Dozens of people protested in Ukiah Tuesday to show their support for federal healthcare programs, and express concern that recent cuts could endanger not only the health of many people who depend upon them, but the financial health of many hospitals.
Several local facilities, including Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, were recently included on a list of rural hospitals across the country that could face closure or other significant impacts due to recent changes in Medicaid coverage.
In June, U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), released “a list of more than 300 rural hospitals across the United States at disproportionate risk of closure, conversion, or service reductions due to proposed health care cuts” in the Reconciliation Bill that passed this summer.
The list of “338 rural hospitals at-risk of reducing service lines, converting to a different type of health care facility, or closing,” include: Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, Adventist Health Clearlake, Sutter Lakeside Hospital (in Lakeport), and Adventist Health St. Helena.
When asked to respond to community members’ concerns regarding potential impacts to the Ukiah hospital, spokeswoman Cici Winiger said “all we can say at this time is: As a healthcare system committed to serving our communities with compassionate care, Adventist Health is deeply disappointed in the outcomes of the Reconciliation Bill vote because of the catastrophic impact it will have on access to care for all.
“Provisions in the bill cut Medicaid availability for patients and will impact hospitals and our communities,” Winiger continued. “More than 70 percent of our patients who enter our hospitals rely on Medicaid and Medicare for their care. Additionally, this legislation threatens to widen disparities and undermine the financial stability of hospitals and clinics, which are the lifeline and economic engine of local communities. We will continue to advocate for patients and their well-being with elected officials at the State and Federal levels.”
To further address these concerns, Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer Darcie Antle recently announced that she “is launching a three-part Health Summit series to bring together local health care providers, public agencies, and community stakeholders to discuss the potential impacts from the proposed financial changes to health-related programs and services.”
In a press release, Antle described the first meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, Sept.10, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at the County Administration Building in Ukiah, as focused on exploring “how the first round of changes may affect various sectors of health care in Mendocino County, including hospitals, clinics, and County-provided programs. The goal is to foster open dialogue, share information, and develop collaborative strategies to respond to anticipated challenges.”
Antle added that “meetings two and three will follow in Fall of 2025 and Spring of 2026.”
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