MADERA -  The Madera County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting today to discuss the imminent closure of the Madera Community Hospital. After hearing testimony from the state, federal, and local leaders, as well as comments from the community, the Board gave direction to staff on the following:

1. Review counties in California that have formed hospital districts and examine the methodology used.
2. Request and review Madera Community Hospital financials in preparation for short and long-term planning to ensure if the forming of a hospital district is viable.
3. Work with local, state, and federal agencies on possible short-term funding for maintaining vital hospital functions such as emergency medical treatment.
4. Work with state and local leaders to create a steering committee to assist with Madera Community Hospital.
5. Work with state partners to enact legislative changes.
6. Work with the Office of Emergency Services regarding the possible proclamation of a local emergency pertaining to the Madera Community Hospital closure.

Immediately after the meeting, Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue proclaimed a local emergency for Madera County due to the significant impact of the closure of Madera Community Hospital. The closure of Madera Community Hospital will occur on or about 12:00am Friday, December 30, 2022.

The lack of hospital services in Madera County is expected to strain local resources deployed within Madera County, thereby depleting ambulance and response resources such as Law Enforcement and Fire. By proclaiming a local state of emergency, we are formally requesting help from state and federal officials.

Sheriff Pogue reflects, “We continue to monitor this evolving situation closely. The closure of Madera Community Hospital will have widespread effects on our community as a whole. This proclamation will request needed resources to support our efforts to continue providing the same high level of service and safety to our citizens in Madera County.”

The Madera County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hear an update from the county staff at the next board meeting slated for Tuesday, January 3, 2023.