Biweekly Briefing Articles

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.  

Understanding Community Needs  

One of our most impactful projects in 2025 is the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The process for the latest CHNA, which began last year, was guided by a deep commitment to listening, understanding, and uplifting community voices. Through this comprehensive evaluation, we’ve gained valuable insights into both the current and emerging health challenges our community members face, enabling us to align our services more closely with our community’s needs. The full report is coming this spring, but I’ll be sharing key takeaways in the months ahead. Stay tuned.  

Reducing Ambulance Patient Offload Times  

With the implementation of Assembly Bill 40 (2023), California hospitals with emergency departments must now submit plans to reduce ambulance patient offload times (APOT). This is a major step toward improving emergency care efficiency. Our regional APOT workgroup — which brings together hospitals, county officials, local emergency medical services agencies, fire chiefs, and other stakeholders for dialogue and partnership — will no doubt play a key role in future progress. 

Updating Behavioral Health Treatment Protocols   

Senate Bill 43 (2024) expands the definition of “gravely disabled” to include individuals unable to provide for their basic needs due to severe substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health disorders. This change allows for involuntary psychiatric holds for individuals meeting this new definition. In response, we have had ongoing discussions with San Diego County and key stakeholders to understand the data, areas for continued advocacy to build out the system of care, and processes to support optimal care for patients. 

Strengthening Advocacy and Political Engagement   

Building relationships with newly elected and re-elected representatives is crucial to ensuring strong support for health care policies. This year we are emphasizing:  

  • Policy advocacy: Highlighting the significant economic impact of hospitals and health systems, and addressing county budget shortfalls to secure necessary funding for health care services. 
  • Political action: Strengthening the HASD&IC Political Action Committee (PAC) to effectively champion health care initiatives. The PAC is an essential tool for engaging in the political process and ensuring that health care, hospitals, and our patients remain a priority among elected officials in San Diego and Imperial counties. 

As we navigate the road ahead, our commitment is clear: innovate, collaborate, and advocate for a stronger health care system. I’m excited to share these initiatives with you and looking forward to making 2025 a year of action and progress, working together to meet the needs of the residents of San Diego and Imperial counties.