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 Seeks Public Comment on Behavioral Health Services Act County Policy Manual
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released significant updates to the Behavioral Health Services Act County Policy Manual and opened the public comment period for the Module 3 draft. This draft provides clear guidance on integrated plan submission and approval processes, budget templates, integrated plan templates, and measures for population goals. It will support counties as they prepare to submit their first integrated plans in 2026. Online comments and feedback are encouraged and accepted until 4 p.m. (PT) on April 25.
5 Things To Know: County Budget Open House Event Aims to Educate Residents
The County of San Diego is hosting a Budget Informational Open House at the Kearny Mesa Operations Center on April 17 from 5-7 p.m., where the community can learn about the budget planning process and how to get involved, as well as services the county offers. Staff members are currently working on a balanced recommended 2025-2026 budget to present to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on May 1, which would go into effect July 1 if approved.
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Medi-Cal Dashboard Goes Live
San Diego County’s new Medi-Cal Dashboard contains key insights on Medi-Cal beneficiaries by health delivery system (fee-for-service and managed care) and by Medicare enrollment status (dually enrolled in Medicare and Medi-Cal, and Medi-Cal only). HASD&IC participated in the review process group that supported the county in bringing this valuable tool to the community.
5 Things To Know: TERO Violence Prevention Training Takes a Behavioral Approach
On May 8 from 8-11 a.m. (PT), the San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center Threat Liaison Officer Unit is hosting an introductory Threat Evaluation and Reporting Overview (TERO) training to raise participants’ awareness about the risk factors, triggers, stressors, and warning behaviors that may affect a person’s decision to commit an act of targeted violence. This awareness enhances a person’s ability to identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate. Registration is open.
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.
