After Supervisors made the estimated 10,000 residents in county eligible
“While Medi-Cal…includes undocumented residents, some…earn too much money to qualify. And they are not eligible for CoveredCA because they’re undocumented.”
By Contra Costa Health
Contra Costa Health is now offering affordable health care coverage to uninsured county residents who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal or CoveredCA.
Potentially eligible residents can now call a financial counselor at 1-800-771-4270 to ask about enrolling in Basic Health Care, which offers coverage for primary care, medications, X-rays and more.
While Medi-Cal has expanded to include undocumented residents, some of those residents earn too much money to qualify. And they are not eligible for CoveredCA because they’re undocumented.
“We’re still seeing some people in our community fall through the cracks, unable to get health insurance,” said Gilbert Salinas, chief equity officer for Contra Costa Health (CCH). “Basic Health Care will help fill that gap and give people access to medical care.”
Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors made undocumented residents eligible for Basic Health Care. It’s estimated that more than 10,000 undocumented residents in Contra Costa are eligible for Basic Health Care.
To qualify for Basic Health Care, residents must have incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level. People enrolled in Basic Health Care will pay a sliding-scale quarterly premium depending on their income up to $20 a month. Enrollment in this program will not be considered as part of a public charge test for immigrants.
“By improving access to primary medical services through Basic Health Care, we aim to reduce unnecessary visits to local hospital emergency departments,” Salinas said.
Company agrees to conditions resolving competitive impacts related to changes in ownership involving retail pharmacy outlets
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a settlement with Rite Aid Corporation (Rite Aid) operating as an injunction to enable him to review changes of ownership involving their retail pharmacy outlets statewide. Additionally, the settlement includes injunctive conditions that resolve competition-related concerns to ensure remaining Rite Aid pharmacies provide necessary medication and healthcare services to Californians, specifically those who may rely on Medi-Cal and Medicare, and protect workers at stores that are sold or closed. Today’s settlement reflects the Attorney General’s efforts to prevent the continued growth of pharmacy deserts, which disproportionately impact low-income individuals, the elderly, and people of color, all of whom are also patients of Rite Aid. The settlement was reached under Assembly Bill (AB) 853.
“Pharmacies are often the most accessible healthcare providers, offering vital services for the well-being of individuals and families. Without them in our communities, Californians could face significant barriers in managing chronic conditions, receiving timely medications, and accessing preventative care,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today, with AB 853 and conditions set by my office, Californians who rely on Rite Aid pharmacies can continue accessing their medications and essential healthcare services they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.”
Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and began closing nearly 550 stores nationwide since October 2023. California experienced the closure of more than 100 stores statewide; however, approximately 71% of all stores in California have remained open throughout the bankruptcy and with one exception in San Diego, there were two or more competitive alternatives close by for the closed stores. This June, Rite Aid’s bankruptcy restructuring plan was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, which turns over control of the company to a group of its lenders.
Under the settlement and AB 853, Rite Aid agrees to the following conditions for the next five years:
Use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the remaining Rite Aid stores, as well as all required licenses.
Provide 90-day notice of sale or closure of remaining Rite Aid stores.
Continue participation in Medi-Cal and Medicare if commercially reasonable.
Provide financial assistance to patients if commercially reasonable to do so.
Continue free delivery services to patients who were receiving these services from a closed store in San Diego.
Ensure compliance with state staffing levels.
Maintain hiring list for all employees from stores that close going forward for preferential hiring at other Rite-Aid stores.
Use commercially reasonable efforts to pay retirement contributions if collective bargaining agreements require such payments.
Use commercially reasonable efforts to abstain from contesting unemployment for individuals who are laid off as a result of the sale or closure of Rite Aid stores if no nearby Rite Aid store offers employment.
Comply with nondiscrimination rules in the provision of healthcare services and to commercially reasonable efforts to provide financial assistance to patients.
The California Department of Justice’s Healthcare Rights and Access Section (HRA) works proactively to increase and protect the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in California. HRA’s attorneys monitor and contribute to various areas of the Attorney General’s healthcare work, including nonprofit healthcare transactions; consumer rights; anticompetitive consolidation in the healthcare market; anticompetitive drug pricing; privacy issues; civil rights, such as reproductive rights and LGBTQ healthcare-related rights; and public health work on tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other products.
New Sutter Delta Medical Center CEO Trevor Brand. Photo: Sutter Health
Starts August 26th
By Monique Binkley Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 12, 2024 – Northern California-based not-for-profit Sutter Health has named Trevor D. Brand to be the next CEO of Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch.
