This week, we continue our series of conversations with Jarrard practice leaders in an episode focused on Regional, as well as Public and Community health systems. In the podcast, senior vice president James Cervantes lays out the trends he’s watching for regional health systems in 2024. Vice president Letitia Fecher offers insight into what matters most for Public and Community health systems moving through the year.  Notable here, as well as in our next conversation about National and Academic systems, is the level of overlap in the challenges and opportunities before different types of health systems – and before the unique individual systems and facilities that comprise both groups. That said, the independent status and small geographic footprint of many public and community providers exacerbates the industry-wide headwinds they face and begets distinct challenges. That status also encourages self-investment and focus on internal engagement and support.  Key points:  Looking inward. In light of labor challenges, regional, public and community health systems alike are reinvesting in their nurses, physicians and employees. The payoff is a team of core caregivers who are there for patients, leadership and the community.  Hard decisions. Whether it’s the realization that they need to partner with a larger health system or a financial threshold necessitating reductions in force, leaders are addressing pressure to make historic organizational changes while working tirelessly to ensure those changes are as seamless as possible.  Relationships remain key. In an era of growing mistrust of healthcare providers, hospitals in both groups are being more intentional about effectively communicating with community members and other constituents, particularly in moments of change.  Technology is the best intermediary. It’s an ongoing theme: In healthcare, technology’s value goes far beyond clinical advancements. Providers can use emergent communications tools, internal- and external-facing, to reach their stakeholders and strengthen those relationships in make-or-break moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices