Contra Costa Herald

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

Raising awareness of abortion on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

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January is Sanctity of Human Life Month

By Alliance for Life

January is Sanctity of Human Life Month, and this year Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SOHLS) is celebrated on Sunday, January 21, 2024. SOHLS is a day for Americans to focus on the value of each and every human life. It is celebrated every year on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decisions Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, which legalized abortion in every state for any reason through all nine months of pregnancy.

In the past two years, the right to abortion has been one of the most heated discussions in our country.

We rejoice that the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022. But this hasn’t stopped abortion; it simply placed the decision back into the hands of each state. While many states have chosen to stop abortions, we still recognize the awful tragedy that, on average, the lives of approximately 98 precious babies are ended every hour!

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, the abortion industry nationwide has stepped up its efforts of promoting a culture of death by offering abortion as the “smart answer” to an unplanned pregnancy during uncertain times.

One of the best ways to stand against this evil is to come together and openly state “We support and defend the Sanctity of Human Life.”

Pastors, churches and life organizations across the United States use this day to bring awareness to the attacks that are daily waged against human life through the abortion industry.

In 1984, President Ronal Reagan issued a presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday of January as National Sanctity of Human Life Day.

“We have been given the precious gift of human life, made more precious still by our births in or pilgrimages to a land of freedom. It is fitting, then, on the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that struck down State anti-abortion laws, that we reflect anew on these blessings, and on our corresponding responsibility to guard with care the lives and freedoms of even the weakest of our fellow human beings.”

Ronald Reagan

President

We are continuing that tradition by setting this day aside – January 21, 2024 – as a day to pray for the end of the tragedy of abortion, ask for God’s mercy on our country for this heinous sin, and proclaim loudly that all lives are created in the image of God and should be treated as such.

On Sunday, January 21, we declare the sanctity of all human lives and stand together to protect the lives of each and every unborn baby.

“The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.” – Isaiah 49:1

“For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139;13-16

We would also like to encourage you to focus on the value of human life all month — and all year — long. Watch the video below to find out four ways that you can make a difference for life this January.

A Message for Sanctity of Human Life Month (youtube.com)

Additional information included from Heartbeat International and LifePlan.

Kaiser Permanente Nor Cal receives nationally recognized health equity accreditation

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Photo: Kaiser Permanente

The National Committee for Quality Assurance recognizes Kaiser Permanente Northern California for working to reduce health care disparities by providing high-quality, equitable care

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

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 16, 2024 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California is being recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for providing high-quality, equitable care.

The NCQA awarded Kaiser Permanente Northern California the Health Equity Accreditation, which focuses on building an internal culture that supports the organization’s external health equity work; collecting data that helps the organization create and offer language services and provider networks mindful of individuals’ cultural and linguistic needs; and identifying opportunities to reduce health inequities and improve care.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Health Equity accreditation covers all lines of business including its Commercial HMO, Exchange HMO, Medicaid HMO, and Medicare HMO health care plans.

“As a health care organization, we are committed to providing culturally responsive, equitable care to our members, patients and the communities we serve,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “We believe everyone should have access to high-quality, affordable health care. This is core to our mission, and we are continually working to reduce barriers and eliminate health care inequities.”

Photo: Kaiser Permanente

Some of these efforts include:

  • In 2022, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that Kaiser Permanente Northern California has eliminated colorectal cancer disparities between Black and white adults. This study looked at colorectal cancer screening participation, incidence, and death rates for Black and white KP Northern California members ages 50 to 75.  The study covered a 19-year period in which our screening rate increased from approximately 40% to 80%.
  • In 2022, Kaiser Permanente Northern California invested $1.1 billion in the health of the communities it serves in Northern California. A significant part of the investments supported access to quality care through participation in the Medi-Cal program and Medical Financial Assistance.​
  • Kaiser Permanente Northern California remains focused on addressing the root causes of health disparities, such as economic opportunity, affordable housing, health and wellness in schools, and a healthy environment.
  • Kaiser Permanente embeds practices to identify and eliminate inequities across operations — from how we design buildings to how we conduct research and deliver care.  Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to delivering culturally responsive care, with multi-language outreach, call center staff fluent in more than 140 languages, and medical facilities uniquely focused on the needs of specific communities.
  • Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care model, which provides both care and coverage, and our coordinated approach to delivering care make us a leader in addressing health disparities among our members and communities. Because Kaiser Permanente takes care of nearly all our members’ needs and records all patient care interactions in an electronic health record, Kaiser Permanente can identify health disparities among different groups.
  • Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians reflect and embrace the diverse communities we serve. This allows Kaiser Permanente to provide culturally responsive, equitable care for our members and patients.

