{"id":33806,"date":"2026-08-09T03:27:41","date_gmt":"2026-08-08T22:27:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=33806"},"modified":"2026-08-09T03:27:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T22:27:41","slug":"catalina-islands-only-hospital-fights-for-its-future-amid-dire-financial-outlook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=33806","title":{"rendered":"Catalina Island\u2019s only hospital fights for its future amid dire financial outlook"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-element=\"story-body\" data-subscriber-content=\"\">\n<p>The Saturday morning calm at Catalina Island Health\u2019s two-bed emergency room was broken just before noon, when two tourists with arm injuries burst in within minutes of one another.<\/p>\n<p>Praveen Biln, the registered nurse on duty in the ER, kicked into gear checking vital signs on the first arrival, a woman in her 50s who broke a bone in her elbow when she fell while roller skating at the Catalina Casino.<\/p>\n<p>Minutes later, 8-year-old Carter Olsen hobbled in with his worried mother after hurting his arm in a fall. An X-ray ultimately revealed it wasn\u2019t fractured.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan I ask you a silly question: Did you hit your head? Can you turn your neck?\u201d Biln asked him to be sure he wasn\u2019t hurt anywhere else. Carter, of Newport Beach, told the nurse that he had not, and that he could. \u201cAwesome,\u201d Biln told him. \u201cYou\u2019re doing so good.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As the only full-time medical provider on the island, Catalina Island Health is a vital resource for approximately 4,000 residents and 1 million annual visitors. But Tim Kielpinski, the hospital\u2019s CEO, says it was \u201cin dire straits\u201d and on the brink of having to shut its doors last year before it received an emergency multimillion-dollar bailout from the county.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe just had six days of cash on hand in June of 2025,\u201d he said Saturday evening at a fundraiser for the hospital. \u201cSix days,\u201d he added, \u201cbefore we would have faced impossible decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/306b816\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2b1b05c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e2ba06f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/16fcde6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b3d04d5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/24f74cd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5db270b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"People enjoy the summer weather at Catalina Island Harbor with a view of the Catalina Casino in Avalon. \" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/04adca8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/07cff9d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/72e4ac7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2099ee0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/3019e2e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c4e16fd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a58d625\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/cd39f1b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F78%2F01216a3c436599032283c7fa2eb9%2F1564149-harbor-catalina-ajs-06.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p> Each year, approximately one million  tourists visit Catalina Island, which  has only one hospital to handle  medical issues.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Its financial picture has improved somewhat since that nadir, but Catalina Island Health remains one of several hospitals across Los Angeles County that are struggling to stay open in the face of strong financial headwinds. Inflation has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic, government reimbursement for Medi-Cal patients and the uninsured often doesn\u2019t cover costs, and providers say they frequently have difficulties obtaining full payment from insurers.<\/p>\n<p>Compounding the issue is the fact that many providers will lose millions of dollars of annual federal funding beginning in 2027 as a result of Medicaid changes ushered in by last year\u2019s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or HR1.<\/p>\n<p>Recent county efforts to help struggling hospitals such as Catalina Island Health and <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2026-08-03\/struggling-to-survive-south-l-a-s-mlk-hospital-seeks-share-of-county-funds-to-help-hospitals\">Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital<\/a> in Willowbrook will bring some relief. In June, county voters <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2026-06-10\/supporters-cheer-new-la-county-measure-er-sales-tax\">approved Measure ER<\/a>, which imposes a half-cent sales tax estimated to bring in $1 billion a year to help cash-strapped hospitals, clinics and Planned Parenthood services.<\/p>\n<p>And on Tuesday, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to approve a motion to hire a consultant to reevaluate how it allocates funds collected via a property tax instituted by Measure B, a 2002 ballot initiative. The original measure stated that the funds are to be used to support trauma centers, emergency medical services and bioterrorism response, but in practice, the money has mainly gone to hospitals with trauma centers. <\/p>\n<p>Some hospitals that provide emergency medical services but not trauma care, including Catalina Island Health and MLK hospital, are pushing for the county to help them by providing recurring disbursements of Measure B funds.<\/p>\n<p>Paul Young, chief of advocacy and public policy at the Hospital Association of Southern California, which has not taken a stance on Measure B, addressed the stark situation facing many of its member hospitals and health systems across L.A. County during the Tuesday meeting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHospital finances are an amalgam of calculus and Jenga,\u201d he told the board, adding that, \u201cwe\u2019re cognizant of the fact that hospitals are struggling in this day, and that struggle will increase with the impacts of HR1 impacting us in 2027.