AVALON — Catalina Island’s only hospital has received a critical lifeline as Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn successfully secured a $3 million, one-time funding allocation to help keep Catalina Island Health (CIH) operational. The funding comes from surplus revenues within the county’s Measure B fund — a special tax designated for emergency medical services and trauma care.
The decision was finalized on April 8, 2025, when Hahn, who represents Catalina Island as part of LA County’s Fourth District, introduced the motion during a meeting of the Board of Supervisors. The Catalina Islander confirmed details of the decision following an interview with Hahn and other stakeholders.
The emergency allocation is intended to stave off the potential closure of CIH while the hospital continues to collaborate with LA County and other agencies on a more permanent, sustainable solution. Catalina Island Health provides 24/7 emergency care and is the only healthcare facility serving the island’s 4,000 year-round residents and more than one million annual visitors.
According to county officials, the Measure B funds — originally approved by voters in 2002 — are collected through a property tax intended to support trauma centers, emergency medical response, and bioterrorism preparedness across the county. Though the fund generates more than $350 million annually, most of that money has traditionally gone to a small number of trauma hospitals, and Catalina Island Health had not previously been among them.
The new allocation not only offers immediate financial relief for the hospital but could also set a precedent for annual funding moving forward. The approval of surplus funds from Measure B introduces the possibility that CIH may be eligible for recurring support through the same mechanism.
Supervisor Hahn emphasized the broader impact of CIH’s closure on LA County’s emergency infrastructure as well as on the island community. With an average of 770 trauma patients treated annually at CIH — and only 50 typically requiring air evacuation to the mainland — any reduction in service would likely result in more frequent and costly helicopter transports. County estimates suggest that those additional medical evacuations could cost taxpayers as much as $14 million annually.
Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone also expressed strong support for the emergency funding. According to Marrone, closing CIH would result in catastrophic gaps in healthcare services, require a comprehensive overhaul of medical transportation logistics, and significantly increase pressure on the county’s emergency systems. He noted the potential for costly consequences and dangerous treatment delays should the island hospital be forced to shut its doors.
Beyond emergency services, Catalina Island Health provides the island’s only primary care, long-term care, mental health services, and pharmacy access — making it an indispensable resource for both the island’s residents and its visitors. The majority of Avalon’s population are low-income, and many rely exclusively on CIH for their health and wellness needs.
In response to the funding approval, CIH CEO Jason Paret stated that the support would allow the hospital to continue providing essential medical services without interruption. He acknowledged that this funding buys time and stability as the institution works toward more sustainable solutions with the county’s help.
As part of the motion approved by the Board of Supervisors, an amendment from Supervisor Kathryn Barger requires the LA County Department of Health Services (DHS) to conduct a thorough review of CIH’s emergency operations. DHS has been directed to analyze staffing, services, equipment, and expenditures, and to provide written findings within 90 days. The department will also offer technical assistance related to billing, reimbursement, and other administrative matters impacting CIH’s emergency department.
The hospital leadership has welcomed this step and is preparing to work closely with county officials in the weeks ahead. CIH also expressed gratitude to the many individuals and businesses who submitted letters of support to the Board of Supervisors, which hospital representatives say played a key role in advancing the motion.
With this new funding, Catalina Island Health will be able to maintain round-the-clock emergency coverage, ensure continued access to healthcare for underserved residents, and protect a vital public health asset for LA County. The long-term future of the hospital remains a priority, and discussions about continued funding, operational improvements, and expanded partnerships are expected to continue in the coming months.
