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Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center recognized as Top Hospital

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Photos source: Kaiser Permanente.

Among 6 Kaiser Nor Cal hospitals ranked as nation’s Top Hospitals by The Leapfrog Group

By Antonia Ehlers, PR & Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are among the top hospitals in the nation for providing safe, high-quality patient care, according to the Leapfrog Group’s 2024 Top Hospital award.

The highest-performing hospitals on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey are recognized annually with the prestigious Leapfrog Top Hospital award, considered one of the most elite and competitive honors a hospital can receive. In 2024, only 134 hospitals nationwide, or less than 6% of the nearly 2,400 eligible hospitals, were recognized.

The six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals to receive the award include: Antioch, Manteca, Modesto, San Jose, San Rafael and South San Francisco. The Leapfrog Group also recently recognized 14 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals with an “A” rating for patient safety.

Kaiser Foundation Hospital Antioch was recognized as a Top Teaching Hospital.

View this hospital’s full score.

View this hospital’s Leapfrog Hospital Survey Results

“Our hospitals are recognized consistently as among the best in the nation for providing safe, equitable, high-quality patient care, which is a top priority for our care teams and the staff and employees who support them,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Focusing on safety and quality enhances clinical outcomes and supports our patients’ journey toward improved health.”

Only 29 California hospitals received the Leapfrog Top Hospital award. Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s 6 hospitals represent more than 20% that were recognized.

The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is based on excellence in upholding quality standards across several areas of patient care including staffing, hand hygiene, infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care, and error prevention. Hospitals must have also received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade in the most recent round of scoring to be eligible for the Top Hospital award.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our highly trained clinical teams who provide exceptional quality care with compassion,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente continues to be ranked among the best for providing high-quality care, focusing on the overall health and well-being of those we serve.”

The annual Top Hospital award is given to both teaching and general medical centers. Kaiser Permanente Antioch, San Jose, and South San Francisco are named top teaching hospitals and Kaiser Permanente Manteca, Modesto, and San Rafael are named top general hospitals.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health care benefits. It is an independent advocacy group working with a broad range of partners, including hospitals and insurers.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Gov. Newsom proclaims State of Emergency in response to “Bird Flu” outbreak

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To further enhance state’s preparedness and accelerate ongoing cross-agency response efforts following spread of Avian influenza A (H5N1) in 16 states, including California and outside the Central Valley,

“To date, no person-to-person spread of Bird Flu has been detected in California and nearly all infected individuals had exposure to infected cattle.” – Office of the California Governor

Sacramento, California – December 18, 2024 – Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed a State of Emergency to streamline and expedite the state’s response to Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as “Bird Flu.” This action comes as cases were detected in dairy cows on farms in Southern California, signaling the need to further expand monitoring and build on the coordinated statewide approach to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus. The virus has spread in 16 states among dairy cattle, following its first confirmed detection in Texas and Kansas in March 2024.

To date, no person-to-person spread of Bird Flu has been detected in California and nearly all infected individuals had exposure to infected cattle. California has already established the largest testing and monitoring system in the nation to respond to the outbreak.

This emergency proclamation will provide state and local agencies with additional flexibility around staffing, contracting, and other rules to support California’s evolving response.

“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak. Building on California’s testing and monitoring system — the largest in the nation — we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture industry, and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information. While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus,” said Newsom.

Ongoing efforts to prevent spread and serious infection

California has mobilized a comprehensive cross-agency response to Bird Flu in dairy cattle and poultry farms to minimize farm worker exposures, reduce raw dairy product contamination, and mitigate the spread of the virus. The state has enlisted local, state, and federal government technical and operational expertise to support all facets of the response; worked to educate the public, health professionals, employers, and workers on prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to Bird Flu; provided comprehensive information for employers and workers on personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements; and distributed millions of pieces of PPE to high-risk workers at dairy farms.

