Director's Message
April 2022
Colleagues:
I am excited to introduce the first edition of the NEW Director's Message - a newsletter with quick updates, important information and (get ready!) Service Excellence Awards.
If you have been at Contra Costa Health for a few years, you might remember the Director's Report. It was a bi-monthly newsletter that included news about the department's staff and activities.
Think of this as the 2022 version - short, simple and delivered to your inbox. I look forward to connecting through the Director's Message and sharing more about the great work you do in our communities.
Wishing you health and wellness,
Anna Roth
Health Director, Contra Costa County
Service Excellence Awards Are Back!
Service Excellence Awards acknowledge the care, skill and compassion Contra Costa Health employees bring to work each day.
While the pandemic forced us to pause Service Excellence Awards for the past few years, the care and service to our patients did not stop - even under the most challenging of circumstances.
You will see that reflected in the number of employees who were nominated from the start of the pandemic through now.
I am excited to get back to recognizing the incredible work being done at CCH and acknowledging employees who have gone above and beyond for each other and our communities.
To celebrate the return of Service Excellence Awards, we designed a new certificate and created a new webpage where you'll find the list of nominees each month.
Please join me in celebrating and thanking each person who has been nominated. As you receive your Service Excellence Award, I hope you feel as much pride and gratitude as I do or our team at CCH.
What's New This Month
CCHS Wellness
Throughout the pandemic, I have seen so many of you working long hours, postponing time off and sacrificing self-care because you are focused on caring for others. I am incredibly grateful for all you do.
Now more than ever, I encourage you to focus on your well-being and to care for yourself. To help get you started, check out CCHS Wellness. CCHS Wellness is a group of our colleagues who put together resources to support you through the ups and downs of the pandemic.
If you have not yet heard of CCHS Wellness, you have probably seen their work through screensavers, videos and employee events. On the CCHS Wellness page, you'll find wellness tips, videos and other resources.
Have Student Debt?
Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: Could it be right for you?
In October, the U.S. Department of Education announced a limited-time waiver to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program's rules.
The program aims to encourage public service by cancelling student loan debts after 10 years of employment for a government agency or qualifying nonprofit. But its impact has been limited because of restrictions on what loans qualify for forgiveness.
The waiver could allow student borrowers to count payments from all federal loan programs or repayment plans toward forgiveness, including loan types and payment plans that were not previously eligible.
To qualify under the new temporary rules, eligible workers must consolidate their existing loans and submit an application to the Department of Education by Oct. 31, 2022.
Details on who should apply, how long it will take and what documents are needed can be found here.
