A $1 million loan from Riverside County has been approved to stabilize Palo Verde Hospital and keep its emergency department open, ensuring continued access to emergency medical care for Blythe residents. The Riverside County Board of Supervisors made the decision after several months of collaboration between county teams, the Palo Verde Healthcare District, the City of Blythe, and other agencies.
The hospital serves a community located 70 to 100 miles from the nearest alternative hospitals. Supervisor V. Manuel Perez expressed gratitude for the collective effort: “Thank you to our Executive Office, RUHS, and everyone involved, to get us this far,” said Perez. “I want to thank the City of Blythe, they also put in $330,000 which was very helpful and, with our $1 million, it gives us the time to try to figure this out. Specifically, I want to say thank you to the City Councilmembers, Joseph Halby and Johnny Rodriguez for playing a big role, Desert Healthcare District, Tenet, DHCS, State Senator Padilla’s office and Congressman Ruiz. Last but not least, county staff as well as my office staff, played a role in this effort. Thank you to all who engaged.”
During the meeting where the loan was approved, Supervisor Perez and other supervisors were acknowledged for their efforts in supporting the hospital. The funding will provide urgent financial relief that allows daily operations at the emergency department to continue.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber supports economic growth in California’s Coachella Valley region by providing business advocacy services such as networking opportunities and educational programs. The chamber fosters collaboration among businesses and government stakeholders throughout cities like Cathedral City, Indio, Palm Desert and others across the region (https://gcvcc.org/).
