The HASD&IC Biweekly Briefing provides timely news and information for HASD&IC members and associates and is published on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Key articles and issues of interest from each publication, along with the President’s Message, are included below.
Newsroom
5 Things To Know: DHCS to Notify Certain Adult Immigrants of Changes to Medi-Cal Coverage
On Nov. 7, the Department of Health Care Services will begin mailing a general information notice and frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to Medi-Cal members who have unsatisfactory immigration status or an unverified immigration status, and to certain non-immigrant visa holders who are active on full-scope Medi-Cal. Members will receive the general information notice and FAQ in their preferred language and in an alternative format (if applicable).
5 Things To Know: Support Requested to Connect San Diego Households with Food Resources
As the government shutdown continues, nearly 400,000 San Diegans who receive CalFresh benefits will experience a delay or reduction in November benefit allotments. To bridge the gap, the San Diego Food Bank and its network of 450+ nonprofit partners have shared a GPS Food Locator Map, which shows (by zip code) food distributions and pantries that offer no-cost food assistance.
5 Things To Know: New Health Officer Order Issued for San Diego Flu Season
Last week, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency released an updated Order of the Health Officer on masking or vaccination of health care personnel — including emergency medical services clinicians — during annual influenza season.
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Solicits Behavioral Health Services Act Feedback
As California counties prepare to implement the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) on July 1, 2026, the County of San Diego’s Behavioral Health Services Department is seeking community feedback on behavioral health programs and services through virtual input sessions and an online survey.
5 Things To Know: Input Needed to Turn CHNA Insights into Next Steps
Thank you to members and community partners for helping shape the 2025 San Diego Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), which highlights the region’s health challenges. All are invited once again to share their perspective — whether from lived experience or professional expertise — through the 2025 CHNA Follow-Up Survey. Input will help hospitals understand community priorities and turn insights into next steps. All responses are anonymous and will be used solely for this survey.
Associate Member Spotlight: Mood Health
Mood Health partners with health systems and medical groups to ensure its patients have access to affordable mental health care. As a trusted referral resource, Mood’s team of in-house clinicians provides tele-psychiatry and tele-talk therapy to patients aged 11 or older; Medi-Cal, Medicare, and commercial insurance are accepted. Referrals with Mood are incredibly easy to implement and allow groups to solve for their outpatient mental health needs quickly, effortlessly, and at no cost to them.
Associate Member Spotlight: Stanbridge University
Stanbridge University is a community of problem-solvers and humanitarians passionate about affecting change locally and globally. “We teach, learn, and serve boldly.” The result is a culture of innovative thought, leadership, and deep human empathy. Stanbridge University has campuses in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego counties.
2025 HASD&IC Annual Meeting: A Respite from the Ongoing Storm
In two weeks, we’ll come together for the 2025 HASD&IC Annual Meeting — a gathering for hospital leaders, policymakers, and community partners to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our hospitals and health systems. This annual meeting is not only a valuable opportunity to hear from local leaders and policy experts, but also a chance to gain new insights, find inspiration, and prepare for what lies ahead.
Strengthening the Behavioral Health Continuum
Hospitals across our region continue to witness firsthand the profound impact behavioral health has on the well-being of our communities. The findings in our upcoming behavioral health environmental scans echo what we hear regularly from care providers and community partners: Demand for behavioral health services continues to grow even as workforce shortages, limited treatment availability, bed closures, and care coordination challenges persist.
5 Things To Know: Save the Date for Primary Care and Behavioral Health Integration Summit
On Jan. 27 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT), the San Diego Integration Institute will host its free 16th Annual Primary Care and Behavioral Health Integration Summit online. Local and national leaders will present on topics related to the physical, mental, and substance use needs of San Diego County community members and clients, and emerging ideas and practices in integrated behavioral health both locally and nationally will be showcased.
