Contra Costa Herald

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

Golden Hills Community Church issues updated statement on possible dinner related illness and deaths

By Leave a Comment

According to Larry Adams, Senior Pastor of Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood and Antioch, the following updated statement about the Thanksgiving dinner they served in Antioch, last Thursday, and the possibly linked illnesses and three deaths, was posted on the church’s website on Tuesday night:

This past week we were alerted to an outbreak of illness in our community that could have been related to our annual Thanksgiving meal served in Antioch. Golden Hills Community Church has been seeking to help meet this need in the community for over 30 years with meals served to many thousands of people. As the week unfolded, we met with Contra Costa Health officials seeking to assist them in any way possible to determine the source of the illness. The preliminary evidence seemed to point away from the food that we served to over 800 people that day.

Our greatest concern has been twofold. First and foremost we are grieving for those who have lost precious loved ones and for those who have endured this illness. The loss of life is a human tragedy that no amount of investigation can undo. While we do not, even now, know who these individuals are, this has not stopped us from grieving and praying diligently for these families.

Secondly, we have wanted to hear from the Health Department their  determination of the real cause of this illness, regardless of our connection. Truth will help prevent future occurrences of this type of illness and perhaps keep others from having this horrible experience.

We still do not have any conclusive word from County Officials regarding this matter. We continue to do what we can to help with the investigation that is ongoing. Evidence that once pointed away from the meal that we provided to so many, now seems to point back that direction. We will continue to await the final findings, to pray for all those affected, and offer to do what we can to help those who are hurting. We thank those who have joined us in prayer and ask you to continue in your efforts.

The church’s website is www.goldenhills.org.

 

County Health Services claim nine more people possibly got sick at Antioch Thanksgiving meal served by church

By Leave a Comment

The American Legion Hall and Veterans Memorial Building on West 6th Street in Antioch where the Thanksgiving dinner was served, last Thursday, November 24, 2016.

The American Legion Hall and Veterans Memorial Building on West 6th Street in Antioch where the Thanksgiving dinner was served, last Thursday, November 24, 2016.

By Allen Payton

The Costa Health Services (CCHS) announced on Tuesday, they are investigating several new cases that are likely related to a foodborne illness outbreak reported in Antioch over the weekend. CCHS investigators on Tuesday contacted an additional eight people who were likely sickened by food or drink from the same event. None of those patients are currently hospitalized.

During a second press conference on the matter in Martinez on Tuesday afternoon, Environmental Health Director Marilyn Underwood and Dr. Louise McNitt, Communicable Disease Medical Director, stated there is now a ninth additional person who was reported to also become sick due to eating at the same dinner. That brings the total number of people who claim to be sickened by the meal served by Golden Hills Community Church to 17.

Eight cases of possible foodborne illness connected to the incident, including three that resulted in death, were reported to Public Health on Nov. 25 by Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch. All of the eight patients reported by Sutter Delta ate food from the holiday event.

It is now reported that all eight were residents of three different senior care, assisted living, group home facilities of four in Antioch owned by the same couple. Calls to the administrator and licensee of the homes, asking them why some of their staff and residents, as well as they and their family attended the Thanksgiving meal intended for the homeless, low-income residents and those who didn’t want to be alone on the holiday, were not returned before publication time.

In an attempt to clarify information about where the food was prepared, that was served at the Antioch event organizer Jeff Oransky explained that, “some of the food is prepared in people’s homes like the turkey, ham, and some of the stuffing, and then brought to the hall. The only things prepared on site are instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn and green beans.”

He mentioned the small size of the kitchen at the hall as the reason. Asked about how he can control the quality of the food being prepared and brought in, he replied, “We’ve had discussions about that” since last Thursday. “We’ve never had a problem before.”

“We’re pretty careful,” Oransky explained. “Every year we buy 600 disposable gloves and we  run out of every one of them. We generally don’t touch the food, even with the gloves. We use the ladles and utensils, and we keep everything heated. Nothing just sits out.”

“The other issue is the to-go meals,” he continued. “Some people come in and take a to-go meal to take home. Others eat there and also take a meal home. As far as I know they haven’t determined if these people (who got sick) did one or the other, or both.”

Asked if there were delivery of prepared meals from the hall, Oransky said, “No, not that I know of. We don’t deliver them. I don’t have enough people to do that.”

