HAZEL HAWKINS SEEKS BRIDGE FUNDING FOR HEALTH & SAFETY OF SAN BENITO COUNTY

PRESS RELEASE

PR CONTACT: Frankie Gallagher

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital

Phone: (831) 636-2644

Email: fgallagher@hazelhawkins.com

HAZEL HAWKINS SEEKS BRIDGE FUNDING FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY OF SAN BENITO COUNTY

Hospital pursues multiple angles to secure emergency funding

HOLLISTER, Calif.–December 9, 2022: Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital (HHMH) is actively seeking new opportunities to ensure continuity of healthcare and an orderly restructuring process, including requesting emergency bridge funding from the San Benito County Board of Supervisors. On December 5, the hospital sent a proposal to the County requesting $10 million in bridge funding.

County funds would give HHMH sufficient time to implement a restructuring plan that would stabilize operations into the future through new affiliations or additional financing. The hospital’s main goal is making sure healthcare services continue without interruption.

HHMH facilities provide emergency services, infant delivery, home health care, diabetes care, orthopedics, physical therapy, primary and specialty care, surgery, and skilled nursing, among other vital services. Last year, HHMH had 23,594 Emergency Department visits; 2,319 hospital admissions; 42,981 outpatient visits; 83,679 clinic visits; and 439 infant deliveries. HHMH is also the number one healthcare services employer in San Benito County, with 745 employees and 41 active physicians on staff in 2021.

“Our community needs its hospital, emergency department, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities to stay open,” said interim CEO Mary Casillas. “The County’s main responsibility is to the health and safety of its citizens, so we’re asking for help as we work to resolve this crisis.”

In addition to pursuing County bridge funding, HHMH reached out to the California State Treasurer’s office for a $3 million bridge loan. HHMH has also held meetings with state assembly members and state senators’ offices and advocacy meetings with the Association of California Healthcare Districts and California Hospital Association.

In November, the HHMH board passed a resolution declaring a fiscal emergency. The hospital remains open delivering high-quality patient care at all of its locations. To find a doctor or health clinic, visit www.hazelhawkins.com.

# # #

About Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital is a full-service, public agency hospital delivering modern medicine and compassionate care to the growing San Benito County community. HHMH offers hundreds of health services across multiple locations, including top-tier specialists, a modern Emergency Department, and a state-of-the-art Women’s Center. To learn more about Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation, please visit www.hazelhawkins.com.