To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Report Title: Honoring the legacy and service of Dr. Desmond Carson
Recommendation: Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution recognizing Dr. Desmond Carson for extraordinary contributions to the health and wellness of our Contra Costa County community, as recommended by Supervisor Gioia.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NA
BACKGROUND:
Dr. Desmond Carson was a beloeved physician practicing in Contra Costa County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
NA
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
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IN THE MATTER OF, RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE, SERVICE, AND LEGACY OF Dr. Desmond Carson
WHEREAS, Dr. Desmond Carson was a Richmond native who chose to serve the community that raised him, earning admiration as a trusted African American physician and community advocate throughout Contra Costa County;
WHEREAS, following the 2015 closure of Doctors Medical Center, Dr. Carson and his team joined LifeLong Medical Care, helping establish Brookside San Pablo Urgent Care across from the former hospital and continuing to provide urgent care for local residents;
WHEREAS, Dr. Carson was a powerful voice for health equity, speaking out about barriers to care and advocating for improved access to urgent and emergency services for West Contra Costa communities;
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Desmond Carson served as a trusted messenger, urging communities of color to wear masks, get vaccinated, and take the disease seriously, including at County press conferences and public forums, and on national media;
WHEREAS, he repeatedly educated the public about recognizing symptoms of strokes and heart disease, and led outreach that saved lives in Contra Costa County;
WHEREAS, Dr. Carson consistently urged African American men to take high blood pressure and diabetes seriously, and created accessible health education content, including podcasts and video clips, specifically addressing diabetes and cardiovascular risks;
WHEREAS, Dr. Carson mentored future medical professionals, encouraging young people of color to pursue careers in medicine, and mentoring Richmond High School students who aspired to become health providers;
WHEREAS, his community leadership extended beyond the clinic, supporting youth sports, including coaching the Richmond Steelers, and partnering with local leaders to promote wellness, resilience, and opportunity for West County youth, and always supported his El Cerrito High Gaucho sports teams;
WHEREAS, his unexpected passing has been met with profound sorrow across Contra Costa County, reflecting the immense impact of his life’s work in advancing health equity and caring for the most vulnerable;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby honors and memorializes Dr. Desmond Carson for his extraordinary dedication to the people of Contra Costa County.
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