Contra Costa Herald

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

Strike averted: Sutter Health, SEIU-UHW reach tentative agreements on contracts 

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For more than 4,700 frontline healthcare workers across Northern California, securing progress on staffing, pay, working conditions 

By Jennifer Kelly, Media Relations, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW)

OAKLAND, CA – As of Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, frontline healthcare workers at eight Sutter Health facilities across Northern California have reached a tentative contract agreement with Sutter executives, averting the strike workers had overwhelmingly authorized. The new agreement addresses critical issues around staffing and working conditions by ensuring fair pay and benefits for frontline healthcare workers, allowing them to continue serving patients without disruption. (See related article)

“This tentative agreement shows that when we stand united, we can win improvements that protect both healthcare workers and our patients,” said Dinora Garcia, a dietary clerk from Sutter Lakeside. “Reaching this agreement wasn’t easy but we stood together to advocate for worker and patient safety, improved staffing levels, and fair wages and benefits that reflect the vital work we do every day.”

The tentative contract agreement needs to be voted on and approved by the members before it is final. If approved, the agreement will provide 14 percent across-the-board raises for workers. The agreement also protects healthcare and retirement benefits for these frontline healthcare workers.

The tentative agreement averts a strike at eight Sutter Health facilities in Oakland, Santa Rosa, Roseville, Berkeley, Lakeport, Vallejo, Antioch, Castro Valley and San Francisco, where thousands of workers had been preparing to strike.

SEIU-UHW represents a variety of workers across Sutter Health, including nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, licensed vocational nurses, environmental services, food services, x-ray technicians, respiratory therapists and others. The ratification vote will be scheduled for later this month.

Sutter Health Issues Statement

According to a Sutter Health spokesperson, “Sutter Health and SEIU-UHW reached tentative agreements for new contracts on Saturday covering more than 4,400 employees at eight hospitals.

The parties have negotiated in good faith since July for an agreement that recognizes and rewards employees while supporting our ability to deliver safe, high-quality care. We believe the tentative agreements meet those goals.

SEIU-UHW will soon hold a ratification vote for its membership. We encourage all eligible employees to participate in the vote and support this fair contract offer.”

About SEIU-UHW

SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 120,000 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.

About Sutter Health

Sutter Health’s integrated, not-for-profit system of associated clinicians, employees and volunteers support more than 3 million patients in diverse communities across two dozen counties. Headquartered in Northern California, Sutter provides access to high quality, affordable care through its hospitals, medical foundations, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent and walk-in care centers, telehealth, home health and hospice services.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Dialysis workers in California file complaints over safety, working conditions at Satellite Healthcare, Fresenius clinics

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Workers demand public health department investigations into claims of unsafe staffing, unsanitary conditions, dangerous care practices

Fresnenius denies workers’ allegations, Satellite does not respond

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

CALIFORNIA –  Dialysis healthcare workers in counties across California delivered complaints to local Departments of Public Health on Tuesday and Wednesday that detail alarming and persistent violations inside dialysis clinics operated by Satellite Healthcare and Fresenius Medical Care in Stockton, Santa Rosa, San Diego, Imperial Valley, Riverside, San Bernardino, Sacramento, and the Bay Area.

The complaints, filed by members of SEIU–United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), outline conditions that workers say create unsafe working conditions and put vulnerable dialysis patients at serious risk, including chronic understaffing, infection control failures, unsanitary facilities, and unsafe equipment.

“Dialysis patients deserve safe, quality care – but instead, we’re seeing clinics where workers are stretched so thin that even basic safety protocols can’t be followed,” said Mike Badilla, a patient care technician at Satellite Healthcare in Gilroy.  “We’re speaking up because these conditions are unacceptable for workers and our patients. These companies know what the problems are. They’ve been warned before. But until they’re forced to change, patients will keep paying the price.”

The complaints detail a disturbing pattern of systemic issues across multiple facilities, including:

  • Unsafe staffing levels leaving workers responsible for more patients and tasks than can be safely managed, leading to skipped safety checks, improper infection control procedures, and missed treatments.
  • Equipment failures and unsafe environments such as broken Hoyer lifts requiring firefighters to move patients, leaking water treatment rooms, broken air conditioning systems, and debris left around treatment areas during renovations.
  • Infection control lapses including visible blood stains in patient areas, improper disinfection procedures, and insufficient time between treatments to safely clean equipment.