Through coordinated public awareness efforts between the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), and other agencies, the state is leading a cross-agency response that includes timely public updates, multilingual outreach to dairy and poultry workers, targeted social media efforts to promote preventive practices, online and printed resources for the public, and media interviews to keep Californians informed. Additionally, the state is ensuring that agriculture workers have access to additional doses of seasonal flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce concurrent flu risks.

Officials have also been working in close collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S.  Department of Agriculture, and local health and agricultural officials, as part of a whole-of-government effort to coordinate, implement, and ensure timely surveillance and investigation of potential cases of Bird Flu.

Bird flu in the United States

Bird Flu was first detected in the United States in the wild bird population in South Carolina in January 2022, and in the wild bird population in California in July 2022. On March 25, 2024, an outbreak of Bird Flu in dairy cows was first reported in Texas and Kansas, and CDFA took immediate action to monitor for Bird Flu infections in California herds. Since then, there have been 61 total reported confirmed cases of Bird Flu infection in humans across seven states, including 34 reported human cases in California.

On August 30, 2024, following its detection in 13 other states, Bird Flu was confirmed in a dairy cow in Central California, and the California Department of Public Health immediately activated its Medical Health Coordination Center.

See CA Gov Bird Flu State of Emergency Proclamation 12-18-24

 

Hill Physicians Medical Group honored for high-quality affordable care

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17th year receiving top ranking

SAN RAMON, CA.— Hill Physicians Medical Group, the largest Independent Physician Association (IPA) in California, has earned three prestigious honors for healthcare excellence, the organization announced on Dec. 5.

Two of the awards come from the Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA), which recognized Hill Physicians for its outstanding performance in the Sacramento and East Bay regions. In addition, Hill Physicians earned the top “Elite Status” designation in America’s Physicians Groups (APG) Standards of Excellence Survey, the highest honor the program offers. This marks the 17th year Hill Physicians has received the top ranking.

“These awards highlight Hill Physicians’ dedication and commitment to achieving the highest quality care while effectively managing costs for both patients and physicians alike,” said Hill Physicians Chief Medical Officer K. Gabrielle Gaspar, M.D. “Our success comes from our partnership with our practices, and makes it possible to provide comprehensive, top-quality care to members across 14 counties in Northern California.”

To qualify for the IHA Excellence in Healthcare awards, provider organizations must rank among the top 50 percent for clinical quality, patient experience and cost-efficiency for their commercial HMO populations. Only 22 out of nearly 200 eligible provider organizations in the state received the award, part of IHA’s “Align. Measure. Perform. (AMP)” program.

The APG’s “Elite Status” recognizes organizations excelling in value-based care models, including Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Shared Savings Program. This year, 119 IPAs applied for the award, and only 68 received the elite designation. Elite Status organizations are among the nation’s highest-performing healthcare organizations, excelling in primary care, patient-centered care and population health management, according to APG President and CEO Susan Dentzer.

APG’s Clinical Quality Leadership Forum adds new elements to each category every year in order to set a higher standard than the previous year, to continue to raise national health care standards and increase expectations of government agencies, purchasers, payers and patients.

“The capabilities that these groups possess in such areas as providing advanced primary care, delivering patient centered care, managing population health and being transparent about their quality and costs, place them at the forefront of U.S. physician practices and health systems,” said Dentzer.

About Hill Physicians Medical Group

Hill Physicians Medical Group is the largest Independent Physician Association in Northern California. For 40 years, the group has provided access to quality, patient-focused healthcare. With more than 6,000 primary care and specialty care physicians, Hill Physicians partners with leading health plans and hospitals, serving communities in 14 counties across Northern California, including Sacramento, Stockton, San Francisco and the East Bay. For more information, visit www.hillphysicians.com.

About IHA’s AMP programs

IHA’s Align. Measure. Perform. (AMP) programs use a fair and transparent approach to measurement and benchmarking to create a reliable assessment of performance for medical groups, and IPAs across health plans. For more information, visit www.iha.org.

