“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
Last month, Southern California endured devastating wildfires that caused significant loss of life and property, straining residents, businesses and the region’s health care system. The fires claimed at least 29 lives and destroyed more than 16,000 structures. The Palisades Fire alone scorched over 23,000 acres, leveling 6,837 homes and other buildings.
With estimated losses reaching over $250 billion, these fires may rank among the costliest in U.S. history. Beyond the immediate devastation, such disasters test community resilience and place immense pressure on hospitals. These effects highlight the urgent need for preparedness and proactive emergency response strategies.
In the aftermath, HASC is actively working to strengthen emergency response practices and enhance our emergency communications platform, ReddiNet. Throughout the crisis, HASC continually engaged with Los Angeles County agencies, impacted hospitals and key stakeholders to assess challenges. One primary concern was the lack of hospital-to-hospital coordination, which hindered situational awareness.
In emergencies, an effective communication platform is essential for real-time updates on bed availability, diversion status, facility closures and other critical information. To address this need, we’re exploring new features to increase transparency across facilities and developing recommendations on leveraging ReddiNet to improve bed availability tracking.
We’re also working with the California Association of Health Facilities, which represents skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), to address challenges that arose when displaced SNF patients were transferred to hospitals. Together, we’ll develop solutions to improve coordination and ensure a more seamless response in future emergencies.
Whether it’s multiple wildfires, a pandemic or onerous ballot initiatives, one thing is certain: no matter how carefully we plan our strategic priorities, unexpected challenges will always arise. That’s why adaptability remains essential. Even as we navigate crises, we remain steadfast in our core priorities, including local advocacy. HASC continues to actively engage local elected officials to amplify your voice. Our strategic approach includes fostering dialogue in key cities, hosting State of the Hospitals events and closely tracking policy initiatives to drive meaningful impact.
On a lighter note, I’d like to remind you that registration and sponsorship opportunities are available for our Annual Meeting, which takes place April 23-25 at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells. This year’s theme is Redesigning the Playbook. We’ll hear from visionaries and strategists who’ll inspire us to chart ways to collaborate, stay agile and help shape the future of health care. We look forward to seeing you there!
Take care and stay safe.
George G.
George W. Greene, Esq.