Alan Cohen

Suicide Hotline Number 988 Is Now Live

August 29, 2022 By Alan Cohen

Call 988 Suicide Hotline

A long-awaited mental health hotline (9-8-8) is now live and available to call 24/7 with an easy number to remember similar to the long-standing emergency line of 9-1-1. If you are suffering a mental health crisis or are suicidal, you can immediately reach a licensed mental health professional for help with no wait or hold times.

New number is an important step for those in crisis

Originally set up in 2005, the National Suicide Hotline has received around 2.2 million calls a year and provided free help to those in a mental health crisis. While the National Suicide Hotline has been a vital help for those in need, the phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is not easy to remember in times of crisis. For someone dealing with a mental health crisis, thoughts of suicide, or a loved one in crisis, being able to easily contact someone right away can make a world of difference.

To address this concern, a bipartisan bill was introduced to Congress called the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act to change the phone number to 988 nationwide for suicidal counseling and other mental health crisis. Now up and running since July 16, 2022, with the new number of 9-8-8, people don’t have to stop to look up a number before getting help. They can now simply push three buttons like we do 9-1-1 to get the assistance they need.
With 150 call centers nationwide, 13 of those spread throughout California, there is always someone ready to answer right away and help by talking someone through the crisis or connecting them with local resources to continue with assistance after the call is over.

The 9-8-8 website describes the new service in this way:
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

California Is investing in 9-8-8 call centers

The mental health crisis hotline needs ongoing and regular funding to be successful as a reliable resource long-term. As a first step to regular funding, California’s Department of Health Care Services is investing $20 million to support this important resource. Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Expanded access to mental health services is a central focus of the California Comeback Plan. This $20 million investment is a critical first step to ensure crisis call centers have capacity and are equipped to help all callers so we can meet Californians where they are and expand resources and support during these difficult times.”

Already in use for a month now, Californians have been calling the 9-8-8 number when they are suffering from a mental health crisis and need help before harming themselves or others. With this investment in the future mental health of people throughout our state, we can now work as a community on spreading the word to those who need to hear it.

Call 9-8-8 whenever you need it

Completely free and confidential, 9-8-8 is emotional support when you need it. Simply call 9-8-8 and you will be connected right away with someone prepared and trained to help. A chat feature is also available on the 9-8-8 website.

Biohazard Cleanup After A Shooting in Coachella

July 14, 2022 By Alan Cohen

Coachella, CA
Bio SoCal was called to a crime scene for a biohzard cleanup after a shooting in Coachella where a young man was shot multiple times.

In late June, while walking back to his car at 2 a.m., a 25-year-old man was shot multiple times by the 22-year-old suspect as reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The perpetrator allegedly approached the victim and then shot him before fleeing the scene. The perpetrator was later arrested and charged with one felony account of attempted murder and is now awaiting his court case.

As a regularly trusted partner of first responders throughout Southern California, Bio SoCal was called to the scene to clean up the blood and other bodily fluids of the victim. Out of respect for the man shot and with the safety of the Coachella community in mind, we carefully removed all the blood and fluids from the parking lot and decontaminated the area so other people can walk there safely.

The victim is recovering from the multiple gunshots at a local hospital. Our thoughts are with the victim of this crime and we hope he is able to make a full recovery.

Bio SoCal is here to help

It seems we hear of gun violence and mass shootings more often these days. It is a terrible and painful occurrence for all communities effected and for the families who lose loved ones or who are left hoping their family member or friend survives the ordeal. While we do not have the power to prevent such occurrences, though we fervently wished we did, our team of biohazard cleanup technicians are dedicated to being here for all communities throughout Southern California, including Coachella, that experience gun violence.

With careful biohazard cleanup and compassionate decontamination, we are always available around the clock to handle all the blood cleanup and removal as well as other bodily fluids after such a crime occurs. We then carefully label all the soiled materials as biohazardous waste before legally transporting it to a medical waste facility, abiding by all local and federal rules and regulations. With us on the job, you can at least know no hazards remain in the area and you are free to grieve or help your loved one recover.