About America’s Physician Groups

America’s Physician Groups is a national association representing approximately 360 physician groups with approximately 170,000 physicians providing care to nearly 90 million patients. For more information, visit www.apg.org.

Legal earthquake: Federal jury in SF awards millions to BART workers denied religious accommodations

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Fired for not taking COVID-19 vaccine, one employee from San Pablo

San Francisco, CA. –  A federal jury on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, delivered a stunning blow to Bay Area officials who denied every religious accommodation requested by workers to its COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The eight-person jury deliberated for two days before unanimously awarding six former employees of San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) more than $1 million each, for a total of about $7.8 million. The employees have been represented by Pacific Justice Institute since 2022.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the jury first determined that BART failed to prove an undue hardship in denying any accommodations to the employees. Yesterday, the jury further concluded that all of the employees had met their burden of showing a genuine conflict between their faith and the vaccine requirement, which was implemented in late 2021. The jury then accepted the numbers calculated by the plaintiffs’ economic expert for lost wages and added $1 million to each of those figures.

Brad Dacus, president of PJI, commented, “These verdicts are seismic—a 7.8 San Francisco legal earthquake. This amazing outcome represents so much hard work by our team, perseverance by these clients, and fairness from our judicial system.”

Kevin Snider, PJI’s Chief Counsel who served as lead trial counsel, commented, “The rail employees chose to lose their livelihood rather than deny their faith. That in itself shows the sincerity and depth of their convictions. After nearly three years of struggle, these essential workers feel they were heard and understood by the jury and are overjoyed and relieved by the verdict.”

During the trial, jurors heard compelling testimony from dedicated employees. One of the plaintiffs had worked for more than 30 years for BART, with a stretch of 10 years perfect attendance, before being unceremoniously dismissed. Another had been out on workers comp for months, with no scheduled return date, when she was fired. BART had also argued that several of the employees’ conflicts with taking the vaccine were more secular than religious. The jury disagreed.

PJI’s trial attorneys in this case consisted of Kevin T. Snider, Matthew B. McReynolds, and Milton E. Matchak. PJI was joined at trial by co-counsel Jessica R. Barsotti. Nationwide, PJI continues to represent hundreds of dedicated employees who lost their jobs after they sought and were denied religious accommodations to the COVID-19 vaccines. This week’s verdicts are expected to impact many of those pending cases.

The BART employees’ case number is 3:22-cv-06119-WHA.

California Family Council Comments on Court Victory

In addition, the California Family Council wrote the following on their website (republished with permission):

Victory for Conscience: Fired BART Employees Secure Million-Dollar Settlement Over Vaccine Mandate

In a case that sends a powerful message on the importance of religious liberty, a San Francisco jury awarded more than $7 million to former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) employees who were terminated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds. Represented by the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), these employees sacrificed their careers rather than compromise their deeply held convictions—a stand that has now been vindicated in court, both legally and morally.

A Stand for Faith Over Career

This case, centered on BART’s refusal to accommodate employees’ sincere religious objections, highlighted the tensions between public health policies and individual rights to religious freedom. For these former BART workers, faith was not just a private belief but a guiding principle that defined how they lived and worked. In the face of mounting pressures, they made a difficult choice: to lose their jobs rather than violate their consciences. According to Kevin Snider, PJI’s Chief Counsel and lead trial attorney on the case, “The rail employees chose to lose their livelihood rather than deny their faith. That in itself shows the sincerity and depth of their convictions. After nearly three years of struggle, these essential workers feel they were heard and understood by the jury and are overjoyed and relieved by the verdict.”

This lawsuit is part of a broader trend in the courts, where cases involving COVID-19 mandates and religious objections are increasingly ruling in favor of those who held firm to their faith. The jury’s decision represents a milestone in affirming that religious accommodations cannot be set aside, even amid unprecedented health crises. As Reuters noted, similar cases across the country are starting to see victories for individuals who stood by their beliefs rather than comply with mandates they found objectionable on religious grounds.

