Executive Director's March 2025 Message

As we Spring forward, March will bring new beginnings for both the Health Service System and for me. I will be retiring on March 14th, 2025, to pursue a new chapter in my life.  Rey Guillen, our Chief Operating Officer, will step in to serve as the acting director while the Health Service Board completes the search process for a new Executive Director.

For the past seven years, I have had the privilege of serving the employees, retirees, and families of the City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Unified School District, City College of San Francisco, and the San Francisco Superior Court as the Executive Director of the San Francisco Health Service System. During my tenure, we have championed whole-person health care and primary-care reform. We have also increased focus on healthcare equity and mental health and well-being, while maintaining our commitment to quality and affordability.

I am most proud of the amazing work SFHSS did to support our members through the pandemic, many of whom are Essential Workers. We expanded our Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) services to be available 24/7; negotiated with our vendors to provide testing and vaccination for our active workforce and retired members; removed barriers to obtaining timely care; and promoted mental health and well-being during the Stay-at-Home orders. Every “impossible” request I asked of my team was accomplished in record time.

I am confident that the entire SFHSS team is committed to and extremely capable of resolving any issues that may arise. Following my departure, I know the team will continue to drive SFHSS’ mission forward. I also want to remind our members that prevention is a worthwhile investment. I wish to end with my monthly health focus on nutrition, colon cancer screening, and workplace eye wellness.

March is National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme is “Food That Connects Us”. Food not only connects us to our cultures, our families and our friends but the foods we eat also affect our health.. March is a great month to head to your local Farmer’s Market and try making new recipes with someone you love. Learn more about how nutrition can improve your overall well-being.

If you are 45 years or older, ask your primary care physician about colon cancer screening. March is also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The recommended age for screening was recently lowered due to a rise in colorectal cancer in people under 50. Learn more about colorectal cancer and your screening options.

Lastly, I encourage you to schedule an eye exam and talk with your eye doctor about your job this March for Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Even if you have perfect vision, you can use your vision benefits to purchase non-prescription sunglasses to protect your eyes. Most active employees also have coverage for additional glasses to protect against blue light from computers and monitors. And, if required by your role, don’t forget to wear protective eyewear or goggles while you work. Remember, you only have one pair of eyes, protect them!

Be well,

Abbie Yant, RN, MA