LA County Shuts Down 7 Public Health Clinics Due to $50M Funding Shortfall
Last Day for Seven LA County Public Health Clinics Amid Budget Cuts
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is set to discontinue services at seven health clinics effective February 27, following a substantial $50 million funding shortfall from federal, state, and local sources. This decision marks a significant change in the county’s healthcare infrastructure, prompting a shift of patient care to a reduced network of state-run facilities and community-based providers.
The closure affects crucial preventive services, including vaccinations, as well as testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and tuberculosis (TB). While clinical operations will cease at the seven sites, non-clinical public health programs will continue at most locations, with the exception of the Dr. Ruth Temple Health Center, which will end all public health programming.
The impacted clinics are as follows:
- Antelope Valley: 335‐B East Avenue K6, Lancaster
- Center for Community Health (Leavy): 522 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles
- Curtis R. Tucker: 123 W. Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood
- Hollywood Wilshire: 5205 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
- Pomona: 750 S. Park Avenue, Pomona
- Dr. Ruth Temple: 3834 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles
- Torrance: 711 Del Amo Boulevard, Torrance
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, acknowledged the dire financial challenges facing Public Health. "Public Health is facing serious funding challenges that are reducing our ability to continue all existing programs and forcing the closure of several Public Health clinics,” she stated. Ferrer expressed that the closures are "deeply upsetting" and highlight the "real consequences of disinvestment" but emphasized the effort to connect affected patients with community health care providers that have expanded over the past decade.
In the wake of these developments, the Department of Public Health is prioritizing a smooth transition for patients, partnering with community-based organizations to absorb the patient load. Residents are encouraged to utilize the remaining open clinics or seek nearby community health centers providing comprehensive services. The department will continue to monitor the effects of these reductions on the county’s capacity to manage infectious disease outbreaks and address routine public health needs.