Pacific Justice Institute Defends Religious Rights in Court

Brad Dacus, President of PJI, emphasized the wider impact of this ruling, saying, “This case sets a legal precedent ensuring that all government agencies honor religious exemptions.” His statement underscores that this case has implications far beyond California and BART; it signals a renewed commitment to protecting religious rights across all sectors, reminding government agencies and private employers alike that religious liberty is a constitutional right, not an optional privilege.

Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Employers have an obligation to respect their employees’ religious beliefs by providing reasonable accommodations whenever possible. Religious freedom is foundational, and this decision underscores the importance of honoring that freedom in all facets of public life.” Burt’s comments resonate in a climate where religious rights are often viewed as secondary to policy mandates, reinforcing the idea that true religious freedom requires active respect from employers and institutions.

Integrity and Conviction in the Face of Institutional Pressure

The jury’s award of over $7 million was not merely a financial victory but a resounding affirmation of the workers’ commitment to their principles. It serves as a powerful testament to the fact that religious liberty extends into the workplace and that individuals should not be coerced into choices that violate their faith. The workers’ triumph speaks to the courage it takes to defend one’s beliefs against institutional pressures. The defendants’ win also addresses a broader legal and societal question: How do we, as a nation, protect the conscience rights of individuals amid public mandates? By securing this verdict, the former BART employees underscore the critical importance of faith-based resilience in a culture that increasingly prioritizes compliance over conviction.

This case does more than validate the BART employees’ religious rights—it represents an undercurrent of resistance where faith and courage fuel social change. Their unwavering stance mirrors that of others in history who’ve faced institutional pressures for their beliefs, reminding us that when one group stands firm, they often pave the way for countless others to reclaim their rights. With this landmark decision, these workers have become symbols of integrity and resilience, showing us all that the call to live authentically—faith and all—can transform society in profound ways.

An effort to contact one of the six plaintiffs who lives in San Pablo was unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any udpates to this report.

 

 

Opinion: Mental health therapy is available and if you think you cannot afford it, you still have options

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By Christeen Tilenius

According to “Mental Health America” in 2024, one in four adults with mental distress couldn’t get help because they couldn’t afford it. In hopes of helping people in Antioch to be able to afford help with their mental health if they want it, I am sharing this information with you.

I sadly had a friend who could not afford to get the help they needed with their anxiety and self-medicated themselves with alcohol to numb it. They died young after being run over by a car while walking in the middle of a busy road at night while drunk. I always wondered if they wouldn’t have turned to alcohol, and died young if they had been able to get the help they needed with their anxiety.

We often write-off our anxiety as stress and call it “normal”, as if there is no way to escape our discomfort due to the day and age we live in. There is a difference between stress and anxiety just as there is a difference between getting sad and having depression. Most importantly, we can help ourselves to start to feel better regardless of what we call our emotional discomfort.

It is obvious that we are injured when we have a broken leg and can just barely limp along with a cast on crutches. It is easy for all people to see when someone has a broken leg, but sometimes only we know if we are hurting emotionally. When we have a broken dream, promise, relationship or heart, regrets that won’t leave us alone or failures that continue to haunt us, we can feel just as hurt or worse than if we had a broken leg.

An analysis appearing in 2011 in the journal Psychiatric Times reports that up until that year over 20 studies had examined brain changes after therapy for depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and trauma disorders like PTSD; all found that therapy changes the brain as much as psychiatric medication. Please note that I am not in any way telling people who need medication to not take it.

There are local mental health therapists, who take various types of health insurance, provide free services and sliding scale services to help people to cope regardless of their income levels. If time is a stressor, you may be able to find a therapist who can help you with regular phone calls or telehealth meetings. California State Licensed therapists go through 8+ years of college education in order to practice in the state of California, often a testament to their desire to help you feel better. In closing, please remember that all people experience challenges at points in their lives and there is no shame in asking for help.