Brand comes to Sutter Health from City of Hope Atlanta, where he was chief operating officer, managing operations across six states and overseeing $2 billion in annual revenue. Under his leadership, service line performance improved, increasing hospital revenue by 13%. At City of Hope Atlanta, Brand also focused on fostering a culture of trust, implementing “people plans” that enhanced employee retention and engagement and reduced turnover rates by 5% annually. He also initiated a capital planning process resulting in a $10 million equipment and facilities improvement plan.
“Trevor Brand is an experienced and dynamic healthcare leader with a proven track record of excellence in hospital operations,” said Tosan Boyo, president of Sutter Health’s Greater East Bay Market. “I am thrilled to welcome him to Sutter Health to lead Sutter Delta Medical Center. In his new role, Trevor will focus on strengthening and growing Sutter Delta’s community partnerships and physician relationships and ensure the medical center continues to the deliver high-quality, connected and equitable patient care for which it is recognized.”
Brand’s previous roles include chief operating officer/senior vice president of Operations at City of Hope Phoenix and chief of staff and vice president of Strategic Initiatives at City of Hope National. He also held leadership positions at Erlanger Health System in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Brand holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from Austin Peay State University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Brand succeeds Sherie Hickman at the helm of Sutter Delta. Hickman retired earlier this year after a long and successful career at Sutter.
Brand starts at Sutter Delta Medical Center on Aug. 26.
Among 20 Kaiser Nor Cal hospitals to receive American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure and Stroke Gold Plus awards
KP clinicians and staff work together to deliver excellent cardiac and stroke care using evidence-based treatment protocols rooted in high-quality scientific research
By Kerri Leedy, Media and Public Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente
OAKLAND, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are being recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) for following nationally recognized, research-based guidelines when diagnosing and treating heart failure and stroke patients, leading to more lives saved.
The following Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have received both the AHA Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure and the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke Gold Plus awards: Antioch, Richmond, Walnut Creek, Fremont, Fresno, Modesto, Oakland, Redwood City, Roseville, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, South San Francisco, Vacaville and Vallejo. Kaiser Permanente Manteca received the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke Silver Plus award.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke or heart attack, and heart disease and stroke are the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in the country, respectively. This national recognition from the AHA reflects Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s commitment to providing high-quality heart and stroke care, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times, and fewer hospital readmissions.
“This recognition is a tribute to our physicians, cardiac specialists, and care teams, who are dedicated to delivering high-quality, comprehensive cardiac care and treatment to their patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “As a result, we are widely recognized for consistently delivering nation-leading clinical outcomes that enable our members and patients to live healthier and longer lives.”
Kaiser Permanente Northern California cardiac care specialists treat a broad range of heart conditions, frequently performing life-saving procedures. Using a team-based approach to care, Kaiser Permanente’s connected system enables our cardiologists to share knowledge across locations and specialties. In our communities, Kaiser Permanente members are 33% less likely to experience premature death due to heart disease, according to a 2022 research study.
Kaiser Permanente Northern California is also a leader in stroke care, and our integrated model of care supports close affiliation between our stroke care clinicians and cardiac researchers and specialists.
“The comprehensive cardiac and stroke care and support we provide is leading to better health outcomes for our members and patients,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “This recognition shows how we use our integrated care model to make sure patients get the care they need so they can recover faster, be healthier, and live longer.”
The Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their heart failure and overall health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
The Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
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 nearly 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.
About Get With The Guidelines®
Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.
“Face masks are an effective tool to reduce the spread of the virus” – Dr. Ori Tzvieli
“Wearing a well-fitting mask, such as an N95 or KN95 respirator, is a healthy choice indoors, particularly in public spaces or if around people with whom you do not live.” – Contra Costa Health
By Contra Costa Health
With evidence of increased COVID-19 infections throughout the Bay Area, Contra Costa Health (CCH) recommends masking in crowded indoor settings, particularly for those at high risk of serious illness if infected.
This recommendation is not a health order. It aligns with existing state requirements and recent advice issued in neighboring counties.
A particularly infectious strain of COVID-19, FLiRT, is currently spreading throughout the western U.S., and drives the current surge. Wastewater sampling from the county shows a steady increase in the presence of the virus.
From May 9 to July 9, for example, state lab testing of wastewater samples from the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District showed that concentrations of COVID-19 more than quadrupled. Recently, wastewater concentration has plateaued but still remain high.
