Our History

My husband and I are poor. We cannot afford health insurance. I took my husband to the Health Center, which sent him immediately to the hospital where they saved his life. The nurses and doctors were caring and competent. The billing people were pleasant and reasonable. -- Patient's wife

Many hospital foundations have existed for years, often established by the hospital's auxiliary. County hospitals, however, have only relatively recently begun to develop foundations to support their unique roles and services in their communities. In the Bay Area, Alameda, San Mateo, San Francisco and Santa Clara Counties have very successful foundations ranging from nine to fifteen years of experience.

More than 10 years ago, our health department hired a consultant to develop a foundation for what was then Merrithew Memorial Hospital and Clinics. A community assessment indicated strong support for the development of such a foundation. After a delay of several years, Merrithew Memorial was replaced by the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. In 2003, Dr. William Walker, Health Services Director, approved the development of a Foundation.