Here is the contact information for some of the free, low-cost, sliding scale therapy services and crisis hotlines available to Antioch, California residents:

1) Mental Health Services for Adults & Caregivers

www.cchealth.org/get-care/mental-health

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) – Behavioral Health Services (BHS)

Call the 24/7 ACCESS Line at 1-888-678-7277

2) Brighter Beginnings Family Health Clinic Antioch Behavioral Therapy

www.brighter-beginnings.org

3505 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94509, (925) 303-4780

3) Lifelong East Oakland Health Center

https://lifelongmedical.org/

10700 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94605, (510) 981-4100

4) Mobile Therapy by God’s Love Outreach Ministries (GLOM)

www.godsloveoutreach.com, (925) 999-4119

5) YWCA Contra Costa/Sacramento

www.ywcaccc.org

1320 Arnold Drive, Suite 170, Martinez, CA 94553, 925-372-4213 ext. 123

6) Community Clinic Psychotherapy Services

https://tpi-berkeley.org/

2232 Carleton Street Berkeley, California, 94704, (510) 548-2250

7) Center for Psychotherapy

cfp@centerforpsych.org

509 W 10th Street, Antioch, CA 94509, (925) 777-9540

8) Community Health for Asian Americans

https://chaaweb.org/

3727 Sunset Lane, Antioch, CA 94509, (925) 778-1667

9) The Crisis Center’s Crisis Lines

Provide crisis and suicide intervention, emotional support, counseling and resource information for Contra Costa County. This program provides 24/7 Support via Call or Text. If you are in a crisis and need help immediately, please call 211 or 800-833-2900 or text ‘‘HOPE” to 20121 now. Doing so will quickly put you in touch with one of the program’s call specialists.

10) National Domestic Violence Hotline

www.thehotline.org

1 (800) 799-7233 or text START to 88788

NOTE: In an emergency dial 911

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Health Plan in California tied for Highest Rating in the state

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Source: Kaiser Permanente

High rating reflects the expert medicine, seamless care, and outstanding service provided to Kaiser’s 1.4 million Medicare Advantage members

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, CA— Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plan in California is rated among the best in the state for providing high-quality, seamless care, and outstanding service to its 1.4 million Medicare Advantage members.

This year, the Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan in California received 4.5 out of 5 stars, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2025 Star Ratings. In addition, the Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan in California is tied for the highest star rating in the state.

“These ratings demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality care and exceptional service to all of our Northern California members, including our Medicare Advantage members,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Kaiser Permanente is routinely recognized as being among the nation’s best for improving the health and well-being of our members and patients.”

The Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan in California has been highly rated – with mostly 4.5 and 5 star ratings – for the past 15 years.

“Our clinicians work together across all specialties to ensure personalized, high-quality care for our patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “The CMS Star Ratings, along with our nation-leading NCQA ratings, demonstrate the commitment of our physicians and care teams to provide all of our patients with the exceptional and compassionate care they need to live long, healthy lives.”

Ratings reflect high-quality care and service

Every year, CMS publishes Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) ratings. The ratings offer consumers a way to compare the quality of Medicare plans.

To develop the ratings, CMS considers many areas of care and service. For example, it looks at how well health plans keep members healthy and manage their chronic conditions. CMS also considers patient experiences, customer service, patient access, and pharmacy services.

Kaiser Permanente provides care to more than 1.9 million Medicare members in 8 states and the District of Columbia.

Northern and Southern California are rated together as one contract with CMS. Kaiser Permanente’s Dual Eligible-Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) H-contract (H8794) began in California on January 1, 2024, and is too new to be measured for the 2025 Star Ratings. It will be eligible beginning with the 2026 Star Ratings if the contract has sufficient enrollees and measures rated.

Ongoing recognition for Kaiser Permanente’s health plans

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) also recently ranked Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s health plans as the highest rated in California – and among the highest in the nation – for providing expert, coordinated care, and exceptional service.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare and commercial health plans in Northern California each received 4.5 out of 5 stars, according to NCQA’s 2024 Health Plan Ratings. This was the ninth ratings period that Kaiser Permanente Northern California was the highest-rated plan in the region and among the highest in the country. Nationally, only 8% of the health plans are rated 4.5 stars or higher.

