Catalina Island Hospital Receives $3 Million Funding for Continued Operations
Los Angeles County Board Approves Funding for Various Projects
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved several significant projects, aimed at enhancing public services and infrastructure across the county.
In a unanimous vote, the motion authored by Chair Janice Hahn and Supervisor Hilda Solis was approved 4-0, with Supervisor Holly Mitchell absent. The motion secured funding for various initiatives, including the prevention of the closure of Catalina Island Health (CIH), the only hospital on Catalina Island.
Catalina Island Health, which provides emergency medical care for the island's residents, workers, and over one million annual visitors, faces financial challenges and insolvency is predicted as early as July of this year. The closure of CIH would force more helicopter evacuations of trauma patients and cost the County an estimated $14 million each year.
To prevent this, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn secured $3 million of available Measure B funding to support CIH. This funding will be used to provide emergency financial support to stabilize the hospital and ensure continued access to emergency medical care.
In addition to this, a total of $6 million in one-time funds has been approved for FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 to support critical emergency services and assist in maintaining hospital operations as CIH plans for future sustainability.
Another project that received funding is the renovation of A.J. Padelford Park and Artesia Park. The Board of Supervisors has allocated funds for repairs at these parks, although the exact amount was not specified in the approved motion.
Moreover, a motion by Supervisor Hahn and Supervisor Hilda Solis secured a $15.6 million grant for the Sheriffs to fight organized retail theft. This grant will be used to target smash-and-grab crews and root out criminal organizations behind them.
Lastly, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will receive $5M for renovating the Avalon Cabrillo Mole Ferry Intermodal terminal. This renovation aims to support electric ferries and climate resiliency.
Apart from these, the motion approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors also includes an amendment by Supervisor Kathryn Barger for the LA County Department of Health Services (DHS) to engage with the administration of Catalina Island Health and report back in writing within 90 days with an analysis of the hospital's emergency room operations.
These decisions by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors demonstrate a commitment to addressing critical issues and improving public services across the county.
[1] Source: Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Agenda Report [4] Source: Catalina Island Medical Center Agenda Report
- The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has allocated funds for the renovation of A.J. Padelford Park and Artesia Park as part of its efforts to improve public services and infrastructure.
- Supervisor Janice Hahn secured $3 million of available Measure B funding for supporting Catalina Island Health, the only hospital on Catalina Island, to stabilize the hospital and ensure continued access to emergency medical care.
- In an effort to combat organized retail theft, a $15.6 million grant has been secured by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs to target smash-and-grab crews and criminal organizations behind them.
- The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) has been directed by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to engage with the administration of Catalina Island Health and report back within 90 days with an analysis of the hospital's emergency room operations, based on a motion approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
