Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa Health investigating Legionnaires’ Disease deaths possibly linked to Richmond spa

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Contra Costa Health (CCH) is investigating two recent deaths associated with legionellosis (Legionnaires’ Disease), potentially linked to visits to the Zen Day Spa at 12230 San Pablo Avenue in Richmond.

The deaths were reported to CCH on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Investigation of the deaths revealed both patients had reportedly visited the spa just days prior to the onset of their illnesses.

CCH is aware of a third person who was infected with Legionnaires’ Disease after using the jacuzzi tub at the Zen Day Spa in June. That patient recovered.

CCH’s Environmental Health inspectors conducted an assessment of the facility and found no existing records indicating the business has ever been issued a permit for a spa or pool. CCH closed the spa on Friday.

CCH is taking samples of the water at the spa and will send them for lab analysis to confirm the presence of legionella bacteria. Preliminary results are expected by early next week.

Legionnaires’ Disease presents as a severe form of pneumonia that can result in hospitalization yet, is treatable with antibiotics. The incubation period following exposure is typically 2 to 14 days.

CCH encourages anyone who may have recently visited Zen Day Spa to watch for symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease. If they experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, chills and cough, they should seek immediate medical care.

CCH strongly advises healthcare providers to test for legionella in patients with pneumonia who have visited Zen Day Spa within two weeks of their illness. Testing is also recommended for hospitalized patients with pneumonia of unknown cause.

Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural freshwater sources such as lakes and streams. However, health concerns arise when these bacteria grow and spread in human-made water systems such as hot tubs.

People can become infected after breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, which can become airborne through mist in a hot tub or via the use of hoses and faucets.

Individuals at higher risk of Legionnaires’ Disease include people over 50 years of age, those with a past or current smoking history, individuals with chronic lung disease, or those with a weakened immune system.

It is important to note that Legionnaires’ Disease does not spread from person to person.

CCH is actively working to investigate the source of the potential outbreak and to prevent further cases. Important updates will be posted on the CCH Facebook page at facebook.com/contracostahealth.

During labor negotiations dialysis caregivers to picket Fresenius Kidney Care, Satellite Healthcare over understaffing, low-wages, patient care crisis

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At Antioch and other locations in California; Fresenius says they’re “committed to bargaining in good faith”

By Renée Saldaña, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW)

Fresenius and Satellite Healthcare dialysis caregivers across California are the latest round of healthcare workers to join statewide protests over the short-staffing crisis in the state’s healthcare system. Protests will be held on August 9th and 10th at 21 locations, including Antioch, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange.

“We are severely understaffed and stretched so thin. We used to have a one to three patient ratio, but over the years it’s become one to eight, and if someone calls out sick it becomes one to twelve. It happens a lot,” says Jose Manuel Gonzalez, a certified hemodialysis technician preceptor III at Fresenius Kidney Care for over 25 years. “We have to rush, to work as fast as we can, and the quality of service really suffers. I’m considering patient care, regardless of how the company treats us. The company should care more.”

In response to caregivers’ attempts to improve care and safety for dialysis patients, management has violated United States labor law. Both employers have threatened and intimidated caregivers, including firing caregivers for leading the organizing efforts and speaking out to improve patient care. The union has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against both companies for these illegal acts, including one against Satellite Healthcare for canceling all bargaining sessions scheduled for July and August.

Legislators are also lending their support to the struggle of dialysis caregivers to improve conditions. In a letter of support, U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), wrote:

“Across the industry, I understand that dialysis clinic caregivers continue to struggle with low wages, inadequate training, and chronically low staffing levels. These working conditions often lead to high turnover as caregivers leave the industry because of burnout or transfer to another healthcare sector where pay is higher. These factors deprive patients of experienced and consistent support.”

The ongoing protests by dialysis and other healthcare workers are part of a larger movement of workers across the country who are taking a stand against poor working conditions, low wages, exorbitant corporate profits, and excessive executive pay. Dialysis workers are joining over 85,000 Kaiser Permanente, Prime, and other healthcare workers who launched protests in July to improve patient care and staffing.