Health agencies across the Bay Area jointly lifted most of their requirements and orders to mask indoors in February 2022, but strongly recommended use of masking, particularly for those who are high risk for serious illness, as a prevention measure whenever COVID-19 case rates grew high.
“Face masks are an effective tool to reduce the spread of the virus, particularly for those who are at risk for serious illness when there is evidence of elevated COVID-19 activity in the community,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, Contra Costa County’s health officer. “This is one of those times. Our health system is not seriously impacted by COVID currently, and our goal is to keep it that way.”
Wearing a well-fitting mask, such as an N95 or KN95 respirator, is a healthy choice indoors, particularly in public spaces or if around people with whom you do not live.
Contra Costa’s only standing COVID-related health order requires workers at healthcare facilities to mask seasonally, from Nov. 1 to April 30 each year, to reduce risk to patients from COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
However, workers and visitors to healthcare facilities, including skilled nursing and congregate care facilities, are strongly encouraged to mask now in those settings.
Health guidance for schools and community colleges remains unchanged. But with the school year beginning this month for most campuses in the county, CCH recommends encouraging students and faculty, particularly those who maybe at risk for serious infection, to mask within classrooms and providing masks to anyone who asks for them, when possible.
Other important ways to protect against COVID-19 are to remain up to date on vaccination, testing for COVID-19 whenever you have symptoms, and staying home from work or school whenever you feel ill. Additionally, treatments remain available for COVID 19 for those who may be at risk of serious illness.
Contact your healthcare provider for advice on vaccination, testing and treatment when you are ill. An updated vaccine to protect against COVID-19 infections is expected to be available in late summer or early fall.
Home test kits are available from healthcare providers and pharmacies throughout the county. Check with your healthcare provider or insurer about any cost or copay for testing or test kits.
For more information about COVID-19 in Contra Costa County, visit cchealth.org/covid19.
By Annette Bakker, President, Children’s Tumor Foundation
Imagine receiving the shattering news that your daughter has cancer. Suddenly, you’re battling for her life. In the midst of treatment, you’re asked to sign a flurry of consent forms for her tissue to be donated for scientific research.
Seeking to help others devastated by the same cruel disease, you agree. But in a twist, you’re never told how her tissue samples are actually being used — or if they ever get used at all.
You wouldn’t be alone. I lead the Children’s Tumor Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting a rare genetic disease called neurofibromatosis, or NF. There’s no cure for the condition, which causes tumors to grow on nerves. The families I work with are desperate for treatments. That’s why they sign the many lengthy “informed consent” documents presented to them at hospitals, asking for permission to use tissue taken for research. But they have no control over how those samples are eventually utilized. Often, specimens simply collect dust on shelves.
The same thing happens frequently to older cancer patients and those battling other diseases. Many have undergone a biopsy or provided another tissue sample for the purpose of testing or treatment. They often wrongly assume that their samples will be used to aid research, and so sign out of a wish to help others.
Unlike organ donation, the market for “biomaterial” is largely unregulated. Hospitals typically provide it to “biobanks,” storage facilities that enter into partnerships with hospitals to gain access to tissue.
Currently, biobanks often impede medical progress by hoarding specimens. I know firsthand that a lack of access to tumor samples and cell lines is a major problem for NF research. I regularly encounter obstacles in helping researchers obtain these materials.
Even when biobanks do provide specimens to researchers, they typically choose those with whom they have strong personal relationships or who can help them publish in prestigious publications. That means researchers in many fields lack access to tissue that would validate their hypotheses.
Most cancer patients want to support research, even if they don’t stand to benefit directly. But it’s deeply unfair to take someone’s tissue or bone marrow without telling them how such tissue will be used — or giving them a say in who gets to use it.
Beyond basic ownership, patients should have more input on how their biomaterial is used. They should be able to decide for themselves which researchers receive their specimens — or consult with trusted patient organizations to make such decisions. They should also have the option to donate only to nonprofit biobanks, or to stipulate that access to their material shall not be restricted at all.
While some biobanks tout a supposed commitment to valuing patient input, these proclamations are little more than window dressing in practice. To give patients a real say in the tissue donation process, we need patient committees for biobanks at large hospitals. Numerous studies have found that public involvement in biobanks bolsters long-term medical research and ensures more samples end up in laboratories.
