Ed Hernandez has been unanimously appointed Chair of the Board of the Eden Health District, following three impactful years of service on the Board, including his tenure as Vice-Chair.
Under Mr. Hernandez’s leadership, the Eden Health District has transformed its impact in the region, dramatically increasing grants and sponsorships from $500,000 in 2023 to $1.3 million in 2024—a remarkable milestone in empowering community health agencies and programs.
A cornerstone of Mr. Hernandez’s tenure has been his dedication to saving vital community healthcare resources. Together with former Chair Pam Russo and a coalition of stakeholders, he played a key role in stabilizing St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, which faced dire financial challenges. By creating and funding a collaborative effort in partnership with Alameda County Health, Alameda Health System, Washington Hospital, the City of Hayward, and Kaiser Permanente, the Eden Health District catalyzed a sustainable future for St. Rose. Their commissioned study led to the hospital’s transition to operations by Alameda Health System (AHS), ensuring continued safety-net services for the community. This effort included a critical $1 million grant approved by Eden Health District in late 2024.
Additional beneficiaries of the District’s funding include the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club, Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center/Castro Valley High School health clinic, La Familia, La Clínica de La Raza, Davis Street Community Center, the George Mark Children’s House, and the Crisis Support Center of Alameda County. These partnerships underscore the District’s commitment to addressing diverse health needs across the community.
Mr. Hernandez brings a wealth of experience to his role as Chair. He has served as a Council Member for the City of San Leandro and holds appointments on the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, Ava Community Energy Advisory Committee, and Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association. Recently elected as an Assembly District Delegate for the California Democratic Party, Mr. Hernandez resides in San Leandro with his wife, Katherine Greenberg, and their two young daughters, Rachel and Sarah.
As Chair, Mr. Hernandez looks ahead with ambitious goals for the District. “I am excited to take on this role and continue the District’s critical work to address top priority health issues like mental health, homelessness, and access to quality care for the most vulnerable residents. This year, we plan to allocate $1 million towards supporting community health nonprofits,” Mr. Hernandez stated. Grant applications will open in July, paving the way for another round of impactful funding. Discover more about the Eden Health District and its grant opportunities by visiting their website at ethd.org.