Rural Health Care

California’s rural hospitals provide care to more than 2 million people and are lifelines and economic pillars for the communities they serve. Many are on the financial brink, facing the possibility of closure and reducing services in their fight to stay open. When a rural hospital closes, the entire community suffers: families lose labor and delivery services, elderly patients must travel to far-off medical facilities, and patients who need specialized care are left behind.

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California Critical Access Hospital Network

The California Critical Access Hospital Network (CCAHN) is a statewide organization that fosters collaborative working relationships among California critical access hospitals, a subset of rural hospitals that are located at least 35 miles from another facility. Working together, members grow stronger through shared resources, education, and innovation.

Southern Inyo Healthcare District

Southern Inyo Healthcare District

California Critical Access Hospitals Map 2024

Advocacy

SB 1423 | Stabilize Critical Access Hospital Finances

Dahle, R-Bieber

Would establish a technical advisory group to evaluate and make recommendations related to critical access hospitals’ financial stability

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AB 869 | Provide Relief from 2030 Seismic Requirements

Wood, D-Healdsburg

 Would extend the deadline for 2030 seismic compliance for certain rural and district hospitals experiencing financial hardship

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Resources

Infographic

For Rural California, Health Care Deserts
Could Become the New Normal

An elderly ethnic couple enjoy a cup of coffee together in the morning. They are sitting in their living room, in front of a picture window, and are holding their mugs and smiling at one another affectionately. He has his arm around her.

Issue Brief

California’s Rural Communities at Risk

Device that measures earth tremors. Used by geologists to measure magnitude, intensity, and duration of seismic activity like earthquakes and plate movements. The stronger the ground shakes, the more dramatic the lines move.

Key Messages

Health Care at Risk for Millions

On-Demand Education

Seismic Legislation Updates – August 21, 2024 – 44 min

Seismic Legislation Updates – July 24, 2024 – 34 min

Seismic Legislation Updates – May 29, 2024 – 27 minutes

Seismic Legislation Updates – April 3, 2024 – 57 min

What You Need to Know to Meet Upcoming Seismic Reporting Deadlines – September 26, 2023 – 41 min

Seismic Community Engagement Member Briefing – July 6 & 10, 2023 – 60 min

Seismic Survey Results and Campaign Briefing – April 19, 2023 – 50 min