JoAnne Obata

Associate Member Spotlight: Falck Mobile Health 

Falck helps people in urgent need and brings peace of mind to their customers. As a partner to local communities, Falck provides emergency response and health care services wherever they are needed. For more than a century, Falck has helped keep people safe and healthy. They are committed to advancing sustainable health care, and every […]

5 Things To Know: San Diego County Survey | San Diego APOT Collaboration | HASD&IC Crisis Stabilization Units | San Diego County Guide and Matrix | MAT Access Points Project

HELP THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO SET BUDGET PRIORITIES: San Diego County is seeking broad, diverse input on its priorities through a short survey to inform the county’s upcoming 2024-26 budget and operational planning process. Key stakeholders are invited to complete the survey on the Engage San Diego County website by March 17.   For more […]

Associate Member Spotlight: AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in total talent solutions for health care organizations in the United States. The company provides access to the most comprehensive network of quality health care professionals through its innovative recruitment strategies and breadth of career opportunities. With insights and expertise, AMN Healthcare helps providers optimize their workforce to […]

5 Things To Know: Study Finds CA Bridge Program is Highly Effective, Funding to Continue; San Diego TB Prevention Education and Community Engagement Summit; San Diego Workforce Partnerships Substance Use Counselor Program; DHCS Publishes Quality Ratings for Managed Care Plans and County Behavioral Health Plans; Medicare Coverage for Behavioral Health Expanded

STUDY FINDS CA BRIDGE PROGRAM IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE, FUNDING TO CONTINUE: JAMA Network recently published a study highlighting the impact of the CA Bridge Program on opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in emergency departments (EDs). The study found that 86% of OUD patients received buprenorphine in participating hospitals, with 50% continuing treatment 30 days after […]

Strong Relationships Are Vital in Tackling Big Issues

Recently I reflected on the start of the year with a colleague and shared that January felt like it was 16 weeks long. We came barreling out of the gate in 2024 with far-reaching issues to grapple with. The list includes matters that touch almost every part of hospital operations, including preparing for the upcoming hospital minimum wage hike, advocating for reconsideration of health care spending targets proposed by the new Office of Health Care Affordability, strategizing with firefighters and emergency medical services in preparation for the implementation of Assembly Bill 40, advocating for resources to reduce migrant street releases, seeking solutions to the growing behavioral health crisis in our communities, and more.

Embracing Heart Health with Awareness, Compassion and Connection 

My mom has Atrial fibrillation. I remember one morning a few years ago when her heart was racing. We didn’t know what was happening. I sat with her in the living room and her heart wasn’t slowing down. We were scared and rushed her to the emergency room where she was diagnosed. Now she’s on medication and the AFib is under control.  

5 Things To Know: Imperial County 2023-24 Community Survey; New Online Reporting Platform for San Diego County Adult Protective Services Referrals; Celebrating Black History; CHA’s Rural Health Care Symposium to Focus on Financial Sustainability; Seismic Strategy, and More

HCAI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE GRANT PROGRAMS: Application cycles for the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) Behavioral Health Workforce Grant programs open Feb. 9 and close May 8. Visit the HCAI website to learn more about the following programs:   Social Work Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program  Psychiatric Education Capacity Expansion Psychiatry Residency Grant […]

CHA Analysis Reveals How Insurer Practices Impede Patient Care

The California Hospital Association (CHA) has developed a detailed analysis of how insurance company practices negatively affect patients. It’s a key proof point supporting a comprehensive strategy to hold insurers accountable for patient care in California. One of CHA’s priorities this year is to create greater accountability (network adequacy, prior authorization, medical necessity, payment practices, parity) for insurers operating in California. The survey, conducted by CHA in 2023, saw significant response from California hospitals (many thanks to all who contributed). Broadly, the analysis reveals: