To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: Rescind Prior Board Action Pertaining to Gift Cards for Clients of the Tobacco Prevention Coalition
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
RESCIND Board action of October 7, 2025 (C.71), which pertained to the purchase of gift cards for the Tobacco Prevention Coalition; and APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to purchase on behalf of the Health Services Director, up to 240 Safeway gift cards each with a $5 value and 240 Walmart ATF gift cards each with a $5 value, plus applicable shipping and handling up to $100, for a total amount not to exceed $2,500 for community members who actively engage in Tobacco Prevention Coalition meetings, work groups, and related efforts for the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This $2,500 expenditure will be funded by the California Department of Public Health, Local Lead Agencies (CDPH, LLA) Grant proceeds for the Tobacco Prevention Program during Fiscal Year 2025-26. There will be no impact to the County General Fund.
BACKGROUND:
Contra Costa Health Services' Tobacco Prevention Program has consistently thrived through active community participation. The program's strength lies in its collaborative nature, where community efforts drive forward key policy campaigns aimed at reducing tobacco-related harm. Community members provide valuable insights and support that help shape local tobacco policies, ensuring they reflect the needs and concerns of those most affected. The success of the program is deeply rooted in this partnership between health services and the public, as community engagement continues to be a critical element in influencing policy changes and educational initiatives. In the past, gift cards have been used to thank participants for their time and input, and moving forward, they will continue to serve a dual purpose. By providing gift cards, the program expresses gratitude to community members whose involvement is crucial to its success, while also acting as an incentive to encourage greater participation in surveys, meetings, and other coalition activities. These efforts help gather opinions on tobacco- related policies, which play a key role in informing educational campaigns and shaping policy efforts.
On October 7, 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved item C.71 to purchase up to 480 Safeway gift cards for a total amount of $2,500 for community members who engage in efforts related to the Tobacco Prevention Coalition for the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The program has since reassessed the needs of the community members participating in coalition meetings, work groups and other prevention efforts. It has been determined that providing community members with Safeway and Walmart gift cards, in gratitude for their service, will better incentivize participation and will provide a healthier utilization of resources. Approval of this action will change type of gift cards with no change to the total amount or term.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without a variety in incentives offered, community participation and the tobacco prevention program deliverables will be negatively impacted.