Patients deserve transparency and influence when it comes to how their own bodies are used for research. Empowering them to make informed decisions will help accelerate medical progress for the greater good.
For information about the Children’s Tumor Foundation visit www.ctf.org.
Awards from California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative
Nationally recognized for excellence, Sutter network hospitals ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report; Sutter Delta rated High Performing in six procedures and conditions
Named Gold Plus Receiving Center by American Heart Association
By Sutter Health
In the United States, nearly one of three American babies enters the world through a surgical birth. For some mothers, cesarean deliveries (C-sections) can be the safest or only way to deliver a healthy newborn. However, some women undergo surgery for no medical reason, exposing both mother and baby to potentially avoidable complications.
As data shows C-section rates above national health goals, many hospitals in California have responded. One example is the Sutter Health system. Teams from its hospitals have implemented initiatives and best practices to reduce C-section rates among first-time moms with low-risk births.
Recently, nine Sutter hospitals earned recognition by the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC). The CMQCC acknowledges hospitals for going above and beyond to provide high quality, safe care to California’s mothers, birthing people and newborns.
“Across our birthing centers, we promote evidence-based practices, and track and publicly report our C-section rates to continuously help drive improvements in maternity care,” said Dr. William Isenberg, Sutter Health chief medical & quality officer. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done to provide the best care possible for mothers and babies and are grateful to be honored for these efforts.”
Sutter Health hospitals recognized in the annual CMQCC Quality and Engagement Awards, include:
Superstar Award: Large Birth Volume Hospitals
This award recognizes hospitals that exhibit high levels of engagement with the CMQCC Maternal Data Center (MDC).
Awarded to hospitals that met and maintained California’s target rate for the NTSV (Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex) Cesarean Birth measure for three consecutive years.
Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center – Van Ness Campus
Sutter Coast Hospital
Sutter Davis Hospital
Sutter Delta Medical Center
Sutter’s Eden Medical Center
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
Quality & Sustainability Award: Quality Improvement Academy Collaborative Hospitals
Awarded to Q1 Academy-participating hospitals that met and maintained their target rate for their selected quality initiative.
Sutter’s Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Currently, nearly all California birthing hospitals are active CMQCC members and are using the MDC to track maternity care performance and identify perinatal quality improvement opportunities. The Sutter Health system NTSV C-section Rate for a rolling 12 months ending May 2024 was 23.5%, below the California target rate of 23.6% as defined by the World Health Organization’s Health People 2030 guidance.
In total, CMQCC recognized 116 hospitals for their accomplishments in 2023. To see a full list of this year’s award winners and detailed descriptions of each award, please visit the CMQCC Awards page.
Nationally Recognized for Excellence Sutter Network Hospitals Including Sutter Delta Medical Center Ranked Among the Best by U.S. News & World Report
Hospitals, physicians and care teams in the Sutter network have a long history of providing exceptional care to patients across Northern California. Our focus on quality care has earned multiple honors from U.S. News & World Report. Three Sutter network hospitals were named among the Best in California for 2023-2024. In total, U.S. News & World Report recognized 13 Sutter hospital campuses for their performance across services including stroke, hip fracture, heart attack, maternity and more.
To help patients decide where to receive care, U.S. News & World Report generates hospital rankings by evaluating data on nearly 5,000 hospitals. To be nationally ranked in a specialty, a hospital must excel in caring for the sickest, most medically complex patients. For the 2023-24 High Performing Hospital Awards, USNWR rated Sutter Delta Medical Center, a general medical and surgical facility, for High Performing in six adult procedures and conditions. They include treating Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Kidney Failure, Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pneumonia.
See all the USNWR 2023-24 High Performing Hospital Awards for Sutter Health hospital campuses, here.
Sutter Delta Among 5 Sutter Health Hospital Campuses to Earn High Praise From American Heart Association for Cardiac Care
Five Sutter hospital campuses received awards from the American Heart Association for their outstanding performance in the treatment of patients presenting to the hospital with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) – a specific kind of heart attack that can be caused by coronary artery disease.
Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center Davies campus– Gold Plus Receiving Center
Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center Van Ness campus – Gold Plus Receiving Center
Sutter Delta Medical Center – Gold Plus Receiving Center
Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Summit campus – Silver Plus Receiving Center
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento – Silver Receiving Center
Recognition as a STEMI Receiving Center is designed to showcase hospitals that provide 24/7 support for STEMI. These important facilities coordinate with a network of referring hospitals and emergency medical services to provide guideline-directed STEMI care. All five campuses were also named on the STEMI Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, which aims to ensure that patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date care when hospitalized due to heart attack.
