Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Hospice East Bay announces extensive staffing, care coverage during planned strike

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Comprehensive hospice services and admissions to proceed without interruption

By Rico Marcelli, Communications Director, Hospice East Bay

Pleasant Hill, CA — Hospice East Bay announced its comprehensive plan to support patients, families, and the community with exceptional hospice care and admission services throughout a planned seven-day strike of National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) employees that is scheduled for October 5 to October 12, 2026.

To maintain continuity of care during this period, the following plans are in place:

A contingency team of qualified, trained clinicians will be available to respond to needs and provide necessary care, including admissions and daily operations at the Bruns House.

Hospice physicians and administrative staff will remain on call and accessible by phone for any time-sensitive concerns.

Medication, equipment, and supplies will be closely monitored and proactively managed to minimize any risk of disruption.

Volunteer activities and social support services will continue without interruption.

“Our commitment to serve the East Bay community is unwavering and we will ensure the necessary support to create seamless care for those in our care,” said Tonya Lyons, Regional Clinical Director, Hospice East Bay. “As a nonprofit

hospice provider, we are deeply disappointed by the National Union of Healthcare Worker’s plan to strike. The Hospice East Bay team continues to bargain in good faith and remains committed to reaching a fair agreement that will lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability and growth into the future,”

Hospice East Bay has provided nonprofit, community-based hospice care and grief support to local families for nearly 50 years.

“Thanks to the incredible commitment of our outstanding team members, volunteers and community supporters, we are achieving our vision of creating an environment of collaboration, celebration, opportunity and growth.” said Lyons.

Hospice East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family. As a not-for-profit organization, we accept all medically qualified patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Hospice East Bay has been caring for patients and their families since 1977. Proceeds from our thrift shoppes support the programs of Hospice East Bay. For more information visit Hospice East Bay – Palliative, Hospice & Grief Support.

Pleasant Hill hospice workers to start 7-day strike Oct. 5

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Caregivers at Hospice East Bay to protest new Florida-based owner imposing severe layoffs, service reductions

By Matthew Artz, Assistant Communications Director, National Union of Healthcare Workers

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — Three years after becoming among the first Northern California hospice workers to form a union, caregivers at one of the Bay Area’s oldest hospice providers are launching a 7-day Unfair Labor Practice strike, starting at 6 a.m., Monday, Oct. 5.

“We’ve lost local control of the hospice, and now we’re about to lose caregivers who help people through some of the hardest moments of their lives,” said Claire Eustice, a chaplain at the hospice. “This is a critical moment, and we’re taking a stand to protect a program that has served generations of East Bay families.”

Dozens of hospice workers will be striking Hospice East Bay headquarters alongside elected leaders and community supporters from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 11, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill.

The approximately 70 nurses, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains and bereavement counselors at Hospice East Bay made statewide headlines in November 2023 when they joined the National Union of Healthcare Workers. They are still seeking their first contract after nearly three years of negotiations. During that period, Hospice East Bay, which was founded in 1977 and remains the second-largest hospice provider serving Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties, surrendered local control and turned over operations to Chapters Health System, a national hospice chain based in Florida, whose CEO, Andrew Molosky, was paid over $2.5 million in 2024, the last year for which records are publicly available.

Since Chapters took over last October, contract bargaining has stagnated, and staffing has declined. After a smaller layoff last year, Chapters is now set to lay off the equivalent of 21 full-time workers effective Oct. 16, including top executives, non-union nurses and four union members: two chaplains, a psychosocial resource specialist and a bereavement counselor.

Following the layoffs, the hospice will have just two bereavement counselors for a census of 1,200 patients and immediate family members, precluding it from offering all its traditional services to help grieving family members, including peer support groups, one-on-one counseling sessions and in-home counseling for clients with mobility issues. The hospice already eliminated a program two years ago for school-aged children who lost a parent.

“We’re about to be down to only two counselors, which means we can’t offer all the services we know help those in grief,” said Dawn Torre, a bereavement counselor at the hospice. “It’s painful to know that we won’t have the capacity to help families cope with the loss of a loved one.  It’s not fair to anyone, and there’s no excuse for it.”

Hospice unionization and consolidation are increasing throughout the Bay Area. Since 2022, more than 400 hospice workers in Northern California have joined NUHW, including at two hospices in Sonoma County whose operations were recently taken over by Compassus, a private equity-backed company.

