President’s Message

Charting a Path to Better Health Care in 2025

The new year is already in full swing, and 2025 promises to be a pivotal one for health care in our region. From legislative shifts to evolving community needs, the landscape is changing — bringing both challenges and opportunities. This year, HASD&IC will focus on strengthening the continuum of care, addressing critical legislative developments, and fostering collaborative partnerships that drive impact. Here is a look at the key initiatives shaping our work in the year ahead.  

Standing in Solidarity with Los Angeles Hospitals

As we watch Los Angeles continue to battle devasting wildfires, our thoughts and support are with our neighboring communities. We can truly empathize — the harrowing scenes in Los Angeles evoke memories of the 2003 Cedar Fire that ravaged San Diego County.  

A Foundation for Progress in 2025 

As we conclude 2024, it’s time to reflect on the strides our hospitals have made in serving San Diego and Imperial counties. This year has underscored yet again the indispensable role hospitals play in fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

Giving Thanks for an Unwavering Commitment to Health Care  

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering dedication and resilience demonstrated by hospitals across our region. This season reminds us to pause and reflect on the impact of our collective efforts in advancing health care and improving the lives of the people we serve. 

HASD&IC Annual Meeting Is an Opportunity for Post-Election Engagement  

It’s less than 24 hours after Election Day; many votes are still being counted, and our democracy is at work. A lot is at stake for our health care system. Elections shape the landscape in which hospitals operate, influencing everything from health care policy to funding priorities. Understanding and adapting to these shifts is essential to maintaining and advancing the quality of care we provide for our patients.  

Hospital Volunteers Are the Human Connection to Healing

Early in my career I was a hospital volunteer. As a pre-med student at the University of Arizona, I volunteered for hundreds of hours in the emergency department and hospice unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, Ariz. It was an extraordinary experience that opened my eyes to the compassion and caring that volunteers bring to hospitals. I also saw firsthand the challenges that clinicians face every day. My time as a volunteer enhanced my appreciation of the health care system at a key point early in my career. I was inspired to continue helping people.

Hospitals Play an Important Role in Helping the Hungry

Imagine being hungry and unable to afford food, or having to choose between buying groceries for your family or paying for medication to treat a chronic condition. Or perhaps having to decide between buying healthy fruits and vegetables or cheap processed foods for your kids. These are daily dilemmas for millions of people across California, including in San Diego and Imperial counties.