![\"Catalina](\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbIFpkT-G-c6zZrpbnAMd8othLfi7uibJ7Bje4JLsUbCxEaikXUeJCx1nSh3nzmkYiGavh2J89EY0pZU7RWVllhDZgS9se7shNXeH_D2xj6yC2hNZoUvxT2zcKvfaUTDcgggzDdR7ujb2dcL2Wp6WSB4VUINyxierqpLMSx31ZRqoSwua0bQyN-3wVLTiemPElFYbpWHEaXu0hqC85z7bTUlQj27YIq8AV0jUU1GISb=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/content.govdelivery.com\/attachments\/fancy_images\/CALACOUNTY\/2025\/04\/11386607\/6115804\/catalina-island-medical-center-01472689701bn8-d7577_crop.jpg\")
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Los Angeles, CA<\/strong> \u2013 Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn secured $3 million of available Measure B funding to prevent the imminent closure of Catalina Island Health \u2013 the only hospital on Catalina Island. \u00a0Although the hospital is vitally important as the only source of emergency medical care on the island for Catalina\u2019s residents, workers, and over one million annual visitors, it faces serious financial challenges with insolvency predicted as early as July of this year.<\/p>\n \u201cIf 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\u2019s emergency medical response system,\u201d said Supervisor Janice Hahn. \u201cThis Measure B funding, approved by taxpayers to preserve trauma centers and emergency rooms, will keep Catalina Island Health\u2019s doors open to patients while we work on a long-term solution to keep this hospital operating and saving lives long into the future.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Catalina Island Health\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u00a0 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,\u201d said County of Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone.\u00a0 \u201cI strongly support the allocation of one-time Measure B funds to maintain essential medical care for Catalina Island\u2019s 4,000 year-round residents and 1 million tourists that visit the island annually.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n 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\u2019s residents, the majority of whom are low-income. It is also the island\u2019s only pharmacy.<\/p>\n Supervisor Hahn with Catalina Island Health CEO Jason Paret and COO Tim Kielpinski<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cCatalina 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,\u201d said Jason Paret, CEO of Catalina Island Health. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n![\"CIH](\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbCJN8PhP5kWEUrXJr7dhoRvE5oh51ReoSyJ6c57LYDYdHDwJ2MCiDg_SzyJMIIW93xsPKGx1yX_YnOWOTHbCuDirZr4weM9GLq55NCvTDOPElvAeftc9hzmKflKcQBq9bfdMPKFqYB2kBqMxYSNMOZsYNI8X35AE8he6QRnBjWF1p5s-EO9w_f5xc=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/content.govdelivery.com\/attachments\/fancy_images\/CALACOUNTY\/2025\/04\/11386903\/6115805\/cih-group-photo_crop.jpg\")
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