“We have Meals On Wheels deliveries. But they have nothing to do with the food at the hall,” he clarified. “Those meals are all professionally prepared and delivered to people’s homes, who are Meals On Wheels clients. But Meals On Wheels doesn’t deliver on Thanksgiving, so we take it over and deliver for them. But, we don’t deliver food prepared from the hall.”

Asked about serving the Thanksgiving Day meals in the future, Golden Hills Community Church Executive Pastor Phil Hill, said “the county health services told us in the future we would have to get a permit and that means that all food would have to be prepared in an approved commercial facility.”

Asked if that will be required even if it’s determined that the church is not at fault, he responded, “Correct.”

An email asking for the name of the group distributing prepared meals outside of the hall, to people standing in line waiting to get in for the Thanksgiving meal was sent to Vicky Balladares, Communications Officer for Contra Costa Health Services.

She replied, “Our Environmental Health folks are trying to get the name. As far as I know they have not been able to get a name yet.”

Anyone who ate food from the Thanksgiving Day event at the Antioch American Legion Hall and Veterans Memorial Building at 403 West Sixth Street, and is now feeling ill should immediately contact their medical provider. Anyone who is not ill, but has food or drink from the event, should throw it away. The general public can call (925) 313-6700 for more information.

County health investigators are in the process of collecting biological samples from the reported cases for testing at county and state public health laboratories.

Flexible scheduling makes Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program attractive volunteer opportunity

By Leave a Comment

Today’s busy lifestyles can make it hard to find time to volunteer, however, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family and your community. The right match can help you make an impact int he community, learn new skills and even advance your career. As an American Cancer Society volunteer, you also can honor a survivor or a loved one lost to cancer while joining the fight to end the disease.

The American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery® program offers flexible scheduling and a chance to give back while literally helping to save lives.

An estimated 172,090 California residents will learn they have cancer this year and getting to their scheduled treatment will be their greatest concern. To helppatients get to the critical care they need without additional stress, the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program can help providefree transportation to and from treatment for people who have cancer and who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.

“One cancer patient requiring radiation therapy could need between 20 to 30 trips to treatment over the course of six weeks,” said Elizabeth Turney,Program Manager, Mission Delivery for the American Cancer Society. “A patient receiving chemotherapy may need weekly treatment for up to a year.”

Many cancer patients don’t own a vehicle, can’t afford the extra gasoline, or don’t have access to public transportation. Some patients may be elderly and unable to drive, too ill to drive, or have no family members or friends who are able to provide regular assistance with transportation.

“Volunteering doesn’t have to take over your life to be a valuable experience,” said Elizabeth Turney “In fact, just three or four hours per week can be highly beneficial to both you and your chosen cause. The important thing is to volunteer only the amount of time that feels comfortable to you. Volunteering should be a fun and rewarding experience, not another chore on your to-do list.”

The Road To Recovery program provides transportation options for patients in dire situations and currently is in need of volunteer drivers in Contra Costa County. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so patients can receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Drivers also provide encouragement and support.

To volunteer, you must have a valid driver’s license, a safe and reliable vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older andhave a good driving history. They arrange their own schedules and can commit as many or as few hours as their schedule allows. The American Cancer Society provides free training to drivers and conducts criminal background and driving recordchecks.

Volunteer coordinators also are needed to schedule the requested rides. Coordinators can work from any location that is convenient for them. Great organization and communication skills can make a major impact on the well-being of cancer patients in the community.

“While learning new skills may be soughtby many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience,” said Elizabeth Turney “The most valuable skills you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude.Volunteering is a great way to meet new people. It also strengthens your ties to the community, exposes you to people with common interests, and provides a sense of purpose.”

To learn more about the benefits of volunteering and how to become a Road To Recovery volunteer, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress,14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

40 Performance Mechanical construction workers wear pink hard hats for job sites in October

By Leave a Comment

PMI construction workers proudly pose wearing their EMCOR/ PMI Pink Hard Hats.

PMI construction workers proudly pose wearing their EMCOR/ PMI Pink Hard Hats.

Company creates “Call to Action” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month for EMCOR’s 8th Annual “Protect Yourself. Get Screened Today” campaign

Performance Mechanical, Inc. (PMI) of Pittsburg, proudly announces that 40 of its construction workers at various job sites throughout the area are wearing EMCOR Pink Hard Hats in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as a “Call to Action” supporting breast cancer screening and awareness as part of EMCOR’s 8th Annual “Protect Yourself. Get Screened Today.” campaign.   PMI employees will be seen by scores of people as they work at a host of client locations, ranging from commercial and healthcare, to manufacturing and industrial facilities.

