Inyo County Leaders Thank Senator Alvarado-Gil’s Advocacy for $400,000 Southern Inyo Healthcare Grant

Sacramento, CA – Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil today announced that Southern Inyo Healthcare District has received a $400,000 emergency grant from the state’s Distressed Hospital Grant Program under AB 108, highlighting her strong advocacy on behalf of rural healthcare in Senate District 4.

 

The grant, administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), provides one-time emergency relief to financially distressed hospitals. Southern Inyo Healthcare District was one of only four hospitals statewide selected to receive funding, a direct result of Senator Alvarado-Gil’s focused efforts to support rural healthcare infrastructure delivering one of her key goals for 2026.

 

“I want to thank HCAI for their important investment and for understanding how critical it is to keep healthcare available right here in our communities. Southern Inyo Healthcare District is essential to thousands of residents, families, seniors, and visitors in our rural communities.”

 

“Rural hospitals like Southern Inyo face unique challenges, and I’m pleased the state is stepping up to provide this support,” Alvarado-Gil continued.

 

Local leaders praised Senator Alvarado-Gil’s tireless advocacy and hands-on support throughout the process.

 

Jose Garcia, Bishop City Councilman: “This grant represents a strong commitment to rural healthcare in Inyo County. We appreciate Senator Alvarado-Gil’s advocacy for our district in helping us obtain this grant and will continue working together to ensure our communities have access to the medical services they need.”

 

Walt Wadelton, Inyo County Supervisor: “When I heard there was a Distressed hospital fund, I knew we had to connect with Senator Alvarado-Gil and get SIHD on the list. It’s been a long process and she and her team have been with us every step of the way. Rural healthcare is often overlooked in California and this money will give us the cushion we need to support our patients through the end of the year.”

 

Kevin Flanigan, CEO, Southern Inyo Healthcare District: “Receiving this $400,000 grant is a tremendous relief and will help us continue delivering high-quality healthcare to our patients in the Eastern Sierra. We are deeply grateful for the support from Senator Alvarado-Gil and her team who have fought tirelessly to keep rural hospitals open.”

 

Senator Alvarado-Gil thanked local leaders, hospital staff, and advocates for their partnership, while underscoring her continued commitment to championing rural healthcare needs in the Capitol.

 

“I will keep fighting in Sacramento to ensure our rural communities are not left behind when it comes to healthcare access and affordability.”

 

Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.