The chronic short-staffing in dialysis care has allowed for-profit dialysis corporations to make hundreds of millions in profits. Fresenius medical care made nearly $720 million in profits and paid its CEO nearly $5 million in compensation in 2022. Satellite Healthcare made $16.7 million in profits and paid its CEO $1.5 million in compensation in 2021.

In contrast, many dialysis caregivers make as little as $20 an hour and routinely hold two or more jobs just to make ends meet.

SEIU-UHW represents more than 600 dialysis caregivers at Fresenius and Satellite Healthcare in various job classes including registered nurses, patient care technicians, licensed vocational nurses, certified clinical hemodialysis technicians, dietitians, social workers, clinical administrative coordinators, and receptionists.

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.

Fresenius Kidney Care Responds

In response, Fresenius issued the following statement: “There is nothing more important than the safety of our patients and our team members. In fact, in 2022, for the seventh consecutive year, Fresenius Kidney Care led the industry with 99.63% of our facilities, achieving 5-Diamond Patient Safety status, a program endorsed by the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association (ANNA) and several other organizations in the industry.

We use a staffing tool to align staffing needs with patient care requirements in order to provide safe and effective care. We constantly monitor census and staffing fluctuations and redeploy staff accordingly to maintain safe staffing levels. We maintain staff float pools and use both internal and external agency support to fill gaps.

Healthcare as an industry in general continues to face staffing challenges. We continue to address the recruitment needs where we provide care and are actively hiring for clinical care roles.

We recently began negotiations with SEIU-UHW and are committed to bargaining in good faith to reach agreements that are fair to team members and enable Fresenius Kidney Care to continue its mission of providing life-sustaining care to patients. 

We fully believe that the dedication and passion of all our team members should be recognized and rewarded. That’s why we offer competitive compensation, benefits and development programs that support our team members personally and professionally.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

During bargaining Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions holding nationwide protests this week

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Kaiser says pickets, actions at hospitals July 24-29 aren’t strikes, facilities remain open

By Allen D. Payton

The 85,000-member Coalition of Kaiser Permanent Unions is holding nationwide pickets and actions at Kaiser hospitals and facilities, this week, July 24-29 to protest staffing shortage and wages, less than three months from their contract expiration on September 30. The two sides are in the midst of bargaining and the next session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1. The protest at Kaiser Medical Centers in Antioch and Richmond were held yesterday, Tuesday, July 25 and the protest at Kaiser-Walnut Creek is occurring, today.

The Coalition unites 85,000 members of four international unions at Kaiser hospitals, clinics, and facilities throughout the United States.

In a July 13, 2023 post on their website labeled “Bargaining Update 4”, the coalition claims, “At bargaining this week, the ‘non-profit’ that pays its CEO $16 million a year gave a clear message to the EVS (environmental services) worker raising a family on $48K a year in LA: ‘You make too much money.’

It’s unbelievable. Kaiser pays 49 executives more than a million dollars a year, but they think a PCT (patient care technician) earning $52K a year in Portland is making Kaiser unaffordable. The corporation that has over $113 billion in investments – including questionable ventures around the world – believes they are paying healthcare workers $450 million a year too much in wages that are ‘over market.’

We will be submitting a full economic proposal – including wages – at our next bargaining session on August 1, but the fault lines in negotiations are becoming more and more clear: our Coalition spoke about how we are falling behind, struggling to afford living where we work, and losing ground to rising costs. Kaiser spoke about outsourcing more of our work to low wage, for-profit companies – undermining middle class jobs.”

The unions have offered a list of concerns and demands:

  • We want Kaiser to grow as a union company with leading wages, benefits, and quality care. Instead, Kaiser is spending $5 billion of our patients’ premiums to launch a non-union, non-partnership company that will lower labor standards.
  • We want a guaranteed PSP payout we can count on when we reach our goals. Kaiser is still defending their shameful decision to deny frontline caregivers our PSP while paying big bonuses to managers.
  • We want Kaiser to make meaningful investments in solving the staffing shortage: increase training funds, eliminate barriers to promotion, justify unposted vacancies, create paid externships, provide referral/ retention and recruitment bonuses, and dial back wasteful registry spending.

