Change is nothing new in health care. From technological innovations to shifting patient needs, hospitals have constant reasons to evolve. That ability to adapt is taking on a new urgency in the aftermath of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which only compounds the financial challenges hospitals face.
Faced with growing challenges, rural hospitals across Northern California are finding innovative ways to do more with less. Rural hospitals are not a “nice to have” — they are essential to the strength, stability, and survival of California’s entire health care system. When a rural hospital closes, the ripple effects are immediate and far-reaching:
The calendar might not agree, but everywhere you look, signs of fall are here: Kids are going back to school, Halloween decorations have hit stores, and football games will start in the next couple of weeks.
As the dust settles on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law earlier this month by President Donald Trump, the work facing hospitals now begins in earnest.
With federal activity top of mind, the Hospital Council Board of Directors met this week to discuss priority issues for hospitals across Northern California.
“With all due respect, sir, I believe this is going to be our finest hour.”
Gene Kranz, Chief Flight Director, Apollo 13
“Don’t try to drive the homeless into places we find suitable. Help them survive in places they find suitable.”
Daniel Quinn (Author)
The past few weeks have been undeniably tough for hospitals not only in Northern & Central California, but throughout California and nationwide.
“I believe in hope. I also believe in the power of hard work.” — Ted Lasso
As hospitals face some of the greatest challenges in our long history, there is strength in unity — and a critical need for action. While the California Hospital Association continues its advocacy at both the state and federal levels, Hospital Council is doing its part to amplify hospital voices — ensuring lawmakers understand, in real and local terms, the devastating impact Medicaid cuts would have on the delivery of health care to all Californians.
