Unions urge DPH to audit Felton Institute amid allegations of union-busting; directors outline subacute SNF plans and APEC preparedness

Several union representatives told the San Francisco Health Commission they believe the Felton Institute, a nonprofit contractor that receives city and state funding, is failing to meet service targets, mistreating staff and actively interfering with union organizing.

Xu Min Lee (SEIU 1021) told commissioners Felton received about $16 million from DPH this fiscal year and that monitoring reports indicate Felton missed contracted unit-of-service targets, had high staff turnover and safety issues including citations for rodent feces and a child injury. Brandon Dawkins (SEIU Local 1021) and organizer Gracia gave additional testimony alleging coercion of workers, termination of pro-union employees and on-site intimidation; Dawkins said the union has filed unfair labor practice charges and the NLRB found merit in several charges.

Josie Mooney, Deputy Executive Director of SEIU 1021, referenced a recent Board of Supervisors ordinance barring departments from contracting with organizations that engage in union-busting and urged the commission and the Department of Public Health to review contracts and hold Felton accountable. The commission noted that the Brown Act limits action on non-agendized items but acknowledged the concerns and the recent Board policy.

In the director's report, Director Grant Colfax briefed commissioners on public-health preparations for the upcoming APEC leaders and CEO summits (expanded surveillance, food-safety inspections, emergency planning), and on Chinese Hospital's planned 23-bed subacute skilled nursing unit. Kelly Hiramoto explained the projected late-2025/early-2026 timeline is driven by certification steps (CMS and CDPH surveys) and required kitchen modifications and staffing ratios; the department said hiring and consultant work are underway and that certification could occur sooner if requirements are satisfied.

Director Colfax also announced a contingency management program at the Maria X Martinez Health Resource Center to support people with stimulant use disorder using low-value incentives and noted that DPH dental screenings in schools are supported by the city soda tax. He closed with current COVID metrics: 4.7% test positivity and 18 hospitalized patients citywide.

Commissioners asked for follow-up specifics on a $750,000 parent-child interaction therapy grant and details about the subacute SNF staffing plan; DPH staff committed to provide further information.