This week, during the 73rd annual celebration of National Hospital Week, we are reminded to pause to consider the special role that hospitals play in our own lives and in the lives of our loved ones.
Hospitals are the places where our children are born, lives are saved, and we hold the hands of loved ones as they recover from disease and illness. Hospitals are here to help us through our highest highs and our lowest lows — they are here for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Here in California, there are more than 400 hospitals that collectively deliver 400,000 babies a year, respond to more than 15 million emergency room visits annually, and are a pillar of the state, driving some $400 billion-plus in economic activity every year.
At the same time that we reflect on all hospitals do for California, it’s incumbent on us to consider what the state would look like with fewer hospitals, or hospitals that have far less capability to care for those in need than they do today.
That’s a frighteningly real possibility as state and federal policies continue to financially squeeze hospitals, and these anchors of California communities are increasingly at risk.
Today, 44% of the state’s hospitals lose money every day caring for patients. And access to vital maternity services is degrading in real time — more than three dozen maternity units have closed since 2020, and 12 counties in the state have no hospital maternity care at all.
It likely will get worse: by 2030, about 40 hospitals — a full 10% — could be at risk of closure, and 40,000 strong, stable health care jobs could go with them.
That’s why we should all take note of Sen. Shannon Grove’s (R-Bakersfield) resolution recognizing National Hospital Week in California, as it reminds us how hospitals show up, day after day, 365 days a year, in spite of overwhelming adversity. From the resolution:
“… Preserving hospitals in rural and underserved areas is essential to protecting public health, promoting equity, and ensuring that all Californians can obtain timely and appropriate medical care …”
Many thanks to Sen. Grove, along with resolution co-author Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) for their work to raise awareness of the importance of hospital care. Gratitude is also due to the many legislators who are working to protect access to care throughout the state.
Finally, many, many thanks to all of you who choose to work in hospitals, to lead hospitals, and to support hospitals. Your commitment to caring for others is the backbone of hospitals, and this week, especially, you are seen for the work you do every day to make California a better place.
