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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation will host its annual gala next month to raise funds for the county's public hospital and health centers, which have garnered national attention as models in patient care.

The gala is 5 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. This year's theme is Jazz in the Canyon, Dancing Under the Stars. Proceeds will benefit the innovative programs and practices at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and its Health Centers, which are part of Contra Costa Health Services. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by calling 925-957-5439.

Local television and radio celebrity Brian Copeland will be Master of Ceremonies at this year's gala. In addition to Copeland, local musicians The Rhythm Method will provide the entertainment. The gala will also feature dinner, dancing and auctions.

As the economy continues to struggle, resources are stretched thin to care for those who rely on the county's safety net, said Regional Health Foundation Executive Director Lynda Gayden. "To the best of its ability, the Foundation aims to supplement other funding sources to ensure an excellent quality of care at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and the Health Centers."

In past years, the Foundation has helped fund programs at the Family Practice Residency Program, group medical visits and the creation of medical homes. A medical home is an enhanced model of primary care in which care teams attend to the multi-faceted needs of patients, providing comprehensive and coordinated patient-centered care. These programs, according to Health Services Director Dr. William Walker, will better position the county for health reform. Dr. Walker is also on the Foundation's Board of Directors.

"Our public hospital and health centers serve thousands of people who otherwise would not receive the care they need," Dr. Walker said. "The support from the community and the Regional Health Foundation allows us to continually improve the care we provide to all of our patients."

The gala has raised more than $135,000. This year, Gayden is hoping for more. "We have one of the finest facilities in the Bay Area. I invite the whole community to come and support one of our county's most valuable assets," she said.

To find out more about the Regional Health Foundation, visit www.ccrhf.org

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