PROCLAMATION
HONORING AND COMMENDING DR. PATE THOMSON, MD FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND VISION IN FOUNDING THE ROTACARE WEST CONTRA COSTA FREE CLINIC, AND HIS CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO ITS SUCCESS OVER THE PAST 13 YEARS WHEREAS, Dr. Pate Thomson recognizing the need for access to healthcare services among very low-income, uninsured residents of West Contra Costa County, envisioned and established the RotaCare West Contra Costa Free Clinic in Richmond in 2013; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pate Thomson, brought together the Rotary Clubs of Berkeley, Albany, Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo/El Sobrante, Pinole and Hercules-Rodeo Crockett to collaborate in the creation, support and ongoing success of the RotaCare West Contra Costa Free Clinic; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pate Thomson led the effort to affiliate the clinic with RotaCare Bay Area as a satellite clinic securing the facility license, regulatory support, operational guidance and organizational foundation needed to serve the community, and went on to serve as a member of the RotaCare Bay Area Board; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pate Thomson, became the founding Medical Director for the RotaCare West Contra Costa Free Clinic, working diligently over the years to recruit physicians and nurses, Rotarian volunteers, community supporters, and student volunteers through relationships established with pre-medicine undergraduate programs; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pate Thomson has guided the RotaCare West Contra Costa Advisory Committee and the Executive Committee as a visionary thought leader, patiently and steadfastly supporting clinic volunteers and staff through many challenges, including clinic relocations, operational leadership changes and funding needs; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pate Thomson, together with the Advisory Committee, helped ensure that the RotaCare West Contra Costa Free Clinic patients have access to compassionate healthcare services, including free prescriptions, lab work, diagnostic imaging, social services, diabetic supplies and patient education; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pate Thomson’s optimism, unwavering belief in the possible, warmth, strength, kindness and inclusive spirit has inspired others to embrace his vision, work together, overcome challenges, and sustain the clinic’s mission of providing, hope, dignity and compassionate care to those in need.
WHEREAS, there is a deep, unmet need worldwide to educate and support individuals affected by lupus, including their family members and caregivers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, That I, Chris Kelley, Mayor, on behalf of the City of Hercules, hereby recognize and thank Dr. Pate Thomson for his extraordinary vision, exemplary leadership, compassion and dedicated service to the residents of West Contra Costa County.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Hercules to be affixed this 28th day of July 2026. __________________________________
Chris Kelley, Mayor