Although Chapters is not a for-profit operator, it touts a reputation for helping its member hospices to “maximize administrative resources and minimize expenses.” Among those set to be laid off on Aug. 16 is Hospice East Bay Executive Director Chris Falley. Rather than replace Falley, Chapters is planning to appoint a new executive to oversee Hospice East Bay and four other Chapters hospice programs in the western United States.

The chain went months without holding any negotiating sessions with workers despite conditions placed by Attorney General Rob Bonta on Chapters’ acquisition of Hospice East Bay requiring that the national chain to “collectively bargain in good faith.” Chapters also laid off three workers last year and withheld merit raises until the National Labor Relations Board ordered it to provide the wage increases while negotiations continued.

In contract negotiations, the chain is insisting on being able to increase health care premiums at any time, while offering only a 2.5 percent raise over the next year. Chapters is also demanding that workers effectively waive the right to ever sue Chapters and accept employment arbitration to settle disputes.

“It’s clear to us that Chapters is trying to break our union and defund our services,” said Marie Yang, a chaplain at the hospice. “Their strategy seems to be to drag this out until we give up — but that won’t happen. We’re defending a community institution, and we are committed to being able to provide our patients with the compassion they deserve.”

Workers have filed several Unfair Labor Practice charges against Hospice East Bay. There are currently two outstanding charges citing Chapters for unilaterally changing employee health insurance and refusing to bargain over it, eliminating two union job titles, and then offering to rehire the union workers into non-union job titles, but still doing the same job.

The National Union of Healthcare Workers is a member-led movement that represents 19,000 healthcare workers in California and Hawaii, including more than 400 hospice workers.

Pittsburg cop shot inside police station leaves hospital

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As he leaves the hospital on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, Pittsburg Police Officer Jimmy Sanchez is greeted by Chief Phil Galer and congratulated by his fellow officers and other department staff. Photos: Pittsburg PD

By Allen D. Payton

A post on the Pittsburg Police Department’s Facebook page on Friday, Sept. 18th, announced that the officer who was shot inside the police station on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, Jimmy Sanchez, was able to leave the hospital.

As previously reported, on that day Pittsburg Officers arrested 31-year-old Michael Arthur-Sanchez Gardner Martin for driving a stolen vehicle and outstanding felony warrants. He was transported to the police department for booking. While in booking a physical altercation between the suspect and a solo officer occurred during which a firearm was discharged striking both Officer Sanchez and the suspect.

According to Chief Phil Galer, the suspect was searched at the time of his arrest and again after being transported to our booking facility. During both searches, the same officer failed to locate a firearm concealed in the suspect’s clothing. Officer Sanchez was not the arresting or searching officer.

Officer Sanchez was transported to a local hospital and was listed in serious but stable condition. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital and listed in stable condition.

On Friday the Department wrote, “Today is a day we’ve been waiting for. After being shot in the line of duty, Officer Jimmy Sanchez is finally leaving the hospital to continue his recovery surrounded by the people who love him most.

“Jimmy isn’t just a Pittsburg Police Officer, he’s Pittsburg through and through. A homegrown kid who was raised in this community and grew up to serve and protect the same city that helped shape him. That makes today’s milestone even more special.

“Today marks a tremendous step forward. Jimmy’s courage, strength, and determination throughout this ordeal have been truly inspiring.

“To the doctors, nurses, first responders, law enforcement agencies, community members, and everyone who called, sent messages, or kept Jimmy and his family in their thoughts, THANK YOU. Your support has meant more than words can express.

“And to Officer Jimmy Sanchez: Welcome Home, Jimmy.

“Your PPD family, and the Pittsburg community are with you every step of the way.”

Fund A Hero Account to Support Officer Sanchez & His Family

A Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) Fund A Hero account has been established by the Pittsburg Police Officers Association to raise funds “to help provide Officer Sanchez and his family with meals and other essential expenses while they navigate his recovery.”

See related articles here, here, here and here.

 

 

Kaiser Permanente NorCal is one of only two health care systems in nation to have all 3 health plans rated 5-stars, highest possible by NCQA

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System’s Medicare, Medicaid and commercial health plans are also rated highest in CA for overall quality

Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for 11th ratings cycle in a row

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep and Kerri Leedy, Media and Public Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif., September 16, 2026 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California is one of only two health care systems in the nation to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans receive 5 out of 5 stars for overall quality, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2026 Health Plan Ratings.