“Our clinics are understaffed, under-resourced, and run by executives more focused on profits than worker and patient safety,” said Bonnie Oconer, a patient care technician at Fresenius Medical Care in Riverside. “We’re calling on public health departments to investigate these conditions and hold these companies accountable.

Dialysis workers have been raising alarms for years about unsafe conditions in the dialysis industry. Despite past citations from state inspectors, similar safety failures continue, and caregivers say that without stronger enforcement and meaningful changes from employers, workers and patients will remain at risk.

SEIU-UHW represents more than 700 dialysis caregivers at Fresenius, Satellite Healthcare and U.S. Renal 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 120,000 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.

UPDATE: Fresenius Responds, Denies Workers’ Allegations

In response, Kirsten Stratton, Senior Manager for Media Relations, Global Communications of Fresenius Medical Care provided the following company statement:

“SEIU-UHW’s allegations are not supported by facts. Objective government quality metrics routinely demonstrate that our dialysis centers in California lead and outperform the rest of the industry.

The latest Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 5-star quality ratings showed that our California centers have a higher ratio of 4- and 5-star ratings than any other dialysis provider across the country. Our employee hiring and retention far outpace California and nationwide trends. From 2022 through 2024 in California, our average time to fill a position improved by 22%, open positions by 68%, and voluntary turnover from 22% to 10%.

As has been the case throughout this process, our focus will be on bargaining in good faith and providing high-quality, life-sustaining care.”

An effort to also reach Satellite Healthcare for comment was unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any additional updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Thousands of Sutter Health workers vote to strike over claims of unfair labor practices

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96% vote in favor of a strike, claim Sutter Health management refuses to bargain in good faith in order to fix working conditions and short staffing

“Sutter Health has been bargaining in good faith with SEIU–UHW since July and we remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement.” – Sutter Health

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

OAKLAND, Calif. – Frontline healthcare workers from eight different Sutter Hospitals and Medical Centers across Northern California have voted to authorize a strike over unfair labor practices. The workers overwhelmingly approved the strike with a 96% vote in support, citing bad faith bargaining by Sutter executives. Workers have not yet chosen dates and will continue trying to bargain with Sutter executives at upcoming sessions on October 9 and 10.

In August and September, these same caregivers held a series of rolling pickets at the sites of the possible future strike, including a march and rally at Sutter Health’s Sacramento Medical Center that drew over 1,000 frontline healthcare workers calling for safer staffing, fair pay, and investment in underserved communities across the giant healthcare system.

“We don’t want to go on strike, but we feel like we have to,” said Nikki Moorer of Sutter Solano. “We need management to stop bargaining in bad faith and listen to us to fix working conditions and short staffing. Procedures get canceled, and patients are sent home because there aren’t enough staff to properly stock the equipment we need. That’s not care. That’s a crisis.”

Healthcare workers at Sutter Health facilities in Oakland, Santa Rosa, Roseville, Berkeley, Lakeport, Vallejo, Antioch, Castro Valley, and San Francisco say that despite their dedication to provide the best patient care, management refuses to invest in the staff who make that mission possible. Turnover has forced employees to take on multiple roles and work longer hours as experienced caregivers leave for higher-paying jobs. Staffing shortages are stretching the remaining workforce thin and putting patient care at risk. Despite this, Sutter executives refuse to listen to frontline healthcare workers to negotiate for a contract to help solve these problems.

At the same time, Sutter is paying its top executives millions each year, including Sutter Health CEO Warner Thomas, who earned over $11 million in 2023, while refusing to invest in staffing and patient care. The health system also plans to replace the aging Alta Bates Ashby campus with a smaller facility in Emeryville, leading to a loss of services in the communities that need them most.

The strike votes apply to a variety of job classes, including nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, licensed vocational nurses, environmental services, cooks, technicians, and more.

Sutter Health Responds

Sutter Health responded by issuing the following statement: “Sutter Health has been bargaining in good faith with SEIU–UHW since July and we remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement.

“It’s common for unions to take a strike authorization vote as part of the bargaining process, but SEIU–UHW has not called a strike.

