I've Kept My Word

By Nancy Casazza

My last term priorities listed in smart voter were accomplished either fully or in part.

• Alternative plan for maintaining hospital if Tenet leaves San Pablo.
• Continuing and improving the free clinic in San Pablo
• Keeping the community informed

On August 1, 2004 the West Contra Costa Healthcare District successfully took over operations of Doctors San Pablo.

My second goal was to improve the Brookside Community Health Center in San Pablo. As Finance Committee Chair I pushed for the early payoff of an eight million dollar loan first incurred in 1996 when Tenet first began operating the hospital. The loan had been used to pay for the contracts that Tenet had refused to pick up. Three hundred thousand dollars in interest was saved. The District was able to increase the funding to the clinic and partner in an expansion to another site. The primary care that the Brookside Clinic provides cuts down on ER costs.

The last goal accomplished was to improve communication with the public. I and Director Wallace on the Community Outreach Committee spoke at various clubs and neighborhood councils. I initiated the development and helped design a web site for the District: WCCHD.ca.gov

I want to serve another term in order to build on my experience and hard work as a Healthcare Director and continue to improve health care services in West County.