#United States #Los Angeles #Behavioral Health #HASC

State of the Hospitals: A Look into Los Angeles County's Healthcare Challenges

On September 25, 2025, the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) hosted a vital forum attended by healthcare leaders, policy makers, and community members at the Arizona State University California Center in downtown Los Angeles. This significant gathering, titled "State of the Hospitals: Los Angeles County," focused on pressing issues faced by hospitals in the region, providing attendees with expert insights and actionable strategies to address ongoing challenges.

Los Angeles County is home to nearly 90 hospitals, creating one of the county's largest employment sectors by generating over 230,000 jobs and contributing close to $80 billion in economic impact. These hospitals not only play a critical role in healthcare but also support local businesses and foster innovation beyond the medical field. However, they are currently navigating a landscape filled with financial pressures, due to a combination of factors such as declining reimbursement rates, workforce shortages, increasing behavioral health needs, and the burden of rising costs in delivering care. Supervisor Kathryn Barger highlighted these challenges exacerbated by the recently legislated "One Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1).

Despite the multitude of hurdles, Barger underscored the resilience of the hospital ecosystem in Los Angeles. She emphasized the collaboration among hospitals, county agencies, and health plans aimed at enhancing behavioral health integration and effectively responding to crises such as COVID-19. "That resilience has always been inspiring to me," Barger stated, though she acknowledged that reliance on resilience alone cannot bridge the gap caused by chronic underfunding. "Hospitals cannot do this work if the financial rug is pulled out from under them," she stressed.

In her remarks, Barger expressed a commitment to ensuring the county remains a partner to hospitals, actively seeking ways to stabilize their finances. This includes exploring funding mechanisms, advocating for supplemental payments, and supporting safety net providers to withstand the financial strains posed by H.R. 1.

A range of other notable leaders participated in the discussions, clarifying how recent legislation compounds financial pressures and influences future access to care. Listeners gained valuable insights from California Hospital Association President and CEO Carmela Coyle, who outlined the changing state and federal policy landscape concerning healthcare. HASC President and CEO George Greene spotlighted innovative hospital initiatives, as Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation representative Shannon Sedgwick shared insights on the vital economic contributions made by local hospitals.

As the program progressed, a panel discussion delved deep into the behavioral health crisis, spotlighting its growing influence on hospital operations and patient care. This multifaceted examination brought to light the urgent need for systemic solutions in addressing mental health needs as they intersect with broader healthcare considerations.

The Hospital Association of Southern California has served as an advocate for hospitals since its inception in 1923. As a not-for-profit regional trade association, HASC represents nearly 170 hospitals across Southern California and focuses on improving the operational environment for its members while enhancing the community's health status.

Additional resources, including a recording of the event, can be accessed on the HASC’s website. It reflects the collective determination to confront the challenges within the healthcare system and the collaborative spirit among stakeholders working toward enhanced health outcomes for all residents.

To learn more about HASC and its mission, visit www.hasc.org.