SAN BENITO HEALTH CARE DISTRICT VOTES TO PUT LEASE TO OWN INITIATIVE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT

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SAN BENITO HEALTH CARE DISTRICT VOTES TO PUT LEASE TO OWN INITIATIVE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT

Measure Will Ask Voters To Approve Deal to Lease With Option To Buy District Assets to Insight

July 25, 2024 - Hollister, Calif. – At its regularly scheduled board meeting, the San Benito Health Care District (District) approved a term sheet regarding a lease transaction with Insight Health Foundation of California, Inc. (Insight) and voted to place the transaction on the November ballot. This decision is the culmination of District efforts over the past two years to identify a transaction partner committed to the long-term sustainability of quality healthcare in San Benito County.

“After months of hard work, the Board has decided it is time for the community to weigh in on this effort,” said Jeri Hernandez, President of the Board of Directors. “The measure will give voters the final say in how the District moves forward to ensure a bright future for healthcare in our community.”

The term sheet includes several important components for a lease with option to purchase transaction including a requirement that Insight maintain current service levels for ten years, employ at least 90% of existing workforce, invest in equipment and service lines, and provide the District with a right of first refusal to repurchase transferred assets. Insight has committed to the creation of a California non-profit entity to oversee operations, which will be comprised of local community members.

“No other proposal brought before the Board provided the level of financial security and investment that the District desperately needs at this time in our history,” continued Hernandez. “In compliance with Health Care District law, we made our decision and now turn to the voters.”

The definitive agreements between the District and Insight, once negotiated and drafted, will be brought back to the Board during a public meeting for review, public input, and approval.

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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.