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Anyone who needs medical care on Catalina Island has two options: stop in at Catalina Island Health in Avalon or take a ferry, helicopter or airplane back to the mainland.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a system that has worked for decades, but it may be in peril, as the 12-bed private nonprofit hospital\u2019s leaders are concerned it won\u2019t be able to survive its current financial challenges.<\/p>\n<p>It received a lifeline in April 2025, when the county announced that it would be disbursing the hospital $3 million collected via Measure B, which brought in about $427 million in fiscal year 2025. Today, with the help of that initial $3 million, plus the first half of another $3 million of Measure B funds that the county decided to disburse to the hospital, Catalina Island Health has 45 days of cash on hand. Kielpinski said that\u2019s the most in at least a decade.<\/p>\n<p>But because the payments are essentially one-off bailouts, the hospital can\u2019t rely on those funds going forward. Meanwhile, as of June 2025 \u2014 a month before the first Measure B payment \u2014 Catalina Island Health was operating in the red, with about $24 million of net patient revenue and expenses of about $25.5 million, the CEO said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt the moment we don\u2019t need any help with operations because of Measure B and other governmental support,\u201d Kielpinski said. \u201cBut that could easily fall off, and then we\u2019d be back in the same situation unless we can make up the costs otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4670e93\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f841de0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9c0cc26\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0be18fc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a2f813a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/12c67de\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4fd5a71\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Long-term patient Bob Humphries, a former surfboard shaper from Costa Mesa, watches TV in his room at Catalina Island Health.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/77f7102\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6f2fb04\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/53d2180\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/29a0162\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/44cd25b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c938dbf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6ee42db\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/3e93d2c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F89%2Fa72e100343ce902748fbbde953e5%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-18.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Long-term patient Bob Humphries, a former surfboard shaper from Costa Mesa, watches TV in his room at Catalina Island Health. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>He said the hospital is \u201ctrying to turn it around from all the levers possible,\u201d such as renegotiating contracts with insurers, trimming costs and advocating for more government funding.<\/p>\n<p>If those efforts are unsuccessful, personnel from the Avalon Fire Department and Los Angeles County\u2019s Baywatch would be able to provide some level of emergency medical treatment while patients await transportation across the Catalina Channel. But they do not have access to some of the equipment the hospital has, or the ability to provide some of the services it provides, such as CT scans and sedated intubation. That would mean worse health outcomes for some patients.<\/p>\n<p>Catalina residents\u2019 day-to-day lives would also be impacted, as they would have to purchase pricey ferry tickets and travel to the mainland for even basic medical care.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<div data-element=\"media-set-4-up-horizontal\" role=\"figure\" aria-describedby=\"media-set-0000019f-d291-d3b1-afff-fab1fdc80013\" class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-2.5 m-0 -mx-5 md:grid-cols-2 lg:m-0  xxl:-mx-10 \">\n<div data-element=\"media-set-media-container\" class=\"relative\">\n<p data-element=\"media-set-index\" class=\"absolute bottom-0 left-0 z-1 m-0 flex h-1.25 w-1.25 items-center justify-center bg-blackAlpha65 p-2.5 font-cms-font-service-text text-xs font-medium leading-none text-cms-color-overlay-text\"> 1 <\/p>\n<picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/484b18e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4157x2771+96+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2F1c%2F0b16c5024e4a901ca3f43aa05d7d%2F1564149-parasail-catalina-ajs-05.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/fbe92ee\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4157x2771+96+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2F1c%2F0b16c5024e4a901ca3f43aa05d7d%2F1564149-parasail-catalina-ajs-05.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4086706\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4157x2771+96+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2F1c%2F0b16c5024e4a901ca3f43aa05d7d%2F1564149-parasail-catalina-ajs-05.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/025a5ff\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4157x2771+96+0\/resize\/1024x683!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2F1c%2F0b16c5024e4a901ca3f43aa05d7d%2F1564149-parasail-catalina-ajs-05.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b22ba04\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4157x2771+96+0\/resize\/1200x800!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2F1c%2F0b16c5024e4a901ca3f43aa05d7d%2F1564149-parasail-catalina-ajs-05.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Parasailing boats take tourists for rides near Avalon.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/dbb17ab\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4157x2771+96+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2F1c%2F0b16c5024e4a901ca3f43aa05d7d%2F1564149-parasail-catalina-ajs-05.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b71d69b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4157x2771+96+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2F1c%2F0b16c5024e4a901ca3f43aa05d7d%2F1564149-parasail-catalina-ajs-05.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6c0e1f4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4157x2771+96+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2F1c%2F0b16c5024e4a901ca3f43aa05d7d%2F1564149-parasail-catalina-ajs-05.jpg 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<\/div>\n<div data-element=\"media-set-media-container\" class=\"relative\">\n<p data-element=\"media-set-index\" class=\"absolute bottom-0 left-0 z-1 m-0 flex h-1.25 w-1.25 items-center justify-center bg-blackAlpha65 p-2.5 font-cms-font-service-text text-xs font-medium leading-none text-cms-color-overlay-text\"> 2 <\/p>\n<picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5befc82\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4962x3308+0+3\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F14%2Ff1870ca640bca0ca7ee8c7805565%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-11.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/673d24a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4962x3308+0+3\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F14%2Ff1870ca640bca0ca7ee8c7805565%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-11.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/67830d4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4962x3308+0+3\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F14%2Ff1870ca640bca0ca7ee8c7805565%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-11.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e67eff5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4962x3308+0+3\/resize\/1024x683!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F14%2Ff1870ca640bca0ca7ee8c7805565%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-11.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6432998\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4962x3308+0+3\/resize\/1200x800!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F14%2Ff1870ca640bca0ca7ee8c7805565%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-11.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"A deer watches a visitor while foraging for food on the hillside next to Catalina Island Health.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a8542a1\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4962x3308+0+3\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F14%2Ff1870ca640bca0ca7ee8c7805565%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-11.jpg 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1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c26a5c6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4962x3308+0+3\/resize\/1200x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F14%2Ff1870ca640bca0ca7ee8c7805565%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-11.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c26a5c6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4962x3308+0+3\/resize\/1200x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F14%2Ff1870ca640bca0ca7ee8c7805565%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-11.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>  <\/div>\n<div data-element=\"media-set-media-container\" class=\"relative\">\n<p data-element=\"media-set-index\" class=\"absolute bottom-0 left-0 z-1 m-0 flex h-1.25 w-1.25 items-center justify-center bg-blackAlpha65 p-2.5 font-cms-font-service-text text-xs font-medium leading-none text-cms-color-overlay-text\"> 3 <\/p>\n<picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0e0b6d4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6156dde\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/38e08dd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0b54408\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/1024x683!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/3aa5ada\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/1200x800!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Monica Skelton, of Catalina Island Horseback Adventures, takes Peanut, a miniature horse for a walk.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/82b6cc6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4bb9563\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f639922\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/81f85cb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/1024x683!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5edfce0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/1200x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5edfce0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5330x3553+41+0\/resize\/1200x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F3c%2Fd85072164f93b4936853286a702f%2F1564149-miniature-horse-catalina-ajs-02.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>  <\/div>\n<div data-element=\"media-set-media-container\" class=\"relative\">\n<p data-element=\"media-set-index\" class=\"absolute bottom-0 left-0 z-1 m-0 flex h-1.25 w-1.25 items-center justify-center bg-blackAlpha65 p-2.5 font-cms-font-service-text text-xs font-medium leading-none text-cms-color-overlay-text\"> 4 <\/p>\n<picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a258fdc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/48de179\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5838566\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f35afc5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/1024x683!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f99ffe7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/1200x800!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Doctor's parking spot for their golf cart and the emergency entrance at Catalina Island Health.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4d6e17c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/54a59d2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e26e63b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a08e655\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/1024x683!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/8200329\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/1200x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/8200329\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5923x3949+0+26\/resize\/1200x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F6f%2F1a19f4c64c72808ee3b11bd5f454%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-10.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>  <\/div>\n<p id=\"media-set-0000019f-d291-d3b1-afff-fab1fdc80013\" data-element=\"media-set-caption\" class=\"col-span-full mx-5 my-0 font-cms-font-service-text text-xs font-medium leading-3.5 text-cms-color-brand-text lg:mx-0\">  <strong data-element=\"media-set-meta-index\" class=\"font-cms-font-service-text font-bold\">1.<\/strong>  <span data-element=\"media-set-caption\">Parasailing boats take tourists for rides near Avalon.<\/span>    <strong data-element=\"media-set-meta-index\" class=\"font-cms-font-service-text font-bold\">2.<\/strong>  <span data-element=\"media-set-caption\">A deer watches a visitor while foraging for food on the hillside next to Catalina Island Health.<\/span>    <strong data-element=\"media-set-meta-index\" class=\"font-cms-font-service-text font-bold\">3.<\/strong>  <span data-element=\"media-set-caption\">Monica Skelton, of Catalina Island Horseback Adventures, takes Peanut, a miniature horse for a walk.<\/span>    <strong data-element=\"media-set-meta-index\" class=\"font-cms-font-service-text font-bold\">4.<\/strong>  <span data-element=\"media-set-caption\">Doctor\u2019s parking spot for their golf cart and the emergency entrance at Catalina Island Health.<\/span>  <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>A commonly held stereotype about Catalina Island is that it\u2019s home to only the wealthy \u2014 people who can afford sailboats and vacation homes. But the island\u2019s economy is propped up by lower-income workers, many of whom work multiple jobs and live with several other people in small homes there to make ends meet, said Jessica Flores, Catalina Island Health\u2019s director of clinic operations and patient experience.<\/p>\n<p>And many of them have chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, so they visit Catalina Island Health frequently, she added. If the hospital, which is an affiliate of UCI Health, closed, they might be left with no choice but to move off the island, which could leave businesses scrambling for workers and harm the tourism industry that fuels the island\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019re the people who are keeping these businesses running and everything, and they live here year-round,\u201d Flores said. \u201cThey can get their care here. When their blood sugar drops, we have the necessary components to make sure that they can get back to work, that they can get back to their lives. If we weren\u2019t here, would those people be able to stay?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The impacts of Catalina Island Health closing would also extend beyond the island.<\/p>\n<p>The hospital sees about 2,500 emergency patients annually. Catalina Island Health estimates that about 1,500 of them would have to be flown by helicopter to mainland hospitals for treatment if there was no longer an emergency room on the island.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/12c502e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9e14cde\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6b6f980\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/568816f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/901a9a4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ea166fa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/97e960b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Dr. Isabel Algaze in the emergency room at Catalina Island Health\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0853709\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6d3886b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/d5a27c9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/dd6fb66\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/d876af3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/3604f33\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c3a03cf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/13528ad\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F73%2F9ca5007b423db85968a530b6beae%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-27.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Dr. Isabel Algaze, emergency room medical director at Catalina Island Health, explains the extent of the injury of a woman who broke her arm roller skating. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Currently, approximately 250 emergency patients are transported from Catalina by helicopter each year, according to Kielpinski. About 200 of those flights are handled by Mercy Air, a for-profit service that flies patients and bills their insurers for the costs.<\/p>\n<p>But Mercy Air doesn\u2019t fly patients who are treated by Baywatch, which would be the entity requesting Medevac flights for essentially all of the emergency patients who would need to be taken to hospitals on the mainland if Catalina Island Health closes, Kielpinski said.<\/p>\n<p>Those patients are typically flown by L.A. County Fire Department helicopters, at a rate of about $13,000 per flight hour. That equates to an estimate of nearly $20 million of new expenses for county taxpayers annually.<\/p>\n<p>Jose Ramirez, a shuttle driver for a hotel near Catalina Island Health in Avalon, has lived in Catalina for 47 years. He remembers the gorgeous views from the helicopter that flew him to a mainland hospital in L.A. County after he injured his leg in a bicycle accident on the island. But he also recalls the $25,000 bill he was stuck with for the portion of the cost of the flight that his insurance didn\u2019t cover.