Only 18 plans in the nation, approximately 2%, received a 5-star rating. The only other health care system in the nation to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans receive 5 out of 5 stars was Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States.

NCQA also rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in California for overall treatment, prevention, and patient experience. No other health plan in Northern California received a 5-star rating.

Source: NCQA

“Kaiser Permanente Northern California continues to deliver high-value care that improves health care outcomes and betters the lives of our members and patients every day,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our health plans are continuously rated the highest because of our unwavering commitment to providing coordinated care and exceptional service.”

For 2026, NCQA rated nearly 1,000 plans – commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans received the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in all the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the 11th ratings cycle in a row.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and clinical excellence of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who consistently deliver the highest-quality care to our patients and the communities we serve,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente Northern California is proud to be one of only two health care systems in the nation, alongside Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans all receive NCQA’s highest rating.”

NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention, population health and treatment.

Source: NCQA

NCQA primarily used the 2025 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.

The 2026 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://reportcards.ncqa.org/health-plans. See Kaiser Permanente Northern California ratings at Health Plans – NCQA.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

21st Annual Swim Across America – SF Bay Area Open Water Swim Sept. 12

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Photo: Swim Across America

More than 500 swimmers, volunteers and supporters expected

Over $7 million raised by Bay Area Swim to support pediatric cancer research and survivorship programs at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals

By Jenifer Howard, Swim Across America – San Francisco

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host the 21st annual Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area Open Water Swim on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The iconic 1.5-mile point-to-point swim starts at Little Marina Green, 3650 Yacht Road, in San Francisco, and finishes in Aquatic Park. Swimmers, volunteers and kayakers are invited to participate and help raise funds for pediatric cancer research and patient care supporting the swim’s beneficiary UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in Oakland and San Francisco. Those who cannot participate in person can still make waves to fight cancer through SAA My Way, Swim Across America’s virtual option. To register, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/sanfrancisco.

Established in 2006, Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area has granted more than $7 million to support the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute and the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco Survivors of Childhood Cancer Program. Each year, the charity swim brings together more than 500 swimmers, volunteers, spectators and supporters, along with Olympians and other special guests, for one of the Bay Area’s most memorable open water events.

“For 20 years, this community has shown what can happen when individuals take something they love — swimming — and turn it into a way to help families facing cancer,” said Laura Hovden, co-event director of Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area. “More than $7 million has gone directly to our local UCSF programs because swimmers, volunteers, kayakers, donors and teams keep showing up year after year. Our swim is about coming together, making waves and giving patients more hope and researchers more funds to make a difference.”

Few embody that commitment more than longtime swimmer, former San Francisco event director and three-time cancer survivor Susan Helmrich, captain of Team Susan Survives and one of this year’s leading fundraisers.

This year marks 49 years since Susan Helmrich’s first cancer diagnosis. She was just 21 years old when she was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Her second cancer diagnosis came 28 years ago. In 2009, she faced cancer for a third time and underwent a 6½-hour Whipple procedure for neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, followed by 23 days at Stanford Hospital.

Through it all, Susan has made raising money for cancer research a central part of her life. Throughout the years, Team Susan Survives has raised more than $1 million for local pediatric cancer research programs. As Susan approaches her 71st birthday, she has set an ambitious goal for this year: recruit 71 swimmers, kayakers, runners, cyclists, yogis, dancers, hikers, walkers and other supporters to Team Susan Survives and together raise $171,000 through the open water swim and SAA My Way.

“I am honored and proud to have survived cancer three times, and I want nothing more than to have anyone who ever gets a cancer diagnosis have the chance to live and survive as I have,” Susan said. “As the years go on, I realize that I am committed more than ever to raising money to help investigators, researchers, physicians and support services find a cure for cancer in our lifetime.”

Susan Helmrich is also swimming in memory of her mother, Edna Helmrich, who passed away in 2019 at age 92 and was herself a 53-year breast cancer survivor.

“She was my role model and my hero,” Susan said. “This year, I’m hoping that friends, old and new, from near and far will join me and Team Susan Survives to raise money for pediatric cancer research at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland.”

