Efforts by a local nonprofit to purchase and run Watsonville Community Hospital have gained momentum, with several jurisdictions and organizations pledging money.
Now, Driscoll’s berry company has stepped forward, offering $1.75 million to match all donations through May 1 to the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project (PVHDP).
Driscoll’s Chair and CEO Miles Reiter says he recognizes the role that PVHDP could play in bringing health care services to the community.
“After an already tumultuous past two years, the last thing we want to see is disruption to our community’s public health services when people need access to quality care most,” Reiter stated in a press release. “We hope the community will join PVHDP’s fundraising challenge.”
A federal judge on Feb. 23 approved the sale, for which PVHDP will need from $50-60 million.
But money has been rolling in, showing the level of support for the purchase that exists in the community.
The state is expected to contribute up to $20 million, and an additional $25 million has been committed through local governments, nonprofits and local health care partners.
The County of Santa Cruz has offered $5 million, the County of Monterey $3 million and the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust has kicked in $6 million.
Other donations include:
- Central California Alliance for Health: $3 million
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan: $3 million
- Stanford Children’s Hospital: $1.084 million
- Dominican Hospital/Common Spirit: $300,000
- The City of Watsonville: $130,000
Anyone wanting to make a donation can contact the Community Foundation at 831-662-2000 or visit cfscc.org/PajaroValleyHealth. Donations can also be made through PVHDP’s website at PVHDP.org. All donations are tax-deductible.
