County of Santa Clara Health and Hospital Committee August 19, 2026 9:30 a.m.

The County of Santa Clara Health and Hospital Committee convened on August 19, 2026, to discuss a range of public health and healthcare system issues, with a significant focus on emergency medical services (EMS) procurement and system improvements. Key procurement-related discussions centered on the progress of the draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the county ambulance contract, which has been paused since September 2023 due to dispatch system challenges but is now moving forward with clinical performance metrics integrated into contractual requirements. The committee reviewed efforts to modernize EMS response, including tiered response models, nurse telehealth program expansion, and harm reduction initiatives. The RFP process includes public comment and engagement with fire department partners, with an anticipated state approval timeline of six to nine months and a subsequent year-long ramp-up period for new ambulance providers to procure approximately 70 custom ambulances. The committee also received reports on EMS system achievements in 2025, including clinical improvements and community engagement programs, and discussed the Behavioral Health Assistance Transport Team pilot program. Additional procurement-related updates included the Mobile Medical Unit pilot program and provider network management by Valley Health Plan, focusing on language access and continuity of care amid recent provider network changes. The committee acknowledged ongoing financial pressures on the healthcare system due to federal and state policy changes, including HR1 implementation and Medi-Cal managed care shifts. Motions to receive reports and approve consent items related to these topics were passed unanimously. Overall, the meeting emphasized advancing EMS system modernization, improving healthcare access and equity, and managing procurement processes to support these goals.