Addressing Racial and Economic Inequality in Our
COVID-19 Responses 

We know that race and socioeconomic status are factors that can determine one’s overall health, and the inequities in our health and social safety net systems often lead to poorer health outcomes for our low-income neighbors and communities of color. Many individuals in either our communities of color or low-income neighborhoods are more likely to suffer from a chronic health condition and face systemic barriers to accessing affordable, quality health care. The COVID-19 crisis only exacerbates these disparities. 

In an effort to address the disparities in accessing COVID-19 tests, the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) has been working with our city, health, and faith based organizations throughout the county to continue opening new drive-through and walk-up testing sites. This week, ACPHD announced four new sites: 

East Oakland:  
Allen Temple Baptist Church (drive-through and walk-up)  
8501 International Blvd., Oakland, CA  
Make an Appointment 

Roots Community Health Center (walk-up) 
9925 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 
Make an appointment (pre-registration is not required) 

Ashland/Cherryland: 
REACH Youth Center (walk-up) 
16335 E 14th St., Ashland, CA  

Hayward: 
Alameda County Offices (walk-up) 
224 W Winton Ave., Hayward, CA 

For additional resources on testing, including an interactive map to find a testing site near you, please visit ACPHD’s Testing for COVID-19 web page. 

Supporting Our Immigrant and Refugee Communities 

Many of our immigrant and refugee neighbors face additional barriers to finding resources and aid during the COVID-19 crisis. There has been misinformation about seeking testing and treatment compounding the already existing fears around immigration status and enforcement. In Alameda County and the State of California, our immigrant and refugee communities can still access many programs and services to help them through this public health crisis. The State of California offers a Guide for Immigrant Californians with information and resources for testing, seeking treatment, and emergency disaster relief assistance. In addition to the State’s guide for immigrant individuals and families, the Unity Council maintains a list of Resources for Undocumented Immigrants in Alameda County. The Unity Council’s list includes general information, financial assistance, and legal aid resources.  

Supporting Food Security for ALL 

The economic impacts of COVID-19 on individuals and families in Alameda County has created a sharp increase in demand for emergency food services - the Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) has been serving ten times the usual amount of clients over the past few weeks. ACCFB and other food banks and food distribution organizations throughout the County have been working diligently to meet the increasing demand and ensure everyone who needs food is able to receive it.

If you are in need of food assistance during the COVID-19 crisis, please visit one or more of the following websites to find a program that meets your needs: 

• County of Alameda’s COVID-19 Food Distribution and Resources Interactive Map 
  The County’s interactive map allows residents to search for food distributions, pick-ups, and other safety net services near them. The map allows residents to search for services within 15 miles of their address.  

• Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA) 
  The County’s SSA offices are open and providing limited in-person services. Eligibility workers continue to be available to assist residents in applying for CalFresh and other public assistance program. Please visit the SSA website for more information.  

• Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) 
  ACCFB is an essential business and continues to serve food insecure individuals and families. ACCFB can connect you to emergency food online (FoodNow.net) and through their Emergency Food Hotline (1-510-635-3663). 

• Alameda County Meals on Wheels 
  Meals on Wheels organizations throughout Alameda County continue to deliver healthy, prepared meals to low-income homebound seniors. For more information on which Meals on Wheels program serves your area, please visit the Alameda County Meals on Wheels website.  

Health Care Services for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness 

The nature of shelters and encampments for Alameda County individuals and families experiencing homelessness can exacerbate the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, the lack of access to health care increases the risk of complications for our unsheltered neighbors. Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) is committed to working with shelter providers, street outreach teams, and other community partners to ensure our unsheltered community is able to access COVID-19 testing and treatment and practice safe hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus in the community.  

ACHCH is continuing to partner with Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, Abode Services, and the State of California to provide safe isolation housing for unsheltered individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and for unsheltered individuals in high risk populations. For more information, visit ACHCH’s Isolation Housing page. 

Public Comment Procedures for Board of Supervisors Meetings During Shelter in Place

Procedures for Board of Supervisors meetings are subject to change to improve videoconferencing tools. Please check the Board of Supervisors' website for the most up-to-date guidelines.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors will continue to conduct essential government business at our regularly scheduled Board meetings.

• Agendas are posted on the Board of Supervisors' website: 
  http://acgov.org/board/.

While in-person participation is limited to essential personnel, we are committed to providing the public with live broadcast and remote opportunities to participate in public comment during the Shelter in Place order. The following guidelines allow for public participation in Board meetings while following safe social distancing practices:

Remote Viewing/Listening:
Members of the public who wish to watch the Board of Supervisors meetings, are encouraged to view the live stream online at: 
http://acgov.org/board/broadcast.htm.

We recommend against using Internet Explorer to view the meetings. We recommend using Google Chrome or other browsers to view the meetings.

Public Comment via Teleconference:
Members of the public may address the Board of Supervisors on a matter on the agenda or during the Public Input portion of the meeting on a matter not on the agenda but is an issue within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction.

To observe the meeting by video conference, please click on this link to join the webinar at the noticed meeting time.

• If you are using a laptop:
  Use the "Raise Hand" button to indicate you would like to speak or provide public comment. When you are called to speak, unmute your speaker.
• If you are listening to the meeting by phone:
  Use the numbers listed on the Zoom/Teleconferencing Guidelines. 
  Dial *9 to raise your hand to speak.
  If you decide not speak, you may hang up and dial back into the meeting or simply notify the Clerk you do not wish to speak when you are unmuted and asked to speak.

Written Comment (accepted until the start of the meeting at 9:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted on the meeting agenda).

To provide written comment on an item on the agenda or to address the Board about an issue during Public Input, you may send an email to CBS@acgov.org.

Please include your name and note the agenda item number you want to address or whether you intend for comment to be included in Public Input. Copies of all written comments will be provided to the Board Members and will be added to the official record.

ADA Accessibility: If you require a reasonable modification or accommodation for a disability, please email the Clerk of the Board at CBS@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4949.

• Oakland Undocumented Relief (OUR) Fund: Offers financial support for immigrant Oaklanders who have lost income due to COVID-19. To apply for or donate to OUR Fund, visit Centro Legal’s website. 
• Legal Aid at Work (Ayuda Legal Laboral) Resource Guide: offers a list of financial services available to undocumented workers in California who have been impacted by COVID-19. This resource guide is updated on a weekly basis and is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. 
• Immigrants Rising resource guide provides a list of resources available for undocumented immigrants. Recursos para inmigrantes sobre COVID-19 en español—utilice este enlace