Another team entering the San Francisco Bay this year will be carrying the memory of someone deeply loved.

Team Batt Bunch, also known as KeckCrewSF, is captained by Mike Keck and will swim in honor and memory of Brian Batt, husband of Rene and father of swimmers Amelia and Sarah Batt. The team has participated in Swim Across America for many years, but its fight against cancer became profoundly personal when Brian was diagnosed with cancer.

Even while undergoing treatment, Brian remained determined to be there for his daughters. He scheduled his treatment so he could travel to England when Amelia and Sarah participated in an English Channel relay in 2022, where Amelia had the honor of touching France for the team, and again for their Loch Lomond swim in 2024. During treatment, Brian continued showing up at Aquatic Park to cheer the girls on during their training swims. Brian succumbed to cancer in the fall of 2025.

“Brian fought with strength, courage and dignity, and he kept showing up for his family through all of it,” Mike Keck said. “For years, we swam with Swim Across America to fight cancer. Then that fight became very real for our family and our team. Brian is missed terribly, but we will carry on just like he did, and we hope what we do can help spare other families from experiencing that same loss.”

The money raised by swimmers such as Helmrich, Keck and their teammates is already helping scientists at UCSF pursue promising new approaches to pediatric cancer.

Julie Saba, M.D., Ph.D., a UCSF pediatric oncologist, cancer researcher and director of the Swim Across America-supported research laboratory at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, leads research examining the genetic and metabolic drivers of childhood cancers. Her research team has identified important genetic drivers of neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, and has shown that disrupting the gene’s activity can prevent neuroblastoma cells from forming tumors. This research could ultimately offer a new avenue for targeting cancers in which the AF1q gene plays a role. Swim Across America funding helped support this work.

Saba also leads the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Swimmers, now in its eighth year participating in the San Francisco event.

“Without Swim Across America, I could not undertake the high-risk, high-reward studies that we believe hold benefit for the children and adults with cancer of tomorrow,” Saba said. “Nonprofit support of research is more important than ever.”

For Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area Co-Event Director Jackie NeJaime, the connection between the swimmers and researchers is what makes the event especially powerful.

“Our swimmers get to see exactly why their fundraising matters,” Jackie said. “Researchers like Dr. Saba are pursuing ideas that might otherwise struggle to get early funding, while our survivorship programs are helping young people long after their cancer treatment ends. When we swim from Little Marina Green to Aquatic Park, we know where the money is going and the impact this community is helping make.”

The event is also inspiring a new generation of swimmers to get involved.

Friends of Armada, captained by Julie Herson, returns for its third year with youth competitive swimmers from Albany Armada Aquatics Club. The team has already raised more than $17,000 during its involvement with Swim Across America and is working to raise even more this year for UCSF patients, physicians and researchers.

Also returning is UCSF Team Newborn, captained by Tom Shimotake, M.D., which will mark its 15th year participating in the San Francisco Bay swim. The team is made up of friends and supporters of the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Intensive Care Nursery who share a commitment to fighting childhood cancer. Nearly one-quarter of pediatric malignancies are diagnosed during the first year of life, giving the team’s mission a particularly close connection to the patients its members serve.

Among the San Francisco community’s other leading fundraisers this year is Berkeley marathon swimmer Maya Merhige, who completed both the North Channel and Strait of Gibraltar this summer as part of her quest to complete the Oceans Seven. Merhige will be away at college on the day of the San Francisco swim but continues to raise funds for Swim Across America and its cancer research mission.

From cancer survivors to families swimming in memory of loved ones, young competitive swimmers and UCSF physicians and researchers, the September 12 swim will bring together hundreds with a shared goal: using the waters of San Francisco Bay to help create better outcomes for people facing cancer.

“Whether this is your first open water swim or you’ve been swimming in the Bay for decades, there is a place for you in this community,” Laura Hovden noted. “Swim, kayak, volunteer, create your own SAA My Way activity or support someone who is participating. Every person can help us make waves to fight cancer.”

Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.

For more information, to join as a swimmer, volunteer or kayaker, or to participate virtually or donate to Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area, visit swimacrossamerica.org/sanfrancisco.

