CARLSBAD — The San Diego and Imperial County Hospital Association presented the Imperial Valley Medical District with the 2024 Community Champion Award at the association's annual meeting in Carlsbad.
Association President and CEO Dimitrios Alexiou praised IVHD in a press release, saying: ?How can we ensure the survival of health care in the Imperial Valley? And how can we work together? That's why we want to honor them here today.? ”
Founded in 1956, the San Diego and Imperial County Hospital Association is a nonprofit organization representing 38 hospitals and integrated health systems in the two-county region. Each year, the association identifies organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership in addressing the health care needs of their communities. This year, the Imperial Valley Health District Board of Directors and its partners were commended for strong progress in implementing Assembly Bill 918, addressing other urgent health care needs, and integrating the region's health care system.
“This award is not just a celebration of what we have accomplished, but a reminder that we are just getting started,” said Katie Burnworth, IVHD Board of Directors Chair.
Imperial County has long faced significant health care challenges, including underfunded hospitals, aging infrastructure in need of seismic upgrades, and limited access to quality health care. In response to the Imperial Valley’s urgent health crisis, Congressman Eduardo Garcia introduced AB 918 in 2023. This legislation established a single unified health care district in Imperial County for the purpose of consolidating and streamlining health care services. This unified approach provides a strong foundation for sustainable improvements and expansion of critical services to better meet the needs of county residents.
Since its founding, IVHD has achieved several important milestones in integrating health care services and fulfilling the mandates of the state law that led to its founding.
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“When Assembly Bill 918 was signed, it was a roadmap, not a magic wand,” Burnworth added. “It laid out the milestones that must be achieved to unify health care in the Imperial Valley. Believe me, there were no shortcuts to these milestones. There were deadlines and rigorous scrutiny. Many said it wasn't possible, and it's up to all of us to continue building a stronger, healthier Imperial Valley.”
The Community Champion Award recognizes IVHD's efforts to integrate local health systems, address urgent health needs, and build sustainable models for the future. It also serves as an inspiring reminder of the continued efforts needed to transform healthcare access and outcomes for Imperial Valley residents.