The coalition further claims, “It’s clear that the only way that we will get Kaiser to listen to us is to make some noise.”

Kaiser Responds: Not Strikes, Hospitals & Facilities Remain Open

Kaiser Permanent responded with a statement that the events are not strikes and their facilities remain open.

Following is the complete Statement from Kaiser Permanente on Coalition picketing July 24 to 29:

“It’s important for our members and patients to know that these events are not strikes. Our medical facilities will remain open and operate normally.

Kaiser Permanente is the largest union-represented health care employer in the U.S. — with nearly 75% of our employees represented by unions. We are currently bargaining with the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, which represents about 88,000 employees in a variety of roles and is part of our historic Labor Management Partnership.

Our priority is to reach an agreement that ensures we can continue to provide market-competitive pay and outstanding benefits. We are confident we’ll be able to reach an agreement that strengthens our position as a best place to work and ensures that the high-quality care our members expect from us remains affordable and easy to access.

Given where we are in the bargaining process, it’s clear the picketing by the Coalition isn’t about drawing attention to new issues, but rather an attempt to create bargaining leverage.

We have been and will continue to address the real issues that are affecting health care and our employees. On the heels of the global pandemic and given today’s economy, these challenges include inflation and rising costs to deliver health care, increasing competition from nontraditional businesses, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and increases in the demand for access to health care. We look to the Coalition to be a constructive partner in helping address these and other challenges affecting us all.

Staffing

The staffing challenges mentioned by the Coalition have been happening all across health care but are actually less true at Kaiser Permanente now than elsewhere.

It’s worth remembering that during the pandemic, we took extraordinary steps to support and protect our workforce. This included providing $800 million in employee assistance to ensure that front-line employees had access to alternate housing options, special child care grants, and additional paid leave for COVID-19 illness and exposure.

The average employee turnover rate across health care is 21.4% (Source: PwC Saratoga 2022 Survey). While it crept up a bit during the height of the pandemic, we are thankful that our current rate of 8.5% as of June 2023 is significantly lower than the rest of health care.

At the beginning of bargaining in April, Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition agreed to a joint goal of hiring 10,000 new people for Coalition-represented jobs in 2023. We are making great progress toward achieving that goal.

Talented people want to work at Kaiser Permanente, which is why 96% of candidates accept our employment offers, which is 5.3% above the U.S. health care industry average (Source: PwC Saratoga 2022 Survey).

Our staffing approach reflects our shared commitment to ensure every Kaiser Permanente patient receives extraordinary care, every time and in every place.

Wages and Benefits

We are one of the leaders in employee wages and benefits in every market we’re in. We offer employees market-competitive pay and outstanding benefits, opportunities to learn new skills and grow their careers, and we’re committed to providing a safe and equitable work environment. We also want to ensure that we help our employees build long-term economic security with low-cost health insurance, industry-leading retirement plans, and other benefit programs to support their health and well-being.

We have discussed with the Coalition that in some regions Kaiser Permanente is paying Coalition-represented employees up to 28% above the market average wage rates — impacting our overall costs and ability to attract new members. In other regions, we are paying at or slightly above the market average, which hurts our ability to attract new employees and retain the excellent employees we already have.

We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our union partners in bargaining. We will reach a great agreement. To get there, we all need to be responsible stewards of our members’ and customers’ needs and resources and be mindful of the rising costs of health care and our collective role in addressing it.”

American Red Cross needs help to avert a blood shortage

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Chance at shark dive trip, $10 e-gift card for donors in August

Says COVID vaccines don’t pose risk to patients receiving blood transfusions

By Martin Gagliano, Regional Communications Manager, American Red Cross, Northern California Coastal Region

After a summer of declining donations, the American Red Cross needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage. When a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead, they can help ensure trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they count on.

