LA Situation Update
Since Friday’s federal immigration raids, resulting in an estimated 120 arrests, Los Angeles has faced growing protests. Demonstrators have blocked major roadways and clashed with law enforcement, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. The deployment of National Guard and Marine troops has further heightened tensions across the city. As of this writing, the situation feels mostly under control but with an underlying sense that it could flare up at any time.
HASC is closely monitoring the situation and its impact on our hospitals. So far, to our knowledge, no member hospitals have experienced enforcement actions. However, we remain concerned for the health and safety of patients, who may avoid urgently needed care out of fear of raids and deportation. We also recognize that hospital staff may experience increased stress and distraction during this time.
We appreciate the steps you, our hospital leaders, are taking to ensure continued access to care and to support the well-being and safety of patients and staff. Please reach out if you face challenges or need additional support. We will continue to keep you informed of any developments.
County Funding Vital in Tackling Behavioral Health Crisis
County leaders across Southern California are signaling potential cuts in behavioral health services and contracts in the year ahead. While we recognize the financial pressures counties face, it’s important to understand the broader funding context — along with our communities’ ongoing challenges in addressing the behavioral health crisis.
County funding for behavioral health has doubled over the past decade. For FY 2025-26, state tax revenues supporting these services are projected to grow by $437 million — a 7% increase from FY 2024-25 — bringing the total to $6.66 billion. That’s nearly $70 million more than what was projected in the Governor’s January budget.
Counties have also received several billion dollars in additional behavioral health investments. These funds include over $1.2 billion reserved for local governments through Prop. 1 (Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act), $1.9 billion in BH-CONNECT waiver incentives, $1 billion in bridge housing and continued funding to support CARE Court implementation.
These investments represent an opportunity to build a more coordinated behavioral health system. Hospitals are often the first and last safety net for individuals in crisis and they must remain central to that work. When counties reduce behavioral health contracts or crisis partnerships, it forces hospitals to absorb the fallout through rising emergency department boarding, extended inpatient stays and strained resources.
HASC urges our county partners to consider these impacts carefully. Making short-term budget decisions without hospital input could undermine the very progress made by state investment. Moving forward, we need shared accountability and strategic collaboration.
HASC remains committed to partnering with our member hospitals and with counties to ensure hospitals are equipped and supported to meet the growing behavioral health needs. One timely resource for members is a free California Hospital Association webinar geared to emergency department and inpatient psychiatric staff. The June 16 webinar will focus on how to identify patients who may qualify for the CARE Act and connect them with treatment and services. Learn more and register here.
As always, we’re here to support and advocate for you in whatever ways we can. Again, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime with your questions and concerns.
Take care and stay safe.
George G.