Pulse – August 2024

DIRECTOR’S DESK CHRISTINA R. GHALY, MD

I hope you are continuing to enjoy the warm summer days. I also hope that the new school year is off to a smooth start for those of you who have school-aged children in your lives. Remarkably, the end of summer is fast approaching and that means that flu season is right around the corner.

As healthcare workers, we do everything possible to ensure we are advancing health and safety for our patients, workforce members and the community at large. Patient safety is of paramount importance to LA Health Services and flu vaccinations are an excellent tool that helps keep our vulnerable patients, colleagues and community members safe.

Those at highest risk for complications related to influenza include children under the age of 5, persons over 65 years of age, individuals with certain chronic conditions including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung conditions, a history of stroke and chronic kidney disease.  Complications may also occur during pregnancy. To obtain a vaccine, contact your doctor’s office, check with local pharmacy stores, or call 2-1-1, the LA County Information line, which may be able to direct you to locations that offer free and low-cost vaccines.

We are continuously monitoring Covid-19 cases in Los Angeles County. The data are showing an uptick in the number of cases in the area, and we recommend that our patients and workforce members obtain a new booster when it becomes available. Please look out for information on the availability of Covid-19 vaccines and talk to your doctor about whether a new vaccine is right for you.

Our efforts to expand the safety net to our most vulnerable community members are taking flight. Our Housing for Health unit has been diligently expanding access to interim and long-term housing as part of the Skid Row Action Plan.  See below to learn more about this exciting progress.

Our hospitals are working hard to facilitate a collaborative environment where front line nursing staff can weigh in on important patient care decisions. See below to learn about how some of these collaborations are manifesting in our hospitals.

The Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative is seeking community input as they plan their budget for the coming fiscal year. See below for opportunities to participate in these important discussions.

Across LA Health Services we are committed to promoting an equitable and diverse environment that honors and celebrates diversity and promotes efforts to encourage learning about and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that comprise our workforce and our patient population. In the coming month, LA Health Services will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage month. We look forward to sharing those celebrations with you.

On behalf of LA Health Services, thank you for being part of our journey towards community wellness.

Thank you for all you do.

Dr. Christina Ghaly