Preparing for Change and Welcoming New Leaders

Dear Colleagues:

As we enter the final months of 2025, here are some updates about Contra Costa Health’s direction and how we are preparing for the challenges ahead.

Significant federal and state funding reductions are on the horizon. Programs that fund care for patients with low income are scheduled for cuts, including the Disproportional Share Hospital (DSH) and Global Payment Program (GPP). Meanwhile temporary federal funding increases from the pandemic period are being phased out.

These changes will affect how we are reimbursed for care and how we sustain critical services. Our finance and operations teams are taking a close look at how we can operate more efficiently and strengthen our financial position. We are approaching this work thoughtfully – with data, teamwork and transparency guiding every decision.

At the same time, we’re modernizing systems, building leadership capacity, and focusing on the services that matter most to our mission and our community. Our goal is to protect patient care and minimize impacts on staff as we navigate these changes together.

Lending Support During the Federal Shutdown

To support county residents affected by CalFresh delays, CCH is partnering with the Employment & Humans Services Department and the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano to distribute food at EHSD offices and our clinics in Brentwood, North Richmond, West County and Martinez.

My thanks to all involved in making this happen so quickly.

Welcoming New Leaders

We are continuing to build the team that will help lead CCH into the next phase of its work:

Harmandeep Madra, MSN, FACHE – Chief Nursing Officer, CCRMC
Harmandeep joins us on November 17 from Kaiser Santa Clara, where he directed Emergency and Urgent Care Services for more than 85,000 patients annually.

Rick Ortiz – Chief of Plant Operations, CCMRC
Rick brings extensive hospital engineering experience from Crothall Healthcare in Casper, Wyo., Virginia Mason in Seattle and Mercy Hospital in Cincinnati.

Jenny Robbins – Director, Community Response Division
Jenny leads our new division coordinating field-based teams and improving collaboration across programs that serve people in crisis or without stable housing.

Our search for a permanent Finance Director and Health Plan Director will continue into the first quarter of 2026. These are key roles for our future, and I encourage you to share our job postings with your professional networks.

Listening and Staying Connected

Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to visit with staff in Information Technology, Equity, and Alcohol and Other Drug Services, and I look forward to continuing these visits throughout the winter.

I also hope you’ll join me for our upcoming staff town halls to ask questions and share ideas:

  • 3-4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
  • 8-9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2
  • 12-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10

Please submit questions in advance at together.cchealth.org.

Moving Forward Together

As we face a changing environment, I’m encouraged every day by the resilience and professionalism of this team. Your work in clinics, hospitals, offices, and in the field continues to improve lives and strengthen the health of our communities.

We have challenges ahead, but we also have clear purpose and extraordinary people. By staying connected, sharing ideas, and supporting one another, I’m confident we’ll continue to deliver the excellent care and compassion that define Contra Costa Health.

Thank you for all that you do.

Grant Colfax, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Health Director, Contra Costa County

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