2026 is here, bringing with it a new set of opportunities. In baseball terms, we’re in the first inning — just a few pitches in, but with a host of heavy hitters coming to the plate.
First up is progress in the behavioral health space. We’re excited to welcome Nadia Privara Brahms as San Diego County’s Behavioral Health Services Director, following productive conversations during the several months she served as acting director. She shares hospitals’ commitment to growing the state’s health care workforce, as well as a deep understanding of the need to build local treatment capacity. Her leadership will be critical to navigating the challenges San Diego’s behavioral health care system will face in the coming year.
Financial concerns also loom large, as San Diego ended the year with the second-highest inflation rate nationally (4%). Already, local and municipal governments are striving to bolster their budgets with new city and county taxes; early contenders for the 2026 ballot include a half-cent sales tax in San Diego County to support social services and response to the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis and a full cent increase for the City of San Diego to support infrastructure projects.
And, the impact of decisions made last year — particularly deep cuts to Medi-Cal funding made at the federal level — will begin to be felt this year. With the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, about 120,000 San Diegans will see their monthly premiums increase by an average of 76% — and whether they can afford to maintain their coverage in the coming months remains to be seen. But, regardless of coverage, the fact remains that people will continue to be sick and need care.
In the face of these challenges, hospitals’ commitment to their communities is constant. Emergency departments continue to be the place where all can seek care, regardless of insurance coverage, immigration status, or any other factor. Now, more than ever, protecting those safe havens is vital — and HASD&IC will be there every step of the way, fighting alongside our partners at the California Hospital Association, to ensure that hospitals have the resources they need to continue their mission of care.
We’re glad to have your support in this important work.