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. Media statements and press releases can also be found here.
Newsroom
5 Things To Know: Disaster Planning, EMS Changes, Addressing Chronic Homelessness
Addressing Chronic Homelessness: On June 28, the first phase of a partnership between the City and County of San Diego launched, with outreach teams hitting the streets to address the immediate and long-term challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. This month-long outreach campaign is designed to connect individuals to immediate shelter, housing navigation and behavioral […]
Best Wishes to Sara Steinhoffer of Sharp HealthCare
While the Biweekly Briefing was not originally scheduled to publish this week, I would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge Sara Steinhoffer, who is retiring on July 2 after 12 years as vice president of government relations at Sharp HealthCare.
Optimism as California Fully Reopens
More than a year ago, the world as we had known it changed — perhaps forever. Those who were working in offices were sent home. Restaurants pivoted to delivery and take out. Doctors’ and dentists’ offices turned to telehealth or even closed temporarily.
5 Things To Know: Hazard Pay, Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation, Medi-Cal CalAIM
Hazard Pay: The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to spend $36 million of American Rescue Plan funding on hazard pay for the county’s essential employees. Mandatory bonus pay has been the subject of much discussion around the state as we emerge from the pandemic. The Culver City Council has passed an ordinance that […]
Drastic Changes Ahead for Medi-Cal Contracts
By year’s end, we should know which two health plans the state has chosen to administer Medi-Cal contracts in San Diego County.
5 Things To Know: Naloxone Treatment, New County Office, FEMA Releases Pandemic Guidance
Naloxone Treatment: With the number of drug-related deaths growing at an alarming rate locally, the county of San Diego will soon make naloxone, an overdose reversal medication, widely available at several community-based locations and clinics throughout the county. While concerns over the increase in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths were growing prior to the pandemic, fentanyl-related […]
Shining the Spotlight on Behavioral Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year — more than ever — it’s important to put the spotlight on this issue.
5 Things To Know: Cross-Border Vaccination Planning, Tiny Home Village, City Council Special Election
Medi-Cal Managed Care: Last fall, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) began the process of re-procuring Medi-Cal managed care plan contracts. At the end of April, DHCS provided updates on both San Diego and Imperial counties. Imperial County submitted a request to create a County Organized Health System with California Health and Wellness; San […]
Hospitals’ Vital Role in Helping Counties Hit Vaccine Milestones
San Diego County hit a milestone last week in the fight against COVID-19: 1 million vaccines administered. That puts the county halfway to what public health officials say is their goal of fully vaccinating 75% — or 2,017,011 — of San Diego County residents 16 and older.
5 Things To Know: County Budget, District Election, Report on Hospitals’ Financial Challenges
Input Sought on County Budget: As the effort continues to build a framework for a more equitable, inclusive San Diego County, public input is needed for the 2021-22 budget process. On May 6, the county’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will recommend a draft budget, and on May 26-27 county departments will present their draft budgets. […]
