President’s Message

Two Important Occasions to Recognize in September

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The month of September marks two important occasions meant to recognize important needs in our community.

The first — Hunger Awareness Month/Hunger Action Month — is designed to draw attention to the fact that food insecurity is greater than ever. Throughout the country, millions of Americans are being forced to make budgeting decisions while facing grocery prices that have risen more than 13% in the last 12 months, the largest increase since 1979.

Addressing the Needs of a Growing Aging Population

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As San Diego County’s population ages, so do this demographic’s health needs. Consider that by the year 2030, one in four San Diegans will be age 60 or older. That’s why in 2019, the San Diego Senior Emergency Care Initiative was launched. This first-of-its-kind public-private partnership — spearheaded by the County of San Diego and West Health — is designed to ensure this growing population has access to high-quality, senior-friendly care before.

What ‘Stranger Things’ Shows Us About Relationships

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If your house is anything like mine, lately you’ve probably been hearing a lot about Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things.” You may even be a fan of it yourself. You’re probably also well aware that the show centers on a number of mysteries and supernatural events occurring around the fictitious town of Hawkins, Indiana.  

Celebrating Efforts to Improve Care for Our Aging Population 

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At our board meeting earlier this month, we heard about the statewide health equity focus that will involve not just HASD&IC but also CHA, the Hospital Association of Southern California, and Hospital Council – Northern & Central California. This important work entails collaboration among the four associations and their member hospitals to ensure care is inclusive and equitable for all. It includes:

Turning the Spotlight on Equity in the Health Care System

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This June, as we celebrate Pride Month, it’s a good reminder for everyone about the role that hospitals and health systems play in building inclusive and equitable communities for our LGBTQ+ neighbors.

Senseless Violence Has No Place in Our Communities or Our Hospitals 

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Last week’s school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, hits far too close to home for someone like me with three school-age kids. We send our kids to school to learn, be social, and have fun with friends — not to have to potentially confront sheer horror that could await them.

As Budget Season Gets into Full Swing, Workforce Challenges Can’t Be Ignored 

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At the Capitol in downtown Sacramento, and at the County Administration Center in downtown San Diego, budget season is in full swing. Gov. Newsom released his May Revision last week — and while the $300 billion budget contains a number of new proposals affecting hospitals, health systems, and the patients they serve, it does not address your hospitals’ inflationary challenges.  

Mental Health Awareness Month More Important Than Ever

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More than two years of living through a pandemic have taken a huge a toll on the mental health of millions of Americans, both young and old. This month, as we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month (Mental Health Matters Month in San Diego County), it’s more important than ever to shine the spotlight on a growing challenge that has been seriously exacerbated by the pandemic.