We use the latest biohazard cleaning technology

To make sure all affected areas are truly clean and safe, we use the latest biohazard cleaning techniques and technology available. Unlike wiping up a juice spill on a counter where you can simply use a paper towel, there are microscopic viruses and bacteria in blood that can carry diseases and infect other people. We therefore not only clean what is visible on the surface, but we clean those tiny amounts that may not be visible to the human eye. Meticulously working in every nook, cranny, and unseen layers of building materials, we sure make every particle is taken care of, fully removed, and the area is disinfected before allowing the public back in.

Call us today

If you are dealing with blood or bodily fluids in your home or on your property, our team at Bio SoCal is here to help you in whatever way we can. With a free quote and consultation, we are always here to clean up any biohazards and answer all your questions. We even work with your home insurance and can file a claim on your behalf. Our office in Palm Springs services all of Coachella Valley. Call us today.

What is Skin Slippage?

June 27, 2022 By Alan Cohen

As people alive in this world, we don’t often think about what happens to a human body once a person passes away until we are faced with the reality of it. For those who do come across a body because a loved one passed away or they come across one while on a river or on a trail, they may experience sights previously unknown. One of these sights most apparent is called “skin slippage.” Skin slippage on a human body can look abnormal but on a cadaver in the decomposition process, skin slippage is perfectly normal.

The skin slippage process

Skin slippage is a part of the decomposition process when the top layers of skin become disconnected from layers below and can, therefore, “slip” off the body. Taking place relatively early in the process, it happens through a process when enzymes are released and cells holding layers of skin together start to rupture forming what looks like blisters, leaving a sticky surface behind. As the epidermis layer of skin separates from the dermis layer, these superficial layers can then start sloughing off or peeling away. Where this happens on the body can vary greatly but it is particularly common for the skin to first detach on the hands and feet where skin can be removed like a sock or glove cast off and no longer needed.

Structure of the Skin

Many factors speed up or slow down the process

This part of the body decomposition process can vary greatly in speed and appearance depending on many factors around and inside the body. Once the skin has started slipping away, it can look like bubbles on the skin, a bad sunburn where you can peel the skin away, or like melted wax over the skeletal structure. Factors include:

Surrounding temperature: The warmer and more humid an environment is around the body, the faster the skin will detach from the rest of the body. In high humidity, this can take place in 2-3 days. If it is cold, the whole decomposition process takes much longer, and skin will stay connected for a longer period of time. This is why cadavers are often refrigerated after death: it slows down the decomposition process while burial arrangements are made or cremation can take place.
Size and weight of the body: The condition of the cells in the skin and how large or small a person is when they pass away can speed up or slow down the skin slippage process to a degree.
Clothing worn at time of death: If a person has layers of clothing on at the time of death, there are fewer areas of skin exposed to the elements that would speed up the process. The more skin that is exposed to the soil beneath with all the bacteria in that soil, the faster skin slippage will occur.
Weather and climate: Skin slippage will occur far faster and more evenly with more moisture in the air. If the surrounding weather is dry, the entire process, including skin slippage, will take far longer.

When a dead body is found in water

When a dead body is submerged in water while it decomposes, skin slippage takes place in around 24 hours. With water soaking through the top layers of skin, the cells holding the layers together separate far faster, letting in more bacteria into the rest of the body to aid in decomposition. This is one of the reasons a body found in a lake or river can be so unrecognizable so quickly—the water speeds the whole process along.

Unattended Death Cleanup

If you’re working on handling the cleanup after an unattended death where a body has decomposed on a property for a time, our team at Bio SoCal has the experienced and compassionate biohazard cleanup services you need. From large jobs to small, we understand what it takes to make sure all bodily fluids are fully removed and body tissues safely and legally disposed of. After removing all biohazards, we then carefully clean, sanitize, and disinfect all the surfaces, nooks, and crannies, so you can rest assured the property is safe and all lingering odor is permanently removed. As most property insurance policies cover our work, we’ll even document the damage and file the claim on your behalf. We are here to make a difficult time as easy as possible.

Newbury Park Stabbing

June 15, 2022 By Alan Cohen

Newbury Park Stabbing

Bio SoCal Decontaminates Stabbing Scene in Newbury Park

When tragedy strikes and you don’t know where to turn, Bio SoCal is always here for you to remove all the biohazards and decontaminate the area.

Recently on May 22nd, our team was on the stabbing scene for blood cleanup in a residential neighborhood of Newbury Park near Thousand Oaks to clean up after a fight involving multiple people. When police responded to the report of a disturbance, they arrived at the apartment complex’s parking lot to find one 24-year-old man deceased from multiple stab wounds. To help the community recover from the crime and move forward, our team carefully cleaned the area of all blood and bodily fluids so it is now sanitary and safe.