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. for the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench to celebrate a summer of sharks and help stave off a summer blood and platelet shortage. All who come to give through Aug. 12 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Those who come to give throughout the month of August will also get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 1-15:

Contra Costa County

Brentwood

8/2/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Summerset at Brentwood III, 1581 Regent Drive

8/15/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic, 500 Fairview Avenue

Danville

8/4/2023: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., The Grange Hall, 743 Diablo Road

Hercules

8/4/2023: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., City of Hercules, 102 Civic Drive

Pleasant Hill – Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/1/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/2/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/3/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/4/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/5/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/6/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/7/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/8/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/9/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/10/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/11/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/12/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/13/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/14/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/15/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

San Ramon

8/11/2023: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., San Ramon Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2260 Camino Ramon

Alameda County

Alameda

8/5/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Alameda Community – Twin Towers United Methodist, 1411 Oak Street

Berkeley

8/10/2023: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Avenue

8/11/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street

Newark at Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

8/1/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/2/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/3/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/4/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/5/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/6/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/7/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/8/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/9/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/10/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/11/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/12/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/13/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/14/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,

8/15/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.

Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

8/1/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/2/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/3/2023: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.,

8/4/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/5/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/6/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/7/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/8/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/9/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/10/2023: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.,

8/11/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/12/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/13/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,

8/14/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/15/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

8/1/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/2/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/4/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/5/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/6/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/7/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/8/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/9/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/11/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/12/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/13/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/14/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/15/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

San Francisco – Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street, unless otherwise noted

8/1/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/2/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/3/2023: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton Street

8/4/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/5/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/6/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/7/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/8/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/9/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/11/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/12/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/13/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/14/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

8/15/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,

Santa Clara County

Gilroy

8/10/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Gilroy, 7999 Miller Avenue

Los Altos

8/11/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Los Altos (Grant Road), 1300 Grant Road

Morgan Hill

8/8/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Morgan Hill, 1790 E. Dunne Avenue

Mountain View

8/2/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Intersect at Mountain View Chinese Christian Church, 175 E. Dana Street

San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street (unless otherwise noted)

8/1/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,

8/2/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Emmanuel Baptist Church, 467 North White Road

8/2/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,

8/3/2023: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.,

8/4/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/4/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Central Christian Church, 2555 Meridian Avenue

8/5/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/6/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/7/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,

8/8/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,

8/9/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Administrative Office Building (AOB), Building H, 2325 Enborg Lane

8/9/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,

8/10/2023: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.,

8/11/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/12/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/13/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,

8/14/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,

8/15/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we approach the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.

Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and blood donations:

  • Amid ongoing conversation about COVID-19 vaccinations and blood donation, America’s Blood Centers, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), and the American Red Cross reiterate the safety of America’s blood supply and assure the public that vaccines do not pose a risk to patients receiving blood transfusions.
  • Blood donations from individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized for use in the U.S. are safe for transfusion. Similar to other vaccines such as those for measles, mumps or influenza, COVID-19 vaccines are designed to generate an immune response to help protect an individual from illness, but vaccine components themselves do not replicate through blood transfusions or alter a blood recipients’ DNA.
  • In summary, there is no scientific evidence that demonstrates adverse outcomes from the transfusions of blood products collected from vaccinated donors and, therefore, no medical reason to distinguish or separate blood donations from individuals who have received a COVID19 vaccination.
  • All blood collection organizations in the U.S. are required to follow Food and Drug Administration guidelines and regulations to collect, process and distribute blood products for patients in need. The FDA explicitly allows donors who have recently received approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines to give blood as long as they are healthy on the day of donation and meet all other eligibility criteria. On multiple occasions, the Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that there is no evidence to support concerns related to the safety of blood donated by vaccinated individuals.
  • All Americans, including both blood donors and blood recipients, should feel confident that receiving a blood transfusion is safe. COVID-19 vaccines do not replicate, and all blood donations offer the same life-saving therapeutic benefits, regardless of the vaccination status of the donor.