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

Three physicians join team at Springhill Medical Group

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Harshal R. Patil, M.D., Nivedha Rajan, M.D. and Jose Basora, M.D. have joined Springhill Medical Group. Photos: Springhill

Serving East Bay patients at offices in Pittsburg, Brentwood

Part of the Hill Physicians network

By Diane Barney, Director of Marketing and Communications, Hill Physicians Medical Group

The addition of three new physicians in the last year has rounded out the diverse multispecialty team at Springhill Medical Group, which has been serving patients in the East Bay since 1989, at medical offices in Pittsburg and Brentwood.

Nivedha Rajan, M.D., is the latest primary care physician to join the group. Dr. Rajan is board-certified in internal medicine and is accepting new patients, age 18 and up. She is skilled in managing acute and chronic conditions and coordinating multidisciplinary care.

She grew up in the East Bay and is pleased to serve patients from Contra Costa, Solano and southwestern Sacramento counties. She is fluent in English, as well as Telugu, Tamil and Kannada, primarily spoken in South India and across Southern Asia.

Dr. Rajan received her medical degree from Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences in Bangalore, India. She served her residency at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno.

“I’m happy to be back in the East Bay, providing care to patients close to their homes and my own,” said Dr. Rajan. “I strongly believe in patient-centered care, which means getting to know my patients and working closely with them as we decide how to best approach their treatment plans.”

Harshal R. Patil, M.D., is a cardiology specialist who joined the group in May. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati.

Dr. Patil earned his medical degree in Government Medical College Dhule, Maharashtra, India and served his residency at St. Luke’s Hospital and Truman Medical Center, both in Kansas City. He makes his home in Walnut Creek. He completed fellowships in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and advanced cardiovascular imaging, and preventive cardiology.

Jose Facundo Basora-Rovira, M.D., came on board nearly a year ago. He is board-certified in pulmonary and critical care. He is fluent in English and Spanish. He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College and completed a residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New Jersey.

Dr. Basora has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions, including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary infections and lung cancer. He makes his home in Walnut Creek.

With these additions, the team now includes three primary care physicians, one nurse practitioner, three pulmonary specialists, three cardiologists and one endocrinologist. They all offer patient appointments at both locations, as well as telehealth visits.

The variety of specialties is a real advantage for patients, explains Karthik Reddy, M.D., president of the Springhill Medical Group.

“This is especially beneficial for older patients, who often have multiple chronic conditions,” said Dr. Reddy. “Our primary care physicians can consult with colleagues just down the hall, which helps us get EKGs done quickly and address chronic care needs the same day. That level of efficiency and coordination makes a real difference for our patients.”

The practice was started 37 years ago by cardiology specialist Henry Gong, M.D., and internist and pulmonologist Gerald Del Rio, M.D., both who still work part time at the practice. Springhill Medical Group became part of the Hill Physicians network in 2008.

“We are delighted with the addition of these three professionals – all from the East Bay – who join our experienced team and allow us to continue to serve our growing community,” added Dr. Reddy.

Springhill Medical Group is located at 2220 Gladstone Drive, Suite 3 in Pittsburg and 2400 Balfour Road, Suite 306 in Brentwood.

To book an appointment to see Dr. Rajan, please call (925) 432-3318. For more information, including what insurance plans are accepted, visit Springhill Medical Group’s website at www.springhillmed.com.

Contra Costa Health deploys SmartGateway for enhanced security measures

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The SmartGateway weapons detector. Graphic source: Xtract-One

Adopts AI-powered weapons detection at medical facilitis ahead of state law compliance deadline

By Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations

Toronto, ON –Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) announced recently multiple SmartGateway deployments across California healthcare facilities, reflecting growing demand from health systems across the state ahead of the March 2027 compliance deadline for California Assembly Bill 2975. Deployments are underway at Contra Costa Health in Martinez and Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister, with expected completion by mid-August, in addition to the previous San Mateo Health deployment.

AB 2975 requires hospitals across California to implement enhanced security measures at high-traffic public entrances by March, 2027. The mandate reflects a broader recognition among healthcare administrators and state regulators that emergency departments and other public-facing hospital entrances require dedicated screening to protect staff and patients from weapons-related violence.

