Agenda

Return

C. 22

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	David Twa, County Administrator
Date:	July 10, 2018

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

APPOINTMENT OF THE COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER - DR. CHRISTOPHER FARNITANO

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 07/10/2018

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:	Anna Roth, Health Services Director (925) 957-5403
cc:	County Counsel Health Services

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: July 10, 2018
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Resolution No. 2018/248 rescinding and superseding Resolutions No. 83/1239, 84/582, and 84/780, to appoint Christopher Famitano, M.D. as the County Health Officer, pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 101000 and Ordinance Code section 33-5.313 (a) (2), effective July 10, 2018.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact.

BACKGROUND:

Dr. William Walker, after many years of dedicated service to Contra Costa County, has retired. As the Health Services Director, Anna Roth recommends that Dr. Christopher Farnitano be appointed as County Health Officer for Contra Costa County. The County Health Officer has broad authority under the California Health and Safety Code and is ultimately responsible for protecting the health and safety of the residents of Contra Costa County.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

Dr. Christopher Farnitano graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in history and then received his medical degree from the Duke School of Medicine. He began his career with Contra Costa Health Services as a family medicine resident in 1991. Since that time, he has worked continuously as a physician in the county health care delivery system, providing care to families, including people living with HIV (State License number A51083). Dr. Farnitano has also held a number of leadership positions, including Assistant Residency Program Director, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine, Ambulatory Care Medical Director and, currently the Director of Process Redesign and System Integration. Dr. Farnitano has been key to improvement efforts related to eliminating health disparities, increasing access to health care delivery, developing population health management systems, and reducing infectious diseases through promoting immunizations and ensuring treatment. In addition, in 2015, Dr. Farnitano became a Deputy Health Officer, assuming the responsibilities of the County Health Officer on behalf of Dr. Walker. In this capacity, Dr. Farnitano supported Health Services Department staff in their regulatory functions, including Hazardous Materials and Environmental Health, Emergency Medical Services, and Public Health. Dr. Farnitano has also served as a spokesperson for Contra Costa Health Services to the media.

As the County Health Officer for Contra Costa County, Dr. Farnitano is uniquely qualified to continue the legacy of Dr. Walker of protection, caring and innovation to ensure that Contra Costa residents have the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

The County would not have a designated County Health Officer.