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Sammy Caiola
Healthcare Reporter
Sammy Caiola has been covering medical breakthroughs, fitness fads and health policy in California since 2014. Before joining CapRadio, Sammy was a health reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She has degrees in journalism and gender studies from Northwestern University.
In 2015 Sammy completed a data fellowship at the University of Southern California, which led to a three-part series on black child death in Sacramento County. She has also reported extensively on autism spectrum disorder, reproductive health care, LGBT health, and conjoined twinning.
Sammy is a ZUMBA instructor and an avid hiker. She hails from Long Island, New York, but much prefers the fine wine and stunning scenery of the West coast. In her spare time, she plays with her black Labrador, Pepper, and performs in local community theatre productions.
As Stevante Clark Graduates Mental Health Court, California Looks To Grow This Alternative To Incarceration
September 9, 2019
California is expanding this type of probation for mentally ill offenders, which focuses on treatment instead of jail time. One of the Sacramento program’s newest graduates is Stevante Clark, brother of Stephon Clark, who was killed by police.
California’s Programs For Disabled Adults Are Changing. This Sacramento Arts Program Is Laying The Groundwork.
August 30, 2019
Southside Unlimited, a Sacramento nonprofit serving adults with disabilities, recently opened their art galleries and recording studios to the public. It’s part of an effort to promote interaction between participants and the community.
California Health Workers Split On Whether To Be Independent Contractors or Employees
August 28, 2019
A bill moving through the California Legislature could require many employers to make their independent contractors employees. Some health care workers are fighting for an exemption.
Latinos Increasingly 'Afraid' After El Paso, Immigration Raids — And Wary Of Seeking Help
August 27, 2019
Fears of deportation, on top of longstanding cultural attitudes about mental health, are keeping some Latino Californians from taking advantage of community services.
Sacramento Comedians Break Down Stigma Of Mental Illness With Jokes, Real Talk
August 23, 2019
A new group of Sacramento comedians says facing depression and suicide head on, and with a sense of humor, can be lifesaving.
Sacramento Group Works To Make Dance More Accessible For People With Autism
August 15, 2019
Capital Dance Project, an offshoot of the Sacramento Ballet, expanded its offerings to include sensory-friendly classes for people with autism and other disabilities.
Vaccine Exemption Bill Wins Approval From California’s Medical Board
August 9, 2019
A controversial bill to increase regulation of medical exemptions from vaccinations won the support of the state’s medical board Thursday.
HIV Prevention Drug Could Become Available Without A Prescription In California
August 6, 2019
Medication that prevents HIV infection has been on the market since 2012, but patients say access is still a challenge. A California bill would allow pharmacists to dispense the drug and eliminate complicated insurance steps.
Paperwork Woes Keep Some Low-Income Moms And Kids From Enrolling In Medi-Cal. Is An ‘Express Lane’ The Fix?
July 29, 2019
Low-income mothers and their young children have distinct health care needs, but advocates say red tape can prevent them from signing up for insurance. A bill moving through the California Legislature could better sync Medi-Cal enrollment.
Fairgoers Should Take Caution Around Animals To Lower Chances Of Disease, State Officials Say
July 25, 2019
The California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Food and Agriculture put out a notice this week, warning people to take steps to prevent disease while interacting with animals at state and county fairs.