See all 23 awards earned by Sutter Health hospital campuses from the American Heart Association, here.
2024 Sutter Honors & Awards
In addition, Sutter Health shared all 2024 honors and awards received by their 10 hospitals including:
Forbes | Named Sutter Health among America’s Best Employers for Diversity. The honor recognizes companies dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Healthgrades | Recognized 10 Sutter hospital campuses as America’s Best Hospitals for 2024, based on quality measures including clinical outcomes, patient safety and patient experience. Four Sutter hospitals placed among the Top 50 in America for overall clinical quality. Additional Healthgrades honors, include:
Seven Sutter hospital campuses earned Outpatient Orthopedic achievements. The honor distinguishes these campuses as among the nation’s leading hospitals for outpatient orthopedic procedures.
Five Sutter hospitals recognized for Patient Safety Excellence and two Sutter campuses earned Outstanding Patient Experience honors.
Reputation.com | For the second consecutive year, Sutter Health was named a Healthcare System Leader in Reputation’s 2024 Healthcare Reputation Report, based on online patient sentiment. Additionally, more than 100 providers and 29 Sutter care locations achieved a reputation score of 800 or higher.
Newsweek | Named Sutter Health among America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. The magazine examined publicly available data, held interviews and conducted an anonymous survey of 220,000 employees at companies across the country.
Webby Award: Scout by Sutter Health, a digital wellness tool for teens and young adults, was named Best App and Software in Health, Wellness and Fitness at the 28th Annual Webby Awards.
Leapfrog Group| Ten Sutter hospitals received an “A” or “B” grade in The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2024 Safety Grades, for providing safe, exceptional patient care.
One dead bird, five sentinel chickens test positive for virus, all in Oakley
By Contra Costa Health
A Contra Costa resident died this month from West Nile virus infection, underscoring the need for everyone in the county to take precautions against mosquito-borne illness.
The death of an adult man who lived in East County was reported to the county on July 16. It was the first West Nile virus-related death reported in Contra Costa since 2006.
“This is a tragedy, and we offer our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones for their loss.” said Dr. Meera Sreenivasan, deputy county health officer. “This death also reinforces how important it is to reduce risk of West Nile virus infection by reducing our exposure to mosquitos.”
Contra Costa Health’s (CCH) Communicable Disease Program is investigating the case and has not determined where the person became infected. To preserve medical privacy, CCH will not release further details about the case.
The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Contra District (District) has detected other recent evidence of the virus’s presence in East County. One dead bird and five sentinel chickens have tested positive for the virus in Contra Costa County, all located in Oakley. According to the Delaware Journal of Public Health, “Chickens serve as valuable sentinel animals since they are not effective amplifying hosts, and they develop a short and relatively low viremia compared to other bird species when infected by WNV.”
Certain birds can become infected with West Nile virus, and when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, the mosquito can become infected. An infected mosquito can spread the virus to a human or other animal through a single bite. The infection can be dangerous to humans, with symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, or rash.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a Contra Costa County resident to West Nile virus,” said Paula Macedo, Ph.D., district general manager. “This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting ourselves from mosquito bites and supporting community efforts to control mosquito populations.”
West Nile virus activity is typically higher during the summer months. To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, the District recommends using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients:
DEET
Picaridin
The repellent version of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
IR3535
Always follow the instructions on the label when using insect repellent. Wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors where mosquitoes are present, often at dawn and dusk, can reduce exposed skin and reduce the risk of mosquito bites. And dumping out any amount of standing water in front and backyards and scrubbing the inside of each container to remove mosquito eggs can also help lower the risk of mosquitoes.
The District provides public health services to Contra Costa County residents including a mosquito service of inspection and control upon request. Request a District service by phone at 925-685-9301 or online at www.contracostamosquito.com. Click on “I Want to” at the top of the webpage, then select “Request Services” from the drop-down menu.
Contra Costa County residents can help the District identify areas of potential WNV risk by reporting dead birds to the California Dead Bird Call Center by phone at 1-877-968-2473 or online at westnile.ca.gov. Dead birds are often the first sign of West Nile virus in a particular area. By reporting dead birds, residents provide the District with critical information that allows District employees to set mosquito traps near the site of the dead bird to look for infected mosquitoes. If those mosquitos are found, the District will take timely action to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease for neighboring residents.
