 October 2025 Â Â Â Â Â
From the
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I want to speak to you directly today — not just as the leader of LA Health Services, but as someone who deeply believes in the power of public healthcare services and the people who make it possible.Â
The passage of the federal administration’s “Big Bill” will deliver a devastating blow to our health system. We are currently facing $280 million in revenue cuts, and this is only the beginning. Over the next three years, those cuts will grow to $750 million each year. These numbers are staggering, and they will result in tangible consequences for our patients, our staff, and our ability to serve.Â
In July, LA Health Services announced a hiring freeze across our system. This decision was not made lightly. Rising costs and federal revenue reductions have placed us in a budget crisis. We are doing everything in our power to protect access to care, but we must also face the reality of our financial constraints. If Medicaid cuts are not restored and if we are unable to earn additional revenue to cover our escalating costs, a reduction of services will become inevitable. Â
Even in the face of these challenges, our commitment to our patients and the communities that rely on us, remains unshaken.Â
This summer, I completed a series of town hall meetings with staff across our LA Health Services system. These conversations were honest, heartfelt, and necessary. We reaffirmed our shared mission: to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to every person who walks through our doors. These town halls reminded us that our strength lies in our unity—and in our willingness to speak openly about the difficult choices that lie ahead.Â
Even though we’re going through a tough time with funding, our work hasn’t stopped — and neither has our progress.Â
We are proud to share that two of our medical centers achieved Magnet® Nursing Recognition, a prestigious honor that reflects the highest standards of nursing care. Three of our hospitals were also nationally rated by U.S. News & World Report for specialty care and conditions, and system wide LA Health Services was ranked by Newsweek as a top workplace for Diversity & Inclusion.
These accolades aren’t just for show — they are proof that mission-driven work can thrive, even under pressure.Â
We know this moment is tough. But our health system is built to face hard times head-on. Our teams continue to show up, adapt, and push forward — and we remain fully committed to delivering the care our patients depend on.Â
 Strengthening Language Access Across LA Health Services
LA Health Services is proud to care for people from many cultures and languages. We’ve made big progress this year to help patients get care in the language they feel most comfortable with.Â
Here’s what we’ve done:Â
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53% of patient visits were from people who prefer a language other than English
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We increased interpreter use by 10%, reaching 1.2 million interpretation sessions in 150+ languagesÂ
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860+ staff were certified as bilingual across 26 languagesÂ
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Started a new bilingual staff certification program in March 2025Â
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Hired Language Services Supervisors at trauma hospitals and clinicsÂ
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Ran education campaigns to teach staff best practicesÂ
A huge thank you to all the interpreters, translators, bilingual staff, and support teams who help make sure every patient feels heard and cared for — in the language they understand best.Â
 Did You Know?
LA Health Services is one of the largest county-run healthcare systems in the country. We provide care for people who don’t have health insurance, don’t have enough coverage, or face challenges getting medical help.Â
We play a major role in keeping the 10 million people who live in LA County healthy and safe.Â
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More than 1 million – Annual visits in a language other than English.Â
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500,000 – Average number of patients served per year.Â
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More than 260,000 – Emergency Room visits per year.Â
 As the second-largest public healthcare system in the nation, LA Health Services is proud to be recognized for delivering high-quality, compassionate, and innovative care to the people of Los Angeles County.
Together, these achievements affirm what we already know: LA Health Services is a place where exceptional people come together to provide extraordinary care — for everyone, every day.
Top Performing Healthcare in the U.S.
This year, U.S. News & World Report recognized three of our hospitals for their work in specialty care or procedures and conditions. These awards reflect the dedication of our providers and staff who go above and beyond every day to deliver extraordinary care and improve lives.
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Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center ranked as a Top Rehabilitation Hospital in the Country and #2 in California.Â
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Los Angeles General Medical Center was nationally rated as a High Performing Hospital for Heart Failure.
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Olive View–UCLA Medical Center was nationally rated as a High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care.
