Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County

For twenty years, the Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County (HIP) has stood as a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives in our county. As we reflect on this milestone year, we've witnessed unprecedented changes and remarkable opportunities that have shaped our healthcare landscape. This past year proved to be a transformative period as we navigated the complexities of CalAIM implementation, embraced new state initiatives for ACE screening implementation, and mobilized rapidly to address the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis in our communities. Through these challenges, we have strengthened our workforce development programs and deepened our partnerships, demonstrating once again that collaboration outweighs competition in creating meaningful change. The timing of our 20th-year celebration aligned with the planning of our new Strategic Plan, inspiring us to look inward and chart our course for the future. I am proud to share that this bold plan places health equity and anti-racism at the center of our work. This plan isn't just a document – it's a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and creating a healthcare system that truly serves everyone in our community. As we embark on the next decade, I invite all stakeholders to join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can rise to the challenges ahead and achieve remarkable progress, building a more just, equitable, and healthy future for all. With gratitude and determination, Maritza Lara Executive Director

The Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education is now offering enrollment for a few Health Career courses soon! Please see the attached flyer with the specific courses enrolling soon. For any questions, please email Connie Williams at connie_williams@pvusd.net.

The Board of the Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County has appointed Jasmine Nájera, LCSW, CEO of Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc., and Amber Williams, LAADC, CEO of Janus of Santa Cruz, to serve on the HIP Executive Committee. The HIP Executive Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction and ensuring the effectiveness of its initiatives. Its responsibilities include oversight of HIP’s strategy development, program implementation, financial health, governance, and public policy and advocacy matters. Join us in welcoming Jasmine and Amber to the HIP Executive Committee and celebrating their leadership! 🌟

We’re pleased to announce that on November 21, 2024, the Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County (HIP) welcomed two new member organizations: ● University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) ● Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE) These new member organizations reflect HIP’s growing commitment to fostering collaboration across sectors to address the critical health and well-being needs of our community. We’re looking forward to working together to create meaningful, lasting impact. 💚

Join the Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education team for an Open House showcasing Health Career Pathways Courses on Wednesday, December 10, 2024, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM! Enjoy light refreshments, connect with instructors, office staff, and students, and explore opportunities in health careers. Space is limited, so RSVP today! For more details, check out the attached flyer or contact us at 831-768-2160.

The Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education invites you to join its Health Care Career Fair at the Watsonville Community Hospital, Redwood Room (Senior Circle). Please see the attached flyer. RSVP is requested as space is limited. Please contact Elizabeth Bates, RN, at either Elizabeth_Bates@pvusd.net or (805) 835-8959 to save your seat!

Over the past few weeks, the PATH team (Berenice Herrera-Lopez, Maritza Lara, Stephanie Sonnenshine, Danielle Gaspar-Herrera, Maria Estela Jerezano, Amy Mancia) has been hard at work driving collaboration and innovation in our community. On October 30, they hosted an in-person convening, bringing together partners to dive into utilization data with MCPs, explore 2025 policy implementations, and engage in taskforce sessions focused on creating actionable solutions for barriers identified by the collaborative group. The momentum continued into the first week of November, as the HIP team proudly represented Santa Cruz County at the state level during meetings with DHCS, discussing priorities and strategies for the upcoming year. A huge thank-you to everyone who contributed to these meaningful discussions—we’re excited for what’s ahead!✨

Following the recent election, Santa Cruz County leaders affirm their commitment to support immigrants and advance health equity. Together, we’re dedicated to an inclusive, compassionate community where everyone, regardless of background, has access to essential care and feels safe. By focusing on equity, we’re building a stronger, healthier Santa Cruz for all 💙 https://lnkd.in/gytnX_S6

Amid rising concerns among families, health providers and educators, we are partnering with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education to host additional screenings of “Fentanyl High,” a powerful documentary film produced by Kyle Santoro, while he was a senior at Los Gatos High School. The documentary will be screened for free at the Scotts Valley Cinelux on Thursday, November 7th and at Aptos High School at their Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 20th. The screening will be followed by an opportunity for Q&A so all families can leave the event with concrete steps for both prevention and support around this issue. Naloxone (Narcan), a life saving medication that reverses overdose will also be distributed and attendees will receive ‘Let’s Talk’ booklets - a toolkit for navigating youth substance use for parents and caregivers. Admission is free, but registration is required, and space is limited. Attendance by teens, ideally with their families, is encouraged. Please register to reserve your tickets today!

Are you interested in increasing access to healthcare and improving health systems in the Central Coast (particularly Santa Cruz County)? Join our team! A new and dynamic role is opening at Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County (HIP)! The Program Director serves a unique role at our organization, rooted in health innovation, strategic development, systems improvement, program planning, and implementation. Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter with “Program Director Application” in the subject to jobs@hipscc.org. For more details on the role and qualifications please read our job announcement attached.