Advocacy

About Advocacy

Through our advocacy work, we give hospitals the tools, skills and support they need to make their vision happen. We empower you with the scale of our membership, represent your concerns and priorities, press for recognition of your needs, and insist on the importance of your voice in public policy.

Working to Ease Medical Debt Requirements

I hope you are all staying safe in the rainfall we’re experiencing and that you enjoyed a long holiday weekend celebrating President’s Day. As I reflect on past presidents and their impact, I thought the following quote was a fitting characterization of the obstacles experienced and the resilience our hospitals have demonstrated in the past […]

Setting the Record Straight on Rising Health Care Costs

Happy 2024! I hope and trust that you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. As the year begins, I’d like to share an example of how, on top of financial and operational struggles, hospitals are also facing challenges to their public image. In a December 11, 2023, Orange County Register column, “What’s Driving Up Healthcare […]

Advocacy Focus: Executive Compensation Initiative

As HASC continues its journey to achieve goals aligned with our strategic priorities, I would like to use this platform to keep you informed every step of the way. More than ever, the health care landscape comprises winding roads that require detours, removing obstacles and creating alternate plans. I aim to keep you apprised of […]

Medi-Cal Redetermination to Begin April 1

During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), the yearly Medi-Cal redetermination process, in which enrollees confirm their eligibility, was put on hold. Enrollees were able to keep coverage regardless of their circumstances. With the end of California’s PHE on Feb. 28, however, the redetermination process will start April 1. Counties will contact Medi-Cal enrollees or send letters requesting information to see if they still qualify for coverage. HASC […]

Safe Holidays; Ballot Initiatives Update

Staying Safe During the Holidays As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we’re reminded to pause and reflect on all that for which we are thankful. I’m grateful for the unwavering commitment of our hospitals to keep Southern California residents healthy and safe, and I’m hopeful that their dedicated staff will spend much-needed time with loved […]

Thank You to Vets; $25 Minimum Wage Election Updates

Today, we honor the selfless service and sacrifice of our veterans and active-duty military. Millions of men and women have courageously answered the call to serve our nation by protecting our country and preserving our freedoms — such as the ability to express our ideals in the democratic process. We are humbled by your service […]

Updates: Unequal Pay, NHF Arleta Project, PREP Report

As fall fast approaches, so far this year has again seen new challenges for our member hospitals as they recover from the frenetic and tireless work over the last two-plus years. It’s with pride that I express my empathy and gratitude for this difficult work — and my pleasure in sharing recent accomplishments that wouldn’t […]

Suicide Prevention Month: Stop the Stigma of Seeking Care

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members are united in promoting suicide prevention awareness. This month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is highlighting its “Together for Mental Health” campaign to advocate for enhanced mental health care, including promoting the new 988 Suicide and Crisis […]

Welcome to New NHF CEO; Minimum Wage Initiative Update

HASC Welcomes Dr. Felita Jones After an extensive executive search, I’m delighted to announce that Dr. Felita Jones started this week as President/CEO of National Health Foundation (NHF). Dr. Jones brings many years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, community outreach, fund development, health, behavioral health and social services. She is well positioned to lead […]

My SoCal Hospitals Campaign Supports HASC Members

For the last two-plus years, Southern California hospitals and frontline staff have cared for hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 patients and encountered millions of inpatient stays and emergency department visits – all while enduring an onslaught of obstacles. Now, more than half of the state’s hospitals are operating in the red and their care staff […]