Greetings from Tahoe Forest Health System!
Dear Community Members,
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on a year defined by collaboration, dedication, and meaningful impact across the Truckee–Tahoe region. Our community thrives not only because of its milestones, but because of the tireless efforts of caregivers, public servants, educators, first responders, partners, and community members who show up each day to support others.
This year, we strengthened partnerships focused on improving health and well-being. From expanding diabetes education in Spanish to engaging with local schools and supporting volunteers and community organizations, the collective efforts of our teams and partners are making a real and lasting difference.
Our clinical and operational improvements continue to strengthen care for the community. New facilities, upgraded digital tools, and innovative programs are making it easier for residents to access care close to home. Our team’s commitment to excellence ensures safety, compassion, and trust in every interaction.
As we look ahead to the new year, Tahoe Forest Health System is entering an important season of listening, planning, and alignment. Through our True North community engagement work, the year ahead will be focused on bringing voices together, aligning priorities, and building a shared foundation to guide future decisions. We will be inviting residents, partners, and stakeholders to share their perspectives and help shape the next chapter of health care in our region, and we encourage you to participate and lend your voice.
On behalf of our leadership team, and the entire Tahoe Forest Health System, thank you for your support, trust, and shared commitment to this community. We wish you and your teams a joyful holiday season and a healthy, hopeful New Year.
With appreciation,
Anna M. Roth, RN, MS, MPH
President & CEO
Vaccinations are the New Superpower
Can vaccines cause autism? Do they contain dangerous chemicals? Are vaccines safe? Let’s explore.
Q: My child is healthy. Why should they be immunized?
A: Vaccinations are intended to help keep healthy kids healthy. Vaccines work by protecting the body before disease strikes. If you wait until your child gets sick, it will be too late for the vaccine to work.
Q: Should my child get the flu shot?
A: The CDC recommends that kids 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. There is also a nasal spray flu vaccine that provides the same positive benefits.
Q: Do vaccines cause autism?
A: No. Many studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. The increased rates of autism in both vaccinated and unvaccinated children is linked to the broader definition of autism and the greater awareness of this condition among health professionals.
Q: How much aluminum is in a vaccine?
A: The amount of aluminum in vaccines is so small that there is no detectable rise in naturally occurring aluminum levels found in infants’ bloodstream immediately after vaccination. In fact, an infant will ingest around 7mg of aluminum from breast milk in the first six months of life.
Q: Do vaccines contain mercury?
A: There is no mercury in vaccines.
Q: Do vaccines contain formaldehyde?
A: Yes, but the amount is very small. The amount of formaldehyde in a vaccine is never more than .02 mg per dose, making it 50 to 70 times less than what’s naturally present in a two-year-old old’s body. This substance also naturally occurs in pears, apples, green onions, potatoes, fish, and beef. An average-sized pear contains about 12mg of formaldehyde.
Q: Is it harmful to my child if I decline some of the immunizations?
A: Opting out of certain shots for your children puts them at risk of developing diseases during the time you delay their shots. Some vaccine-preventable diseases remain common in the United States and children may be exposed to these diseases at any time.
Q: Is it harmful to my child to receive all the recommended vaccines at one time?
A: Scientific data shows that getting many vaccines at the same time does not cause any chronic health problems. See NevadaCountyVaxFacts.com for information and a vaccination schedule.
Q: What are the risks to my child if I follow an alternative immunization schedule so that he/she doesn’t receive all the shots at once?
A: Children receive immunization early because they are susceptible to diseases at a young age, largely because their immune systems aren’t fully developed. The consequences of these diseases can be very serious, even life-threatening, especially for younger children, including babies. That’s why it’s important to vaccinate before your child is exposed to or gets the disease.
Kind Words
“Absolutely had a wonderful experience with my doctor as well as all of the incredible nurses & friendly staff. EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS. Really impressed.”
Obstetrics
Health & Wellness
Upcoming Health & Wellness Events
Diabetes Prevention Program – Virtual
1 out of 3 American adults has prediabetes. If you have prediabetes, you can make changes now to improve your health and PREVENT type 2 diabetes. The Prevent T2 lifestyle change program can help you lose weight, become more physically active, and reduce stress.
With Prevent T2, you get:
- A proven program to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
- A CDC-approved curriculum and trained lifestyle coach
- A year-long program with weekly meetings for the first 6 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months
- Support from others like you as you learn new skills
When: Free Discovery Session Monday, January 26, 5:15 – 6:30 pm
Program starts Mondays February 2, 5:15 – 6:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Virtual
Metabolic Wellness
Join us on a 4-week series designed to optimize your health and support your weight loss goals while using weight loss medication. Led by a registered dietitian (RD) and a certified exercise specialist/health coach, this comprehensive program combines the science of nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mindful eating to help you achieve sustainable results and feel your best.
Over 4 weeks, you will learn to integrate healthy lifestyle habits into your daily routine, supported by expert guidance and a community of individuals with similar goals.
When: 4 week series January 14-February 4, Wednesdays 4-5pm
Cost: $99
Location: Tahoe Forest Wellness
Call Tahoe Forest Wellness to schedule your program at (530) 587-3769.
