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• Transformation Work Continues in 2025

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  Colleagues,

  Contra Costa Health (CCH) experienced much change during the first months of 2025. But our commitment remains to improvement within the organization, to make the most effective use of all our resources, for our patients, clients, and the whole community.

  During 2024, leadership and experts from across CCH embarked on a transformation process to consider how to better align our organization and services and adapt to changes in the healthcare landscape. The recommendations from our initial assessment included ways to improve how we deliver care and services, and ways to better support our services administratively.

  I want to update you about our progress as we move into a new phase of work.

  Over the next few months, we will assemble a leadership team to enhance our planning and systemwide strategy and centralize some key areas such as compliance, quality and capital facilities, in part to ensure we are well prepared for whatever changes the federal administration may have in store for healthcare.

  Two of the team’s initial tasks will be to develop a new project management office, which will oversee future strategy development and implementation of transformation work, and to lead an in-depth assessment into the ways we provide physical and behavioral health services and implement managed care across our system.

  I want to emphasize that no changes will be made without first receiving input from our staff and creating a detailed action plan. I do want to share the report that helped to shape our ideas about this process, which you can find by following this iSite link.

  CCH began working with Alvarez & Marsal, our organizational development consultant, nearly a year ago to create clear-eyed recommendations from experts outside the department. This report is informed by dozens of interviews with our staff. It contains well-considered suggestions for helping CCH to sustain its high levels of service and survive in the modern healthcare world.

  But I want to emphasize that this document is not an action plan – that is something we will develop moving forward, driven by our leadership team and you. Some of A&M’s suggestions will stand. Others will not. It is likely new ideas not in the report will gain hold and become part of this process.

  All that to say we are at the beginning of a conversation about how CCH can be better, and that I value your voice and input. We need your feedback to improve our services.I also want to make sure everyone stays informed, and I will keep in touch as we go. Stay tuned to together.cchealth.org for updates.

  Thank you for your continued work and passion for serving our community.  

  Sincerely,

  Ori Tzvieli, MD MS
  Chief Executive Officer and Health Director (Interim)
  Health Officer, Contra Costa County

• Contra Costa Health Statement Regarding Enhanced Care Management

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  Contra Costa Health (CCH) is aware of a claim by a local news agency that the state Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting a criminal investigation of its Enhanced Care Management program. CCH has no knowledge of any such investigation occurring.

  This claim was first published in December 2024, attributed to unnamed sources. CCH has received no indication from DOJ of such an investigation, and is unaware of any wrongdoing by employees past or present that would warrant investigation.

  Enhanced Care Management (ECM) is an innovative approach to delivering Medi-Cal benefits to county residents who have complex and interrelated healthcare and social needs, such as homelessness, behavioral health concerns and chronic health conditions. Contra Costa’s program is one of several operating through the state Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Cal-AIM initiative.

  CCH promptly investigates all concerns raised regarding its ECM program through established, documented processes that are subject to regular review by DHCS, which regulates the quality-of-care and budgetary aspects of this program and all other Medi-Cal services administered through CCH.

  Contra Costa Health Plan, the division of CCH that administers Medi-Cal benefits to Contra Costa County residents, also receives a routine annual audit from DHCS. These audits can result in findings that must be corrected to continue managing benefits on behalf of the state.

  CCH is working closely with DHCS on its next annual audit findings, which is expected to be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors’ Joint Conference Committee.

  CCH welcomes audits, which are tools that help us to identify areas for improvement and provide better care for our patients and clients.

  
  

  • Read related statement from Candace J. Kay Andersen, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

• Soil Sampling after Martinez Refining Company Fire

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  On Friday, February 21, CCH took soil samples in Martinez to assess any potential public health impact from the Feb. 1 fire at Martinez Refining Company. This precautionary testing will help determine if the toxic smoke affected the soil in the area. We’ll share the results as soon as they’re available.

  

  
  

• Health Impacts of the Feb. 1 Martinez Refinery Fire

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  We understand that many people in our community are concerned about the potential health impacts of the Feb. 1 fire at Martinez Refining Company (MRC). Contra Costa Health (CCH) has been actively monitoring the situation, and our health officer Dr. Ori Tzvieli recently addressed key questions in a video update.

  
  

  The fire burned hazardous materials, and CCH's air quality measurements showed toxic chemicals were in the air during the event.

  However, readings from our Hazardous Materials team showed that most chemical levels remained below dangerous thresholds. Favorable wind conditions also helped disperse the smoke, minimizing prolonged exposure for nearby residents.

  For more details, view our infographic here.

• Contra Costa Health CEO Transitioning to New Role Outside the County

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  Anna Roth, CEO and Executive Director of Contra Costa Health, will be leaving her post for a new role with Tahoe Forest Health System. The date of her departure has not yet been finalized.

  Anna continues to lead CCH. The Board of Supervisors has not yet assigned interim leadership or announced a plan for hiring a future director.

  We will update staff as more information becomes available.

  
  

• Contra Costa Health Expands Notification System for Hazardous Materials Alerts

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  Contra Costa Health (CCH), in partnership with the Community Warning System (CWS), is improving how it keeps residents informed about hazardous materials incidents in Contra Costa County.

  Starting Jan. 15, 2025, the CWS will enable anyone to sign up to receive community awareness text messages about Level 1 incidents at industrial facilities regulated by Contra Costa County, including the county’s four oil refineries.

  Level 1 alerts include non-emergency events such as minor hazardous materials releases, refinery flaring lasting over 20 minutes, visible plumes or noticeable odors that are not expected to have off-site health impacts.

  These alerts will notify residents that they may hear, smell or see signs related to the event – however, no action is required.

  Previously, text alerts were only sent for more serious Level 2 and Level 3 incidents, which will continue.

  “Timely communication is critical when it comes to hazardous materials incidents,” said Nicole Heath, Director of CCH’S Hazardous Materials Program. “By introducing Level 1 community awareness messages, we’re giving residents an additional layer of information to stay aware and prepared.”

  Residents must opt-in to receive these notifications by texting CCHEALTH to 21423. When signing up, it is also important to sign up for emergency messages through the CWS.

  The CWS, a partnership between CCH and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, provides alerts about potential health hazards, emergencies, and safety concerns through phone, text and email.

  Notifications of all alert levels will be posted on CCH’s website.

  CCH encourages all residents to take advantage of this service to stay informed of HazMat notifications that could affect their communities.

  Find more information on our website.

• Dr. Ori Tzvieli shares winter health tips on the Government Speak podcast

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  As we welcome the new year, we also face the flu, cold and COVID-19 season. With respiratory viruses circulating, focusing on staying healthy this winter is more important than ever.

  Dr. Ori Tzvieli, Health Officer for Contra Costa Health, shared valuable tips on the Government Speak podcast on Dec. 8. One key recommendation is staying up to date on your vaccines.

  “Even if they don’t give you one hundred percent foolproof protection, they will make it so that when you do get the disease, you will not get as sick and more importantly, be less likely to die,” he said.

  Respiratory viruses thrive during winter because people spend more time indoors. To minimize risks, Dr. Tzvieli also advises wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces. High-quality masks, such as an N95 or KN95, are especially effective in preventing the spread of illnesses.

  Equally important is protecting others.

  “If you’re sick, don’t go out in public,” Dr. Tzvieli said. “That’s a big deal and I think COVID has taught us to be more considerate of those who may be more immunocompromised or may be more medically vulnerable. It’s a good idea if you have symptoms to stay home and rest.”

  Listen to the full podcast here.

  For more information about COVID-19 and the flu, visit our website.