We’re proud that Newsweek named LA Health Services:
- One of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity & Inclusion,
- One of America’s Greatest Workplaces by State.Â
These honors highlight our ongoing commitment to building a culture where every employee feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
Newsweek also named Olive View-UCLA Medical Center:
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One of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for 2025. Earning four ribbons for excellence in care, patient experience, and reputation among medical professionals.Â
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LA General Medical Center Achieves Magnet® Recognition
Los Angeles General Medical Center (LA General) has earned the prestigious Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), joining an elite group of fewer than 10 percent of hospitals nationwide recognized for nursing excellence.  Â
Magnet Recognition is widely regarded as the gold standard in nursing and organizational excellence. The designation follows a rigorous multi-year evaluation of five core components: transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge and innovation, and strong empirical outcomes. Â Â
“Earning Magnet recognition is a defining achievement that underscores LA General’s unwavering commitment to delivering equitable, world-class care to our community,” said Jorge Orozco, Chief Executive Officer of LA General. “This honor celebrates the passion, resilience, and expertise of every member of our team who shows up every day determined to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families.” Â
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National Recognition for Excellence in NursingÂ
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center has reached a defining milestone in nursing excellence: Magnet® Recognition. This prestigious honor reflects Rancho’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.
The Magnet journey at Rancho spanned a decade of dedication, collaboration, and continuous improvement—driven by a team passionate about advancing healthcare and empowering patients.
“Magnet recognition is a true reflection of the incredible care, skill, and heart our nurses bring to Rancho every day,” said Konita Wilks, CEO of Rancho Los Amigos. “It’s an honor that belongs to every member of our nursing team and the entire Rancho community, who work together to restore health, rebuild lives, and revitalize hope.”Â
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Patient Safety Expert to Know
Congratulations to Dr. Arun Patel, who has been named to Becker’s “Patient Safety Experts to Know” list for the second year in a row! Â
Patients place tremendous trust in their healthcare providers, and Becker recognizes patient safety experts who work tirelessly to design and refine policies, procedures, and safeguards at their organizations. Dr. Patel oversees safety across four hospitals and 25 ambulatory centers and personally leads systemwide training and oversees the response process for just culture interpretations, embedding accountability and fairness into organizational DNA. Â
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LA Health Services Receives Ten National Achievement Awards
LA Health Services is proud to announce we’ve received ten National Association of Counties (NACo) awards. The NACo awards are selected annually to recognize new, innovative, and commendable work performed by government entities across the country.Â
The work by our staff highlights their commitment to accountability, compassion, and inclusivity and moves our mission forward to advance the health of our patients and our communities by providing extraordinary care.Â
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 Olive View-UCLA Medical Center Expands Produce Distributions
Olive View-UCLA Medical Center has doubled its produce distribution days — from two to four per month — starting in July, making it easier for families to access fresh fruits and vegetables.Â
This expansion is supported by ongoing partnerships with the Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, along with new collaborators Molina Healthcare and Bienestar Wellbeing.Â
Olive View continues to serve as a vital source of nourishment, care, and community support.Â
 A Successful Grand Opening of the Skid Row Care Campus
The grand opening of the Skid Row Care Campus in downtown LA was an exciting, hope-filled celebration that united community partners, local leaders, and residents. Guests explored the park-like grounds and joined in a vibrant service fair, marking the major milestone.Â
Launched in April 2025, the campus showcases what’s possible when a community rallies around real needs — offering showers, laundry, health care, and wellness activities, along with a licensed residential care facility for the elderly. It’s a safe, supportive space for those experiencing homelessness, and a powerful reminder that our work can truly make life better for others.Â
“This all-new campus is the result of deep collaboration — not only across County departments, but also with trusted community organizations and the residents of Skid Row themselves,” Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. “By working together, we’ve created a space that integrates health, healing, and housing in a way that reflects the real needs and hopes of the community.”Â
 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
LA Health Services celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with food, fun, and engaging forums across our organization.Â
At Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, they marked Hispanic Heritage Month with a lively event that brought together staff, patients, and community members for an afternoon of live performances, including traditional songs and Aztec dancing, reflecting this year’s theme: “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” The gathering was more than festive — it highlighted the importance of inclusion and recognizing the diverse identities that shape Rancho’s culture.
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