Inglewood Clinic and Five Others to Close After $50M Federal Funding Cut

LOS ANGELES – Officials revealed on Friday that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will discontinue clinic services at seven sites by the end of this month due to substantial budget reductions exceeding $50 million.

The clinics impacted — offering services such as immunizations, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and tuberculosis screening and care — are set to stop providing medical services on February 27.

Public health authorities stated that services will remain available at the six remaining Public Health clinics as well as through local community health providers, according to officials.

"Public Health is encountering significant financial difficulties that are limiting our capacity to maintain all current programs and are leading to the shutdown of several Public Health clinics," stated Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer in a release.

She mentioned that investments in community health professionals during the last ten years have increased access to thorough care, and patients will be linked with other services to address their requirements.

The following public health clinics are set to discontinue their medical services:

— Antelope Valley Public Health Clinic, 335-B East Avenue K6, Lancaster;

— Community Health Center (Leavy), 522 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles;

— Curtis R. Tucker Public Health Clinic, 123 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood;

— Hollywood-Wilshire Public Health Clinic, 5205 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles;

— Pomona Health Clinic, 750 S. Park Ave., Pomona;

— Dr. Ruth Temple Health Center, 3834 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles; and

— Torrance Public Health Clinic, 711 Del Amo Boulevard, Torrance.

In July 2020, the Curtis R. Tucker Health Center finished a $7.6 million expansion and renovation project aimed at improving services for Inglewood residents and nearby areas. This facility represents the first instance where the Los Angeles County Departments of Health Services, Mental Health Services, and Public Health have come together in a single location to offer patients coordinated integrated care, irrespective of their financial situation.

The Inglewood facility mainly assists individuals who lack health insurance or a consistent healthcare provider. It remains uncertain why the Inglewood site was chosen for closure following significant investments to enhance and support the community.

Health authorities mentioned decreases in federal, state, and local funding, as well as increasing operational expenses, as major reasons prompting the merging of services. Federal support makes up almost half of the department's budget, and officials cautioned that ongoing uncertainty might result in further interruptions.

City News Service assisted in preparing this report.

The post Inglewood clinic, along with six others, is set to shut down because of a $50 million reduction in federal funding. appeared first on 2 Urban Girls - Urban News, Politics, Local Theater & More.

Berbagi :