Whenever we are called to handle blood cleanup where someone has lost their life, we do the work knowing this was someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister, friend, and perhaps even a parent. Never just a job to us, we know that lives have just been changed, and there are people grieving. For some, that spot we’re cleaning where their loved one died will never be the same.

Bio SoCal Protects the Newbury Park Community

To do our part in caring for those grieving, to protect the community, and out of respect for the victim, we use every tool and technique we have until all fluids have been fully removed, any invisible bacteria and viruses killed off, and the area restored and made safe. We know that, very likely, someone will be there in the next few days to grieve their friend or family member and we want to make sure that person’s memory is honored by cleaning the blood off all surfaces so they can mourn in peace.

If you experience a blood spill, accident, or crime in Newbury Park, our team at Bio SoCal is here with the knowledge and experience to take the responsibility of cleanup off your shoulders and ensure a restored environment after the unexpected occurs. Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a crime, accident, suicide, or death, we are here for you so you don’t have to worry about the mess left behind.

We take insurance

To make the process even easier for you, we work with your home insurance company directly so all you have to do is let us onto the property. We’ll document all damages and file the claim on your behalf. With no money taken up front, you can focus on taking care of yourself and your family. We are always available for emergency blood cleanup services throughout Newbury Park.

Our Team is Available 24/7

Throughout Southern California, Bio SoCal is the trusted blood cleanup company whenever you need us.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact Major Crimes Sgt. Francisco Jauregui at 805-384-4737 or email francisco.jauregui@ventura.org. Information can also be provided anonymously via calling Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Our thoughts are with those who lost their loved one in this tragedy.

How to Prepare for Your Death and Avoid the Lengthy Probate Process

May 31, 2022 By Alan Cohen

Estate Planning

None of us know how many sunrises and sunsets we have left to enjoy. The end of our lives can come at any moment and though we all hope for years more to enjoy time with family and friends, the end of our stories can come faster than we expect. While we are able to make end of life decisions for ourselves, it’s important to make the choices to ease the burden on our loved ones.

No matter your age, whether you are into your senior years or growing into young adulthood, it is important to have end of life paperwork completed and regularly updated. Without these important legal documents in place at the time of your death, all your accounts and assets will be sent through a process called “probate” which can potentially drag on for years and cause great angst for those left behind.

To save your family members this heartache on top of the grief of losing you, take steps now to keep your estate out of the probate process so the transition of accounts and various assets can take place as quickly as possible so family and friends can focus on grieving you.

What is probate?

Probate is the legal process after a person dies when their will is reviewed and assessed as authentic, and assets are distributed according to a person’s wishes (if legally known). Probate also refers to the process when someone passes without legal paperwork in place and a judge determines how to distribute their assets according to set laws of who inherits. If a person has a will, the court will appoint an executor or if there is no will, an administrator, to collect the assets, pay any debts the deceased has remaining, and distribute the assets as the court dictates.

Keep your assets out of the probate process

Whether a person has a will or not, probate can be extremely costly with all the legal fees and court costs. This amount comes out of a person’s estate leaving less money for those left behind. Going through the probate process can also take months or even years. In the meantime, burial costs and debts left from your estate still need to be paid but can’t be until the funds are released. As this process drags on for your loved ones, all these legal proceedings are held in the public record, potentially exposing information your family would rather keep private as decisions you would have liked to make are made by a judge instead.

Plan your estate to avoid probate

By preplanning what will happen to all your assets and filing the correct legal paperwork, you can make the whole process far easier for your family members. Instead of the angst of dealing with a financial mess, your loved ones can breathe easy and quickly turn over your assets to those you want to obtain them.

