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
HASD&IC Board Meeting Highlights
The HASD&IC Board of Directors convened on March 19. Board Chair and Palomar Health CEO Diane Hansen, CPA, officiated.
Creating Space: The Power of Storytelling in Health Care Advocacy
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the American College of Healthcare Executives Congress on Healthcare Leadership in Houston, Texas, alongside more than 7,000 colleagues from across the country. It was an incredible opportunity to connect, reflect, and look ahead in the ever-evolving health care landscape. Amid the daily demands of our work, this gathering provided a moment to pause and appreciate what we have accomplished at HASD&IC and with our regional partners — while also acknowledging the work still ahead to ensure all Californians have access to reliable, high-quality care.
5 Things To Know: Hospital Leaders Must Let Congress Know Californians Support Medi-Cal
On March 3, the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) released a statewide poll that found Californians across party lines overwhelmingly support Medi-Cal. As Congress works on a federal budget for 2026 that could result in devastating cuts to Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), it is imperative that hospital leaders let members of Congress know directly the impact these cuts will have on the people and communities they represent.
5 Things To Know: Imperial County Prepares for 44th Annual Children’s Fair
April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, and this year’s event theme is “It takes a village to raise a child.” On April 5, the 44th Annual Children’s Fair — sponsored in part by the Imperial County Child Abuse Prevention Council — is taking place at Bucklin Park in El Centro from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 100 organizations; businesses; service groups; and federal, state, and local government offices and services will be present to share information about resources to help strengthen families in Imperial County. Emergency services and law enforcement staff will greet families, activities will be available for children of all ages, and food vendors and music will be on site for everyone’s enjoyment.
5 Things To Know: Public Comments Streamlined at San Diego County Board of Supervisors Meetings
Previously, anyone wanting to speak at a San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting had to fill out a speaker slip before the meeting (either a written slip in person or online to make a public comment by phone). Beginning April 2, anyone can submit a simplified speaker’s slip online during the meeting — at any time before the board starts taking public comment on the item. If commenting by phone, the new system will alert callers when the meeting starts and give real-time notifications about the order of agenda items.
5 Things To Know: San Diego, Imperial Counties Host Mental Health Awareness Walks
To raise awareness and fundraise to support powerful change in our community around mental health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is hosting walks on April 12 at the Imperial Valley Mall and April 26 at Liberty Station. Free registration for the San Diego and Imperial events is open for those interested in participating.
5 Things To Know: Public Comment Requested on Mental Health Services Act Annual Update
From April 1 through May 1, San Diego County is holding a 30-day online public review and comment period for the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Update. Final comments will be heard at the Behavioral Health Advisory Board’s May 1 meeting. The annual update will go before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on June 3, subject to change, for review and approval, as required by the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission, also known as MHSOAC. This will be the final MHSA Annual Report completed before San Diego County Behavioral Health Services shifts to the new Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Integrated Plan. Planning is underway to assess the impact and implement the BHSA’s various new requirements.
Upcoming Webinar Explains HQI Solution to Hospital Equity Reporting Challenges
The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) is offering a service that provides 95% of the information hospitals are required to report by Sept. 30 under Assembly Bill 1204. HQI is hosting a webinar on April 10 addressing the challenges hospitals encounter in equity reporting and how its Hospital Quality Improvement Platform (HQIP) can simplify this process.
Tackling San Diego’s Behavioral Health Crisis
As Southern California residents continue to face increased financial pressures, the demand for behavioral health services has grown significantly. With hospitals also under financial duress, it is becoming more challenging to meet the needs of those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. But with hospitals also under financial duress — 53% of all hospitals statewide lose money every day to deliver patient care — it is becoming more challenging to meet the needs of those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. At HASD&IC, we understand that behavioral health has a lasting impact on the entire health care system, evidenced by behavioral health being elevated to a top HASD&IC board priority by both the community and our hospitals.
5 Things To Know: Register by Thursday for Upcoming Imperial CalAIM PATH Collaborative Meeting
On March 27 from noon to 3 p.m. (PT), community organizations, county agencies, health care providers, and managed care plans serving Imperial County are invited to an in-person meeting and lunch at the Community Health Plan of Imperial office, hosted by the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) Collaborative. The CalAIM PATH Collaborative’s purpose is to build awareness of local enhanced care management and community support services, identify and address gaps, share best practices, explore funding and collaborative opportunities, and use collective resources to make a difference in the community. Attendees must register by March 20.
