Input Sought on County Budget: As the effort continues to build a framework for a more equitable, inclusive San Diego County, public input is needed for the 2021-22 budget process. On May 6, the county’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will recommend a draft budget, and on May 26-27 county departments will present their draft budgets. The budget hearings set for June 14 and 16 are opportunities to suggest changes or additional funding needs. From June 14-23 the CAO and Board of Supervisors can request changes to draft budget. This period is the last opportunity to advocate for budget changes. Final budget deliberation and adoption is set for June 29.
‘Feeding Patients,’ A New Program for Food Insecure Cancer Patients: Feeding San Diego, the San Diego Padres, and Curebound have teamed up to address the food insecurity that San Diego cancer patients face. Previously known as Groceries4Good, Feeding Patients is a new program within Feeding San Diego and will offer a monthly, complimentary food distribution. Registered attendees will receive approximately 50 pounds of food including dry goods, fresh produce, and a frozen meat protein. The first Feeding Patients distributions will be May 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pechanga Arena San Diego and May 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Cal State San Marcos. Please feel free to contact lwade@hasdic.org for additional information.
Report on Hospitals’ Financial Challenges: A new report released last week by Kaufman Hall found California hospitals lost more than $14 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic. The financial damage caused by the pandemic will continue at least through the rest of this year, with California hospitals expected to lose an additional $600 million to $2 billion, depending on vaccination rates and the path of the virus. On a statewide media call following the report’s release, CHA President & CEO Carmela Coyle was joined by three hospital leaders, including El Centro Regional Medical Center’s Dr. Adolphe Edward, and UC San Diego Health’s Patty Maysent, who spoke about how the challenges of this past year have affected each of their hospitals. Early media coverage included the Sacramento Bee and NBC 7 San Diego.
79th Assembly District Election: Congratulations to Dr. Akilah Weber for her election to the 79th Assembly District seat previously held by her mother, Dr. Shirley Weber. Her victory leaves a vacancy on the La Mesa City Council, which is currently leaning toward a special election to fill her open seat.
New Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Hospital: A ribbon-cutting ceremony and small group tours marked the official public unveiling of the Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute on April 23. A joint venture partnership between Kindred Healthcare and Palomar Health, the Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute is dedicated to the treatment and recovery of individuals who have experienced a loss of function due to an injury or illness. The new 52-bed facility will serve an estimated 1,200-plus patients per year and is located on the Palomar Medical Center Escondido campus. More coverage of the opening is available on the Palomar website.