A market leader in industrial mechanical contracting services, Performance Mechanical, Inc. is a subsidiary of EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE: EME), a Fortune 500® leader in mechanical and electrical construction, industrial and energy infrastructure, and building services for a diverse range of businesses.

“This is EMCOR’s 8th consecutive year of spearheading the national Pink Hard Hat initiative. Over the years people have come forward to say they believe this unique way of raising awareness of the importance of breast cancer screening has had a positive impact on their own lives or that of a

loved one,” stated Andy Hosler, President & CEO, Performance Mechanical, Inc.  “Many of our employees wear hard hats on a daily basis for personal protection, and we’re proud of their commitment to wear an EMCOR/Performance Mechanical Hard Hat in October to raise awareness for breast cancer, reminding women and men they can help protect themselves by getting screened.”

PMI employees will be joined by thousands of additional EMCOR employees nationally wearing Pink Hard Hats during October at hundreds of work sites, ranging from hospitals to bridges, malls to military bases, and data centers to refineries.

The “multiplier effect” continues as even more people are reached with the “Protect Yourself. Get Screened Today.” message when EMCOR employees take the Pink Hard Hats home each night and they are seen by spouses, daughters, sisters, neighbors, and many others.

Millions more people will be reached nationally by EMCOR’s fleet of 7,000+ service vehicles, including PMI vehicles, which are displaying Pink Hard Hat posters during October with the “Protect Yourself. Get Screened Today.” campaign message.

Visit EMCOR’s Pink Hard Hat site: http://www.emcorgroup.com/pinkhardhat

About Performance Mechanical, Inc.

Founded in 1985, Performance Mechanical, Inc. (PMI) is a full-service industrial mechanical contractor providing process piping and equipment installation, civil, structural, instrumentation, and boiler installation and repair to electrical generating plants, food and beverage producers, pipeline compressor and metering stations, manufacturing facilities and water treatment plants. PMI’s expertise also includes mechanical maintenance service for industrial turnarounds and maintenance for refineries, terminals, and chemical plants.  Headquartered in Pittsburg, California, PMI is a subsidiary of EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE: EME), a Fortune 500 company with estimated 2016 revenues of ~$7.4B. EMCOR is a leader in mechanical and electrical construction, industrial and energy infrastructure, and building services.  A provider of critical infrastructure systems, EMCOR gives life to new structures and sustains life in existing ones by its planning, installing, operating, maintaining, and protecting the sophisticated and dynamic systems that create facility environments—such as electrical, mechanical, lighting, air conditioning, heating, security, fire protection, and power generation systems—in virtually every sector of the economy and for a diverse range of businesses, organizations and government.  EMCOR represents a rare combination of broad reach with local execution, combining the strength of an industry leader with the knowledge and care of 170 locations. The ~33,000 skilled employees of EMCOR have made the company, in the eyes of leading business publications, amongst the “World’s Most Admired” and “Best Managed”. EMCOR’s diversity—in terms of the services it provides, the industries it serves and the geography it spans—has enabled it to create a stable platform for sustained results. The Company’s strong financial position has enabled it to attract and retain among the best local and regional talent, to undertake and complete the most ambitious projects, and to redefine and shape the future of the construction and facilities services industry. Additional information on EMCOR can be found at www.EMCORGroup.com.

High school students get hands-on experience in John Muir Hospitals’ summer internship program

By Leave a Comment

Intern Group 1, Back Row (L-R): Saadhana Deshpande, Kaanan Goradia, Justin Chang, Eeshan Sharma, Andrew Cho. Front Row (L-R): Harini Rajan, Kaileigh Yang, Christina Alejandrino, Marina Fernandez

Intern Group 1, Back Row (L-R): Saadhana Deshpande, Kaanan Goradia, Justin Chang, Eeshan Sharma, Andrew Cho. Front Row (L-R): Harini Rajan, Kaileigh Yang, Christina Alejandrino and Marina Fernandez.

Intern Goradia with Rehab Staff (from left to right): Leo Francis Santos, Rehabilitation Aide, Heather Wren, Rehabilitation Aide, John Jamieson, Rehabilitation Aide, Kaanan Goradia, Student Intern, Denise Ybarra, Rehabilitation Department Secretary, and Robert Walters, Director In-Patient Rehabilitation Services

Intern Goradia with Rehab Staff (from left to right): Leo Francis Santos, Rehabilitation Aide, Heather Wren, Rehabilitation Aide, John Jamieson, Rehabilitation Aide, Kaanan Goradia, Student Intern, Denise Ybarra, Rehabilitation Department Secretary, and Robert Walters, Director In-Patient Rehabilitation Services

This summer, John Muir Health Hospitals engaged in a dynamic partnership with local high schools to offer work-based learning programs designed to make students aware of health care careers and their own potential – exposing students to an experience they can’t get in a classroom.

