The newsroom includes access to Council Connect, our twice-monthly newsletter on Hospital Council’s work. Key articles and issues of interest, along with the President’s Message, are included below.
Newsroom
Monterey County Proceeds with CHNA
Who What The Monterey County Community Health Needs Collaborative was created a few years ago by four hospitals (referenced above), Hospital Council, the Monterey County Health Department, and the United Way of Monterey County to conduct a countywide community health needs assessment (CHNA). The collaborative has come together again with a new partner, California State […]
Behavioral Health Meetings Underway in Kern County
Who What Hospital Council has begun convening monthly meetings of member hospitals and Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. The group’s work is primarily focused on the upcoming implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 43 (on or before Jan. 1, 2026). The regular convening has also provided an opportunity for providers and county staff to directly discuss […]
Sonoma County Health Services Hosts Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative
Who What Sonoma County Health Services hosted a Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative to close Mental Health Awareness Month, engaging 200 leaders from northern California and as far as Rhode Island. The event began with a powerful observation from Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey: “I’ll bet there isn’t a person in this room whose life hasn’t […]
Regional Behavioral Health Event Emphasizes Collaboration Across Sectors
A behavioral health crisis has long existed in California. Almost one quarter of adults with a mental illness are unable to receive the treatment they need — a number that has not improved since 2011. To discuss this crisis, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services hosted the Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative at the end of May in Santa Rosa. The event drew attendees from various community sectors in and outside of Sonoma County and was held in collaboration with Hospital Council and the Master of Health Care Delivery Science program at Dartmouth College.
East Bay Section Membership Meetings
Who What On May 15, Solano County hospital leaders convened to discuss local implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 43 and hospitals’ top concerns as Solano County prepares its request for proposals for ambulance services in the fall. Members also shared recent unsatisfactory experiences with the California Department of Public Health Santa Rosa district office and […]
Rural Health Information Exchange Is Now Statewide
Who What SVMS has announced its expansion from a regional to a statewide qualified health information organization by partnering with Dignity Health. SVMS is set to extend its health data exchange services to over 30 Dignity hospitals across the state. Over a decade ago, the Northern Sierra Section of Hospital Council and its hospital members […]
Health Leaders Share Perspectives at Modesto Chamber Reception
Who What Hospital leaders in Modesto and Hospital Council staff attended the chamber’s second annual Legislative Reception on May 28. It was an opportunity to build and renew relationships with public officials, hospital leaders, and health plan partners. Takeaway/Next Steps Hospital leaders had the opportunity to share with Rep. John Duarte (CA-13) details about the […]
East Bay EDA Event Spotlights Health Care Innovation
Who What As a member of the East Bay EDA’s board of directors, RVP Rebecca Rozen moderated a panel discussion on innovation in health care for the alliance, which included government and business leaders, on May 16. Over 90 attendees turned out to hear hospital and physician leaders from John Muir Health, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter […]
Embracing Individuality and Health Care Access During LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June marks Pride Month, a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community and embrace individuality. Although much work has been done in health care to build more inclusive environments, the LGBTQ+ community experiences worse health outcomes than heterosexual individuals. Stigmatization, hate, violence, and discrimination are still significant barriers to the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
ENDORSED BUSINESS PARTNER | TIMELY UPDATE: VISA/MASTERCARD SETTLEMENT
Hospital Council and our endorsed business partner Managed Care Advisory Group (MCAG), a third-party filing expert, would like to inform members that a $5.54 billion settlement has been reached to compensate merchants for excessive interchange fees. The deadline for submitting your claim form is Aug. 30.
