By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California, Oregon, and Washington have launched the West Coast Health Alliance, a regional initiative to provide unified, science-based guidance on immunizations and other public health policies. The alliance was created in response to federal actions that have undermined the independence of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and raised concerns about the politicization of science.

The alliance aims to ensure residents receive credible, evidence-based recommendations, free from political interference.

“President Trump’s mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists — and his blatant politicization of the agency — is a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people. California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk,” said Governors Gavin Newsom, Tina Kotek, and Bob Ferguson in a joint statement.

State health leaders emphasized the importance of transparency and evidence-based communication.

California Department of Public Health Director Erica Pan said, “The dismantling of public health and dismissal of experienced and respected health leaders and advisors, along with the lack of using science, data, and evidence to improve our nation’s health are placing lives at risk.”

Oregon Health Authority Director Sejal Hathi backed the coalition saying, “Our communities deserve clear and transparent communication about vaccines — communication grounded in science, not ideology.” Washington State Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham noted, “Public health at its core is about prevention — preventing illness, preventing the spread of disease, and preventing early, avoidable deaths.”

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Hawaii has joined the alliance, expanding the partnership to four states. “Hawaii is proud to stand with our West Coast partners to ensure public health decisions are grounded in science, not politics,” said Gov. Josh Green.

The alliance states will coordinate health guidelines using trusted national medical organizations, aligning immunization recommendations and public health strategies while respecting tribal sovereignty. Shared principles to strengthen public confidence in vaccines and other health measures will be finalized in the coming weeks.

Oakland Post

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By Carla Thomas

Cruising along Bay Area highways or parked on neighborhood streets, the brightly decorated vans of On Lok are mobile works of art.

Boasting a larger than life photograph bubble wrapped over the entire vehicle, the illustration depicts the warmth and glow of a dedicated care giver and smiling gray-haired elder, symbolizing the nonprofit’s signature service, PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).

This September, On Lok celebrates PACE not only as a transportation program for seniors but as a real pathway to independence.

“Through PACE we provide a healthcare delivery system, offering both primary and long-term care so that seniors can live the way they want to live,” said On Lok Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ben Lui.

Unlike fragmented healthcare models, On Lok’s interdisciplinary teams bring together physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers to provide wraparound support. The nonprofit operates as a one-stop resource for aging adults, relieving families of the overwhelming responsibility of navigating complex healthcare needs on their own.

“A senior’s health is more than their medical needs,” said Dr. Lui, who has served the leadership team for five years.

“Everyday support, social engagement, and community all play a role. It truly takes a village, and the continuity of care we provide helps promote long-term well-being.”

On Lok serves adults age 55 and older who are nursing-home eligible but wish to remain in their communities. What sets PACE apart is its integration of primary and long-term care, two systems often separated in traditional healthcare systems. Instead of focusing solely on medications or chronic disease management, PACE takes a whole-person approach, addressing medical, social, and emotional needs.

Funded mostly through Medicare and Medicaid, the program ensures that cost is not a barrier to care, with 95% of participants fully covered by the public insurance programs.

For more than 50 years, On Lok has been a lifeline for Bay Area seniors. By integrating healthcare, home support, transportation, meals, and social activities, the organization helps participants remain independent, active, and safe at home. More than 2,200 clients currently take part in a wide range of services at On Lok’s neighborhood centers, where they receive not just medical care but also meals, exercise classes, and meaningful activities from arts and crafts to live music.

“It’s a joy to work with dedicated staff members who are really making a difference in the lives of our seniors every day,” said Dr. Lui. “Our team is compassionate, committed, and truly believes in this mission.”

Dr. Lui is a Yale Medical School graduate with 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, including eight years with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH).

In March, On Lok PACE was honored by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as an Age-Friendly Health System — Committed to Care Excellence. The award recognizes healthcare organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to providing evidence-based and person-centered care for older adults.

The recognition is based on the IHI’s Age-Friendly Health Systems movement, which promotes the “4Ms” framework for high-quality care:

• What Matters: Focusing on each individual’s health goals and care preferences.
• Medication: Reviewing medications to ensure they do not interfere with what matters to the patient.
• Mentation: Preventing, identifying, and managing dementia, depression, and delirium.
• Mobility: Ensuring older adults can move safely every day.