The goal is to align classwork with real-world job opportunities, and to awaken local high school students to opportunities for education and careers in the medical field.

On Friday, August 5, nine local students graduated from the summer intern program at John Muir Health, Walnut Creek Hospital: Saadhana Deshpande, Kaanan Goradia, Justin Chang, Eeshan Sharma, Andrew Cho, Harini Rajan, Kaileigh Yang, Christina Alejandrino and Marina Fernandez.

To view a video on the Medical & Biotechnology Academy overview, click here.

U.S. News & World Report ranks John Muir Health’s medical centers among best in nation, region, state and Bay Area

By Leave a Comment

John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Ranks in Top 50 nationally for Gynecology, its tenth consecutive year with a nationally ranked service. John Muir Health’s Concord and Walnut Creek medical centers ranked in Top 4 overall in San Francisco/Oakland area and Top 15 in the state

john-muir-healthJohn Muir Health’s Concord and Walnut Creek medical centers were 2 of just 504 hospitals or about 10% nationally that earned the designation of Best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in its annual list of America’s Best Hospitals.

To earn this distinction, each medical center had to earn at least one national ranking in a specialty or at least four ratings of “high performing” across 16 specialties and nine procedures and conditions. Combined, the two medical centers had seven specialties nationally ranked or rated as high performing and eight procedures and conditions rated as high performing. This places both medical centers among the top ranked on the West Coast.

For the tenth consecutive year, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek had a service nationally ranked. The Walnut Creek medical center has been nationally ranked in Gynecology for the past five years. It was one of just 153 medical centers – less than 3 percent of the nearly 5,000 analyzed – to be nationally ranked in even one of 16 specialties surveyed for the report.

John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek was also ranked as high-performing in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology and Diabetes & Endocrinology. In addition, the medical center was rated as high performing in several adult procedures and conditions, including Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement and Lung Cancer Surgery.

John Muir Medical Center, Concord was ranked as high-performing in four specialties, including Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics and Orthopedics. In addition, the medical center was rated as high performing in several adult procedures and conditions, including Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery, COPD, Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement and Lung Cancer Surgery.

Along with its national rankings, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals published state and metropolitan hospital rankings.  John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek is listed at #2 out of 44 hospitals in the San Francisco-Oakland area and #11 out of 415 acute care hospitals in California. John Muir Medical Center, Concord is listed at #4 locally and #15 in the state.

“We’re proud to be ranked among the region, state and nation’s best by U.S. News again this year,” said Jane Willemsen, president and chief administrative officer of John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek.  “Our highly-skilled team of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers is the reason for this recognition. They are dedicated to delivering on our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve with quality and compassion.”

“Every day, we focus on the needs of our patients and that is reflected in the exceptional care and experience we provide,” said Mike Thomas, president and chief administrative officer at John Muir Medical Center, Concord. “We have a range of services not usually associated with community hospitals that allows patients to stay close to home for their care, which is a tremendous benefit in the healing process.”

“Our rankings should give patients confidence that exceptional care is available to them throughout John Muir Health,” said Irving Pike, M.D., chief medical officer at John Muir Health. “We are here to serve the community and our goal is to treat every patient like a member of our own family.”

Between the two medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, John Muir Health has 799 licensed beds. John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek also serves as the designated trauma center for Contra Costa County. In addition, the health system offers a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians to care for patients.

The complete rankings and methodology are available at http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals and will appear in print in the U.S. News Best Hospitals 2016 guidebook, available in bookstores and on newsstands in September.

To learn more about John Muir Health’s award-winning programs and services, visit: www.johnmuirhealth.com.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, more than 6,000 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. John Muir Health also has partnerships with UCSF Health, Tenet Healthcare/San Ramon Regional Medical Center and Stanford Children’s Health. The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care.