<\/p>\n<p>If Catalina Island Health were to close, Ramirez said, he and his family would have to travel to Long Beach or L.A. for all of their medical care.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-right=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6c24b83\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a47f257\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/171331c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/7416577\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/859314b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b244082\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/7facdc0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"People travel in a golf cart past Catalina Island Health.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/8c3bf81\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ec2ef5c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0718975\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2f980b5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ab67613\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/fdd8813\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a1dcd81\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9d7654c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Ffe%2F12d3987045d1b5d5e6a21c39d38e%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-01.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>People travel in a golf cart past Catalina Island Health.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>\u201cWe don\u2019t have any other doctors here,\u201d he said Sunday afternoon. \u201cWe\u2019ve got lots of people here, so we\u2019ve got to have a good hospital with good doctors.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That won\u2019t be possible for much longer unless Catalina Island Health is able to solve another existential problem.  Construction of its  current building across from the Catalina Island Golf Course finished  in 1960. The hospital  is not up to state earthquake code, so  it has until January 2032 to complete construction of a new building to replace the existing one.<\/p>\n<p>The plans for a new facility have been drawn up and hospital leaders are confident construction will be wrapped by the deadline. The new building would feature two additional beds and the capacity to perform additional services such as infusion therapy for cancer, mammography and colonoscopies.<\/p>\n<p>Catalina Island Health just needs to pony up $30 million to secure the $145-million low-interest loan it anticipates receiving from the USDA to fund the $175-million project.<\/p>\n<p>On Saturday evening, Kielpinski spoke about the importance of replacing the existing building during a swanky fundraiser overlooking the water at Descanso Beach Club in Avalon. After the dozens of well-heeled guests in attendance tucked into New York strip steaks and carrot cake, Kielpinski called on them to open their wallets and donate.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe need you to partner with us,\u201d he said. \u201cWe can\u2019t do it without you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The event was a smashing success, he said afterward, bringing in a record $5.1 million \u2014 up from $1.1 million at last year\u2019s annual fundraiser \u2014 via donations and silent auction purchases. But the hospital still needs to raise another $18 million in the next 18 months if it hopes to serve the next generation of Catalina residents and revelers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen someone you love needs this hospital, will it be here?\u201d Kielpinski asked the attendees as the sun set over Descanso Bay.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/7dc0ad2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/fe822ee\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/36686a8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ab820fc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6a9c884\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2dcb7f1\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ba2e162\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Long-term patient Don Cisell walks to his room at Catalina Island Health.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/d503bd4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b9e6f73\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/aeefdda\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/67509eb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/8b784dd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2F50%2F86f31686449189700d9c88173892%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-21.jpg 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decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Long-term patient Don Cisell  walks  to his room at Catalina Island Health.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Saturday morning calm at Catalina Island Health\u2019s two-bed emergency room was broken just before noon, when two tourists with arm injuries burst in within minutes of one another. Praveen Biln, the registered nurse on duty in the ER, kicked into gear checking vital signs on the first arrival, a woman in her 50s who&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33807,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1f8c640\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3150+0+425\/resize\/1200x630!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5b%2F54%2F5a7bf84f42139f8855455e3d85e7%2F1564149-me-avalon-hospital-financial-problems-ajs-24.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-hub"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=33806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33806\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/33807"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=33806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=33806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=33806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}