THOUSAND OAKS, CA – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) announced that $330,000 in state funding was secured for the Camarillo Health Care District for their work during the COVID 19 pandemic.
“Camarillo Health Care District’s work during the early days of the pandemic is a great example of how we all came together to take care of each other,” stated Assemblymember Irwin. “They didn’t ask if they would be reimbursed or have their budget backfilled, they just did the work to serve their clients and ultimately our community. I’m pleased we were able to secure much needed financial support through the state budget for their important work, so their critical programs can continue to serve the residents of Camarillo and the surrounding area.”
During the past year, the Camarillo Health Care District stepped up to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first six months, most staff members were reassigned to the Senior Nutrition Program to assist with the tremendous increase in the homebound client base. Their work included providing essential services such as home delivered meals, caregiver resources, and two new virtual services programs to assist families in staying connected during these challenging times. In addition, Care Consultation and Dementia Services were adapted for families to participate virtually and/or telephonically for support in the absence of shuttered programs and services.
They did so despite losing money and having no guarantee of compensation. The new programs and services were developed and offered at no charge in order to better serve the community during closures.
“This funding provides much-needed relief as the district continues to move forward through the pandemic,” shared Kara Ralston, Camarillo Health Care District’s CEO. “We appreciate the determination and vision of Senator Limón and Assemblymember Irwin in recognizing the health needs of the community during covid restoration efforts. This funding will make a significant impact, particularly for families living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic health issues.”
“We’re very honored to receive this funding, and to continue restoring programs and services during challenging times,” stated Christopher Loh, MD, Board President of the Camarillo Health Care District.
Assemblymember Irwin and Senator Limón proposed State Budget Pandemic Assistance earlier in the year to aid Camarillo Health Care District in recovering from the financial impact of the last year. The idea for this funding was brought forward to Assemblymember Irwin by the Camarillo Health Care District who highlighted the important services that they provided during the pandemic and the significant strain the pandemic put on the local agency.
The press conference is available via Assemblymember Irwin’s website: http://asmdc.org/irwin and her Facebook Page.
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin represents California’s 44th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Moorpark, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Santa Rosa Valley.