Alternative Care Sites

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The County of San Bernardino is the largest geographic county in the United States and has the 12th largest county population in the nation, and home to over 2.2 million residents. The County works collaboratively with both public and private healthcare organizations to ensure the provision of medical services to all residents. The rapid and unanticipated emergence of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) required decisive action to reduce the devastating effects of the pandemic on residents. The preservation of life and property is a critical role of county government and San Bernardino County takes the responsibility seriously. When the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in San Bernardino County, several County departments, under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, responded to address a potential shortage of hospital beds to care for patients. Their work led to the creation of two Alternative Care Sites (ACS) containing up to 3,000 extra beds that would be required to meet a surge of patients needing care as a result of the pandemic. Plans existed for ACS implementation during natural disasters and other unexpected emergencies but had never been fully implemented. These County departments worked for several weeks in the early stages of the pandemic to create the first two ACSs in the County.