California Healthline has emphasized the need for a change in police response to mental health crises. Cities are looking into new methods to meet the increasing demand for behavioral health crisis intervention. This comes amidst a rise in police shootings involving individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Oak Valley Hospital District in Oakdale, California, is cutting services and staff to improve its financial health. The hospital plans to close its intensive care unit, end its family support network department, and lay off 28 employees, including senior management. This is a response to the ongoing struggles of rural hospitals.
Heavy rainfall in Southern California has led to sewage overflow in Los Angeles County. The overflow is affecting coastal waters off Long Beach and San Pedro, as reported by health and sanitation officials.
In healthcare news, Michael Keleman has been named the CEO of two Providence hospitals in California. He assumed his new role on January 22. Meanwhile, Sharp HealthCare in San Diego is investigating the use of virtual reality in healthcare.