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
SB 43 Work Progresses in San Mateo, Santa Clara Counties
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Santa Clara County (SCC) has kicked off a workgroup to implement Senate Bill (SB) 43 (2023), which expands the definition of “gravely disabled” to include individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). In late March, the county behavioral health department will update the SCC Board of Supervisors on its plans for this effort.
Central Valley Hospital Incident Command System Liaison Officers to Meet
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On March 12, Hospital Council is hosting its regular meeting of Central Valley liaison officers, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a method for hospital incident command system liaison officers to share information with the public health department.
Supporting California’s Rural Hospitals Is Crucial
Rural hospitals work to bridge health disparities in underserved areas, particularly in communities with higher rates of chronic illness and lower socioeconomic status. California has roughly five dozen rural hospitals, including 37 critical access hospitals (CAHs) — rural hospitals that serve communities at least 35 miles from another medical facility. Unfortunately, many rural hospitals need more staffing and funding, the lack of which can threaten their ability to provide sustainable care and maintain facility improvements.
Dan Tsai Named San Francisco Public Health Director
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On Feb. 11, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie appointed Dan Tsai as the new public health director, replacing Grant Colfax, MD.
East Bay Hospitals Focus on Relationship Building in Support of 2025 Priorities
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Following the November 2024 election, the East Bay section’s priorities are to build relationships with newly elected officials throughout the section, as well as continue to educate and connect with our long-standing legislators and county supervisors on the critical issues facing hospitals. All three East Bay counties have new county health department leaders, so it is imperative to establish relationships with this important group.
Northern Sierra Hospitals Leverage Relationships to Support Medicare
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The shift to a Republican-led administration in Washington, D.C., increases the influence of California’s nine Republican U.S. Representatives. Many hospitals in the Northern Sierra have long-standing relationships with two of these nine: Reps. Kiley and LaMalfa.
Shining a Light on Disparities During Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions and legacy of the Black community. While it is essential to uplift the voices of Black communities year-round, this month reminds us to reflect on the triumphs and struggles of those who have followed Ruth Janetta Temple, MD, in the fight for justice and equality.
Sonoma County Crisis Stabilization Unit Reopens
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After being closed for six months, Sonoma County’s crisis stabilization unit (CSU) reopened for patient care on Feb. 8.
Central Valley Hospital Incident Command System Liaison Officers to Meet
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On Feb. 12, Hospital Council is hosting its regular meeting of Central Valley liaison officers, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a method for hospital incident command system liaison officers to share information to the public health department.
Redwood Coast Members Meet, Discuss Rural Hospitals’ Financial Stability and More
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The Redwood Coast CEOs held their first section meeting of the year, centering discussions on the financial stability of rural hospitals amid potential changes to government reimbursement. Pat Blaisdell, vice president, policy, for the California Hospital Association (CHA), provided an overview of the Vitality Index Payer Scorecard and CHA’s insurer accountability efforts, and she led a discussion on post-acute care needs in Humboldt County.