“Advancing health equity is a foundational commitment of Kaiser Permanente, because everyone deserves access to high-quality health care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “This NCQA accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to creating and maintaining a culture focused on providing equitable care to our members and patients, which is essential to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

According to the NCQA, having health care organizations that are committed to eliminating health disparities in underserved populations will lead to better health outcomes and reduce overall treatment costs. NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation program offers an actionable framework for helping health systems continuously improve—and prioritize—health equity for the patients and communities they serve.

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 12.6 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

 

Red Cross: Emergency blood shortage may delay medical procedures

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Donors urged to give now as nation faces lowest number of blood donors in decades. Donors have the chance to help save lives, win trip to Super Bowl LVIII

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.

“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”

Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.

Who donations help:

Sarah Montoya knows firsthand the lifesaving power a single blood donation contains. Five years ago, Sarah discovered that her 10-month-old son had a Wilms tumor growing on his kidney. He was one of the 43 children who, on average, are diagnosed with cancer in America every single day. He needed blood transfusions to survive the surgery that would ultimately save his life. Since then, Sarah start donating blood with the Red Cross. “I am so grateful that I can help people the same way my son has been helped,” she said.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 8-31:

Contra Costa County

Antioch

1/25/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., ST. Ignatius of Antioch, 3351 Contra Loma Boulevard

Brentwood

1/31/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Trilogy Vineyards Veterans Association, 1700 Trilogy Parkway

Danville

1/12/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Road

El Cerrito

1/27/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., El Cerrito High School, 540 Ashbury Avenue

Pleasant Hill

1/8/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/9/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/10/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/11/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/12/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/15/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/16/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/17/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/18/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/19/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/22/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/23/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/24/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/25/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/26/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/29/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/30/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/31/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., College Park High School, 201 Viking Drive

1/31/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

San Ramon

1/10/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., San Ramon Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2260 Camino Ramon

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Alameda County

Alameda

1/9/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Alameda City Library, 1550 Oak Street

1/13/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Alameda Community – Twin Towers United Methodist, 1411 Oak Street

1/27/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., St. Joseph High School – Notre Dame Hall, St. Joseph Basilica, on Lafayette Street

Livermore

1/19/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Avenue

Newark

1/8/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/9/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/11/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/12/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/13/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/14/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/15/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/16/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/18/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/19/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/20/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/21/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/22/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/23/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/25/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/26/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/27/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/28/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/29/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/30/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

Oakland
1/8/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/9/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oakland Scottish Rite, 1547 Lakeside Drive

1/9/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/10/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/11/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/12/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/15/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/16/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/17/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/18/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/19/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/22/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/23/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/24/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/25/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/26/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/29/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/30/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/31/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

Pleasanton

1/8/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/9/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/10/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/12/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/15/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/16/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/17/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/19/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/22/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/23/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/24/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/26/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/29/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/30/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/31/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

_______________

San Francisco County

San Francisco

1/8/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/9/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/10/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/12/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/15/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/16/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/17/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/19/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/22/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/23/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/24/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/29/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/30/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/31/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

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Santa Clara County

Gilroy

1/11/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Gilroy, 7999 Miller Avenue

1/17/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Gavilan College, 5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard

Morgan Hill

1/9/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Morgan Hill, 1790 E. Dunne Avenue

San Jose

1/8/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/9/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/10/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/11/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/12/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/13/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., San Jose Center Mobile Drives, American Red Cross, 2731 N. 1st Street

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/15/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/16/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/17/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
San Jose, 1655 Noreen Street

1/17/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/18/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/19/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/20/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Jack and Jill of America San Jose Chapter, Jack and Jill, 2731 N. First Street

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/22/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/23/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/24/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/25/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/26/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/29/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/30/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/31/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

Santa Clara

1/27/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Santa Clara, 875 Quince Avenue

Saratoga

1/30/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road

_______________

San Mateo County

Foster City

1/20/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Foster City, 1000 Shell Boulevard

Half Moon Bay

1/16/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Ted Adcock Community Center, 535 Kelly Avenue

Millbrae

1/11/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Westin San Francisco Airport, 1 Old Bayshore Highway

San Mateo

1/13/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Highlands Recreation Center, 1851 Lexington Avenue

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 follow us on social media.

Respite stays offered at TreVista Senior Living & Memory Care in Antioch

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Is your loved one or patient on the path to recovery from an injury or illness, yet facing challenges in safely returning home after being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility? TreVista is here to provide the support and care needed during this crucial healing phase.

