Senator Padilla Secures Funding in State Budget to Prevent Closure of Critical Hospitals in District

SACRAMENTO –Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) released the following statement today following the Legislature including two hospitals in his district in the extension of the Nondesignated Public Hospital Bridge Loan Program to prevent their closure — Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe and El Centro Regional Medical Center:

“In a time our rural hospitals are facing financial hardship and potential closure, it is critical that the state step in to ensure all Californians have access to life-saving care. These hospitals are often the only source of healthcare for an entire community. Palo Verde Hospital is the only acute-care facility within a 100-mile radius, approximately a two-hour drive away – too far in case of an emergency.

I am incredibly thankful to Governor Newsom and Senate Pro Tem McGuire for understanding the danger these communities face and working with my office to ensure these hospitals can stay open to provide life-saving care to this historically underserved region of our state.”

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Steve Padilla represents the 18th Senate District, which includes the communities of Chula Vista, the Coachella Valley, Imperial Beach, the Imperial Valley, National City, and San Diego. Prior to his election to the Senate in 2022, Senator Padilla was the first person of color ever elected to city office in Chula Vista, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office. Website of Senator Steve Padilla: https://sd18.senate.ca.gov/