“We look forward to being at the table next week to continue working toward a resolution that’s best for our employees, our patients and the communities we serve.”

Sutter Health’s spokesperson also provided the following link to additional information on the 2025 SEIU-UHW and Sutter Health Labor Negotiations: Get the Facts | Vitals.

About SEIU-UHW

SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 120,000 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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City of Concord to Host 10th Annual Health Expo October 9

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At the Senior Center

The City of Concord is proud to present the 10th Annual Health Expo, a free community event, on Thursday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center at 2727 Parkside Circle. This highly anticipated event is open to the public and offers valuable resources for seniors, families, and caregivers. No reservations are necessary.

The Health Expo will feature a wide variety of health and wellness services, including free haircuts and information on Medicare, transportation, assisted living, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with local healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community organizations. These partners will share resources, tips, and strategies for healthy living, covering everything from nutrition and fitness to mental health and chronic condition management.

New this year is a free shuttle to and from the event for Concord residents age 65. For details, please contact the Senior Center Transportation Office at 925-671-3035.

The Health Expo is part of the City of Concord’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy and vibrant community. Whether you are seeking information on a healthy lifestyle, exploring options for elder care, or simply looking to improve your overall health, the Health Expo offers something for everyone.

For more information about the Health Expo, please visit www.cityofconcord.org/SCEvents, call 925-671-3320, or email concordsc@cityofconcord.org.

10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Oakley Oct. 11

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To support suicide prevention

By Veiongo (Vei) Uesi, Walk Chair, Oakley Chapter & Board Member, Greater SF Bay Area Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The 10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Oakley, taking place this Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. This year’s event is especially meaningful, not only because it marks a decade of our community standing together for suicide prevention, but also because we are honored to welcome a special guest: the Mayor of Oakley, Shannon Shaw, who will join us in showing support for this vital cause.

Sponsored by the Oakley Chapter of the American Foundation Suicide for Prevention (AFSP), the Out of the Darkness Walk is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a deeply moving event that brings together survivors, advocates, and families who have lost loved ones, creating a space for healing, connection, and hope. With mental health challenges and suicide affecting so many, particularly in recent years, this walk serves as a beacon to let people know they are not alone and that help is always available.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Location: Civic Center Park, 3221 Main Street, Oakley
Time: 8:00 AM check-in, opening ceremony begins at 9:00 AM, and walk begins at 9:30 AM

Special Offerings:

  • Morning refreshments including light snacks, coffee, and water
  • Honor Bead ceremony
  • Memorial garden

Our goal is to bring the Contra Costa community together and join more than 400 communities nationwide to raise awareness, reduce the stigma around mental health and raise crucial funds for AFSP to support research, education, advocacy, survivor support and strongly send the message that suicide can be prevented, and no one is alone.

For more information visit ttps://afsp.org.

What does community health look like?

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Photo: Kaiser Permanente

 By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

A mobile medical vehicle provides routine and urgent care for a community recovering from a flood.

A modern community food hub opens in a struggling neighborhood, so residents don’t go hungry.

And a high school wellness room offers teenagers a welcome respite from the stresses of daily life.

These are just three examples of programs that Kaiser Permanente recently supported as part of its mission to improve health in the communities it serves. The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Health Snapshot includes brief stories about these programs and much more.

In 2024, Kaiser Permanente invested $1.7 billion in Northern California communities and $89 million in the Diablo Service area, which includes Antioch and Walnut Creek, to support community health. A major part of that investment helped people access high-quality health care through Kaiser Permanente’s participation in Medi-Cal and its own Medical Financial Assistance program.

Kaiser Permanente also worked with many local organizations throughout Northern California to address the biggest factors that shape people’s health. The report is titled “Connection is Everything,” in recognition of the connections we make in the communities we serve to improve health.

“We partnered with community organizations to address deep-rooted barriers that keep people from being healthy, such as not having a safe place to live, enough food to eat, or money to cover life’s essentials,” said Yvette Radford, vice president, External and Community Affairs for Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “When we help keep people and communities healthy, the health care system works better for everyone.”