Founded in 1971 by social worker Marie-Louise Ansak and physician Dr. William Gee, On Lok began as a day health center in San Francisco and expanded PACE nationwide, now serving over 86,000 clients.

For more information, visit www.onlok.org

Oakland Post

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By Carla Thomas

In a heartfelt celebration of leadership, equity, and vision, community leaders and service providers gathered in Oakland on Sunday, Aug. 10 to welcome Dr. Rebecca Nanyonjo as the new executive director of the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB).

The event, hosted at the historic Glenview District estate of trailblazing educator Ida Louise Jackson, paid homage both to a legacy of excellence and to a bright future for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Attending with her husband, Shon, and dressed proudly in a traditional Ugandan shirt in honor of her heritage, Nanyonjo was warmly received by friends, advocates, and colleagues. Known for her humility as much as her expertise, Nanyonjo took the time to connect with each guest personally.

“I am committed to providing quality healthcare and ensuring that clients and the community get the best of care and service,” she said, reaffirming her focus on equity, access, and dignity in care.

The reception’s presenters included an array of community leaders working in disability services and advocacy. Wendell James and Denise Bradley of Adult Educational Technologies; Monica and Jerry Montgomery of Golden State Residential Adult Programs; and Karen Birks of Monarchy Consulting Group all highlighted both the immense responsibility and the collective hope that comes with Nanyonjo’s new role.

Nanyonjo arrives at RCEB with more than two decades of leadership in public health. Most recently, she served as director of Public Health for Merced County, where she managed critical programs spanning emergency medical services, refugee health, environmental health, medical clinics, residency training, and vital supports for women, children, and individuals with developmental disabilities.

Her tenure was marked by an unwavering commitment to health equity and addressing the needs of underserved populations, values now at the heart of her new role.

As executive director, Nanyonjo takes the helm of RCEB, a nonprofit agency supporting thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan.

One of California’s 21 regional centers, RCEB operates with offices in San Leandro and Concord and manages an annual budget of $900 million, making it one of the largest employers in the region.

Through personalized planning and case management, the center assists individuals and families in accessing housing, healthcare, employment opportunities, education, and community integration supports that promote self-determination and quality of life.

Earlier in her career, Nanyonjo served as the Public Health program coordinator for the San Bernardino County Department of Health, as the senior Public Health director for Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Australia, managing clinical and occupational staff for 30 ships across three fleets.

Nanyonjo holds a doctorate in Public Health as well as master’s degrees in Public Health and Epidemiology and International Health from Loma Linda University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California, Riverside.

“We are confident her extensive expertise and passion for advancing equity will benefit the entire RCEB community,” said Frank Paré, president of RCEB’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Marcie Hodge, executive director of St. John’s Boys Home and the current steward of the historic estate where the reception was hosted, emphasized the significance of the leadership transition.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Nanyonjo during this important and challenging time,” Hodge said. “Her experience, vision, and dedication to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities will be instrumental as we navigate the evolving needs of our community.”

Throughout the evening, the atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation. Oakland NAACP President Cynthia Adams captured the collective sentiment simply: “We are excited for the community.”

RCEB will host job fairs on August 25 at their Concord location and August 27 at their San Leandro location.
For more information visit www.rceb.org

The Post will continue to highlight the organization’s regional services and contributions.

RCEB is a private non-profit corporation under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. RCEB works in partnership with many individuals and agencies to plan and coordinate services and supports for people with developmental disabilities, family members, and community leaders in the Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Office locations include the
RCEB Main Office, San Leandro, CA
Creekside Plaza
500 Davis St., Suite 100
San Leandro, CA 94577
Main Line (510) 618-6100
Fax: (510) 678-4100
Videophone: (510) 394-1835
Over 3 Intake Referral Line: (510) 618-6122
Early Intervention Referral Line (510) 618-6195

RCEB Concord Office
1320 Willow Pass Road, Suite 300
Concord, CA 94520
Main Line (925) 691-2300
Fax: (925) 674-8001
Videophone: (866) 460-4535

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