Dr. Ruiz Announces Nearly Half Million Investment to Improve Pass Area Health Care Access
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced the inclusion of a nearly half-million-dollar investment in Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations legislation to upgrade equipment for San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital (SGMH), the only emergency department in the Pass Area.
Once signed into law as part of a larger appropriations package, SGMH will use the funding to purchase a portable X-Ray unit and a mobile C-arm Fluoroscopy unit to provide imaging services in the operating room. Currently, the hospital's X-Ray Unit and C-arm unit are incapable of meeting the needs of the hospital to care for its patients. The funding included by Dr. Ruiz will help SGMH broaden its capabilities to provide safe, efficient care to its patients and improve health outcomes in the region. The House is expected the vote on the legislation in the coming weeks.
"As an emergency medicine physician, I know how crucial reliable, up-to-date equipment is to providing quality care to patients," said Dr. Ruiz. "That is why I advocated for robust federal funding for San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital to upgrade its current equipment and improve health outcomes for local families. Once signed into law, this funding will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I serve and improve access to quality care."
"San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital (SGMH) is honored to be included in the federal Community Project Funding program being facilitated by Congressman Raul Ruiz. This funding will allow the hospital to purchase needed diagnostic imaging equipment to better serve our community," said Steve Barron, CEO of San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital. "As the only acute-care hospital in the San Gorgonio pass area, SGMH's commitment to providing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools for our healthcare providers is always our priority. Receiving this funding will enhance our ability to continue with this goal. We appreciate Congressman Ruiz joining us in providing high-quality and personalized healthcare services to our community."
BACKGROUND
For the FY23 appropriations cycle, Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) announced that each Member of Congress could submit local community projects for potential funding. In total, Dr. Ruiz advocated for $20.9 million for projects throughout California's 36th Congressional District that will improve local infrastructure.
The FY23 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill includes $452,000 for SGMH to purchase much-needed updated equipment, including a portable X-Ray Unit and a mobile C-arm Fluoroscopy unit to provide imaging services in the operating room.
To learn more about the community project funding for the 36th District, click here.
###