You can learn more about our work to improve health in your community by exploring Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s 11 local Community Health Snapshots. Go to our Northern California page and scroll down to the “Communities we serve” section.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s health plans rated among highest in nation for exceptional care and service

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Includes Medicare and commercial health plans according to NCQA

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif. – Based on national assessments of overall patient experience and clinical quality, Kaiser Permanente Northern California is once again recognized as having the highest-rated health plans in California and among the highest in the nation.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare and commercial health plans in Northern California each received 5 out of 5 stars – the highest rating possible, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2025 Health Plan Ratings. This is the 10th ratings period that Kaiser Permanente Northern California has received this designation.

Nationally, only 11 health plans are rated 5 stars. NCQA also ranks Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in the state for treatment outcomes and prevention efforts.

“These national ratings speak to the high-quality care Kaiser Permanente Northern California provides to its members and patients every day and our efforts to improve health care outcomes,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our focus on treatment, prevention, and an overall exceptional patient care experience is why our health plans are recognized as best in the state and among the top health plans nationally.”

For 2025, 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 tenth ratings cycle in a row.

“Our highly-skilled clinicians are consistently delivering world-class, high-value care to our patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We continue to be recognized as a national leader because of our commitment to driving better health results through innovation, evidence-based treatments, and patient-centered care.”

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.

NCQA primarily used the 2024 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 2025 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://reportcards.ncqa.org/health-plans.

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 nearly 12.6 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.

 

Contra Costa Family Medicine Residency Program celebrates 75 years of training next generation of doctors 

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By Contra Costa Health

The Contra Costa Family Medicine Residency Program, one of the largest and oldest programs of its kind, is marking its 75th year of training future family physicians.

The County’s residency program began in the early 1950s as a general practice training program. In 1975 it evolved into one of the nation’s first family medicine residency programs, which includes a broader spectrum of services to prepare doctors to care for people of all ages and stages of life.

The nationally recognized three-year program receives 800 applications for 13 residency slots each year. As one of the largest family medicine residency programs in the country, it is helping meet the ongoing need for primary care physicians.

“From our earliest days, our mission has always been clear: to care for the underserved, to train full-spectrum family physicians, and to meet our communities needs wherever they are,” said Dr. Leah Romito, the director of the Residency Program and also a graduate. “We train physicians who heal with compassion, prioritize care for the underserved, exemplify the true meaning of full spectrum family medicine, and do common things uncommonly well.”

Residents in the program learn about a wide variety of services, from emergency medicine to intensive care to delivering babies to outpatient primary care. The Residency also sponsors a global health fellowship that sends residents around the world to train doctors in other countries as well as Indian Health Services sites.

Many of the program’s graduates continue to practice locally after completing their residency. It’s estimated that one in 13 Contra Costa County residents have a primary care physician who graduated from the Residency Program.

“We have had a storied tradition of training the next generation of doctors to be the best clinicians around,” said Dr. Sergio Urcuyo, Chief Medical Officer for Contra Costa Regional Medical Center & Health Centers and a graduate of the Residency class of 2012. “For over 75 years we have educated generalist physicians in the ways of medicine, surgery and humanity. We have turned ‘mission driven’ into a genetic condition that is carried with us in one way or another for the rest of our careers.”

The Residency is part of Contra Costa Health, the County’s safety-net healthcare system. Residents are trained at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and the County’s nine outpatient health centers. The program is affiliated with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and is part of the UCSF Family Medicine Educational Alliance.

Photo: CCHealth

Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution recognizing the Residency’s anniversary and its positive impact on the community. The Residency recently held a reunion celebration at the Contra Costa Country Club, which brought together more than 200 alumni from across the country and current residents. (See photos from the dinner on the CCHealth Facebook page)

“Celebrating this milestone is not just about looking back at our history — it’s about looking forward,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, CEO of Contra Costa Health. “The next generation of family doctors will face new challenges, and we are dedicated to preparing them with the skills, compassion and resourcefulness they need to lead the way in community health.”

For more information about the Residency, visit our website.

 

Contra Costa Health Plan achieves high rating for patient care 

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NCQA annual report card gives the HMO 4.5 out of 5 stars

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the national evaluator of health insurance plans, has once again recognized Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) as one of the highest rated health plans in the nation and among the best in California for patient experience and quality of care.

