Restructuring and Potential Layoffs in Enhanced Care Management (ECM)

Urged the board to partner with labor to find alternative placements, extend layoff notice dates, and institute a hiring freeze to avoid layoffs.

A coordinated entry specialist warned that proposed layoffs cause internal displacement and disrupt critical homeless response partnerships.

Urged the board to commit to no layoffs, noting that laying off homeless service workers places employees at risk of homelessness themselves.

A behavioral health program manager implored the board to save jobs and maintain vital community health services.

Requested that the county extend the layoff notice date and work with staff to find alternate positions.

A homeless service specialist with 30 years of experience expressed devastation over potential job loss and the inability to help clients.

IFPTE Local 21 chapter president urged the board to extend layoff dates and approach job preservation with creativity and flexibility.

A public health nurse manager asked the board to advocate for no layoffs so staff can continue serving vulnerable residents.

Shared personal dedication to helping unhoused and low-income individuals and asked the board to help preserve positions.

Stressed that cutting experienced homeless services staff weakens a fragile safety net of outreach and housing support.

A nurse program manager highlighted staff dedication during COVID-19 and urged the board to protect institutional knowledge.

A homeless service specialist of 14 years asked the board to halt layoffs to preserve established client trust and rapport.

Coordinated entry manager spoke on behalf of homeless service specialists whose frontline work is critical during housing crises.

A mental health program supervisor emphasized the importance of public health nurses in keeping high-risk patients out of emergency rooms.

Expressed deep concern over proposed layoffs and emphasized the irreplaceable value of experienced staff.

Highlighted the critical role of case managers and substance use counselors in supporting vulnerable populations.

A medical social worker stressed the severe challenges faced by medically fragile patients and non-English speakers.

A public health nurse raised serious patient safety concerns regarding the elimination of public health nursing roles in ECM.

Emphasized the vital bridging role homeless service specialists play between clients and housing resources.

Read a supporting letter from a pediatric physician advocating for in-house public health nurse involvement in ECM.

Read a supporting physician letter detailing how public health nurses prevent hospital readmissions and coordinate complex care.

Shared a letter of support from multiple healthcare providers emphasizing that public health nurses are essential healthcare professionals.

A public health nurse warned that short-sighted cuts will lead to patient abandonment and increased medical complications.

Read physician letters warning that cutting nurse case managers will result in patients getting stuck in hospitals without home support.

Read a physician letter highlighting the complex medical and social needs of ECM patients and the risks of public health staffing cuts.

Read a resident physician's letter stating that treatment plans fail without ECM nurse case managers to bridge gaps.

Read a physician letter praising homegrown public health nurses who are passionate about serving vulnerable populations.

Read a pediatrician's letter detailing how public health nurses improve health outcomes by navigating complex care plans.

A public health nurse reminded the board that care provision is a social contract and questioned the replacement of skilled nurses.

Stood in awe of frontline workers and warned that hobbling the ECM program will negatively impact disadvantaged clients.

Warned that cutting costs for short-term gains will flood hospitals with abandoned patients.

A substance abuse counselor emphasized that lived experience and established provider relationships are critical to client trust.

A public health nurse and military veteran called the replacement of public health professionals with community health workers reckless and dangerous.

A substance use counselor highlighted how personal lived experience helps build trust with unhoused and mentally ill clients.

Urged the board to delay and reconsider the decision and present innovative alternatives that do not treat healthcare workers as disposable.

Shared personal testimony of how ECM case management transformed a friend's life after 15 years of homelessness.