Dear State Officials,

I am writing to you as a concerned resident of Ridgecrest, California, where the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital (RRH) is facing an imminent crisis that demands immediate attention and intervention. It has come to our attention that RRH, a vital healthcare institution serving our community, has announced the suspension of its labor and delivery unit by February 28, 2024.

Ridgecrest, CA with its significant population working at one of the largest naval air bases in America, is now on the brink of becoming a maternity care desert. The decision to suspend labor and delivery services is a direct consequence of the financial strain the hospital is experiencing due to insufficient funding and reimbursement from the state. This is not an isolated issue, as 27 other hospitals in similar situations continue to struggle, and the repercussions on maternal healthcare are far-reaching.

For the past 18 months, RRH has tirelessly engaged with state officials, attempting to address the root cause by seeking adjustments to reimbursement rates from Medi-Cal. Unfortunately, these efforts have not yielded tangible results. Over the years, RRH subsidized labor and delivery services with millions of dollars in an attempt to continue serving our community. Last year alone, RRH subsidized an amount as substantial as $4 million. 

The situation at RRH underscores the urgent need for our state to engage in a critical conversation about the level of healthcare we want to provide to our fellow citizens and how we are going to finance it. Delaying this conversation not only jeopardizes the well-being of rural communities like Ridgecrest but also sets a dangerous precedent for other healthcare institutions across the nation.

Our community, largely comprised of individuals who contribute significantly to the defense and security of our nation through their service at the naval base, deserves immediate attention and support. The prospect of pregnant women having to travel two hours to give birth is not only inconvenient but poses serious risks to maternal and infant health.

We, the undersigned residents are concerned and urge the State of California to take immediate action to provide the necessary funds to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, ensuring the restoration of its labor and delivery program. It is imperative that our community, which plays a crucial role in national security, is not left without essential maternity services.

We call on the state to:

1. Allocate emergency funding to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital to sustain and reinstate its labor and delivery services.

2. Undertake a comprehensive review of reimbursement rates from Medi-Cal to ensure they reflect the true cost of providing quality healthcare services.

3. Engage in a broader dialogue on the state's commitment to healthcare, particularly in regions where the closure of essential services disproportionately affects the population.

We implore you to act swiftly to preserve the health and well-being of Ridgecrest residents and safeguard the future of maternity care in our community.

Sincerely,

The Residents of Ridgecrest