🏡 Safe Haven for Recovery: TreVista offers a safe and secure environment, allowing your loved one or patient to focus on recovery without the worries of returning home prematurely. Our furnished guest rooms and comforting common spaces create a supportive atmosphere.

👩‍⚕️ Expert Care Around the Clock: Rest assured, our dedicated care staff, supervised by experienced nurses, is available 24/7 to provide the highest level of support. Your loved one’s or patient’s well-being is our top priority.

💪 Accelerate Recovery with Physical Therapy: TreVista is committed to facilitating your loved one’s or patient’s recovery journey. Take advantage of our supportive services while your focus remains on essential physical therapy, ensuring a stronger and safer return home.

🍽️ Nourishment for Healing: Delight in our delicious home-cooked meals, thoughtfully prepared to provide the nutrition needed for a speedy recovery. A healthy diet is integral to the healing process.

🌈 Tailored Services for Holistic Care: Our respite program offers additional services, including medication management and personal assistance, to address individual needs. We tailor our support to enhance the overall well-being of our residents.

📅 Flexible Admission for Your Convenience: TreVista understands the urgency of recovery. Our flexible admission process allows for a seamless transition, even on weekends. Your journey to healing starts when you need it.

🎁 Special Offer: Stay for 3 Weeks, Get The 4th Week Free! 🎁*

TreVista’s Respite Program is more than just a temporary stay; it’s a transformative experience leading to a stronger, safer return home. Contact us today to embark on this journey of recovery, where care and support redefine the path to wellness.

For details contact Tamsen Meierdierck, Senior Living Consultant – TreVista Antioch at (925) 470-3395.

TreVista Senior Living & Memory Care is located at 3950 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. To learn more visit trevistaseniorliving.com/trevista-at-antioch.

*Terms and conditions apply. Offer subject to availability.

Paid advertisement.

Kaiser Permanente partners with Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to provide food for people in need

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Kaiser Permanente Contra Costa County/Tri-Valley Service Area Community Health Manager Leslie Brown presents a $365,000 check to Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano VP of Finance Brian Morrow. Photo: KP

Contributes $365,000 to fund 540,000 meals

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

In the Bay Area, 1 in 4 residents will struggle with food insecurity this year. To help manage the expected increase in food insecurity during the holidays, Kaiser Permanente is making multiple investments in the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano by providing funds for 540,000 meals. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, Kaiser Permanente presented a $365,000 check at the Concord food bank site.

“To our partners at Kaiser Permanente, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this generous donation,” said Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano VP of Finance Brian Morrow. “With this money, we will be able to provide 540,000 meals to our neighbors in need. We thank you so much. Happy holidays!”

Every month, local residents visit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano for supplemental food. The food bank anticipates that the demand for food assistance will increase by about 20 percent during the holiday season.

A grant of $270,000 from Kaiser Permanente supports healthy food distributions, and an additional $95,000 grant from a Kaiser Permanente fund at the East Bay Community Foundation supports outreach to ensure that community members will have access to CalFresh (California’s food stamp program) and Medi-Cal. The food bank recently kicked off its 3 Million Meals Campaign.

Last Tuesday, community volunteers sorted and packaged produce at the food bank for upcoming food distributions. According to the CA Association of Food Banks, California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, about 8.8 million people are food insecure. Food insecurity is defined as limited or uncertain access to enough food to lead a healthy, active life. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano provides more than 3.4 million meals each month.

“We believe that our health is our wealth,” said Kaiser Permanente Contra Costa County and Tri-Valley Service Area Community Health Manager Leslie Brown. “In order for you to be able to take care of your physical health, you need nutritious meals. It’s so important for people to have access to healthy food so they can take care of their physical health.”

East Bay Parks: Annual wild mushroom warning

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Wild mushrooms. Source: EBRPD

Learn more about mushrooms at the Tilden Fungus Fair Jan. 20-21

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, East Bay Regional Park District

With the return of winter rains, park visitors may have noticed mushrooms popping up in the Regional Parks. Mushrooms are an ecologically important part of our parklands and can look beautiful – but some of them contain dangerous toxins.

The death cap (Amanita phalloides) and western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata) are two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms, and both can be found in East Bay Regional Parks during the rainy season.

The death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms contain amatoxins, molecules that are deadly to many animals. Symptoms may not appear until up to 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to liver and kidney failure if treatment is not sought immediately. Both mushrooms can be lethal to humans and pets if consumed. They are mainly associated with oak trees and can be found growing anywhere oak roots are present.

The death cap is a medium to large mushroom that typically has a greenish-gray cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem, and a large white sac at the base of the stem. Although the death cap is mainly associated with oak trees, it has been found growing with other hardwoods. It was accidentally introduced to North America on the roots of European cork oaks and is now slowly colonizing the west coast. The death cap is not native to California.

The western destroying angel is a medium to large mushroom that usually has a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that can disappear with age, and a thin white sac at the base. It fruits from late winter into spring. It is associated exclusively with oaks. Unlike the death cap, it is a native California mushroom.

The Park District urges the public to be safe and knowledgeable about toxic mushrooms when encountering them in the parks. Collecting any mushrooms in East Bay Regional Parks is not allowed.

Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pet may have eaten a toxic mushroom.

While the death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms are responsible for most cases of mushroom poisonings in California, deadly toxins can also be found in Galerina and Lepiota mushroom species, which also occur in the Bay Area. For more information about toxic mushrooms, visit www.ebparks.org/safety/trails/toxic-mushrooms.

Learn More About Fungi – Tilden Fungus Fair, January 20-21, 2024

Celebrate the fruits of winter! View hundreds of local mushroom specimens, mingle with the mycological community, and enjoy presentations by guest speakers at this two-day special event. Saturday, January 20, and Sunday, January 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/events/tilden-fungus-fair.

 

Donate blood or platelets and be entered to win trip for 2 to Super Bowl LVIII

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‘Tis the season to help the American Red Cross now through Jan. 5

Donors receive long-sleeved T-shirt while supplies last

OAKLAND, CA. Dec. 20, 2023 — When blood products are fully stocked on hospital shelves, patients don’t have to wait for critical care. Giving blood or platelets with the American Red Cross in December can help those in need make more holiday memories with loved ones.

This is a busy time for many. Holiday gatherings, travel and seasonal illnesses can all impact donor availability, making it hard to collect enough blood and platelets. Unfortunately, trauma patients in the emergency room, those undergoing cancer treatment and new parents in need of lifesaving transfusions can’t take a holiday break. Donors are needed every single day.  

Those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma Dec. 18, 2023-Jan. 5, 2024, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. To extend a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood, platelets and plasma during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-31, 2024, National Blood Donor Month, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Making and keeping appointments throughout the month can help safeguard the national blood supply into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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.

 

Air District issues four Notices of Violation to Martinez Refining Company following Sunday flaring, grass fire

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Smoke from the grassfire caused by the flaring at the Martinez Refining Company refinery on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Photo: BAAQMD

One for public nuisance, two for visible emissions, another for illegal fire on a no burn day

By Bay Area Air Quality Management District

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) inspectors responded to five air quality complaints related to a grass fire reported by Martinez Refining Company refinery in Martinez on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. On Monday, the Air District issued a Notice of Violation for public nuisance for this event. The Air District’s investigation is ongoing.

Three additional Notices of Violation have been issued for this event: two for visible emissions and one for illegal fire on a no burn day. This investigation is ongoing.

The updated incident report is as follows:

December 17

At 4:26 PM Sunday, the Air District received a Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) Level 1 alert filed by Martinez Refining Company (MRC) regarding a grass fire. The alert specifically stated that the smoke was from a grassfire. The alert did not mention flaring directly, but when Air District staff contacted MRC to discuss the CWS Level 1 alert, they said the grass fire was caused by “the heat of the flare.”

Air District Incident Response staff contacted MRC at 5:21 PM and were told that the grass fire had started at about 4:20 PM and was extinguished at approximately 5:10 PM. Two Air District staff were called out to the Martinez area to investigate. Five complaints alleging smoke and/or odor were filed between 4:30 PM and 5:07 PM. The adjacent photo of the grass fire was provided to the Air District by a complainant. The wind during the event was Northeast at 8-15 miles per hour. Based on the smoke plume observed, the Air District staff questioned MRC staff on a grass fire being the sole cause. At that time, an MRC representative told Air District staff that it was a grass fire.

December 18

On Monday, Air District staff, with Contra Costa County HazMat and Contra Costa County Fire personnel returned to MRC Refinery in the morning to jointly investigate the previous day’s event. The Air District investigation is ongoing and we will update this report as new information becomes available.

At this time, the Air District has issued the following Notice of Violations (NOV) to MRC for this event:

  • Regulation 1, Section 301 – Public Nuisance
  • Regulation 6, Rule 1, Section 301 – Visible emission standard exceeded
  • Regulation 40 CFR 63.670(c) – Federal visible emissions standard exceeded
  • Regulation 5, Section 301 – Illegal fire on a no burn day

For more information on the NOVs, click the link to the NOV web tool.

