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-Editorial
Legislation granting a critical extension of efforts to fund a countywide healthcare district in Imperial County has been signed and granted by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
SB 1070 gives the Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD) the additional two years to identify a funding mechanism to generate the resources needed to
address the healthcare shortage in Imperial County. The bill extends the originally allotted time in previous legislation, AB 918, which authorized the formation of the Imperial Valley Healthcare District.
“The Imperial Valley Healthcare District commends the Governor for helping elevate healthcare in Imperial County with the passage of SB 1070,” said Katherine Burnworth, President of IVHD. This vital legislation, authored by our State Senator Steve Padilla and supported by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, will ensure Imperial Valley Healthcare District the proper time to prepare an equitable and robust funding mechanism for local voters to consider as we look to expand, enhance, and improve healthcare services for our seniors, families, and underserved communities.”
The healthcare crisis in Imperial County has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which further widened existing gaps in access. The region faces a host of healthcare challenges, including shortages in medical providers and specialists, excessive wait times for care, a lack of urgent care services, and the closure of maternity services.
IVHD has made several strides since the passage of AB 918. Notable progress includes the division of the district into seven voting regions to ensure equal representation, approval of a letter of intent to acquire El Centro Medical Center, and the successful dissolution and absorption of Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District.
AB 918 required the creation of the Imperial Valley Healthcare District to manage healthcare services for all of Imperial County. The district would be overseen by a board of directors appointed by key local bodies such as the County Board of Supervisors and local healthcare districts. This board is tasked with setting up a permanent funding plan, negotiating the acquisition of El Centro Regional Medical Center, and holding public meetings to involve the community. The bill also outlines a timeline for dissolving two existing healthcare districts, transferring their assets and responsibilities to the new district by 2025.
The bill aims to improve healthcare access by directing the new district to focus on providing direct services to the community. It requires regular reporting and reviews to ensure healthcare services are being provided efficiently. The City of El Centro and the County of Imperial are required to cooperate with the new district, and if the state mandates extra costs due to these changes, the bill ensures that local agencies will be reimbursed.
