Biweekly Briefing Articles

Public Health Leadership Is More Critical Than Ever

Public health plays an essential role in the well-being of San Diego communities — not only by responding in times of crisis, but by building systems that help people live healthier, more secure lives every day. As our region continues to face urgent and complex health challenges, San Diego County has a new voice at the helm: Newly appointed San Diego County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan, MD, MPH.

Public health leadership sets the direction for how we prepare for health threats, respond to emergencies, and invest in prevention. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the opioid epidemic, public health infrastructure has been tested again and again — and San Diego and Imperial counties need steady, experienced leadership to guide us forward. Our two counties have a long history of collaborating across county lines on critical public health efforts, in part due to the outstanding leadership in both counties’ public health departments.

I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Thihalolipavan since he first began working at the County of San Diego. He brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to equity, and a deep understanding of the connection between health and life circumstances. In a recent interview, he reminded us of the reality many San Diegans face:

“When you are experiencing homelessness, you’re not thinking about chronic disease prevention … We have to figure out how to effectively communicate to people who can’t prioritize health because they have more immediate needs.”

This perspective reflects what we in the hospital community know to be true: that the conditions in which people live, work, and age — the social determinants of health — have a profound impact on health outcomes. That’s why every hospital in San Diego County collaborates on the Community Health Needs Assessment, and why we look forward to potential partnerships with Dr. Thihalolipavan and the County of San Diego as we move this work forward.

His appointment also comes at a time when health care systems are under increasing financial strain, with local, state, and federal policy decisions threatening key sources of support like Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California). In this environment, public health must not only respond, but lead — helping to create more efficient, targeted strategies that keep people healthy and out of crisis.

We welcome Dr. Thihalolipavan to his new role and look forward to working alongside him to strengthen public health, advance equity, and improve the well-being of everyone in San Diego County.