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Please join me in congratulating Dr. Chris Farnitano, who is retiring after more than 30 years caring for Contra Costa County residents. During the past two years, Chris capably led our pandemic response and courageously enacted health policies that have saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lives in our county.

He has also been a grounding presence at Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), maintaining an always-calm demeanor amid the chaos created by the pandemic.

Chris became the county health officer in July 2018, after serving previously as Ambulatory Care Medical Director at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center & Health Centers, Assistant Residency Program Director, Family Medicine Department Chair and other leadership roles during a 30+ year career at CCRMC.

In 1997 he helped start and staff the county’s first HIV medicine clinic at Pittsburg Health Center, and his career has included extensive experience in hospital care, obstetrics, emergency medicine and outpatient care. He has spent his entire career to date serving Contra Costa County, including completion of his family medicine residency at what was then Merrithew Memorial Hospital in Martinez.

On a personal note, I will greatly miss working with Chris and I wish him the best as he heads into the next chapter of his life. Please join me in saying thank you to a good friend and fierce advocate for good health for all in Contra Costa County.

Anna M. Roth RN, MS, MPH
Health Director, Contra Costa County