CEO Messages

Though the winter had record rainfall and snow, and spring has seen — at least for now — below average temperatures, the threat of wildfires always looms large in our region. In fact, we have already seen some wildfires over the past few weeks, though nothing compared to what our friends on the East Coast are dealing with.  

Sometime in the coming week, the state Senate could be voting on legislation — Senate Bill (SB) 525 — that would raise the minimum wage to $25 for all health care workers, beginning Jan. 1, 2024.  

This week, hospitals throughout our region, California, and the country will be celebrating National Hospital Week. While this is an annual time to recognize the vital roles hospitals and health systems play in our communities, more importantly, it’s an opportunity to celebrate all health care workers — who are essential to their success.

The American Hospital Association’s Annual Meeting is always of great importance and this year’s timing couldn’t be better as Congress headed back to session this week.   

In an area as large as Hospital Council’s, which stretches from the Oregon border to Bakersfield, it’s not always easy to find common ground. Your concerns are often vastly different — rural, suburban, and urban communities don’t always have the same needs. But lately, there’s a common thread that has united nearly all hospitals in not just our region but throughout the state — financial issues that are significant, are emergent, and are not going away anytime soon.

We are just barely three months into 2023, and the pressures on your hospitals are continuing to mount. Financial challenges. Delays in payments by health plans. Workforce shortages. $25 minimum wage proposals.  

Last week, I had the chance to meet with a group of public health leaders and hear firsthand about what’s on their minds.

This week, Hospital Council holds its first board meeting of the year.