President’s Message

Preparing for the Impact of H.R. 1: Rebuilding Our Safety Net in San Diego and Imperial Counties

As we look ahead to the potential implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), it is essential that we begin preparing now. Funding cuts, combined with work requirements for non-disabled Medicaid enrollees, an increase in the frequency of eligibility redeterminations, restricted eligibility for some immigrant groups, and tightened rules around provider taxes and state-directed payments, will require us to re-engage familiar strategies, adopt new ones, and strengthen our efforts to safeguard coverage for the most vulnerable residents of San Diego and Imperial counties.

When Parking Policy Becomes a Patient Care Problem

While it’s been hard to miss all the headlines about Balboa Park’s new parking fees — fewer restaurant patrons, declining museum visitors, and frustrated business owners — you’ve probably heard a lot less about how this change is affecting Naval Medical Center San Diego, also known as Balboa Medical Center.

A Fresh Start on Familiar Issues

2026 is here, bringing with it a new set of opportunities. In baseball terms, we’re in the first inning — just a few pitches in, but with a host of heavy hitters coming to the plate.

The Only Way Through Is Together

Two weeks ago, we came together with colleagues, policymakers, and community partners for the 2025 HASD&IC Annual Meeting. It was an honor to welcome more than 200 attendees and create a space to connect, reflect, and look ahead at the challenges and opportunities facing our hospitals and health systems.  

2025 HASD&IC Annual Meeting: A Respite from the Ongoing Storm  

In two weeks, we’ll come together for the 2025 HASD&IC Annual Meeting — a gathering for hospital leaders, policymakers, and community partners to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our hospitals and health systems. This annual meeting is not only a valuable opportunity to hear from local leaders and policy experts, but also a chance to gain new insights, find inspiration, and prepare for what lies ahead.

Strengthening the Behavioral Health Continuum

Hospitals across our region continue to witness firsthand the profound impact behavioral health has on the well-being of our communities. The findings in our upcoming behavioral health environmental scans echo what we hear regularly from care providers and community partners: Demand for behavioral health services continues to grow even as workforce shortages, limited treatment availability, bed closures, and care coordination challenges persist.

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