President’s Message

Two Big EMS-Related Changes Ahead for San Diego Hospitals

San Diego’s emergency medical services (EMS) system depends on close coordination between first responders and hospitals to provide timely, lifesaving care throughout our community. Hospitals maintain around-the-clock emergency and specialty care capabilities, receive patients when every minute matters, and work closely with EMS clinicians to ensure a seamless transition from the field to the emergency department (ED). Two significant changes now underway will affect how hospitals fulfill this essential role.

A Major Win for Health Care Access in Imperial County

Late last month, Imperial County reached a significant health care milestone with the Imperial Valley Healthcare District’s (IVHD) acquisition of El Centro Regional Medical Center. This is the final piece in creating a unified health care district (which also includes Pioneers Medical Center in Brawley), designed to strengthen care delivery and better serve residents in Imperial County. With bondholders having agreed to the transaction, the last remaining hurdle has been cleared, paving the way for the district’s completion. Bondholders are working through the final administrative and regulatory steps of the transition’s formal completion.

North County Partnerships Strengthen Access to Care

July 1 marked an important moment for health care in San Diego County as two significant partnerships officially took effect in North County, bringing together Tri-City Medical Center and Sharp HealthCare in Oceanside and Palomar Health and UC San Diego Health in Escondido and Poway.

Honoring Service, Community, and Care This Fourth of July

As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, we are reminded that this holiday represents more than parades, barbecues, and fireworks. At its core, the Fourth of July reflects our nation’s enduring commitment to service, shared responsibility, and strengthening the communities we call home. 

Local Navy Medicine Teams Support Artemis II Recovery

San Diego’s health care community played a quiet but critical role in April’s historic moment for space exploration. When the Artemis II astronauts returned to Earth earlier this spring, local Navy Medicine teams were there to support the successful recovery of the crew and the Orion spacecraft. 

Ballot Measure Seeks to Strengthen Health and Safety Needs Across San Diego County

Last week, the San Diego County Health and Safety Act (a measure that would raise the sales tax by a half-cent across San Diego County) qualified for the November ballot. This citizens’ initiative — which is supported by nonprofit and labor organizations, including HASD&IC — is focused on protecting health care, childcare and public safety, and addressing the Tijuana River sewage crisis.

Behavioral Health in Focus During Mental Health Awareness Month

During this Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded that behavioral health is an essential part of overall health. Increasingly, the pressures facing our communities — from economic instability to policy changes affecting access to basic needs like nutrition support, including loss of CalFresh benefits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — are contributing to heightened stress and mental health challenges.

Protecting Hospitals, Protecting Communities

It’s safe to say there has been no shortage of discussion lately about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). While deeply problematic, this legislation is just the latest in a long line of mounting pressures hospitals are being asked to absorb. That reality is why HASD&IC and our member hospitals have been engaged in conversations across the region about what federal policy changes could mean for health care in San Diego and Imperial counties.