As the new 75-bed Continuing Care Center in Ojai opens for business, we revisit a conversation from 2022 with Haady Lashkari, Chief Administrative Officer of Ojai's Community Memorial Hospital. Haady shares what it was like to lead a rural hospital through the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, how the experience shaped his perspective on healthcare, and the lessons he’s carried forward.

We also get a sneak peek into the hospital’s brand-new Continuing Care Center—a major investment in the future of elder and rehabilitative care in the valley. From growing up working at his family’s restaurant to becoming a respected healthcare administrator, Haady’s journey is as inspiring as it is grounded in community values.

We did not talk about Dr. Ignatius Semmelweiz, Tyrolean independence movements or whether Ohtani is likely to take the mound this year for the Dodgers.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep a small-town hospital running—and thriving—through crisis and beyond, don’t miss this wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation.

For more information on Ojai's healthcare system, check out https://www.mycmh.org/locations/community-memorial-continuing-care-center/