“California health systems are making real procurement decisions right now, and the facilities selecting Xtract One are doing so because the technology fits the environment,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “SmartGateway was built for high patient and visitor volumes, diverse populations, and clinical staff who need to focus on care. What we’re seeing across Hazel Hawkins, Contra Costa Health, and San Mateo – and more broadly with healthcare systems in general – is that once an organization sees accurate, high-throughput detection running in a real hospital environment, expanding the solution across the facility becomes an obvious next step.”

Xtract One’s presence in California healthcare predates the AB 2975 mandate. San Mateo Medical Center deployed SmartGateway at its main campus in 2025 following extensive testing of available solutions, with plans to expand to all satellite clinics. The Contra Costa Health deployments build on that established footprint as health systems across the state accelerate their procurement timelines ahead of the March 2027 deadline.

Xtract One’s SmartGateway is designed specifically for high-throughput environments with lower volumes of personal belongings. The system identifies concealed guns and knives while allowing individuals to walk through at a natural pace without divesting personal items, distinguishing it from traditional walk-through metal detectors that alert broadly on any metal object. For healthcare environments where speed and accessibility are

Contra Costa Health, Martinez, CA

Contra Costa Health has also selected three SmartGateway systems for deployment across its main entrance, emergency department, and psychiatric entrance in the primary hospital facility. The deployment is driven by a clear security mandate of detecting and intercepting firearms and bladed weapons before they reach clinical environments. Contra Costa Health has prioritized detection accuracy above all other operational considerations, implementing a bag check protocol alongside SmartGateway screening at its main entrance to ensure the most thorough possible security posture across all three entry points.

To learn more, visit www.xtractone.com.

About Xtract One

Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing- and delivering improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while enhancing safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

About Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa Health is the integrated public health system serving Contra Costa County. The system operates a network of hospitals, clinics and public health programs serving hundreds of thousands of residents across the county, with a focus on accessible care for all community members regardless of ability to pay. For more information, visit www.cchealth.org.

About Threat Detection Systems

Xtract One solutions, when properly configured, deployed, and utilized, are designed to help enhance safety and reduce threats. Given the wide range of potential threats in today’s world, no threat detection system is 100% effective. Xtract One solutions should be utilized as one element in a multilayered approach to physical security.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance and customer contracts, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law

Kaiser Permanente Nor Cal hospitals recognized as “high performing” for treating complex medical conditions and procedures

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Graphics source: U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report’s annual study rates Kaiser hospitals among nation’s best for providing high-quality, specialized care

Antioch, Richmond ranked Best Regional Hospitals and among best in state

By Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations & Public Relations Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, CA – Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s hospitals are nationally recognized as “high performing” for treating complex medical conditions and procedures including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and stroke.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals annual study rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as among the top 30% of hospitals in the nation for at least one of the 37 measures evaluated.

Approximately 4,500 hospitals participated in the study, which analyzes performance in 14 specialty care areas and 23 procedures and conditions. The “high performing” designation honors those hospitals that deliver high-quality care when treating complex medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, colorectal cancer surgery, stroke, and diabetes.

Kaiser Permanente hospitals are consistently recognized as among the top hospitals in the nation for providing high-quality, safe patient care that leads to improved health outcomes.

“Kaiser Permanente continues to be a national leader in preventing disease, providing world-class treatment, and using evidence-based research to help our patients and members live longer and healthy lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our clinicians and staff are delivering exceptional care to our patients every day getting them the right care when they need it.”

Top hospitals in California

Eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are designated by U.S. News & World Report as “Best Regional Hospitals” and are ranked among the best in the state: Antioch, Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Roseville and South Sacramento.

Three Kaiser Permanente hospitals are also ranked among the top 50 in the nation for providing high-quality specialty care:

  • San Francisco is ranked 34th for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
  • Santa Clara is ranked 42nd for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
  • Vallejo is ranked 45th for rehabilitation

Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa is also rated high-performing nationally for its geriatric care.

“Everything we do is centered around making sure our patients receive high-quality and high-value care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “This recognition underscores the strength of our integrated model and the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who provide compassionate, evidence-based care for our members and patients every day.”

In its hospital analysis, U.S. News & World Report uses publicly available data such as volume, mortality rates, infection rates, staffing levels, and patient satisfaction rates, among other factors.

The annual ratings and rankings are designed to help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

11 ways to help kids start school strong

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Photos: Sutter Health

Advice from pediatric experts across Sutter Health on helping children and teens thrive this school year.

