In a recent nod to the fight against substance use disorders (SUD), two Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) hospitals have been acknowledged for their high-level performance in this critical area of health care. As per the County of Santa Clara Newsroom, California Health and Human Services Agency, alongside Cal Hospital Compare, awarded Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San José and St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy for reaching top performance for the second year in a row.
With the SCVH operating as California's second-largest public health and hospital system, this achievement underscores the region's commitment to addressing the complex needs of those grappling with SUD. Paul E. Lorenz, SCVH's Chief Executive Officer, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of the County’s Board of Supervisors and the dedication of healthcare professionals, remarking to the County of Santa Clara Newsroom, "Santa Clara Valley Healthcare believes every patient deserves compassionate and comprehensive services appropriate for their unique healthcare needs."
Kim Johnson, CalHHS Secretary, stressed the necessity of community effort in tackling substance use disorders, highlighting the expanded Opioid Care Honor Roll program initiated by Cal Hospital Compare. According to Johnson's interview with the County of Santa Clara Newsroom, the initiative aims to promote improved navigation and harm reduction services for individuals with SUD across California hospitals.
The 2025 recognitions come on the heels of 133 hospitals voluntarily reporting their headway in SUD care, which includes opioid management, identification and treatment of SUD, harm reduction, stigma reduction, and patient involvement in care decisions. This high participation rate suggests that hospitals perceive an undeniable value in addressing substance misuse within their communities. Dr. Bruce Spurlock, Executive Director of Cal Hospital Compare, noted the progress in providing harm reduction services and combating stigma, adding that "Progress in these areas helps hospitals to meet patients where they are at," per the County of Santa Clara Newsroom.
