ARMC partners with Public Health to receive Quality Leader Award

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Arrowhead Regional Medical Center has been awarded the 2025 Quality Leader Award for Population Health by the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems and the California Health Care Safety Net Institute. The recognition highlights ARMC’s innovative, measurable and equity-driven efforts to reduce the spread of communicable diseases through a strong partnership with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.

“This award reflects what’s possible when hospital and public health teams work side by side,” said ARMC Chief Executive Officer Andrew Goldfrach, FACHE. “Embedding communicable disease navigators into our workflows has transformed how quickly we can identify, treat and prevent the spread of infection. This achievement belongs to the physicians, nurses, investigators and support teams from ARMC and Public Health whose collaboration and dedication drove this work forward.”

The award honors ARMC’s collaborative program that embeds Public Health communicable disease navigators directly into the emergency department and inpatient units. The model has strengthened early detection, accelerated treatment, and significantly reduced transmission of diseases such as syphilis, HIV, chlamydia and others within San Bernardino County.

Recognizing the need for a more coordinated approach, San Bernardino County Health Officer Sharon Wang, D.O., who previously served as an infectious disease physician at ARMC before transitioning to Public Health, played a key role in identifying gaps between hospital-based and community-based disease response. Working in collaboration with ARMC’s Infection Control Department, the Emergency Department, and Public Health’s Communicable Disease Section, Dr. Wang helped spearhead the development of the on-site navigation model that now serves as a foundation for rapid testing, treatment and follow-up.

“Having worked both inside ARMC and within Public Health, I’ve seen firsthand how much patients benefit when our systems move in unison,” said Wang. “By embedding communicable disease navigators directly into the emergency department, we’re able to diagnose earlier, treat sooner and ensure patients don’t fall through the cracks.”

The initiative was developed in response to rising communicable disease trends identified between 2020 and 2022, including a 36% increase in syphilis, a 3% increase in congenital syphilis and a 5% increase in HIV and chlamydia. ARMC Emergency Medicine Physician Carol Lee, M.D., noted that early testing and universal screening offered in the emergency department allowed patients — regardless of their reason for visit — to receive immediate testing, treatment and linkage to care.

Public Health communicable disease investigators, typically stationed off-site, were embedded on-site at ARMC to rapidly contact patients, provide guidance during business hours and ensure smooth linkage to care. The integrated model has demonstrated measurable improvements, including a documented drop in disease rates within the community. By removing barriers to testing and treatment, the program reduces delays, prevents further spread and strengthens long-term health outcomes for patients.

“We are grateful to partner with ARMC on this life-saving work,” said Public Health Director Josh Dugas. “Embedding our communicable disease staff on-site strengthens our ability to protect residents, reduce transmission and close critical gaps in care. This collaboration shows how unified systems can drive real improvements in the health of our communities.”

For more than two decades, the Quality Leader Awards have recognized public health care systems that champion innovative, equitable approaches to improving care and strengthening California’s safety net. ARMC’s award underscores San Bernardino County’s leadership in population health and its commitment to confronting emerging public health challenges with data-driven solutions and strong partnerships.

About San Bernardino County: San Bernardino County is a diverse public service organization serving America’s largest county that for four consecutive years has led the nation in awards for innovation, efficiency, and outstanding public service. We are governed by an elected Board of Supervisors and dedicated to creating a community where nearly 2.2 million residents can prosper and achieve well-being in fulfillment of the Countywide Vision. It is comprised of more than 40 departments and agencies, which are staffed by more than 23,000 public service professionals who provide a wide range of vital services in the areas of public safety, health care, social services, economic and community development and revitalization, fiscal services, infrastructure, recreation and culture, and internal support. For more information, visit sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – December 18