NCQA also ranked Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in the state for overall treatment, prevention, equity, and patient experience.

Enrolling in a Kaiser Permanente Medicare Health Plan

Medicare’s annual enrollment period for all 2025 Medicare health plans begins on October 15 and runs through December 7, 2024.

Medicare beneficiaries can learn more about the CMS’ star ratings and Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plans by visiting kp.org/medicarestars.

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 more than 12.5 million members in 8 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.

Kaiser offers health coverage at low or no cost to you

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Photo: Kaiser Permanente

Application period for Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program opens Nov. 1st

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Many low-income Californians make too much money to qualify for Medi-Cal, but they’re unable to get affordable health coverage anywhere else. Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program (CHCP) was designed with them in mind.

The Kaiser Permanente CHCP provides comprehensive, affordable health care coverage for qualified low-income adults and children in California who don’t have access to other public or private health coverage.

Open enrollment for CHCP is Nov. 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025.

Eligible Californians receive comprehensive health coverage from Kaiser Permanente including preventive services, without paying a monthly premium. They also don’t pay copays or out-of-pocket costs for most care at Kaiser Permanente facilities.

“Even with the expansion of Medi-Cal in 2024, too many Californians remain uninsured,” said Yvette Radford, vice president, External and Community Affairs, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “The Community Health Care Program helps address this gap, providing Kaiser Permanente’s high-quality care and coverage to eligible Californians in our service areas.”

Who is eligible for the Community Health Care Program?
The program is designed for applicants who meet the following criteria:
• total household annual income of no more than 3 times the federal poverty level (Example: up to $45,180 for an individual or up to $93,600 for a family of 4 in 2024)
• not eligible for any other health coverage, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, a job-based health plan, or Covered California
• must live in a Kaiser Permanente California service area

Individuals do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2025.

How to apply
As of November 1, you can apply online at www.kp.org/chcp. Click the “apply now” button at the top of the website for a link to the application. If you need assistance, click the “get help” button for a list of community agencies that can provide help, or call Kaiser Permanente Member Services at 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711).

 

Millions in the U.S. may rely on groundwater contaminated with PFAS for drinking water supplies

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USGS national estimates of the probability for PFAS in groundwater at the depth of private drinking water supply. Source: USGS

Estimates according to a new USGS predictive model. Exposure to some PFAS may lead to adverse health risks.

Contra Costa has some of the highest levels

Approximately 71 to 95 million people in the Lower 48 states – more than 20% of the country’s population – may rely on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, for their drinking water supplies. These findings are according to a U.S Geological Survey study published Oct. 24. The predictive model results can help members of the public, water suppliers and regulators understand the potential for PFAS contamination, guide future studies and inform strategic planning for water resources. USGS scientists are the first to report national estimates of PFAS occurrence in untreated groundwater that supplies water to public and private wells. This research also provides the first estimate of the number of people across the country who are potentially affected by PFAS-contaminated groundwater. Along with a scientific report, the USGS published an interactive, online map so users can see probability estimates of PFAS occurrence. Note that predictive results are intended to be evaluated at state, regional and national scales rather than at individual household levels. Probability estimates are for the presence of PFAS in groundwater and do not account for any subsequent actions taken by states, municipalities or individuals to treat drinking water. The model does not include estimates of PFAS concentrations; testing is the only way to confirm the presence of contaminants.

Levels of contaminated groundwater in Contra Costa County. Source: USGS PFAS in US Groundwater Interactive Dashboard

Exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health risks in people, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common applications, from the linings of fast-food boxes and non-stick cookware to fire-fighting foams and other purposes. PFAS are commonly called “forever chemicals” because many of them do not easily break down and can build up over time, making them a concern for drinking water quality. “This study’s findings indicate widespread PFAS contamination in groundwater that is used for public and private drinking water supplies in the U.S.,” said Andrea Tokranov, USGS research hydrologist and lead author of this study. “This new predictive model can help prioritize areas for future sampling to help ensure people aren’t unknowingly drinking contaminated water. This is especially important for private well users, who may not have information on water quality in their region and may not have the same access to testing and treatment that public water suppliers do.” The EPA has established legally enforceable levels, called maximum contaminant levels, for six types of PFAS in drinking water. The EPA regulates public water supplies, and some states have additional regulations for drinking water. Some homes use private water supplies, where residents are responsible for the maintenance, testing and treatment of their drinking water. Those interested in treatment processes and testing options can read EPA’s guidance or contact their state officials or water supplier. The states with the largest populations relying on public water supplies with potentially contaminated groundwater sources are Florida and California. Regarding private wells, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio have the largest populations relying on potentially contaminated groundwater. The study also presents data according to population percentage. In Massachusetts, for example, the source water for 86 to 98% of people who rely on groundwater from public water supplies could be contaminated with PFAS. In Connecticut, the source water for 67 to 87% of the people who rely on groundwater from private wells could be affected. Details by state can be seen in the report’s tables S6 through S8. “To derive these estimates, the team analyzed 1,238 groundwater samples collected by USGS scientists and determined how factors such as urban development and well depth can impact PFAS occurrence,” continued Tokranov. “With that information, a detailed machine learning model was developed and used to identify which geographic areas have a higher likelihood for contamination. That information was combined with existing USGS research on the number of people in a given area who rely on groundwater for drinking water to establish population estimates.” Scientists present separate estimates for public and private wells because they typically receive water from different groundwater depths. Public wells using groundwater as the primary water source are usually deeper than private wells. There are more than 12,000 types of PFAS, not all of which can be detected with current tests; the USGS study tested for the presence of 24 common types. The USGS estimates consider the presence of at least one of those 24 types of PFAS. The most frequently detected compounds were perfluorobutane sulfonate known as PFBS, perfluorooctane sulfonate known as PFOS and perfluorooctanoate known as PFOA. This research provides a broad outlook for the Lower 48 states and presents state-level estimates. Scientists did not look in detail at specific cities or provide estimates for the types of PFAS present or PFAS concentrations. The new USGS study was published in Science. Learn more about USGS research on PFAS by reading the USGS strategy for the study of PFAS in the environment and visiting the USGS PFAS Integrated Science Team’s website. For more information about PFAS regulations, visit the EPA’s website on addressing PFAS.

Healthcare workers at 38 dialysis clinics vote to authorize strike over unfair labor practices

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Margin of 97% in favor as Fresenius, DaVita, U.S. Renal and Satellite violate workers’ rights instead of improving working conditions and care for patients receiving life-saving treatments 

Strike votes come as more Fresenius clinic workers join SEIU-UHW amid growing momentum for industry-wide change

UPDATE: The strike votes took place and would impact three clinics in Contra Costa County: Fresenius West Antioch, DaVita Concord and Fresenius Brentwood.

By Renée Saldaña, Press Secretary, SEUI – United Healthcare Workers West

OAKLAND, Calif. — Dialysis workers across California are preparing for unprecedented strikes aimed at addressing unfair labor practices over companies’ illegal union-busting tactics.  Workers are also concerned with unsafe working conditions. The same day the strike vote results were announced, frontline workers at Fresenius Kidney Care West March in Stockton voted to unite with SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), marking another victory in the ongoing historic wave of unionization at dialysis clinics across the state.

The strikes, which could involve approximately 900 frontline healthcare workers at more than 38 clinics statewide, represent a critical turning point in the fight to hold dialysis corporations accountable for prioritizing profits at the expense of patient care.