By Monique Binkley-Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health 

The countdown to a new school year has begun. For many families, that means shopping for supplies, filling out forms and preparing for busy schedules. It’s also the perfect time to reset healthy habits.

Pediatricians across Sutter Health share 11 back-to-school tips to help children and teens stay healthy, focused and ready to learn.

  1. Start adjusting sleep schedules now

One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until the night before school starts to reset bedtime.

“As the school year approaches, it’s time to start adjusting your sleep routine,” says Dr. Dan Brennan, Greater Central Coast Children’s Service Line medical director with Sansum Santa Barbara Medical Group in Santa Barbara. “In the weeks leading up to the start of school, start moving bedtime up by 15 minutes a night until you get to the expected school-year bedtime.”

  1. Know how much sleep children really need

Adequate sleep helps regulate metabolism, maintain a healthy weight, promote positive mood and behavior, and support memory retention and mental alertness needed for academic success, says Dr. Jessica Tsai, with Sutter East Bay Medical Group in Antioch.

Dr. Rakhi Mehrotra, with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Livermore, also recommends helping kids and teens stay on track by keeping the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, including weekends.

Drs. Tsai and Mehrotra recommend the following hours of sleep by age:

  • Preschoolers: 10-13 hours daily, including naps
  • Children age 6-12: 9-12 hours nightly
  • Teens: 8-10 hours nightly
  1. Fuel kids for learning and growth

Healthy eating habits help children get the nutrients they need for energy, growth, focus and overall well-being, according to Dr. Mehrotra.

She recommends:

  • Starting the day with breakfast
  • Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy each day
  • Choosing colorful fruits and vegetables throughout the week
  • Filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter with whole grains and one-quarter with healthy protein
  • Choosing healthy snacks such as fruit, yogurt, nuts, vegetables and whole-grain options
  1. Make water the beverage of choice

Hydration becomes especially important as children spend more time outdoors and return to sports.

“With kids outside more, we want to encourage families to provide as much hydration as possible, water being our first choice,” explains Dr. Brennan.

Sugary and caffeinated beverages should be avoided. Caffeinated beverages work against hydration and generally lead to more dehydration, he notes.

  1. Encourage kids to get moving

Physical activity supports both physical and mental health.

“Whether it’s organized sports, riding bikes, walking the dog or playing at the park, daily physical activity supports both physical and mental health,” says Dr. David Tejeda, with Sutter West Bay Medical Group in San Francisco.

For children interested in organized athletics, Dr. Brennan suggests recreational sports leagues and individual activities such as swimming, running, biking, gymnastics, and rock climbing.

  1. Avoid specializing in one sport too soon

Playing the same sport year-round may sound like a path to success, but pediatricians often see the downside.

“I discourage my pediatric patients from specializing in one sport too early,” emphasizes Dr. Brennan. “High-level athletes benefit from cross training that comes with playing a variety of sports.”

He notes that children who play one sport year-round can develop chronic overuse injuries.

  1. Prepare young athletes before the season begins

As children return to practices, tryouts and games, Dr. Anita Juvvadi, with Sutter West Bay Medical Group in San Francisco, encourages families to focus on the basics:

  • Increase activity gradually before organized practices begin
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Prioritize consistent sleep
  • Eat enough to support increased activity

“The body needs time to acclimate to new movement and sustained activity,” she says.

  1. Warm up the right way

Before sports and physical activity, Dr. Liang Xue, with Sutter East Bay Medical Group in Brentwood, recommends active, dynamic warm-ups rather than static stretching.

Dynamic warm-ups use movements such as jogging, skipping, lunges and arm circles to increase blood flow, raise body temperature and prepare muscles and joints for activity.

In contrast, holding static stretches before exercise may temporarily reduce strength and power. Saving static stretching for after activity, when muscles are warm, can help improve flexibility and support recovery.

  1. Protect growing bodies and brains

Protective gear matters, according to Dr. Brennan.

“A helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter can protect that precious brain, and don’t forget to buckle the helmet,” he advises.

He also cautions parents about e-bikes and electric scooters, which account for a growing number of serious injuries, emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

“When possible, skip the electric version and stick to good old-fashioned pedaling,” he says.

  1. Know the signs of concussion

As children return to school sports, parents should familiarize themselves with concussion symptoms.

