New survey research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms what many in our region have long known: The Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis poses a serious threat to the health and quality of life of residents in San Diego’s South Region.
On July 3, the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) released a revised Chapter 6 regulation proposal, which outlines critical updates to specialty care programs — including trauma, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, stroke, and Emergency Medical Services for Children — and opens a second round of public comment. The California Hospital Association’s (CHA’s) Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Advisory Group will develop comments for submission. Hospitals are also encouraged to submit their feedback by the Aug. 17 deadline. Read CHA’s recent article for more information.
Live Well San Diego’s 10th Annual Live Well Advance Conference & School Summit will take place on Oct. 22 at the San Diego Convention Center. Organizations interested in showcasing their programs, initiatives, and resources must apply to be a complimentary Connection Hub Exhibitor by July 23.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness San Diego-Imperial County chapter has received a $4.5 million grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). The grant will be used to provide direct housing subsidies and case management support to individuals released from prison in Imperial County.
As of June 30, San Diego County has seen seven cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) — a significant increase from the average of 3.7 IMD cases per year between 2022-24, according to a July 3 health advisory. Providers should report confirmed and suspected meningococcal infections immediately to the San Diego County Epidemiology Unit.
In a special webinar to be held July 21 from 1-2 p.m. (PT), the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will share common reasons it does not fund a proposed Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) project, as well as tips on completing the grant application.
As of July 1, hospitals must include specific language on any document that indicates the patient agrees to pay the hospital’s bill, per Senate Bill (SB) 1061 (2024). Failure to include the required language means the hospital cannot enforce the debt. More information, including sample language, is available in an article from the California Hospital Association.
Attendees at this year’s “Raising Awareness” event, to be held at the Ballard Parent Center from noon to 4 p.m. on July 26, will be able to connect with community members and learn about substance use and opioid overdose prevention resources. Presenters at the event will include San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan and Bear Roots Founder Stephanie Carrasco, as well as representatives from the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health and the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released the first phase of its Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) population-based prevention program guidance, covering requirements, statewide goals, and state-level prevention strategies. Feedback — which will help inform the program’s planning, development, and implementation — will be accepted through July 11 and can be shared through the online survey. Following this round of feedback, CDPH will release Phase 2 guidance addressing operational and administrative components.
On July 22, Justice in Aging will host a webinar intended to help reentry navigators, legal service providers, and aging advocates support formerly incarcerated seniors in accessing health care coverage. It will include instructions on enrolling in Medicare using the Incarceration Special Enrollment Period, accessing Medicare services while in community supervision, and accessing additional financial assistance and coverage through Medicaid. Registration is available online.