Martinez Refining Company Issues Statement:

On their website, MRC posted the following statement regarding the flaring and fire:

Intermittent flaring has continued at the Martinez Refining Company this weekend while we re-start equipment that was shut down during the operational incident that occurred on Friday, December 15.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on December 17, a ground flare was in operation as part of the re-start process that caused visible black smoke and a brush fire. The brush fire was promptly contained, and subsequently extinguished at approximately 5:00 p.m.

All appropriate agencies were notified, and we thank our responders for their safe, effective response. We apologize for the concerns we caused the community and will be conducting a root cause analysis of the incident. Looking forward, we expect the potential for intermittent flaring to last through most of this week; however, we are working hard to minimize flaring and to maintain clean combustion for any flaring that may occur.

You are welcome to view real-time air monitoring measurements at our fence line air monitoring website: https://www.fenceline.org/martinez/. Additionally, you can learn more about flaring on our website: https://martinezrefiningcompany.com/about-flaring/.

As always, we have a community inquiry phone number you can call 925-313-3777 or 925-313-3601 during off work hours. Thank you.”

When asked, an MRC spokesperson said the company didn’t have a comment on the NOV’s at this time as they had just received them.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa County surveys residents about Community Warning System

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Contra Costa Health (CCH) seeks input from county residents about whether they use the Community Warning System (CWS), how well it works, and if more notification options would improve it.

The CWS is an all-hazards community notification system that alerts residents about emergencies affecting public health or safety, including those from refineries and large chemical manufacturing facilities in Contra Costa County.

CCH’s online survey, available on the CWS page at cchealth.org, seeks information about community familiarity with the tool, whether polled residents subscribe, and opinions about the service.

The CWS sends free phone calls, texts and emails to anyone who signs up at cwsalerts.com. Users have subscription options, including whether to receive alerts only from certain areas of Contra Costa County, or only about certain facilities.

The survey, conducted at the direction of the Industrial Safety Ordinance / Community Warning System Ad Hoc Committee of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, also asks if residents would like notifications about nearby industrial incidents that are not deemed emergencies.

The CWS was designed for emergency use, and so when a facility reports an unexpected release – such as flaring, odors, smoke, noises, or fires – CWS only sends an alert to its subscribers if the incident is likely to affect health in the surrounding community, in the estimation of the facility, or the emergency responders from CCH or the fire department who are investigating.

For details about the CWS and its response levels, visit the CWS page at cchealth.org.

The county’s Hazardous Materials Incident Notification Policy requires specified facilities, including all the county’s refineries, to immediately report to the CWS whenever there is a release or threatened release of hazardous material, as well as flaring events.

Most of these are “Level 1” incidents – received and investigated by CCH’s Hazardous Materials Response Team, but not subject to a community alert. CWS has received 227 reported Level 1 alerts so far in 2023 from industrial facilities.

Since 2022, an automated feed has displayed all active Level 1 alerts that have lasted longer than 20 minutes and are seen, heard or associated with offsite odors, at cchealth.org/hazmat.

The survey asks whether CWS subscribers should have the option to directly receive additional alerts via phone, text or email as they happen, even for incidents that may not threaten the community.

The survey is planned to continue through January 12, 2024, and CCH share the results publicly and with the Ad Hoc Committee.

 

SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West president issues statement on new state minimum wage law

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OAKLAND, Calif.  – SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West President Dave Regan issued the following statement on California’s healthcare worker minimum wage law (SB 525):

“California’s healthcare worker minimum wage law (SB 525) addresses critical staffing shortages by helping to retain existing healthcare workers and attract new caregivers to the industry. The state needs to hold fast to its commitment to invest in its healthcare workers and solve the staffing crisis in our hospitals, clinics, and medical centers.

Passed overwhelmingly by the state legislature and signed by the Governor, the bill had backing from across the healthcare industry, including the California Hospital Association and frontline healthcare workers.

The impact of the new healthcare minimum wage on the state budget has been severely overstated. As part of a compromise among healthcare stakeholders, the minimum wage will be gradually phased in over the next few years. In addition, a UC Berkeley Labor Center report states that the impact on the California budget will be partially or fully offset by low-paid workers no longer relying on Medi-Cal for their healthcare coverage.

With billions in profits, the healthcare industry has the financial resources to raise wages for their lowest-paid workers. Even before Governor Newsom signed the healthcare worker minimum wage into law, many healthcare employers had already implemented or incorporated a path to a $25/hr minimum wage for their workforce, including Stanford Healthcare, Fresenius Medical Care, Satellite Healthcare, and the biggest healthcare provider in the state, Kaiser Permanente in its largest labor contract.

Frontline healthcare workers are counting on the state of California not to waver from its commitment to addressing the patient care crisis and supporting those who provide that care.”