Dialysis caregivers are calling for executives at DaVita, Fresenius, Satellite Healthcare, and U.S. Renal Care to bargain with them in good faith over solutions to chronic staffing shortages, patient care concerns, and their demands for fair wages and to stop employing union-busting tactics in response to workers exercising their right to form their unions. They say this action is necessary to stop unfair labor practices and secure safer conditions for both workers and patients. The workers also want their employers to stop retaliating against caregivers who advocate for their rights and better patient care.

“After years of unsafe staffing, substandard working conditions, and anti-union behavior by management, dialysis workers have had enough,” said Easen PeBenito, a certified clinical hemodialysis technician at Satellite Healthcare Blossom Valley in San Jose. “We’re taking this stand not just for ourselves, but for the patients whose lives depend on safe and compassionate care. Dialysis executives have ignored our concerns and violated our rights for far too long, and our strike is a last resort to stop Satellite’s illegal behavior and demand better for everyone.”

For years, healthcare workers at DaVita, Fresenius, Satellite Healthcare, and U.S. Renal Care have raised alarms about understaffing, high turnover rates, low-wages, and unsafe working conditions at dialysis clinics, where patients with critical kidney failure receive life-sustaining dialysis treatments multiple times a week. Caregivers at dialysis clinics across California, from Sacramento to San Diego, have been organizing to improve patient care, working conditions, and job standards.

The historic unionization wave amongst dialysis workers gained even more momentum the same day the strike vote was announced, as workers at Fresenius West March in Stockton voted to join SEIU-UHW despite management’s anti-union campaign which included captive audience meetings, and one-on-one meetings conducted by company executives and a union busting consultant.

“We voted to unionize so we can take better care of our patients and our families,” said Arnold Ballesteros, a patient care technician at Fresenius West March in Stockton. “We’re so short-staffed that we’re constantly rushing to give our patients the attention they deserve. Many of us are working multiple jobs just to get by because our wages haven’t kept up with the cost of living, and we’re paid far less than other healthcare workers. This is why despite management’s anti-union campaign and unfair labor practices we voted overwhelmingly to join SEIU-UHW. By joining the union, we’re gaining the power to fight for safer staffing, better pay, and the ability to provide the best care possible for our patients.  Our strike is a message to our employer to stop committing unfair labor practices.”

As dialysis workers prepare to strike, the industry faces growing scrutiny from lawmakers and patient advocates, who are calling for reforms to improve transparency, safety, and accountability at dialysis clinics.

UPDATE: The strike votes took place and would impact three clinics in Contra Costa County: Fresenius West Antioch, DaVita Concord and Fresenius Brentwood.

SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 100,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians, provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.

Kaiser Nor-Cal’s health plans recognized for expert, coordinated care and exceptional service

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Source: Kaiser Permanente

NCQA rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Medicare and commercial health plans highest in California, among highest in nation

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif.– Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s health plans are once again recognized as the highest rated in California – and among the highest in the nation – for providing expert, coordinated care, and exceptional service.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare and commercial health plans in Northern California each received 4.5 out of 5 stars, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2024 Health Plan Ratings. This is the ninth ratings period that Kaiser Permanente Northern California has been the highest-rated plan in the region and among the highest in the country. Nationally, only 8% of the health plans are rated 4.5 stars or higher.

NCQA also ranks Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in the state for overall treatment, prevention, equity, and patient experience.

“Kaiser Permanente Northern California is a national leader when it comes to putting patient care first, and ensuring we are exceeding our members’ needs with a focus on providing high-quality, safe, and equitable care,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “This NCQA recognition reiterates our commitment to delivering world-class service to those who entrust us with their care.”

Source: NCQA

For 2024, NCQA analyzed more than 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 of the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the ninth ratings cycle in a row.

“This exceptional rating from NCQA is yet another testament to the expert and coordinated care provided by our clinical teams in Northern California,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Our highly skilled physicians and dedicated care teams continue to deliver innovative and equitable care that translates to healthier lives for our 4.6 million patients.”

Source: NCQA

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, equity and treatment.

NCQA primarily used the 2023 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 2024 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://www.ncqa.org/.