Newsroom

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.

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.

5 Things To Know: New Dashboard Allows Hospitals to Show the Local Harms of OHCA Spending Limits

The California Hospital Association (CHA) has created an interactive dashboard tool to help members see the local impact of the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) hospital spending caps. The tool allows members to filter by California Assembly, Senate, or congressional district to visualize the potential losses in hospital revenue, jobs, and local economic activity by 2029 (the end of the first enforcement period).

5 Things To Know: FAQs Address Key Behavioral Health Funding and Legislation

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released FAQs on key behavioral health funding and legislation, including:

  • Proposition 1, California’s behavioral health transformation 
  • The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), including the overall program, housing supports, submitting integrated plans through the county portal, and implementing evidence-based practices 
  • The $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act, which supports treatment beds, supportive housing, and community sites  
  • Associate Member Spotlight: The Elizabeth Hospice

    The Elizabeth Hospice has been a trusted community resource for hospice, palliative care, and grief support services in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County for more than 47 years. Our services have touched the lives of more than 150,000 children and adults who face the challenges associated with advanced severe illnesses. We ensure medical, emotional, and spiritual care is available to all who need our services and serve as a community resource for education on topics related to their work. The Elizabeth Hospice is among a select group of hospices that offers a dedicated pediatric hospice/palliative team. Our grief support, which is open to the community, is a center of excellence for The Elizabeth Hospice. At The Elizabeth Hospice, we aspire to a world where every life ends with compassion, dignity, and peace. 

    2025 HASD&IC Annual Meeting: Leaning on Storytelling to Affect Change

    “Stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts alone.” 
    — Jennifer Aaker, Stanford Marketing Professor 

    At HASD&IC, we know the power of stories. Every day, our hospitals and community partners live out stories of resilience, healing, and compassion. These stories remind us why we do this work and why it matters so deeply for the patients and families we serve. 

    CEO Messages

    Read up-to-date messages from HASD&IC's President/CEO