Pulse – October 2023

DIRECTOR’S DESK CHRISTINA R. GHALY, MD

As we move toward the last few months of the year, there are so many things to look forward to including the upcoming holiday season. The holidays bring ample opportunities to connect with friends, family and coworkers and many of these gatherings happen indoors. As we get closer to the end of the year, we are also entering the season of respiratory illnesses. The Flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are already circulating, and the numbers of cases are increasing. It is up to all of us to do our parts to keep the number of infections down and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

The new 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine is now available. The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is now available at LA Health Services and at major pharmacy chains in the area. There is no cost for the vaccine.

People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 are three times more likely to be hospitalized and four times more likely to die from COVID-19 than people who are vaccinated. Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your 2023-2024 COVID-19 shot. The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine will protect you against the variant currently causing infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. LA Health Services patients can make an appointment here. Others can make an appointment or find a clinic at My Turn – California Vaccine Scheduling & Notifications.

This month, LA General Hospital was honored to host Governor Gavin Newsom as he signed an important piece of legislation into law. He signed AB 531, which will allow for the building of additional sub-acute mental health beds and supportive housing to accommodate the needs of patients with complex mental health needs. This is an important step to decompress the acute psychiatric care facilities that care for some of the highest need patients in the State. See below to learn more about it.

I would also like to extend my congratulations to the exceptional projects from throughout the department and the County that were honored at the Productivity and Quality Awards celebration on October 18, 2023. LA Health Services received three Top Ten Awards for the Comprehensive Cancer Navigation Program, Sickle Cell Lives Matter and Increasing Access to COVID-19 Therapeutics, in partnership with the Department of Public Health and others. In all, LA Health Services received 21 awards and certificates. Well done!

In the LA Health Services Proud section below, you can read about some of the excellent work that is being recognized by local and national news outlets.

Dr. Hrishikesh Belani was recently interviewed about the healthcare advances that are making it possible for people to live longer, healthier lives with a positive diagnosis of HIV infection.

The Office of Language Access and Inclusion celebrated the first annual language access week in Los Angeles County.

Thank you for all you do.

Dr. Christina Ghaly