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-Editorial
The Imperial County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the dissolution of the Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District (HMHD), as mandated by Assembly Bill (AB) 918 at their July 25 meeting. This move ends years of criticism and dissatisfaction with the district, which many in Calexico have long deemed a failed governing board.
The dissolution signifies a major shift towards more effective management of healthcare services in the region. With HMHD’s responsibilities and assets transferring to the Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD), including oversight of the urgent care project in Calexico, residents can anticipate improved healthcare services and more streamlined administration, a press release stated.
Katie Burnworth, President of IVHD, emphasized the district’s dedication to this transition: “As we implement AB 918, IVHD is committed to a smooth transition and advancing projects that will positively impact Calexico. We appreciate LAFCO’s decisive action and are focused on delivering the necessary services to our community.”
In addition to absorbing HMHD’s functions, the IVHD will also oversee the planned dissolution of the Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District (PMHD), which is expected later this year. This transition aims to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services at both hospitals, with governance shifting to IVHD.
Despite these advancements, critics argue that AB 918 has exacerbated existing tensions in the Imperial Valley.
The Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District (HMHD) was established to provide essential healthcare services to Calexico residents, funded by local taxes to support the bankrupt Calexico Hospital.
In 1992, Calexico passed an ordinance mandating its citizens to cover the hospital’s debts, a burden they bore until 2015. In contrast, critics say, the City of El Centro avoided responsibility for the debts of El Centro Regional Medical Center, instead relying on Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia to pass AB 918, which transferred these obligations to the entire county and led to the creation of the Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD).
Under AB 918, HMHD was tasked with covering IVHD’s administrative costs, a temporary measure until a county-wide tax could be introduced. However, in June 2024, the IVHD board opted against the tax and continued drawing from Calexico’s resources. Critics argue that while IVHD claims to avoid imposing an unfair tax, it paradoxically demands disproportionate financial contributions from Calexico, leading to ongoing disputes about fairness and representation in the region’s healthcare system.
Opponents of AB 918 argue that the recent vote by the Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD) on June 21, 2024, to request amendments delaying a tax vote highlights significant issues with the legislation. They contend that the passage of AB 918 and the subsequent lack of funding and voter support have led to an inequitable burden on Imperial Valley residents.
So far, Heffernan Memorial Health covered all initial costs for IVHD. However, if future tax proposals are approved, the entire Imperial Valley will be responsible for covering not only the financial shortfall from the dissolution of Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District but also for the years of mismanagement at El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) by the City of El Centro and UCSD. Critics also point out that AB 918 mandates the transfer of all ECRMC contracts to IVHD, including a “Joint Powers Authority” (JPA) giving UCSD exclusive operating rights for five years and the option to match any purchase offers for ECRMC. By securing this JPA seven months after AB 918’s passage, the City of El Centro is accused of shifting the financial fallout of its mismanagement onto Imperial Valley residents or leaving the future control of ECRMC to UCSD.
