Watsonville (Calif.) Community Hospital has moved a step closer to returning to community ownership after securing $25 million from the state of California.
California State Sen. John Laird said in a press release shared June 30 with Good Times Santa Cruz that the funds will help Pajaro Valley Health Care District finalize the purchase of the hospital.
"This historic investment by the State of California for healthcare access in the Watsonville region will pay significant dividends to the region for decades to come," Mr. Laird stated.
Pajaro Valley Health Care District now has $49 million, which still falls short of the $61.7 million goal. However, organizers plan to continue fundraising efforts until the Aug. 31 deadline. To date, the fundraising campaign includes about 300 donors.