LA County relocates health centers due to budget crisis

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is attempting to cut expenses by relocating three community clinics as the agency prepares for significant funding shortfalls amid federal and state changes to health care funding. 

The three clinics, also known as health centers, include the Antelope Valley Health Center, relocating to High Desert Regional Health Center and South Valley Health Center on June 1; the Torrance Health Center, relocating to Bellflower Health Center on June 1; and the East LA Health Center, relocating to Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center on July 1.  

Coral Itzcalli, a spokesperson for County Health Services, said that the three community health centers being relocated served approximately 15,000 patients, all of whom will continue receiving care at nearby L.A. Health Services locations. 

“We have already notified impacted patients directly. They are not losing access to care. Our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible,” Itzcalli said. “Transportation information, appointment assistance and care coordination support are also being provided to patients.”

According to the county, the decision to relocate the clinics is driven by the changes to Medicaid and Medi-Cal, which is projected to reduce L.A. Health Services’ budget by over $700 million by 2029. 

Additionally, Itzcalli mentioned that California State actions, including the end of COVID-era flexibilities, decreased federal matching rates for emergency services for certain populations and enrollment freezes for undocumented adults, among others, have contributed to the relocation of the clinics. 

“At this time, LA Health Services has not closed any health centers,” Itzcalli said. “However, without State or Federal intervention, ongoing funding cuts may force us to make very difficult choices about the healthcare services we can continue to provide. Our priority is to maintain access to high‑quality care for LA County residents.”