Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

04/19/2026

Join us for the Annual Mental Health Fair
Saturday, May 2
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Burtness Auditorium

This free community event brings together local organizations and resources to help educate and support mental health and substance use awareness. Connect with agencies, explore available services, and learn more about caring for your mental well-being.

Speakers:
Advancing the Treatment of Difficult-to-Treat Depression
Monica Rettenmier, MD, Cottage Health

Anxiety and Stress Management in Current Times
Adam Awerbuch, MD, Cottage Health

No registration required. Walk-ins welcome.

04/18/2026

Meet Dr. Vejas Skripkus!

Board-certified family medicine physician Dr. Skripkus recently joined Cottage Health and is seeing patients at Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara – Bath St. He brings a passion for preventive care, whole-family health, and helping patients stay well at every stage of life.

To schedule an appointment or more information, call 805-569-7227 or visit cottagehealth.org/primarycare

04/15/2026

Join Cottage Cardiology Clinic for a FREE virtual Meet the Doctor event focused on advances in atrial fibrillation (AFib) treatment.

Thursday, April 16, 2026
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Register: cottagehealth.org/heartmtd

Dr. Chee Yuan Ng, a board-certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, will discuss caring for the heart, from prevention to intervention, and share insights on the causes, symptoms, treatment strategies and stroke prevention related to AFib.

Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A session.

04/10/2026

The weather has been beautiful, and we’ve been loving time outdoors ☀️ As you head out for a hike, camping trip, or nature walk, be mindful of increased snake activity. Stay alert, keep a safe distance, and enjoy the outdoors safely.

03/30/2026

This Doctor’s Day, we’re recognizing the physicians who care for our patients across Cottage Health and the communities we serve. Whether it’s a routine visit or a life-changing moment, they’re there, bringing skill, judgment and a steady presence when it matters most. We’re grateful for all they do, every day.

03/27/2026

This month, we celebrate the impact of our Medical Social Workers at Cottage Health.

A vital part of the care team, they support patients and families through complex medical and emotional challenges with compassion and expertise.

Join us in celebrating Social Work Month and our team for the difference they make every day!

03/21/2026

At 26 weeks pregnant, Faviola arrived at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with swelling, shortness of breath and dangerously high blood pressure. Diagnosed with severe preeclampsia, she had to deliver early to save her life and her baby’s. Camila, born just over two pounds, spent 11 weeks in the Cottage NICU, where the care team supported her family and celebrated every milestone. Today, Camila is thriving, and Faviola still shares photos with the team who helped them through the hardest time of their lives.

Learn more about at cottagehealth.org/childrens.

03/19/2026

Cottage Health is proud to honor our certified nurses and gratefully recognizes their advanced knowledge and performance excellence.

Nursing certification represents the professionalism of nursing and improves patient outcomes. Cottage Health encourages national board certification for all eligible nurses.

Today and every day, Cottage Health celebrates our nurses and their compassionate care and
dedication to patients. Learn more at cottagehealth.org/nursing

03/19/2026

Dr. Douglas E. Ney, a board-certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist, has joined the Cottage Neurosciences Clinic, expanding access to specialized neuro-oncology care for patients across the Central Coast.

Dr. Ney specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors and neurologic complications of cancer and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to support coordinated care.

Dr. Ney is seeing patients at the Cottage Neurosciences Clinic. For more information, patients may call 805-569-7820.

03/18/2026

Last week, we joined our partners at Santa Barbara Unified School District to celebrate the launch of the Cottage Health Careers Academy at San Marcos High School, creating a new pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in health care.

This partnership helps connect students with hands-on learning and real-world opportunities as they explore careers in medicine and health care.

Watch the news story to learn more:

$1.5 million gift supports expansion, new facility planned for 2027 to prepare students for in-demand medical careers in Santa Barbara

03/17/2026

Cottage Health welcomes Ryan Kelly, Ph.D., as its first Chief Innovation Officer.

In this newly established role, Ryan will help advance innovation across the health system and strengthen strategic partnerships. Ryan will lead the Compton Center for Medical Excellence and Innovation, where new healthcare technologies and ideas are developed and brought into practice. He brings more than 20 years of experience leading healthcare and medtech initiatives at the intersection of technology, life sciences, and healthcare delivery.

Please join us in welcoming him!

03/03/2026

FREE Virtual Event
Stronger Bones: Your Guide to Preventing & Treating Osteoporosis

Join us Wednesday, March 11 from 4–5 p.m. for a free online "Meet the Doctor" event with Dr. Courtney Stull of Cottage Rheumatology Clinic.

You'll learn about:
- Risk factors for osteoporosis
- Ways to protect bone density
- Current treatments & medications
- Recommended screenings

Plus, a Q&A session with Dr. Stull.

Register at cottagehealth.org/mtd