Under California law, there are several ways you can handle your assets to avoid probate:

California probate exemption: The state of California has a simplified process in place for those whose estates fall under a predetermined maximum. For those who pass away after April 1, 2022, the current maximum is $184,500. However, not all assets in an estate are counted toward this maximum so you may still qualify if you have a larger estate. Items that do not count toward the maximum include property held in a living trust or joint tenancy, real estate outside of California, cars, boats, and mobile homes, property that goes to a surviving spouse, life insurance, death benefits, or payable-on death accounts, transfer-on-death deeds, bank accounts owned by more than one person, or unpaid salary up to $18,450. What does count toward the maximum is property you alone own in California, accounts solely under your name with no named beneficiary, and personal effects not inherited by a spouse, among others items.If your estate qualifies for this exemption, then your family will need to determine which paperwork to file based on whether the exemption includes real estate or not and wait the appropriate time to turn in the paperwork after you pass away. Depending on the process your estate qualifies for, your assets will then be distributed to the correct person. While this is still a process, it is far shorter and simpler than going through regular probate.
Right of survivorship: transfer-on-death, payable-on-death accounts: Some accounts and assets have legal ways of immediately transferring the asset to someone else after you pass away. To do this, you must declare the beneficiary to that account or asset while you’re still alive. Examples of this include life insurance, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investments. While you are alive, the person named as beneficiary has no right to the account and you retain sole custody of your assets until you pass away and the account is transferred to the person you have selected.
Place your assets under a trust: A trust is a legal entity that owns any assets placed under its legal protection, held in trust for a beneficiary. All assets under the trust will be kept out of probate. Each trust then has a trustee: a person in charge of managing the trust’s assets. While you are alive, you yourself will usually serve as the trustee and will name a secondary trustee for when you pass away or are debilitated. Whoever is the trustee can then distribute the assets according to the rules set forth in the trust’s legal paperwork. Trusts can also be beneficial in protecting your assets if there is ever a legal judgment against you and can help lower estate taxes. Trusts can be arranged in many different ways to benefit various people and you would need to consult an estate lawyer to determine what kind of trust is right for you. Keep in mind any property not included in the trust is still subject to probate.
Transfer of Real Property with Retained Life Estate: In California, you can transfer your property to a beneficiary before you pass away with “retained life estate.” This means that while your property belongs to someone else, such as one of your children, you keep your right to the property while you are alive. Upon your death, they obtain sole right to the property while avoiding it going through probate. Before this action is taken, however, thought must be given to tax implications and how property expenses will be handled while you’re living.
Spousal petition: If you are legally married when you pass away, a spouse can file a “spousal petition” to obtain rights to your assets. A court hearing is then required to authorize the changing of ownership of any titles and accounts to the surviving spouse. While still technically probate, it is a far simpler procedure, takes less time, and the legal fees are usually far less.

Seek legal counsel when estate planning

The above information is not legal advice and is here to provide general information. When planning your estate and filing legal paperwork, always consult the advice of an estate lawyer. They will be able to advise you on what types of accounts, trusts, and beneficiary planning is right for you and your specific situation as well as establishing your end of life wishes for medical care.

Keep your paperwork updated

As we live our lives, who we want as beneficiaries may change over time. Relationships come and go, other people pass away, and children are born you may want to benefit from your estate. Make sure you check your estate planning periodically and make adjustments to beneficiaries or lists of accounts. A good estate lawyer may build regular reviews into your estate planning package.

By planning ahead and keeping your paperwork updated for your current situation, you can help those grieving your loss by keeping your estate out of the probate process and your assets easily distributed. Make sure the person responsible for the final distribution is familiar with your legal wishes and that they know where to find the legal paperwork and how to contact your lawyer.

Suicide Hotline Number 988 Is Now Live

New number is an important step for those in crisis

California Is investing in 9-8-8 call centers

Call 9-8-8 whenever you need it

Biohazard Cleanup After A Shooting in Coachella

Bio SoCal is here to help

We use the latest biohazard cleaning technology

Call us today

What is Skin Slippage?

The skin slippage process

Many factors speed up or slow down the process

When a dead body is found in water

Unattended Death Cleanup

Newbury Park Stabbing

Bio SoCal Decontaminates Stabbing Scene in Newbury Park

Bio SoCal Protects the Newbury Park Community

We take insurance

Our Team is Available 24/7

How to Prepare for Your Death and Avoid the Lengthy Probate Process

What is probate?

Keep your assets out of the probate process

Plan your estate to avoid probate

Seek legal counsel when estate planning

Keep your paperwork updated

From the Blog

Suicide Hotline Number 988 Is Now Live

Biohazard Cleanup After A Shooting in Coachella

What is Skin Slippage?

Newbury Park Stabbing

What is Biofilm?

Contact Us

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