State leaders are doing everything they can to save Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital

HOLLISTER, CALIPH. (KION-TV) — Hazel Hawkins continues to look for ways to keep her doors open.

Operations continue as normal, but the hospital is one of many that may be forced to close, according to District 14 state senator Anna Caballero.

“It is estimated that 7 to 8 hospitals may close in the state of California this year, and seven or eight more hospitals may close over the next year,” Caballero said. — And these are not all rural hospitals. Some of them are in urban centers.”

Not all people living here in San Benito County seek medical attention from Hazel Hawkins. Some, like Melissa Miller, go to other hospitals.

“When I first started to take it well, when I first got pregnant, I had to move out of town,” Miller said. “And I had a lot of defeats. Therefore, I am afraid of having to go to another city if something happens. I would like to go quickly and easily, that is, here, then somewhere else.

This is not the only thing that has been raised as a problem.

“The message from Hazel Hopkins came in November, December,” Caballero said. “At that time, we finished with our state budget. There is… it’s not possible when we’re out of session. In addition to this.”

I also contacted State Assemblyman Robert Rivas to inquire about the Hazel Hawkins situation.

Although he was not available for an interview, he sent a statement on the matter, in which he partly quoted:

“Our office has met and worked closely with the Hazel Hawkins team on a regular basis, facilitating meetings at all levels, including with the state treasury, local governments, and other interest groups across the region.”

State leaders and the hospital must find a solution before April. At this point, the money will run out and the doors may close forever.

We have also reached out to Hazel Hawkins for any updates. There are no changes at the moment.