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.

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Stories by Sammy Caiola

Gun violence is a public health issue here in Sacramento — and across the United States
April 23, 2022
Many experts say health disparities in under-funded and marginalized communities are a primary-driving factor of intra-community violence. Here is one journalist’s observations based on reporting in Sacramento and Philadelphia.
Case cleared? Sacramento County sheriff resolves most sexual assault cases without arrest or trial
January 26, 2022
In 2019, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office cleared about 81% of sexual assault cases by exceptional means. Experts say there’s little chance this is a legitimate use of the label.
Sacramento County bans flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and menthol
January 12, 2022
Following an hours-long debate and public discussion, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted to ban flavored tobacco sales — including menthol. The ban takes effect July 2022.
Single-payer health care is back on the table at the California Capitol
January 10, 2022
A new health care proposal would establish a tax to pay for a single-payer insurance option for all Californians. This is the latest in a years-long push to reform the state’s health care system.
California hospitals strained for staff and bracing for omicron uptick, including among kids
January 6, 2022
As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly in California, hospitals are filling up and expecting even more patients, including pediatric cases.
COVID vaccines are rolling out for younger kids in Northern California. Here's what to know.
November 4, 2021
Pharmacies and doctors’ offices are starting to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 5-11 following federal approval. Here’s what parents need to know.
Covered California enrollment starts with extra federal boost for low and middle-income families
November 1, 2021
Enrollment for Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, is now open. And this year, health officials say there is extra federal assistance available to low and middle-income families.
Sacramento’s ‘safe ground’ locations help unhoused people, but advocates say more need to open before winter
October 27, 2021
Six months after its opening, a city of Sacramento program to let unhoused people camp and park in an empty lot is getting some people indoors. But advocates say it’s not enough, especially with cold weather approaching.
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.
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.

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