Among health maintenance organizations (HMOs) offering Medi-Cal, CCHP was one of the top three plans in California to be awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars, the highest level awarded this year, on NCQA’s annual report card.

CCHP was also one of just 14 Medicaid plans in the United States to receive 4.5 out of 5 stars, achieving exceptionally high marks among patients for treatment and preventative care including children and women’s care and cancer screening.

“Being recognized among the nation’s top health plans is a huge accomplishment for our staff, providers and partners,” said Supervisor Candace Andersen, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This rating shows that our community trusts and values the care that we provide and encourages us to keep pushing towards our goal to deliver high-quality care and improve the health of our community.”

For over 50 years, Contra Costa Health has provided high-quality, affordable coverage through CCHP. CCHP was the nation’s first federally qualified, state-licensed, county-sponsored HMO.

“I’m so proud of the work this team has done to enable us to get this excellent rating and to serve the people of Contra Costa County,” Contra Costa Health CEO Dr Grant Colfax said. “We will continue to address community health priorities, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together in this next year.”

CCHP’s high marks and recognition by NCQA are a direct result of the exemplary care and patient support provided by Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers, community clinics in CCHP’s community provider network, and CCH’s Public Health and Behavioral Health divisions. Altogether, CCHP touches about 271,000 members, including 265,000 Medi-Cal enrollees.

Visit Contra Costa Health Plan to learn more about CCHP, including how to enroll if you need healthcare, or call 1-800-211-8040 weekdays.

About NCQA: NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA’s website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make informed health care choices. NCQA can also be found at Twitter/X @ncqa and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa.

Board of Supervisors appoints new Contra Costa Health Director

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Dr. Grant Colfax. Source: Contra Costa County

Dr. Grant Colfax previously served in San Francisco & Marin counties, Obama administration

Will be paid $708,000 per year in salary and benefits

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Dr. Grant Colfax as the Director of Contra Costa Health (CCH), effective August 19, 2025. He replaces Dr. Ori Tzvieli who served as interim Director of Health Services following the February retirement of longtime CCH CEO and Health Director Anna M. Roth. Tzviele will continue to serve as the County’s Health Officer.

Dr. Colfax brings decades of experience in health leadership and a deep commitment to health equity, innovation, and community-centered care. He most recently served as the Director of Health for the City and County of San Francisco, where he guided one of the nation’s most robust local responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously served as Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy during the Obama administration and as Director of HIV Prevention and Research at the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

While in San Francisco, Dr. Colfax led a 9,000-person health department with a $3.2 billion budget, overseeing an acute care hospital and Level 1 trauma center, behavioral health, primary care, detention health, and population health.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Harvard College and a Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Colfax to Contra Costa County,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “His visionary leadership and deep understanding of public health systems will be invaluable as we work to expand access to care, address longstanding health disparities, and support the overall well-being of our communities.”

Dr. Colfax replaces Dr. Ori Tzvieli, who served as interim director during the executive search and will remain Contra Costa County’s Health Officer.

“We thank Dr. Tzvieli for his steadfast leadership during this time of transition, and I want to express my gratitude that he will continue as the County’s Health Officer,” Supervisor Andersen added.

Dr. Colfax will oversee a comprehensive integrated health system that includes a nationally recognized public hospital, regional health centers, behavioral health services, emergency medical services, environmental health, and public health operations serving over 1.2 million county residents.

“I am honored to join Contra Costa Health and to serve a community that values collaboration, compassion, and equity,” said Dr. Colfax. “I look forward to working with the incredible staff and partners across the County to improve outcomes and ensure that every resident—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to quality, dignified care.”

The cost to fund the Director of Health Services for the remainder of the fiscal year is about $619,000. Annual ongoing costs are estimated at about $708,000. These expenses are budgeted for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Asked about the figures Contra Costa County PIO Jourdan responded, “That $708,000 figure includes salary plus benefits. The $619,000 is what’s available given the time left in the fiscal year.”

About Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa Health (CCH) is a comprehensive county health system committed to providing high-quality services with a focus on equity and access. From its nationally ranked Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers to its innovative Behavioral Health, Public Health, and Emergency Medical Services divisions, CCH serves as a cornerstone of wellness for more than a million residents across the county.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.