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

This April, Contra Costa Health (CCH) proudly joins the American Public Health Association and health departments nationwide in celebrating National Public Health Week (April 7-13). This annual observance highlights the vital role public health plays in shaping our communities.

Public health influences every aspect of daily life – from expanding vaccine access and promoting mental well-being to ensuring clean air, healthy food, and equitable healthcare.

Here in Contra Costa, this week holds special meaning as we reflect on the unique challenges facing our diverse communities and the impactful work our public health professionals do to address them.

Through programs focused on disease prevention, maternal and child health, harm reduction, violence prevention, nutrition access and so much more, CCH is committed to protecting and improving community well-being.

As federal support for public health faces uncertainty, National Public Health Week also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to sustain and expand these critical programs.

We are proud to honor our dedicated team and reaffirm our mission to improve the health of all people in Contra Costa.

Let’s celebrate our progress and continue working toward a healthier future for all.

Thank you, Public Health professionals, for all you do.

Colleagues,

We are writing to let you know that Sharron Mackey, the CEO of Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) the past eight years, will be retiring at the end of March.

Sharron has been passionate about CCHP members’ health and access to quality care. During her time as CEO, Sharron guided CCHP through a time of significant change and growth that saw more than 100,000 new members join the Health Plan. She skillfully led the county’s transition to a single-plan model and implemented an array of new benefits to improve health outcomes in our community.

We are grateful for Sharron’s dedication and leadership. We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.

While we recruit for Sharron’s permanent replacement, Dr. Irene Lo will serve as CCHP’s interim CEO.

Dr. Lo has been CCHP’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) since August 2023 and is currently president of the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association. As CMO, she has hands-on knowledge of the Health Plan’s operations and will help ensure continuity as CCHP prepares for a state-mandated expansion into the Medicare market. Dr. Lo is deeply committed to ensuring access to quality care and advocating for a patient-centered approach that aligns with the mission and values of the organization.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lo on her new interim role!

CCH’s Health Deputy Director, Lavonna Martin, highlighted the dedication of more than 680 social workers, including clinicians, medical social workers, substance use counselors, housing care managers, outreach workers, health navigators, community health workers, and public health nurses. Their compassion and commitment provide essential services that make a lasting impact.

We’re proud to stand alongside them in support of compassion and action!

On Tuesday, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Ori Tzvieli as interim director of health services while the County launches a search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer and Health Director for Contra Costa Health (CCH).

The appointment ensures continuity in the County’s health services and continued progress on key health initiatives.

Tzvieli joined CCH as a family medicine resident at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in 2000, launching a career in the county's healthcare delivery system that has led to several leadership roles, including Medical Staff President, Ambulatory Care Medical Director and, most recently, Public Health Director and Health Officer for the county. Dr. Tzvieli will remain the county’s Health Officer while serving as interim CEO and Health Director for CCH.

During his time with CCH, Tzvieli has championed collaborative efforts to address opioid addiction, has helped to lead the county’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw testing, vaccination, case investigation and contact tracing, laboratory functions, nursing and clinical services, communicable disease surveillance and prevention programs, and an array of work to improve community wellness, from senior nutrition programs to services supporting family, maternal and child health.

He replaces longtime CCH CEO and Health Director Anna M. Roth, who retired in February.

“Anna has been a transformative leader for Contra Costa Health, and while we will deeply miss her visionary leadership, we are confident in and excited about Ori’s expertise and dedication to continue the County’s mission,” said Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen. “This transition marks an important moment for the County, and we are committed to supporting a seamless leadership change while continuing to prioritize the well-being of our residents.”

The Board of Supervisors plans to conduct an open recruitment process soon to fill the position permanently.

• Read the County's press release

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

Dear Contra Costa Health Team,

As I prepare to step into the next chapter of my career, I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for each of you. Serving as your CEO and being part of this incredible organization for 32 years has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life. I am profoundly grateful for the dedication, passion, and resilience you bring to Contra Costa Health every day.

Over these three decades, we have navigated remarkable transformations in healthcare—policy shifts, system reforms, and challenges we could never have predicted. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: your unwavering commitment to serving our community with excellence, compassion, and heart. It has been an honor to grow alongside you, witness your extraordinary dedication, and be part of a mission that truly changes lives.

I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together—from expanding access to care and strengthening our programs to pushing the boundaries of innovation in public health. These successes belong to you, and I have no doubt that you will continue building on them, making an even greater impact in the years ahead.

While I am excited for my new journey with Tahoe Forest Health System, leaving this extraordinary organization is bittersweet. Please know that I will always carry with me the lessons, friendships, and shared purpose we have built here. Contra Costa Health is in the hands of some of the most talented and dedicated professionals I have ever known, and I have every confidence that you will continue moving this organization forward with excellence and heart.

Thank you for your hard work, your passion, and—most of all—for allowing me to be a part of this incredible team.

With immense gratitude and admiration,
Anna

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honored the invaluable work of public communicators for Government Communicators Day on February 25. Their dedication keeps residents informed, engaged, and connected to local government.

CEI's George Barahona (second from the left in the back row) was there to represent our Contra Costa Health Communicators!