About Coronavirus
As California’s hospitals continue their life-saving work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital associations continue to advocate on behalf of hospitals and their patients, in addition to offering these tools and resources:
Streamlining data with the COVID-19 Tracking Tool
Frequently asked questions
COVID-19 Surges: FAQs & Resources for Hospitals
Hospitals Must Do All They Can to Keep Health Care Workers, Patients Safe
Last week’s public health officer order on COVID-19 testing and personal protective equipment for unvaccinated health care workers and state employees may not be sitting well with some, but it’s the right thing to do. As cases — and hospitalizations — continue to rise both regionally and throughout the state, more must be done to help stem the virus.
5 Things To Know: Tabletop Exercise, PeerLINKS Program, HQI Cares
Tabletop Exercise: HASD&IC and several hospital members participated in the 2021 San Diego Regional Tabletop Exercise on July 27. Over 125 participants took part, including representatives from:
COVID-19 Won’t Shake Its Grasp
On the off-chance that anyone needed proof of COVID-19’s relentless grasp on the state and the region specifically, one only needs to take a quick look at the numbers.
Healing the Emotional Scars from the Pandemic
Even in the best of times, burnout is common for health care workers. The pandemic — which uprooted workplace routines and turned knowns into unknowns — has only made these stressful and demanding jobs that much harder.
5 Things To Know: Disaster Planning, EMS Changes, Addressing Chronic Homelessness
Addressing Chronic Homelessness: On June 28, the first phase of a partnership between the City and County of San Diego launched, with outreach teams hitting the streets to address the immediate and long-term challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. This month-long outreach campaign is designed to connect individuals to immediate shelter, housing navigation and behavioral health services, and medical care. The second phase, scheduled to launch in August, will address the struggle of those who experience chronic homelessness with severe substance use disorder. It will connect them with teams who can link them to health and social services, including specialized temporary housing, regardless of the status of their sobriety.
Optimism as California Fully Reopens
More than a year ago, the world as we had known it changed — perhaps forever. Those who were working in offices were sent home. Restaurants pivoted to delivery and take out. Doctors’ and dentists’ offices turned to telehealth or even closed temporarily.
5 Things To Know: Naloxone Treatment, New County Office, FEMA Releases Pandemic Guidance
Naloxone Treatment: With the number of drug-related deaths growing at an alarming rate locally, the county of San Diego will soon make naloxone, an overdose reversal medication, widely available at several community-based locations and clinics throughout the county. While concerns over the increase in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths were growing prior to the pandemic, fentanyl-related deaths increased 202% from 2019 to 2020 with more than 457 fentanyl-related deaths countywide in 2020.
5 Things To Know: Cross-Border Vaccination Planning, Tiny Home Village, City Council Special Election
Medi-Cal Managed Care: Last fall, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) began the process of re-procuring Medi-Cal managed care plan contracts. At the end of April, DHCS provided updates on both San Diego and Imperial counties. Imperial County submitted a request to create a County Organized Health System with California Health and Wellness; San Diego County decided not to pursue a local health initiative model, and DHCS indicated that it will award no more than two Medi-Cal managed care contracts in San Diego County. The draft request for proposal is expected in the next few weeks, but the changes will not take place until 2024.
Hospitals’ Vital Role in Helping Counties Hit Vaccine Milestones
San Diego County hit a milestone last week in the fight against COVID-19: 1 million vaccines administered. That puts the county halfway to what public health officials say is their goal of fully vaccinating 75% — or 2,017,011 — of San Diego County residents 16 and older.
5 Things To Know: County Budget, District Election, Report on Hospitals’ Financial Challenges
Input Sought on County Budget: As the effort continues to build a framework for a more equitable, inclusive San Diego County, public input is needed for the 2021-22 budget process. On May 6, the county’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will recommend a draft budget, and on May 26-27 county departments will present their draft budgets. The budget hearings set for June 14 and 16 are opportunities to suggest changes or additional funding needs. From June 14-23 the CAO and Board of Supervisors can request changes to draft budget. This period is the last opportunity to advocate for budget changes. Final budget deliberation and adoption is set for June 29.