Cottage Health

02/28/2026

It's , and today we recognize the resident physicians who are an integral part of the care team at Cottage Health. This annual day shines a spotlight on residents and fellows and the compassionate, human-centered care they provide to patients every day.

From Pediatrics and Internal Medicine to General Surgery and Diagnostic Radiology, our residents carry forward a tradition that began in 1923, caring for our community while training alongside experienced physician mentors in a culture rooted in teamwork and respect.

Today, we celebrated them and spent a few moments relaxing with our therapy dogs in appreciation for all they do.

To our resident physicians, thank you. We are grateful for you.

02/26/2026

Cottage Health has been named to Becker’s 165 Top Places to Work in Healthcare List for 2026.

The recognition highlights organizations that make their people a priority and foster environments where caregivers feel supported, valued and empowered. Becker’s noted that these organizations invest deeply in their teams through competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, inclusive workplaces and resources that support work-life balance.

View List: https://ow.ly/BUf850Ymcj8

02/21/2026

We were honored to welcome U.S. Senator Adam Schiff of California to Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital in Solvang this week as part of his visit to tour the hospital and meet the team that provides essential care to the Santa Ynez Valley community.

His visit highlighted bipartisan legislation he helped lead alongside the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa to protect federal support for rural hospitals like ours. This support helps ensure we can continue providing essential services close to home for the patients and families who depend on us.

We are grateful for his leadership and commitment to rural health care.

Learn more in this story from KSBY:

A new federal law protects Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital's Critical Access Hospital designation after distance remeasurement threatened funding.

02/18/2026

Cottage Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Weintraub to its Board of Directors.

Weintraub is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with more than 40 years of experience in financial planning and investment management, bringing deep industry knowledge and governance experience to the Board.

Members of the Cottage Health Board of Directors serve without compensation, guiding the not-for-profit organization in its mission to provide superior health care and improve the health of the communities it serves, grounded in a commitment to excellence, integrity, and compassion.

Please join us in welcoming Steven Weintraub!

02/15/2026

There's still time to register for our upcoming FREE virtual Meet the Doctor event featuring Dr. Elizabeth Hutchins, a board-certified cardiology and cardio-oncology specialist affiliated with Cottage Health.

Thursday, February 19, 2026
4:00–5:00 p.m. | Virtual
Register to receive the event link: cottagehealth.org/heartmtd

Dr. Hutchins, the region’s only cardiologist specializing in cardio-oncology, will share how she partners with oncologists to deliver comprehensive and personalized care.

Participants will learn:
• Why heart health matters before, during and after cancer care
• How coordinated care supports better outcomes
• Practical tips to help protect your heart

Live Q&A included, with the opportunity to ask questions in a confidential setting.

02/14/2026

🌟Now Accepting Scholarship Applications🌟

The Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 healthcare scholarships through Friday, March 6, 2026.

Each year, these scholarships support Santa Ynez Valley residents pursuing careers in health and medical-related fields. In 2025, we awarded $78,000 to 19 local students, thanks to the generosity of our community and named scholarship funds.

If you live in the Santa Ynez Valley and are pursuing a career in healthcare, we encourage you to apply. Learn more and apply at cottagehealth.org/syvchf


📸 Left to right: Julia Pritchard, Stephen Palmer, Lisa Bertero Palmer, and Alexa Berryman. Julia and Alexa received scholarship awards from the Ann Bertero Scholarship Fund in 2025.

02/10/2026

We are excited to share that the City of Santa Barbara Planning Commission has unanimously approved the expansion of the Orfalea Children’s Center at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, expanding access to child care for healthcare workers and their families.

The approval grants a Conditional Use Permit for construction of a new two-story, 6,847-square-foot building adjacent to the existing center.

Cottage Health plans to begin construction in early 2027. More details will be shared as the project moves forward.

02/06/2026

Congratulations to Katy Bazylewicz, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Population Health at Cottage Health on being named the 2026 Werft Fellow for Innovative Leadership and the inaugural recipient of the fellowship.

As the 2026 fellow, Katy will explore how leading healthcare innovation hubs bring together hospitals, universities, startups, and investors to accelerate innovation and advance care.

Her work will help inform strategies to strengthen Cottage Health and the Compton Center for Medical Excellence and Innovation.

The fellowship is made possible by the generous support of Ron and Mary Werft.

02/05/2026

Cottage Health and Santa Barbara Unified School District have entered a historic partnership to form Cottage Health Careers Academy at San Marcos High School, creating a new educational pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.

An expanded academy recently launched and is being developed with the support of a $1.5 million gift from Cottage to fund curriculum design, facility improvements, instructional materials, clinical preparation and other educational enhancements.

Currently open to San Marcos High School students in grades 10-12, and for grade 9 beginning this fall, the academy offers courses in a variety of clinical areas to help inspire and prepare students for a range of healthcare careers, including the nursing profession.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/j1iJ50Y96sl

01/31/2026

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is partnering with Vitalant to host a blood drive on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 3 – 7 p.m. Community members are encouraged to register to donate and help save lives.

The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be stationed at the hospital’s main entrance at Castillo and Pueblo Streets.
Schedule an appointment: cottagehealth.org/sbblooddrive

All donors who give blood, platelets or plasma February 1-28, using code GIVELOVE-2026-V when scheduling, will receive a $15 Rewards gift card in appreciation. Details at vitalant.org/FebDonorGift

01/31/2026

Our recent Cottage All-Star Night at UCSB Men’s Basketball was all about celebrating the incredible people who make Cottage Health such a special place. Thank you to everyone who joined us to cheer on UCSB and celebrate our Cottage team. We loved seeing so many Cottage faces in the stands and feeling the love from our community. Special thanks to UCSB athletics for having us.

01/21/2026

Join the Cottage Cardiology Clinic Santa Barbara for a FREE virtual Meet the Doctor event featuring Dr. Elizabeth Hutchins, a board-certified cardiology and cardio-oncology specialist affiliated with Cottage Health.

Thursday, February 19, 2026
4:00–5:00 p.m. | Virtual
Register to receive the event link: cottagehealth.org/heartmtd

Dr. Hutchins, the region’s only cardiologist specializing in cardio-oncology, will share how she partners with oncologists to deliver comprehensive and personalized care.

Participants will learn:
• Why heart health matters before, during and after cancer care
• How coordinated care supports better outcomes
• Practical tips to help protect your heart

Live Q&A included, with the opportunity to ask questions in a confidential setting.