Taking care of our health is one of the most important things in life. But for many in Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley, getting the care and support they need has not always been easy. That’s why the Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD) was created—to ensure everyone in our community has access to quality health care, regardless of background or situation.
What is a Health Care District?
A health care district is a public agency that helps run hospitals and health programs in a specific community. It’s a form of local government, overseen by an elected board of directors, similar to a school district or water district. Unlike private hospitals and other health care businesses whose primary focus is making a profit, health care districts prioritize serving the people, making decisions that put patients first.
PVHCD was formed in 2022 to save Watsonville Community Hospital from closing. Had the hospital shut down, tens of thousands of residents would have lost access to emergency care and life-saving treatments. Thanks to state legislative funding and overwhelming community support, including contributions from local residents, businesses, and donors, we raised the necessary funds to bring the hospital under local control after more than 20 years of corporate ownership.
Why Local Control Matters
Watsonville and the 95076 area face serious health challenges. According to the California Healthy Places Index (HPI), which measures a community’s health by looking at social and economic conditions like income, housing, and education, our community ranks in the lower portion of the state. Many residents struggle with diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Others lack health insurance, housing, or employment, while some cannot find doctors who speak their language.
PVHCD’s mission extends beyond running a hospital—we are here to improve our community’s overall health. By partnering with other health care providers, institutions, and community-based organizations, we are working to close gaps in care and create solutions. Because we are a local health care district—not a large corporation—we can focus on what our community needs most and ensure that Watsonville Community Hospital remains a public institution that prioritizes patient care over profits.
Learning from Other Districts
Health care districts across California have successfully improved health outcomes by expanding services and filling critical gaps in care.
One example is the Grossmont Healthcare District in San Diego County. Grossmont owns Sharp Grossmont Hospital and goes beyond just overseeing its operations by investing in health programs that focus on preventive care and long-term wellness. Since 1996, the district has awarded $1.5 million annually to programs that support seniors, mental health, and chronic disease management, significantly improving health outcomes for East San Diego County residents.
Another strong example is the Cloverdale Health Care District (CHCD), which operates the only paramedic-level ambulance service in Northern Sonoma County. Responding to over 900 emergency calls each year, CHCD ensures residents have access to 24/7 pre-hospital emergency care, a service that would otherwise be unavailable in the region. By providing rapid and professional emergency response, CHCD has become an essential lifeline for its community.
Inspired by these success stories, PVHCD is taking steps to improve local health care access. Our primary goal is to keep Watsonville Community Hospital financially stable and expand services and resources to meet the needs of our community. This includes increasing access to primary care, addressing chronic disease rates, and tackling social determinants of health such as food insecurity.
One example of this work is our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County to create Nourish, a free food pantry located in the hospital’s main lobby. Since opening in November 2023, Nourish has provided over 31,542 pounds of fresh and shelf-stable food to more than 1,085 households, with a particular focus on supporting prenatal and postnatal mothers. Addressing food insecurity directly within the hospital setting ensures that patients have the nutrition they need to recover and stay healthy.
The work ahead is not easy, and we know there are many challenges to overcome. But the progress we have made in just a few short years gives us confidence that we are on the right path. By focusing on local governance and community-driven care, PVHCD is building a stronger, healthier Pajaro Valley—one where all residents have access to the care and support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.