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
Honoring Dr. Wilma Wooten: A Legacy of Equity and Excellence in Public Health
Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH, is retiring this month after more than two decades of service with San Diego County. She is a true barrier-breaker, visionary, and the definition of a public servant. I want to recognize and celebrate her extraordinary career and thank her for everything she has done for the health of our community.
5 Things To Know: Public Comments Open on Final Reports for Base Station Hospital System and Trauma Center Catchment Area Designations
The Public Consulting Group plans to present the Comprehensive Evaluation of the Base Station Hospital System and the Trauma Center Catchment Area Designations reports to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Two Zoom meetings will be held on June 5-6 prior to this presentation allowing stakeholders to learn about the evaluation process, review the reports’ findings, hear about next steps, and ask questions. All emergency medical services system stakeholders, health care community members, and the public are invited to participate. Public comments are open through June 30.
5 Things To Know: Behavioral Health Infrastructure Grants Available in July
When Proposition 1 passed in March 2024, a bond was approved to finance new investments in housing and treatment for Californians experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The Department of Health Care Services will make applications available in July, when both nonprofit and for-profit hospitals will be eligible to apply. All types of facilities that serve people with behavioral health needs can be established with these grants; everything from outpatient clinics and partial hospitalization programs to inpatient care and crisis stabilization will be eligible.
5 Things To Know: San Diego County to Host Healthcare Cybersecurity Virtual Summit
San Diego County is hosting the Healthcare Cybersecurity Virtual Summit on June 11-12 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (PT). It is the first of two virtual Community Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Academies. With an unprecedented number of cyberattacks against the health care sector, these educational opportunities are timely. The event will feature local, state, and federal agencies that are prepared to help attendees develop both cyber and physical security. Registration is open for the first day and second day of this event.
5 Things To Know: National Strategy Released to Improve Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Issues
The Department of Health and Human Services has announced the release of a national strategy to address the urgent public health crisis of maternal mental health and substance use issues. Recommendations have been developed by the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, a subcommittee of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Advisory Committee for Women’s Services.
5 Things To Know: CMS Launches New Option to File EMTALA Complaints
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that individuals have the option to file an Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) complaint directly with the agency, in addition to the traditional process of contacting state survey agencies. The form is the latest in a series of new resources from CMS to help educate the public about EMTALA.
The Value that Hospitals Bring to Our Lives
In her poem “Lady Geraldine’s Courtship,” Elizabeth Barrett Browning poignantly captures the essence of hospitals in society:
“How many desolate creatures on the earth
Have learnt the simple dues of fellowship
And social comfort, in a hospital”
5 Things To Know: Certified Wellness Coach Scholarship
New Certified Wellness Coach Scholarship Program: The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) launched the Certified Wellness Coach profession earlier this year in its ongoing commitment to expand and enhance behavioral health services for youth. This role is designed to deliver comprehensive prevention and early intervention services, promoting the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of young people.
5 Things To Know: Covid-19 Data
Hospitals No Longer Required To Report Covid-19 Data To HHS: Hospitals are no longer required to report COVID-19 data mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the National Healthcare Safety Network, effective since April 30. Additionally, discharge reporting of hospitalized COVID-19 cases (All Facilities Letter 21-25) to the California Department of Public Health has been discontinued.
5 Things To Know: National EMS Week
Celebrate National EMS Week: May 19-25 marks the 50th anniversary of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Our first responders provide access to quality emergency care, which dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury. We want to recognize both our in-house team members and partners in the community, and the value and accomplishments they contribute to the health of all the populations we serve.
