ACHD News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Cathy Martin
(916) 266-5277
The Association of California Healthcare Districts Recognizes Top Healthcare Leaders
California healthcare district CEO, trustee and district of the year announced
SACRAMENTO, Calif., October 2, 2024 – The Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD) recently recognized three leaders in health care during its 72nd Annual Meeting: Building Bridges Together, Cultivating Positive Connections. Fallbrook Regional Health District was recognized as Healthcare District of the Year; JoDee Read, Plumas District Hospital, was named CEO of the Year; and Carole Rogers of the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation was named Trustee of the Year. The honorees were evaluated based on their leadership in health and their dedication to the health and wellness of the communities they serve.
“This year’s recipients are incredibly dedicated to their employees and communities. During these challenging times in health, they continue to provide unwavering support and leadership,” said Cathy Martin, CEO of ACHD. “We are honored to celebrate these healthcare district leaders and their commitment to provide access to health and wellness services in their communities.”
District of the Year, Fallbrook Regional Health District
Fallbrook Regional Health District is leading the way in community health with its innovative Lifestyle Change Program for Diabetes Prevention. Recognizing the alarming rates of prediabetes and obesity in their region, Fallbrook took decisive action by creating a comprehensive program that combines evidence-based strategies with a strong community focus. Through partnerships with organizations like the J. Moss Foundation's Skinny Gene Project and by training their staff as certified Lifestyle Coaches, Fallbrook has ensured the program's effectiveness and accessibility.
CEO of the Year, JoDee Read, Plumas District Hospital
Ms. Read has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have significantly improved patient care, enhanced the hospital's reputation, and strengthened its financial stability. Some of Ms. Read's notable achievements include leading the construction of a new skilled nursing facility, securing ACHD Certification for the hospital showing her commitment to accountability and transparency, and advocating for legislative changes that have secured essential services and increased funding. Her commitment to excellence has also led to a dramatic improvement in the hospital's organizational culture, with staff morale reaching an all-time high.
Trustee of the Year, Carol Rogers, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation
For the past 10 years, Carole Rogers, Director for Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, has been a tireless advocate for the underserved. She has championed affordable housing, provided essential healthcare services to the unhoused and migrant worker populations, and been instrumental in improving mental health resources through behavioral health initiatives.
ABOUT ACHD
The Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD) represents healthcare districts throughout California. ACHD works with numerous state and local entities to promote the profound role healthcare districts play in responding to the specialized health needs of tens of millions of Californians while also having direct accountability to the communities that they serve.
Visit www.achd.org for more information.
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Contact:
Sarah Bridge, Vice President Advocacy & Strategy
Sarah.bridge@achd.org
530-717-7154
For Release: Friday 9/27/24
The Association of California Healthcare District’s Legislator of the Year Awards
The Association of California Healthcare District names Assemblymember Jim Wood and Senator Josh Becker as their Legislator of the Year. The awards were presented by Matt Rees, ACHD’s Board Chair, at the Embassy Suites, Sacramento at 8:30 & 10:00 am.
ACHD’s Legislator of the Year is awarded to a Senator and an Assemblymember that are champions for health care in their districts, but also throughout California. These leaders have helped give a voice to public providers. ACHD recognizes the diligent work of these legislators and their dedicated staff. It is the thoughtful and deliberate work of legislative members like Assemblymember Jim Wood and Senator Josh Becker that allow small organizations like ACHD to have a voice within the California state law making process.
About Assemblymember Jim Wood:
Assemblymember Jim Wood is the Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore, elected in 2014 to serve the people in California’s 2nd Assembly District, which comprises all of Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties, plus northern and western Sonoma County, including the city of Santa Rosa. Assemblymember Wood was the Chair of the Assembly Health Committee for the previous 8-years, before stepping into the majority leader position. The Assemblymember represents several healthcare districts, many of which are rural and remote.
About Senator Josh Becker:
Senator Josh Becker is a public policy innovator working at the nexus of community activism, technology and social justice. Elected to the State Senate in November 2020, Senator Becker represents the residents of California’s 13th Senate District, which comprises most of San Mateo County and the northern part of Santa Clara County. Senator Becker represents a number of healthcare districts and ACHD is pleased to name him as this year’s ACHD Legislator of the Year.
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About ACHD:
The Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD) represents Healthcare Districts throughout California. ACHD works with numerous state and local entities to promote the profound role healthcare districts play in responding to the specialized health needs of tens of millions of Californians while also having direct accountability to the communities that districts serve.