Addressing Chronic Homelessness: On June 28, the first phase of a partnership between the City and County of San Diego launched, with outreach teams hitting the streets to address the immediate and long-term challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. This month-long outreach campaign is designed to connect individuals to immediate shelter, housing navigation and behavioral health services, and medical care. The second phase, scheduled to launch in August, will address the struggle of those who experience chronic homelessness with severe substance use disorder. It will connect them with teams who can link them to health and social services, including specialized temporary housing, regardless of the status of their sobriety.
Disaster Planning: The San Diego Healthcare Disaster Coalition has created a behavioral health subcommittee to start recruiting behavioral health providers to engage in the coalition’s emergency planning efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to engage this sector in the regional planning process.
Medi-Cal Managed Care Draft RFP: The County of San Diego convened a small stakeholder group (including HASD&IC) to review its comments on the draft Medi-Cal Managed Care request for proposal. Comments were due to the Department of Health Care Services on July 1.
EMS Changes: The San Diego County Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMSA) transitioned July 1, 2020, to the Public Safety Group/San Diego County Fire to enhance the alignment of the integrated functions of Fire and EMS as a critical mission of the county. As the designated local EMSA, it is responsible for the oversight of the EMS delivery system, which includes planning, surveillance, policy, quality assurance, and regulatory functions.
Emergency Medical Services Comprehensive Evaluation of the Base Hospital System and Trauma Center Catchment Areas Request for Information: The County of San Diego EMS invites all interested parties, agencies, and stakeholders to participate in a discussion and information-gathering session for Comprehensive Evaluation of Base Hospital System and Trauma Center Catchment Areas. The county seeks feedback on what is working in the current system and what areas may benefit from restructure. Hospitals are encouraged to provide their feedback to ensure it is incorporated into the process. Attendees may choose to attend one or both meetings scheduled for July 12 at 1 p.m. (PT) or July 15 at 6 p.m. (PT). For more information please see the request for information and informational flyer.