Follow JMH

John Muir Health.com | Facebook.com/JMH | Twitter.com/JMH | YouTube.com/JMH

Health & Wellness Fair in Pittsburg today, to help men in East County

By Leave a Comment

WHAT:  The first East County Men’s Health & Wellness Fair will offer free screenings, health education, promote re-entry work and link men from the area and their families to medical services. Attendees will be able to get shingles and pneumonia immunizations, Tdap booster shots, glucose testing, blood pressure checks, rapid onsite testing for HIV and hepatitis C, health education on substance abuse and addiction, prostate awareness, benefits of cardiovascular exercises, CPR education and even haircuts. The men’s health fair is being held in conjunction with the 7th annual Juneteenth Celebration in Pittsburg.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 18

WHERE: Pittsburg City Park, 17th & Railroad Avenue

WHO: The health fair is being sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services in partnership with Souljahs, the American Heart Association, Walgreens and 1st Nor Cal Credit Union. Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation, Los Medanos Community Healthcare District and Supervisor Federal Glover provided funding support for the event.

Contra Costa Health Services holds ribbon cutting for new Assisted Outpatient Treatment program in Concord

By 1 Comment

Contra Costa Action Team members cut the ribbon at the new health center in Concord, on Thursday, March 10, 2016.

Contra Costa Action Team staff Contra Costa Action Team staff with Kim Bond, CEO (far left), Laura Miles, Vice President (left center) and Crystal Luna, Program Director (right center), cut the ribbon at the new treatment program in Concord, on Thursday, March 10, 2016.

Mental Health Systems held a ribbon cutting and open house to officially open Contra Costa Health Services’ Assisted Outpatient Treatment program (AOT) located at 2280 Diamond Blvd. #500, Concord on Thursday, March 10, 2016.

MHS’ Contra Costa ACTiOn Team – delivered through an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model – provides AOT to individuals that qualify for AB1421 known as Laura’s Law. The California state law was named after Laura Wilcox, a mental health worker who was killed by a man who had refused psychiatric treatment. It allows for court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment. To qualify for the program, the person must have a serious mental illness plus a recent history of psychiatric hospitalizations, jailings or acts, threats or attempts of serious violent behavior towards self or others.

The Contra Costa ACTiOn Team is designed to help consumers that face mental health challenges find the support they need to live safely and productively within the community. The program will offer treatment to individuals who meet all nine criteria described in Laura’s Law when requested from family members, cohabitants, law enforcement, or mental health providers. While AOT can be a court-ordered process for treatment, the overall goal of this program is to make treatment available on a voluntary basis, where court order will be brought in as a last resort.

Participants of the program will collaborate with ACTiOn Team members to develop individualized treatment plans and receive 24-hour access to services. Services for this program may include outreach, engagement and support, group therapy, individual therapy, case management, employment and housing assistance, medication management, wellness coaching, independent living skills and community engagement. The program will eventually have the capacity to deliver care to up to 75 eligible adults for the first year.

“This program provides the evidence-based, highly effective practice of Assertive Community Treatment with intensive supportive services provided by a multi-disciplinary team,” Mental Health Systems Vice President Dr. Laura Otis-Miles said. “It is a valuable resource in Contra Costa County to help our clients and their families break the cycle of repeated hospitalizations, incarcerations, and homelessness.”

The Contra Costa Action Team is designed to help consumers that face mental health challenges find the support they need to live safely and productively within the community. This is the first Mental Health System’s program to come to the Bay Area.

Mental Health Systems (www.mhsinc.org) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1978 to provide innovative and cost-effective behavioral health and drug and alcohol recovery services. Currently, MHS operates more than 80 community-based programs throughout California. Leading the field of nonprofit behavioral health services, our expertise and scope is unparalleled. MHS offers culturally appropriate, client-centered and strengths-based services in its programs for children, transition age youth, adults, older adults and families. While some services are available through private insurance or self-pay, most MHS programs are publicly funded and available to those who cannot afford privately paid services would be otherwise unable to receive them. All services are provided in a client-focused, compassionate manner that underscores MHS founding values of Integrity, Excellence, Hope, Action, Innovation and Dignity.

 

Contra Costa County Home Care Workers Ratify New Contract

By Leave a Comment

Months of Action Result in Wage Increase That Will Eventually Reach $12.25/hour

Martinez, CA – Home care workers in Contra Costa County, represented by SEIU Local 2015, have ratified a new contract that raises their wage to $12.00 per hour as soon as the State can make the change, and to $12.25 per hour on January 1, 2017. The contract is on the agenda for a vote of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors at its Tuesday, March 15th meeting.

Home care workers currently make just $11.50 an hour and have not had a raise in more than seven years. The contract maintains their health care benefit, which the County had pushed to limit.

