On April 8, a motion to approve the funding was brought forth by LA County Board of Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Catalina Island as part of the Fourth District. The funds will help to stave off the closure of CIH while it works with the county and other government agencies on a long-term and sustainable solution.
(Note: This article includes information from a press release issued by Supervisor Hahn’s Office.)
“If Catalina Island Health were to close, it would not only be disastrous to the health and well-being of Avalon residents and visitors, but it would also have a dangerous ripple effect across our county’s emergency medical response system,” said Hahn. “This Measure B funding, approved by taxpayers to preserve trauma centers and emergency rooms, will keep Catalina Island Health’s doors open to patients while we work on a long-term solution to keep this hospital operating and saving lives long into the future.”
Measure B is a special tax approved by voters in 2002 for the sole purpose of funding the countywide system of trauma centers, emergency medical services, and bio-terrorism response. This tax is levied on all property owners in LA County – including those on Catalina Island. It currently raises about $350 million each year with the majority of the funds going to only a few hospitals and up until now, CIH was not one of those hospitals.
According to CIH, the approval of surplus funds from Measure B also introduces the potential for the hospital to receive an annual allocation from this county fund.
“Catalina Island Health and our entire island community are deeply grateful to Supervisor Hahn, her team, and each member of the LA County Board of Supervisors for understanding our need and providing this critical support,” said Jason Paret, CEO of Catalina Island Health.
“This funding will allow us to continue to protect lives with 24/7 emergency care, ensure health equity for our underserved community, and avoid a potential healthcare crisis for LA County.”
According to Supervisor Hahn’s Office, Catalina Island Health’s emergency room currently treats an average of 770 trauma patients each year with just 50 trauma patients requiring aerial transport to the mainland. The hospital’s closure would force more helicopter evacuations of trauma patients and cost the County an estimated $14 million each year. There would also be massive delays in treatment and could risk additional injury, harm, and even death to patients, according to Hahn’s Office..
The funding was also supported by LA County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. If CIH were to close, the county would incur an estimated $14 million in costs each year to deal with the additional amount of helicopter evacuations of trauma patients and even those less severe. Besides the financial strain, the county is deeply concerned about delays in treatment and the risks for additional injury, harm, and even death to patients should CIH close.
“The closure of Catalina Island Health would be catastrophic, creating a significant void for Catalina Island residents and visitors in need of essential healthcare and emergency care,” Marrone said.
“The closure would also require a comprehensive plan to address healthcare access as well as costly medical transportation logistics to the mainland creating a financial strain for taxpayers,” Marrone said. “I strongly support the allocation of one-time Measure B funds to maintain essential medical care for Catalina Island’s 4,000 year-round residents and 1 million tourists that visit the island annually.”
In addition to being the only emergency room for the island, Catalina Island Health is also the only source for primary, long-term care, and mental health services for the island’s residents, the majority of whom are low-income. It is also the island’s only pharmacy, according to Supervisor Hahn’s Office.
The approved motion by the LA County Supervisors included an amendment by Supervisor Kathryn Barger. It directs the LA County Department of Health Services to engage with CIH and report back in writing within 90 days with an analysis of the hospital’s emergency department operations including a detailed breakdown of expenditures, staffing services, and equipment. DHS has been asked to provide technical assistance regarding billing, reimbursement, and other administrative and operational needs relate to the emergency department.
“We look forward to working with DHS and to deepening our engagement with the county,” said Paret. “I’d also like to take a moment to thank the individuals and businesses who shared letters of support with each member of the Board of Supervisors. It really made a difference.”