Also, here is a joint statement from the AABB, the America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and the American Red Cross: https://www.aabb.org/news-resources/news/article/2023/01/30/blood-community-issues-new-joint-statement-to-combat-misinformation-regarding-vaccines-and-the-blood-supply

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All to support Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” Initiative July 20

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By Supervisor John Gioia, District 1, Contra Costa County

Join us this Thursday evening to support Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” Initiative

Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 360 Harbor Way in Richmond from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Únase a nosotros este jueves por la noche en MLK Jr. Park para apoyar la iniciativa “Girl Power” del Richmond Soccer Coordination Center

Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All en Martin Luther King, Jr. Park en Richmond de 6:30 a 8:00 p.m.

This week, Thrive Thursdays welcomes Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s efforts to uplift girls’ athletics in the East Bay.

Our growing weekly public health event, Thrive Thursday, is set for another boost as Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” initiative will join us on Thursday, July 20 at 6 pm for a press conference that coincides with the start of FIFA Women’s World Cup play!

Girl Power is a perfect message to add to Thrive Thursday’s call for supporting nutrition and fitness empowerment for all.

Supporting health for all means fighting to advance equity in everything we do, and equity and sports excellence is something that our Women’s National Soccer Team embodies.

Women’s soccer has grown into a global brand, but work remains at the community level to encourage girls and women to explore athletics. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) recently added a women’s club in the Bay Area, called Bay FC. Oakland is also home to Oakland Soul SC, part of another professional league for the development and launch of women’s soccer in the United States.

For more information about this exciting event contact Tania Pulido in my office at (510) 942-2225 or Tania.pulido@bos.cccounty.us.

 

 

American Heart Association recognizes Kaiser hospitals for reducing death, disability among cardiac, stroke patients

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Including Antioch, Richmond and Walnut Creek; severe heart attacks in Kaiser Nor Cal patients reduced by 72% using team-based, preventive approach

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

The American Heart Association is recognizing 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals with awards for their commitment to delivering high-quality cardiac and stroke care that follows nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals receiving both the Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure and the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke awards include Antioch, Fremont, Fresno, Modesto, Oakland, Redwood City, Richmond, Roseville, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, South San Francisco, Vacaville, Vallejo, and Walnut Creek. In addition, Kaiser Permanente Manteca received the Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award and Kaiser Permanente San Francisco received the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award.

“This recognition is a tribute to the collective expertise of our physicians, nurses, and staff who provide comprehensive cardiac care and treatment for our patients and members,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Our reduction in cardiovascular events continues to surpass the nation in quality outcomes, as our cardiologists, physicians, and care teams work across specialties and locations to consistently deliver the highest quality care to our patients and members, who are living longer and healthier lives as a result of these efforts.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California caregivers have reduced severe heart attacks by 72% using a team-based, preventive approach, according to Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Division of Research.​ Kaiser Permanente members are 33% less likely to experience premature death due to heart disease, Elizabeth A. McGlynn, PhD, et al., “Measuring Premature Mortality Among Kaiser Permanente Members Compared to the Community,” Kaiser Permanente, July 20, 2022.

“Our Kaiser Permanente Northern California teams of cardiac specialists collaborate seamlessly to coordinate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of our patients,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “We are helping our members and patients with heart disease live longer, healthier lives through our comprehensive care and support.”

The Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their heart failure and overall health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

The Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

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 12.7 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

About Get With The Guidelines®

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Report shows no ongoing public health risk from Martinez Refinery petroleum coke dust release

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Source: Martinez Refining Company

By Contra Costa Health

Laboratory analysis shows that samples of coke dust collected by Contra Costa Health (CCH) following last Tuesday’s hazardous materials release at Martinez Refining Company (MRC) did not contain high levels of toxic metals, indicating the dust does not pose an increased, long-term risk to public health. (See related article)

CCH’s Hazardous Materials Program sent samples of the sooty substance for laboratory analysis after it collected on cars, garbage cans and other surfaces in neighborhoods around the refinery soon after notification of the release on July 11. The laboratory report is available here.

