My SoCal Hospital Heroes Awards
Reflecting on our 2024 My SoCal Hospital Heroes Awards Gala, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude. Our second annual celebration honored the resilient, compassionate and dedicated individuals who transform our health care community every day.
Hosted by Camilla Rambaldi of NBC4, the evening was a testament to the incredible spirit of our workforce. HASC honored 15 outstanding employees from across our six-county region. This year, we also celebrated leaders like LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, for her advocacy in health care and housing; Dr. Asif Mahmood, Huntington Health, for his humanitarian service; and Dr. Nathalie Orloff, Providence Saint John’s, for her extraordinary six-decade career. These honorees embody the dedication that defines our hospitals.
We also looked to the future, recognizing recipients of Communities Lifting Communities’ Diversity in Health Care Scholarship and Stipend Program. Supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce ensures our care reflects the communities we serve.
Thank you to all who made this year’s My SoCal Hospital Heroes Awards possible. Your support helps us shine a light on the heroes who make our health care system thrive. Let us continue to draw inspiration from their unwavering commitment.
For a glimpse of the event, we’ve prepared a highlight video capturing the joy and celebration shared by our heroes and their loved ones. We’ve also created a photo gallery where you can download images from the evening.
SoCal Wildfires Threaten Access to Care
In Southern California, we’re repeatedly reminded of the devastation that wildfires bring and the threat they pose to residents’ access to medical care. The Ventura County Mountain Fire, which ignited last Wednesday, has already destroyed over 200 structures, including many homes, and injured six people. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported, and as of this writing, containment efforts have reached 48%.
While area hospitals remain undamaged, school and road closures, staffing challenges and evacuations have significantly affected operations. In some cases, these disruptions have strained staffing levels to the point of elective procedure cancellations and the need to outsource staff to maintain adequate care.
HASC continues to communicate frequently with surrounding hospitals, as well as Southern California Edison, to prepare for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs that could further impede hospital operations. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we stand in solidarity with the communities facing these challenges.
Take care and stay safe.
George G.