President’s Message

Hunger. It’s probably a word you utter on a regular basis. You know what it means to be hungry. Your stomach may start rumbling. You may even get cranky and irritable. For most of us, it’s a simple enough problem to solve — by eating something. But in America, over 34 million Americans face hunger each and every day, including 1 in 8 children who go hungry. That’s why September is Hunger Action Month, a time to recognize food insecurity — a growing problem in our region, and one that your hospitals see firsthand every day.  

San Diego’s most vulnerable have lost a true champion with the passing of Greg Knoll, the longtime executive director of the Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD). 

In just a few short months, we’ll have a chance to gather — in person — for the HASD&IC Annual Meeting. Registration is now open for the Nov. 16 event, which will be held at the newly renovated San Diego Mission Bay Resort, and I’m hoping that you can join us for a day of connecting, networking, and learning with your colleagues and community partners.

June marks Immigrant Heritage Month (formerly Refugee Awareness Month), an opportunity to honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of immigrants and their descendants, who bring forth innovation, diversity, and wide-ranging impacts that continue to shape and power California and our nation.    

While COVID-19 may have brought to light many health care inequities, they are nothing new — particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. That’s why — as we mark Pride Month this June — it’s important to remember the role that your hospitals play in building inclusive and equitable communities for our LGBTQ+ neighbors.  

Access to healthy and nutritious food is vital to the well-being of the community.  

May 7 marks the start of this year’s National Hospital Week, and this year’s theme is “WeAreHealthCare.” This is a week to recognize the vital roles hospitals play in our communities but more importantly, to celebrate all health care workers — who are essential to the success of hospitals and health systems.