President’s Message

Strong Relationships Are Vital in Tackling Big Issues

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Recently I reflected on the start of the year with a colleague and shared that January felt like it was 16 weeks long. We came barreling out of the gate in 2024 with far-reaching issues to grapple with. The list includes matters that touch almost every part of hospital operations, including preparing for the upcoming hospital minimum wage hike, advocating for reconsideration of health care spending targets proposed by the new Office of Health Care Affordability, strategizing with firefighters and emergency medical services in preparation for the implementation of Assembly Bill 40, advocating for resources to reduce migrant street releases, seeking solutions to the growing behavioral health crisis in our communities, and more.

Embracing Heart Health with Awareness, Compassion and Connection 

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My mom has Atrial fibrillation. I remember one morning a few years ago when her heart was racing. We didn’t know what was happening. I sat with her in the living room and her heart wasn’t slowing down. We were scared and rushed her to the emergency room where she was diagnosed. Now she’s on medication and the AFib is under control.  

Shining a Light on Human Trafficking in Our Region 

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As we start the new year, I want to spotlight an issue that cuts across all social determinants of health and yet continues to be underrepresented and often misrepresented. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It’s a reminder that this pervasive problem affects millions around the world, and thousands in our own backyard.   

Reflections on 2023: You Made a Difference    

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Right now, many of you are probably finalizing your Thanksgiving menus or travel plans if you’re headed out of town for the holiday. And although we all have our own ways in which we will observe the day, gratitude — along with lots of food — will likely be at the heart of the celebrations.

2023 Annual Meeting: In-Person Energy Makes for Meaningful Dialogue   

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I’m still reflecting on the success of this year’s HASD&IC annual meeting. I have many takeaways, but what really comes to mind is the energy that everyone brought to the gathering. There were more than 180 people joining us this year and everyone came to the table ready to converse, connect, and exchange ideas on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Giving Thanks 

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Right now, many of you are probably finalizing your Thanksgiving menus or travel plans if you’re headed out of town for the holiday. And although we all have our own ways in which we will observe the day, gratitude — along with lots of food — will likely be at the heart of the celebrations.

Thanking All Who Served on Veterans Day

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Next week, we’ll celebrate Veterans Day, a time to honor and appreciate the sacrifices and selflessness of the men and women who serve in America’s armed forces.   

Hear About Topics Important to Hospitals at Our Annual Meeting   

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Hoping you’ve already made plans to attend next month’s HASDIC Annual Meeting, but if you haven’t, there’s still time to register. We’ll gather at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort on Nov. 16 for a day of connecting, networking, and learning with colleagues and community partners.   

Addressing Hunger and Food Insecurity  

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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.  

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