To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Michelle Bushnell
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Letter of Support for Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District’s New Hospital and Clinic Project
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair to sign the Letter of Support; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to email the executed letter to CBrown@shchd.org.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1002- Remove barriers to quality healthcare
DISCUSSION:
The Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District, also known as SoHum Health, has completed its final design documents for a new hospital and primary care clinic in Garberville, to be located adjacent to Highway 101. This facility will replace the existing Jerold Phelps Community Hospital, which cannot meet upcoming statewide seismic requirements. The designs have been submitted for state and county review, with permits expected in 2026. Construction is projected to cost $85,416,075, with SoHum Health actively fundraising and seeking grants to offset costs.
The district plans to submit a USDA Rural Development Loan application in December 2025 to finance the bulk of the project. A letter of support from the Board of Supervisors will highlight the importance of this project in continuing high-quality emergency and primary care services for the community.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact in sending a letter of support.
STAFFING IMPACT:
None
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board Discretion
ATTACHMENTS:
Letter of Support
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: NA
File No.: N/A