Sammy Caiola
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.
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.
As Oak Park Gets More Access To Diabetes Screening, Residents Say Additional Resources Are Needed
July 12, 2021
Diabetes is prevalent in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood. A new UC Davis clinic will provide free access screening and counseling, but some residents say it's part of a larger problem.
As California Pushes To Eliminate Immigrant Detention Centers, New Report Shines Light On Detainee Deaths
July 8, 2021
As more information comes out about poor conditions in immigrant detention centers, California advocates are pushing for an end to these facilities.
The COVID-19 Delta Variant Is In Northern California. Here’s What You Need To Know.
July 2, 2021
The delta variant of the coronavirus is more contagious than the original strain, experts say, but California health officials say it mostly poses a threat to those who are unvaccinated.
California To Provide Health Insurance For Undocumented Residents Over 50 Following Toll Of COVID-19
July 1, 2021
All income-eligible adults over age 50 will be able to sign up for Medi-Cal next year, regardless of immigration status, under the state’s new spending plan.
Trauma And Memory Issues Make It Hard For Sexual Assault Survivors To Report. Here Are Solutions.
June 30, 2021
For many survivors, the trauma of sexual violence makes it difficult for them to recall the exact details. Experts say understanding survivor memory could lead to more solved cases and less harm.
UC Regents Say Doctors Must Be Able To Provide Gender-Affirming Care At Religiously Affiliated Partner Hospitals
June 24, 2021
Some religiously affiliated hospitals prohibit abortions and gender-affirming surgeries. A new UC policy says surgeons with privileges at those hospitals must be able to perform these procedures.
‘Deeply Destroyed My Sense of Safety’: Sexual Assault Survivors Say Police Interactions Often A Second Trauma
June 21, 2021
Few sexual assault cases end in criminal charges or even arrests. The law enforcement process can cause survivors further trauma, but there are steps agencies can take to reduce harm.
What Changes, What Stays The Same As California Reopens
June 15, 2021
A lot changes on June 15, when California officially reopens. Here's a look at the new rules for businesses and individuals, and what things are staying the same for now.