SEIU Local 2015 Provisional Officer Arnulfo De La Cruz was glad to reach a contract, but believes it should not have taken so long to achieve. “Home care providers, their clients and allies rallied for months at Board of Supervisors meetings,” he said. “This contract impacts those who care for our county’s most vulnerable population and should have been resolved sooner, but we are certainly glad that it is finally done.”

Union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying the agreement.

“We won our contract because we got organized and got members involved,” said home care worker John Roe, who was part of bargaining team. “Now we’re going to organize for $15.”

Home care worker Melody Lacy, also a member of the bargaining team, said “We got this victory because we have a union that is 100% focused on us as long-term care providers winning better wages and benefits.”

IHSS workers care for our low-income seniors and disabled neighbors, a tough but critical job that allows their clients to live at home with independence and dignity while being more cost effective than institutionalization. This work should be recognized and paid a livable wage.

Follow the conversation: @SEIU2015

Fundraiser to Help Global Health Fellowship Continue its Work Abroad to Save Lives

By Leave a Comment

A unique program that sends doctors from Contra Costa County to train physicians around the world is holding an event, on Monday, March 14 in Pleasant Hill, to raise money to continue its work in countries with limited medical resources.

The Contra Costa Global Health Fellowship is one of only six family medicine global health fellowships in the country, according to Dr. Neil Jayasekera, the fellowship’s founder and co-director. The fellowship, an initiative of the Contra Costa Family Medicine Residency Program that works in collaboration with UC San Francisco, was started in 2011.

Fellows train family physicians in other countries to build capacity for them to provide care in their communities. Global health fellows have trained local doctors in Kenya, South Sudan, India and Mexico. Most recently, fellows have been the African nation of Malawi to train medical students there. Malawi has one of the lowest physician-to-patient ratios in the world, as well as some of the poorest health outcomes.

“We are helping train the next generation of physicians in Africa. We’re providing the mentorship and the skills that will allow them to diagnose and treat disease, alleviate suffering, and save their patients’ lives,” said Dr. Jayasekera, who works in the emergency department at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. “Our philosophy is teach one, help many.”

Dr. Mena Ramos, a current global health fellow, recently returned from a training expedition to Malawi. The experience was extremely rewarding, she said.

“After 3 years of residency training, the global health fellowship allowed me to share the skills I learned while at Contra Costa with providers in East Africa, and in turn, learn from their experiences providing care in a resource constrained setting,” Dr. Ramos said. “There is nothing more empowering than walking away knowing that you have shared a skill that will be useful to patients and communities beyond your own.”

Dr. Jayasekera added that the program also produces local benefits. Global health fellows are the most committed to working with the underserved and are very likely to stay here in our community and work with most underserved and vulnerable patients, Dr. Jayasekera said. For example, he noted, two recent fellows are currently the lead physicians at two prominent homeless clinics in the Bay Area.

The March 14 event is being hosted by the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation (CCRHF), a nonprofit agency that supports Contra Costa Health Services. Global health fellows will share their stories about the places they’ve been and the people they’ve helped.

Proceeds from the event will help pay for the fellows’ travel expenses and the purchase of critical medical equipment, such as portable ultrasound devices.  The Contra Costa Family Medicine Residency program is a recognized leader in point-of-care ultrasound training for family physicians.

While most people think of ultrasound in connection with prenatal care, its use has become standard in many areas of medicine. Ultrasound is especially well-suited for physicians who work in under-resourced settings locally and abroad. Global Health fellows devote a lot of time teaching doctors and medical students in other countries how to use ultrasound devices in their healthcare practices.

“Ultrasound is like radiology in your pocket,” said Dr. Erin Stratta, a current global health fellow who has worked in Peru. “It can be used every single day with just about every patient that you see. It’s the future of clinical practice and I think it is going to change the face of medicine.”

Those who are unable to attend can still donate to the cause by on the Regional Health Foundation’s website at ccrhf.org.

For more information about the Contra Costa Global Health Fellowship, visit cchealth.org/residency/ghf.

Event Details

WHAT: Fundraiser for Contra Costa Global Health Fellowship. Admission is $35. There will be complimentary wine (donated by Sky Terrace Vineyards) and appetizers (provided by caterer Lovable Feast).

WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8.pm. on Monday, March 14

WHERE: Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill

WHO: Hosted by the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation, a nonprofit that supports Contra Costa Health Services

HOW: Register for the event or donate to the cause at ccrhf.org