Wilma chan, center, at É«ÖÐɫ’s 50th anniversary party on april 15, 2015

On behalf of É«ÖÐÉ«, we would like to express what a shocking and tragic loss it is to learn of Supervisor Wilma Chan’s untimely death on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Supervisor Chan led a courageous and trailblazing career in service to Alameda County residents for more than 30 years, and her devotion to healthcare was especially admirable and impactful. During her six years in the State Assembly, she served as the majority leader and whip. She passed more than 70 bills and resolutions to champion healthcare coverage for all, as well senior services, early childhood education, and landmark legislation to extend affordable health insurance to 800,000 uninsured children in California.

Wilma chan, left, and, anne bakar, telecare’s president and ceo at telecare’s 50th anniversary party on april 15, 2015

As County Supervisor, Wilma led multiple efforts to support the County’s safety net hospitals, including Alameda Health System, San Leandro, Alameda, and St. Rose. She championed the Measure A sales tax and launched ALL IN, her signature initiative to reinforce the safety net for all families in Alameda County.

She was an early and consistent advocate for behavioral health and took the time to visit several of our programs, including Garfield Neurobehavioral Center, STRIDES, Willow Rock Center, Morton Bakar Center, Villa Fairmont, Heritage Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF), and Gladman Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC). She spoke at É«ÖÐɫ’s 50 anniversary six years ago, praising our staff and leaders for their heroic work. She witnessed the ways our behavioral health partnership in Alameda County grew over the decades and took pride in our shared success in overcoming barriers to deliver innovative programs for those most in need.

Wilma Chan was also an inspiration as the first Asian American to serve on our Board of Supervisors and the first Asian American to serve as majority leader in the California State Assembly.

Wilma Chan was a fierce community leader, a distinguished public servant, a valued colleague. Please pause to reflect on her legacy and pay tribute to the ways she elevated us all.