Breaking Down Silos Within a Multihospital System: Lessons From the California Department of State Hospitals’ Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The California Department of State Hospitals and Department of Public Health collaborated to develop infection control programs in five inpatient psychiatric hospitals in response to COVID-19. In the retrospective observational study described here, conducted from March 2020 through February 2023, we calculated seven-day rolling averages of COVID-19 cases overlaid with key interventions, communication strategies, and policies implemented to break down silos for a consistent and coordinated response. Our findings may inform others regarding effective strategies and partnerships with public health experts during future outbreaks. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2024;114(12):1317-1321. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307846).