An infectious disease expert provides details on what families need to know about COVID boosters, MPOX, and the flu heading into the fall. A new organization at Modesto Junior College supports the growing number of Afghan women pursuing education. The Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce discusses the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month and the impact of the Hispanic and Latino community in the Sacramento region. 

Fall Virus Outlook

Summer is coming to a close and Fall is fast approaching this week.  A time which typically kicks off flu season and for the past couple of years surges in covid subvariants. This year comes to an additional concern with the rise in Monkeypox (or MPOX). MPOX cases are also on the decline, but not before sharp criticism by some the response to the virus (and vaccines rollout) has been slow.  As we head into the third Fall of the COVID Pandemic a new booster is being rolled out promising stronger protection.  And of course, we’re on the cusp of the Flu season. Some health experts are warning this season could be severe for people who haven’t built up a natural immunity over the last two years and begin to gather with others during the holidays. To get a prognosis on where we are with all three of these viruses, Insight invited back Dr. Dean Blumberg Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis.    

Modesto Junior College Supporting Afghan Education

As quickly as the Taliban took over Afghanistan, educational rights for women began to diminish. Many were denied education after sixth grade and forced to wait at home for instructions if they would be able to attend school. Those who came to the United States faced a new set of challenges, including a new culture that includes co-ed education and a different language. Modesto Junior College Professor Ruth Luman saw a need for a program aimed at helping those who were settling in the region. Hambastagizanan is the new student organization helping Afghan women find a place to support each other and better the community by navigating this new challenge. Helping to lead the charge are two students with incredible stories of perseverance, Laila  Noorani and Shabnam Mujaddidi.  

Hispanic Heritage Month 

“UNIDOS. Inclusivity for a stronger nation.” That is the theme of this year’s National Hispanic Heritage month. The celebration of culture, identity, belonging, and inclusion kicked off last week on September 15th and runs through October 15th. Originally a week-long celebration first adopted by President Lyndon Johnson, years later, President Reagan extended the observation into a month-long celebration in 1988. Here in Sacramento, events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month are already underway.  Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre, President and CEO of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, joined insight to discuss the month-long celebration and the impact of Hispanic Americans on the Sacramento region.