08/27/2026
Patterson residents asked to contact Governor Newsom about emergency care bill
AB 2282 Passes California Legislature with Bipartisan Support, Advances Emergency Care Solution for Medically Underserved Community
Bill by Asm. Juan Alanis authorizing a local emergency stabilization care unit now heads to the Governor’s desk
From Del Puerto Health Care District
Sacramento, Calif. – Today, the California Legislature today passed AB 2282 (Alanis), sending to the Governor's desk legislation that would authorize a rural emergency stabilization center in Patterson, a community of more than 25,000 residents and one of California's fastest-growing and most medically-underserved rural cities. Patterson has no local emergency services – the nearest acute care emergency department is more than 18 miles away, requiring a 25- to 30-minute ambulance ride.
"For years, I've heard from constituents who've had to make a 25- to 30-minute ambulance ride just to reach an emergency room,” said Assemblymember Juan Alanis, who represents Patterson and the surrounding communities. “That's not acceptable for a community of more than 25,000 people, and it's not what Patterson families deserve. Today the Legislature agreed. I want to thank my colleagues in both parties, and Del Puerto Health Care District for their partnership every step of the way. Now I urge the Governor to sign this bill so we can get emergency care to Patterson without further delay."
AB 2282 passed with bipartisan support at every stage, clearing the Assembly 76-0 and the Senate 36-2, reflecting broad, cross-party recognition of the urgent need for local emergency care on the west side of Stanislaus County.
“Every Californian deserves timely access to emergency health care, regardless of where they live,” said Senator Anna Caballero, who represents California’s 14th Senate District. “Having seen firsthand the impact of the closure of Madera Community Hospital in my district, I understand the challenges rural communities face when local hospital services are no longer available. We need to be willing to approach health care access in rural communities differently and find practical solutions that meet the unique needs of these communities. AB 2282 is a thoughtful, time-limited solution that will provide critical emergency stabilization services closer to home while Del Puerto Health Care District works toward a permanent hospital. I am proud to co-author this legislation and support efforts to ensure Patterson families have timely access to the emergency care they need, when they need it.”
AB 2282 authorizes a public hospital, in partnership with Del Puerto Health Care District (DPHCD), to operate a Regional Emergency Stabilization and Care Unit (RESCU), while the district's permanent hospital is planned, permitted, and built. Staffed to full hospital emergency standards and operating 24/7, the center will provide immediate evaluation and stabilization for Patterson residents, transferring patients who need surgery, trauma care, or hospital admission to the appropriate hospital under protocols established with the local EMS agency.
"When I became Patterson’s mayor, I made a commitment to expand health care access and improve public safety in our community,” said Michael Clauzel, Mayor of the City of Patterson. “AB 2282 helps deliver on that promise – our community has grown faster than our health care infrastructure, and this bill gives our residents access to emergency care close to home while Del Puerto Health Care District completes its long-term plan for a permanent hospital. I’m thankful for everyone who advocated for AB 2282 and to Assemblymember Alanis for his leadership.”
AB 2282 was supported by a broad coalition, including health care, business, labor, and education groups from Stanislaus County, among others, who joined DPHCD in urging lawmakers to close the emergency care gap facing Patterson residents.
“Every minute my crews spend transporting a patient out of Patterson is a minute that ambulance isn't in the West Side, ready for the next call,” said Paul Willette, Director of Ambulance Operations for Patterson District Ambulance and a first responder with more than 40 years of experience. “AB 2282 closes that gap — giving my crews the ability to get patients evaluated and stabilized locally and get back in service faster for the next emergency. This bill has passed both houses of the Legislature with bipartisan support because Patterson residents deserve timely access to emergency care. I urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 2282 into law.”
Residents who would like to add their support can go to www.dphealth.org and click on the link for AB2282.
