JoAnne Obata

Member Spotlight: Patrick Ziemer Named CEO of Alvarado Parkway Institute Behavioral Health System       

Patrick Ziemer returned to Alvarado Parkway Institute Behavioral Health System (API) as CEO on Jan. 1. Ziemer has been a passionate advocate for behavioral health with a career dating back over 30 years. Ziemer served as the CEO of API from January 2008 to April 2019. In 2019, he moved into the role of president and chief development officer at the corporate level to lead and develop other companies in API’s continuum of care, also serving as the CEO of 4 Front Pharmacy and the Jackson House facilities. 

Associate Member Spotlight: BMG Money

BMG Money is a leading financial wellness provider that offers LoansAtWork and free financial literacy programs to alleviate the emotional stress and despair threatening employees.    LoansAtWork is a voluntary employee benefit that empowers health care organizations to assist their employees in avoiding high-interest loans that can pull them deeper into crisis. BMG Money helps employees […]

5 Things To Know: CDPH Launches New Opioid Resource Website, MSSP Waiver Renewal Application – 30-Day Public Comment Period, January Marks National Blood Donor Month, Urgent Need to Increase Immunization Coverage for COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Immunizations, Office of Climate Change and Health Equity Launches Support Program

CDPH LAUNCHES NEW OPIOID RESOURCE WEBSITE: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) launched a new, comprehensive website on the opioid epidemic that gives Californians a single resource for prevention, data, treatment, and support. The website is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s multi-pronged approach to connect Californians with information to prevent and reduce overdoses and […]

5 Things To Know: Point-In-Time Counts in January, CalAIM Community Supports Standardization, New Year Will Bring Expanded Medi-Cal Coverage, Dashboard on Race & Ethnicity, Children’s Behavioral Health Services Lack Timely Access

SAN DIEGO AND IMPERIAL COUNTIES WILL HOLD POINT-IN-TIME COUNTS IN JANUARY: In January 2024, San Diego County and Imperial County will each hold their annual Point-in-Time Count (PITC) of sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals and families. The data inform the Department of Housing and Urban Development and help determine federal funding for homeless services and programs. To […]

Reflections on 2023: You Made a Difference    

Right now, many of you are probably finalizing your Thanksgiving menus or travel plans if you’re headed out of town for the holiday. And although we all have our own ways in which we will observe the day, gratitude — along with lots of food — will likely be at the heart of the celebrations.

5 Things To Know: San Diego City Council Declares Behavioral Health Bed Crisis, County of San Diego Emergency Medical Services, San Diego County Releases Draft APOT Policy, CDPH Releases New AFL on Covid-19 Vaccinations,CHA Releases FAQs on Implementing AB 1882 Requirements

SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL DECLARES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BED CRISIS: On Dec. 5, the San Diego City Council declared a behavioral health crisis due to the lack of available behavioral health beds in the city. A recent survey of hospital members found that on any given day in the HASD&IC region, about 50 patients who are […]

2023 Annual Meeting: In-Person Energy Makes for Meaningful Dialogue   

I’m still reflecting on the success of this year’s HASD&IC annual meeting. I have many takeaways, but what really comes to mind is the energy that everyone brought to the gathering. There were more than 180 people joining us this year and everyone came to the table ready to converse, connect, and exchange ideas on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.