Cottage Health

06/02/2026

Dr. Jane Varner has been appointed Medical Director for the growing Cottage Center for Women’s Health, a new model of coordinated women’s care for the Santa Barbara region.

A family physician with 25 years of experience in patient care and healthcare leadership, Dr. Varner is a strong advocate for women’s health and health equity and brings a bold vision to this new leadership role.

The center and its programs will bring together primary and specialty care, diagnostics and supportive services to offer a single, trusted entry point for integrated care across outpatient and hospital settings.

“I’ve been waiting 25 years for women’s health to get the attention it deserves. Now is the time,” said Dr. Varner.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/uBj050Z6t2g

05/30/2026

Cottage Health is pleased to welcome Laurie Siegel to its Board of Directors.

Siegel is President of LAS Advisory Services and brings extensive experience in executive leadership and governance. At LAS Advisory Services, Siegel advises leaders on aligning teams, organizations and cultures in support of strategic and operational goals.

Members of the Cottage Health Board of Directors serve without compensation, helping guide the not-for-profit organization in its mission to provide superior health care and improve the health of the communities it serves.

Please join us in welcoming Laurie Siegel to the Cottage Health Board of Directors.

05/29/2026

Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital (SYVCH) has been named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 100 Critical Access Hospitals to Know. This national recognition highlights the essential role critical access hospitals play in keeping high-quality care close to home for rural communities. For the Santa Ynez Valley, that means 24/7 emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and connection to Cottage Health’s broader network of specialists and resources.

Congratulations to our SYVCH team on this well-deserved recognition!

05/17/2026

Join Cottage Surgical Clinics for a free virtual “Meet the Doctor” event on Tuesday, May 19, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., focused on colon cancer prevention and screening. Registration is still open.

The presentation will be led by Dr. Lexine Yurcho, a board-certified general and colorectal surgeon with Cottage Surgical Clinics and will include a confidential Q&A session where participants can have their questions answered directly.

To register, visit cottagehealth.org/surgicalMTD

05/16/2026

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is lighting up green this May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

As part of Santa Barbara County’s Light Up Green campaign, led by the Department of Behavioral Wellness, this year’s theme, “More Good Days Together,” reminds us that good days don’t have to be perfect. They can be found in small moments of connection, support and hope.

If you or someone you love needs help, please contact Cottage Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at (805) 569-8339. In an emergency, please call 911.

05/15/2026

As Nurses Week wraps up, we’re proud to share a Noozhawk Salute to Nurses feature celebrating three Cottage Health nurses who were honored with DAISY Awards in the past year for their extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence and life-changing patient care.

Read more: https://ow.ly/yney50Z0rCK

05/12/2026

The Cottage Health Research Institute and Women’s Brain Health Initiative recently hosted the 12th Annual Collaborative Research Symposium on Women’s Health, bringing together leaders to explore critical gaps in care and opportunities to advance women’s health.

From postpartum health to menopause and neurological conditions, the conversations highlighted the importance of continued research and collaboration.

Learn more about one of the key topics:

Postpartum, chronic inflammatory conditions, and autonomic nervous system disorders are areas of women’s health that local medical professionals say are

05/08/2026

When Emily’s family lost their home to the Palisades Fire, she was pregnant with her fourth child. They found safety in Santa Barbara — and Cottage. At just 28 weeks, Emily’s water broke, and she was rushed to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Baby Athena was born weighing two pounds and eight ounces. “She was so little, but she looked strong,” Emily said.

Athena spent the next 65 days in the Haselton Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, cared for by whom Emily calls “angels” -- doctors, nurses and staff. This month, they celebrate Athena’s first birthday. Athena is healthy, thriving and loves her siblings, the beach and spreading her own special joy. Happy birthday, Athena!

Learn more about Cottage Children's Medical Center at cottagehealth.org/childrens