Dr. Angela Lumba-Brown, a pediatric emergency medicine physician with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Palo Alto, reminds parents to watch for:

  • Worsening headaches
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Balance problems
  • Seizures
  • Neck pain
  • Unusual behavior

“If a concussion is suspected, children should be removed from play and evaluated before returning to sports,” she says.

  1. Don’t forget vaccines and sun protection

The start of the school year is an ideal time to review routine immunizations.

“Vaccines save lives and keep children healthy by building immunity to many serious viral and bacterial infections,” advises Dr. Brennan.

He stresses the importance of families staying up to date on routine vaccinations and annual flu vaccines.

For outdoor activities, Dr. Yvonne Nicole Lee, with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Santa Clara, recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, hats, UV-protective clothing and sunglasses. Sunscreen should be applied 10 to 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours.

The Bottom Line

Healthy school years don’t happen by accident. Good sleep, nutritious meals, physical activity, hydration, injury prevention and routine healthcare all work together to help children learn, grow and thrive.

CalHR selects Spring Health to assume statewide employee mental health support

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Whole You, Powered by Spring Health, extends personalized mental health care to more than 245,000 California state employees across 153 departments

By Kristina Piersanti, 5W PR for Spring Health

SACRAMENTO, Calif., — California’s firefighters, police officers, parks departments, correctional staff and many others spend their careers keeping communities safe and helping people through their worst days. Nationally, first responders develop PTSD at up to ten times the rate of the general population, according to a 2025 meta-analysis published in Clinical Psychology Review[1]. It’s a toll that builds quietly over the routine weight of emergency response and is compounded during high-intensity stretches like fire season.

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is now providing the state’s employees and their families access to Whole You, Powered by Spring Health, CalHR’s new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential, personalized support for care, crisis needs, work-life challenges, and everyday wellbeing. A lifelong mental health platform, Spring Health will deliver mental health care to more than 245,000 California state employees across 153 departments, and their eligible family members.

First responders receive the most extensive tier of care under the new program, delivered by trauma-informed providers with direct experience in first responder roles. Support staff within CalFire, the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation also receive an elevated level of support, reflecting the higher-stress nature of their roles. The State’s 153,000 administrative or desk-based staff will also receive support under the new program.

CalHR was drawn to Spring Health’s proven outcomes, not just improved access. According to research published in OJPHI and JAMA Network Open, 92% of members reliably improve or recover from depression or anxiety, and members recover 5.9 weeks faster than the leading competitor, with appointments available in less than two days on average, compared to a 48-day average with traditional EAPs.

“First responders put themselves in harm’s way over and over again to protect the communities they serve. That takes a toll not just on them, but on their families too,” said George Michaels, Chief Revenue Officer at Spring Health. “Partnering with CalHR to support more than 245,000 state employees is exactly the kind of large-scale, public-sector commitment we built Spring Health to deliver on, and we’re honored to help deliver the mental health support they and their families deserve.”

“When people go to work, they shouldn’t have to leave their hearts at home,” said Shannon MacGregor, Statewide Employee Assistance Program Manager at the California Department of Human Resources. “Our first responders carry things most of us never have to. Whole You is our commitment that when they need support, it’s there — fast, confidential and built around what they’ve actually experienced.”

Whole You, Powered by Spring Health, is available now to California state employees and their eligible dependents through their department’s benefits resources. For more information on Spring Health’s lifelong mental health platform, visit our webpage.

About Spring Health

Spring Health is a global mental health company built on one AI-native platform so care follows individuals across every job, move, health plan, and life stage. Independently validated by JAMA Network Open and the Validation Institute, with 92% of members reliably improved or recovered from depression or anxiety and employers seeing a 52% reduction in total mental health claims costs, Spring Health provides personalized lifelong mental health support across self-guided tools, coaching, therapy, medication management, and specialty care. More than 170 million people worldwide have access to Spring Health, which is trusted by leading employers, health plans, and channel partners, including Highmark, Target, The Coca-Cola Company, BlackRock, Microsoft, Pfizer, and Wawa.

[1] Arena, A.F., Gregory, M., Collins, D.A.J., Vilus, B., Bryant, R., Harvey, S.B., & Deady, M. (2025). Global PTSD prevalence among active first responders and trends over recent years: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 120, 102622.