MRC reported the release at about 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday by activating the county’s Community Warning System at Level 1, the lowest-level alert, used for hazardous materials releases when there are no expected off-site health consequences.

MRC reported the material was coke dust, a black, sooty or powdery residue created during petroleum refining that primarily contains carbon and is chemically similar to charcoal. The material was released about 8:30 a.m. for approximately one minute, according to MRC.

CCH and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District are investigating the incident to determine whether the release violated regulatory law.

CCH is also investigating whether MRC properly followed the county’s emergency notification policy and properly used the Community Warning System, as required by law.

Coke dust can be safely washed off surfaces with soap and water. The primary health concern regarding the release of coke dust is irritation of throat, lungs and the respiratory system while the release was occurring and the material was in the air, particularly for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Anyone who believes they have symptoms or health concerns due to breathing material released during the July 11 incident should contact their healthcare provider.

CCH expects to learn more about the contributing causes of the incident, actions immediately taken, and proposed actions to prevent a similar incident from occurring. The first incident report from MRC to CCH, required by the county’s notification policy, will be available at cchealth.org on Monday. 

 

Excessive Heat Watch for interior Bay Area this weekend

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Source: NWS Bay Area

By National Weather Service Bay Area

Excessive Heat Watch for the interior Bay Area and Central Coast, from Friday into Sunday, July 15-17, 2023. High temperatures will range from the 90s to the mid-100s.

IMPACTS: Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: The combination of warm nights and hot days will be most prevalent, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the heat, individuals should be mindful of the elevated fire danger over the weekend, especially inland and at higher elevations where there will be little overnight relief from the marine layer.

Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Stay hydrated!

For more information visit National Weather Service Bay Area.

Contra Costa Health responding to coke dust release at Martinez Refining Company

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Source: Martinez Refining Company

Contra Costa Health’s (CCH) Hazardous Materials program is investigating a hazardous materials release from the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) Tuesday morning.

MRC reported through the Community Warning System (CWS) that the released material was coke dust, a byproduct of the petroleum refining process.

The release left the material on the ground, parked cars, and other surfaces in the surrounding neighborhoods. CCH’s Hazardous Materials team is working to assess potential health impacts.

Wipe samples are being taken and will be sent to a lab for analysis. Results are expected by the end of the week. CCH will provide updates after the results are reviewed.

Coke dust is black and looks like soot. Use soap and water to clean impacted outdoor surfaces.

MRC notified CCH of the release around 10:20 a.m. through the CWS. MRC reported the release took place around 8:30 a.m. and lasted approximately one minute.

“We are very concerned about the delayed notification to the Community Warning System. We are once again responding to a refinery incident and trying to determine the health impacts,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. “We understand this is an ongoing concern for our community and timely notification is critical.”

CCH requested a 72-hour report about the incident, which will be posted to cchealth.org.

 

Healthcare workers at Tenet’s San Ramon Regional Medical Center to picket July 21

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Photo: San Ramon Regional Medical Center

Part of statewide protest calling for additional support in the workplace

By Maria Leal, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West

Healthcare workers across California will picket at 12 Tenet Healthcare facilities to call for additional support in the workplace starting July 11. The pickets will take place at facilities owned by Tenet Healthcare. These workers are part of what is expected to be tens of thousands of healthcare workers picketing this summer. Workers from four Prime Healthcare facilities in Southern California also start their pickets the same day.

The protest at Tenet San Ramon Regional Medical Center located at 6001 Norris Canyon Road will take place Friday, July 21 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.

After years of battling the COVID pandemic, healthcare workers are calling on management to provide additional support to retain and attract more caregivers to the industry.

“We are simply asking for additional support to improve working conditions. We put our lives at risk during the pandemic and were called ‘heroes,” said Bridgette Lamere, Respiratory Therapist, Tenet Emmanuel Medical Center in Turlock. “We are calling on our employers to increase their investments in workers to ensure the additional support of healthcare workers, our patients, and our entire communities.”

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.

Efforts to reach the media relationships staff for the San Ramon Regional Medical Center were unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.