA
- User-Friendly Format: Eight simple, validated questions in English and Spanish on an individual’s current health status, including heart conditions and blood pressure.
- Community-Based Delivery: PreMA is available online for free and can be easily downloaded, printed, and shared at cultural centers, grocery stores, and places of worship to meet people where they are.
- Resource Connections: Recommendations are provided for follow-up care as well as local, state, and national healthcare services, helping individuals find culturally competent care.
