Leadership Updates, SNAP Response
Dear Colleagues:
We have had an eventful few weeks across the department. I want to share several important updates and offer my thanks for the extraordinary work happening throughout Contra Costa Health.
Leadership Update
I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Ori Tzvieli has accepted the permanent role of Director for our Community Health & Safety Branch, which includes the Public Health, Environmental Health, Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Materials and the Health, Housing & Homeless Services divisions.
Many of you know Ori from his steady leadership as our Health Officer (a role he will continue) his 25+ years serving Contra Costa County in our system, and his capable tenure as interim department CEO earlier this year.
He brings deep knowledge of our work and deep commitment to caring for our patients and clients, and I am grateful he is stepping into this role at such a critical moment for our organization.
I also want to thank Dr. Sefanit Mekuria for serving as interim branch director for most of the year. Sofe’ stepped in during a period of transition and provided steady, thoughtful leadership. She now returns to her position as Public Health Director. We are fortunate to have both guiding this important work.
SNAP Response
Many Contra Costa Health teams ably supported the county’s emergency response to the federal government shutdown, which halted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) disbursements earlier this month. Even a brief interruption puts thousands of families at risk, and our teams responded quickly to help.
Staff at our health centers in West County, Brentwood, Martinez and North Richmond all pitched in with the Equity team to receive and distribute food in our lobbies – 2,915 boxes in all over two weeks. A box feeds a family of four for two weeks.
This was part of a coordinated effort with the Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) and Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to ensure access in neighborhoods with great need in our community.
Fortunately, all our recipients did receive their benefits for November. But I was encouraged by the decisive actions of EHSD and the Board of Supervisors when that outcome was in doubt. The Board identified $21 million in emergency funding to cover direct payments for more than 100,000 recipients if needed, and EHSD pushed through enormous logistical challenges to ensure the county was ready to deliver.
Their work, combined with yours, showed what coordinated public service can look like. We will need the same level of teamwork as we prepare for a rapidly changing federal funding environment in the months ahead. Thanks to all who participated.
Town Hall
Thank you also to more than 250 staff members who joined our first virtual staff town hall last week. I appreciated the thoughtful questions and the candor of the discussion. We covered many topics, including the federal budget outlook, county remote work policy, capital projects at Regional Medical Center, and opportunities for staff development and advancement. Your engagement and insights make these conversations meaningful.
Two more staff town halls are also scheduled:
Tuesday, December 2, 8-9 a.m.
- Wednesday, December 10, 12-1 p.m.
I hope to see many of you there. You can also submit questions in advance at together.cchealth.org.
Thank you for everything you do for our patients, clients and the community.
Sincerely,
Grant Colfax, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Health Director, Contra Costa County
