Sammy Caiola
Former Healthcare Reporter
Sammy Caiola has been covering health care in California for the last seven years. Before joining CapRadio in 2017, Sammy was a health reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She has degrees in journalism and gender studies from Northwestern University.
Over time, Sammy has developed an interest in trauma and its impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Her major projects have explored Black child mortality, suicide in rural towns, health care for undocumented Californians and the aftermath of sexual assault. She was part of a National Edward R. Murrow Award-winning project about aging, and was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for her breaking news coverage of the 2020 racial justice demonstrations.
Sammy is an amateur musical theatre performer and an avid hiker. She hails from Long Island, New York.
Can we gather this winter? COVID-19 is slowing in California, but experts still say to be careful.
October 14, 2021
COVID-19 vaccines will likely spare California from another fall and winter surge, but the pandemic isn’t over and precautions are still needed this holiday season.
Sacramento County could ban flavored e-cigarettes, menthol under proposed ordinance
October 14, 2021
Supervisors are introducing a rule that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, such as flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes. These products are already banned in about 100 California jurisdictions, including the city.
Restorative Justice Group Offers Closure, Redemption For Both Survivors And Perpetrators Of Sexual Violence
August 23, 2021
For some sexual assault survivors, going to the police isn’t a safe or appealing option. Restorative justice offers a way for perpetrators and the people they’ve harmed to meet in a supervised setting.
Sacramento Homeless Outreach Groups Continue Efforts To Raise Vaccination Rates As Delta Variant Spreads
August 18, 2021
Advocates for unhoused Sacramentans say immunization rates are low, but more outreach and city-sanctioned campsites could help improve the situation.
Governor Newsom Is Mandating Vaccines For Teachers, Health Care Workers. Disability Advocates Say It Should Apply To Caregivers, Too
August 12, 2021
Health care workers in group settings must be fully immunized by the end of September under a new state order. Disability advocates say the rule should also apply to home care workers.
East Area Rapist Survivor Creates New Support Space for Sacramento Assault Victims
August 9, 2021
One year after Joseph DeAngelo was sentenced to a life in prison for committing a string of rapes and murders in the 1970’s and 1980’s, survivors of his crimes are speaking up and inviting others to do the same.
People In Nursing Homes, Day Centers Are Vulnerable To The Delta Variant. State Officials Say Staff Vaccine Requirements Could Protect Them.
August 6, 2021
All Californians who work in health care facilities must be fully vaccinated by the end of September, according to a new state order. It’s an effort to protect people in congregate settings.
The Delta Variant Is Spreading In California. Immunized People Can Contract And Spread It. Here’s What You Can Do
August 5, 2021
The delta variant is increasing the spread of COVID-19 in California, leading to changes in guidance from health experts. Here are some key questions around the delta variant, masks, vaccines, and how to stay safe in this new stage of the pandemic.
Sacramento County Is Now Requiring Indoor Masking For Everyone, Regardless Of Vaccination Status
July 29, 2021
Following a four-fold increase in COVID-19 cases over the past month, Sacramento County officials are mandating everyone wear masks in indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status.
As COVID-19 Cases Rise, Sacramento And Yolo Counties Recommend Wearing Masks Indoors
July 15, 2021
Health officials say low vaccination rates and the more contagious delta variant are leading to an increase in cases and a need to put additional precautions in place.