HCA Outreach & Engagement Update: April 2, 2025

O&E Members,

Yesterday, we held our first meet and confer with the County regarding the potential reorganization of your program.

We were joined by your workplace leaders: Michelle Ruiz, Thanh Nghi Nguyen, Rosa Gonzalez, and Julio Ventura who represented your interests in the discussion. The County was represented by Douglas Becht (Director of the Office of Care Coordination), Zulima Lundy (Director of Operations, Office of Care Coordination), Ian Kemmer, and representatives from Human Resources and HCA.

Prior to the meeting, we were provided a memorandum outlining preliminary details of the County’s proposal. However, County representatives made it clear that the contents of this memorandum are subject to change.

Your team came prepared with a list of questions, including several that were submitted by members. One of the most pressing questions— what prompted this reorganization—was addressed. The County stated that the proposed changes stem from two studies that were conducted to assess how services could be better delivered to the community. They also confirmed that the reorganization is not related to funding deficiencies. We have requested copies of the studies and plan to review them thoroughly.

While some questions were answered, many remain. County representatives stated they would do their best to provide additional information as they further solidify their plan. Our next scheduled meeting with the County is on April 15 at 2:30 p.m., and we expect to have received more information by that time.

We remain committed to transparency throughout this process and will continue to keep you informed as developments occur.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at mrubio@ocea.org.

In Solidarity,

Michelle Rubio

Publication Date: April 2, 2025