A “strike team” previously authorized by the board and composed of medical professionals from the Riverside University Health System initiated a reformation intended to stabilize the Blythe hospital’s emergency clinic.

The team’s deployment was appended to a $1 million stabilization loan for the hospital. However, on Feb. 24, county Chief Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen signed off on a $3.44 million payment to the California Department of Health Services. That disbursement was made without a vote by the Board of Supervisors because the panel was not in session. Executive Office spokeswoman Brooke Federico said the payment covered a Palo Verde Healthcare District obligation to the state’s Voluntary Rate Range Program, or VRRP.

Without emergency services at the Blythe facility, the area’s roughly 20,000 residents would lose access to “timely treatment for life-threatening conditions where minutes matter,” according to a county statement in January.
Outside of the hospital, the nearest option for emergency healthcare is more than 70 miles away.

The “intergovernmental transfer” payment, which Van Wagenen did not mention publicly during the board’s previous meeting, has enabled the Palo Verde Healthcare District to tap into taxpayer-backed credit to bolster hospital operations.

“As a result of the county’s action, the … district has already received approximately $8.9 million in program funds, with the remaining expected in the coming days,” Federico said, adding that because of Medi-Cal requirements, “immediate action was required” and could not wait on the Board of Supervisors.

The board will scrutinize the proposed revised loan agreement with the district, under which it would be on the hook for the county’s $3.44 million outlay, on top of the $1 million previously authorized for the insolvent hospital.

The supervisors also have been requested to fill two vacancies on the Palo Verde District Board of Directors. The vacant seats have hamstrung the district’s ability to convene a quorum to vote on pending actions, according to PVHD President Carmela Garnica.

“In the interest of restoring a fully functioning five-member board, I respectfully request that the county … complete the appointment process for the two vacant seats,” she said in a letter to Supervisor Manuel Perez, whose Fourth District encompasses Blythe.

Under a proposed management services agreement additionally on the agenda, RUHS staff can implement all necessary processes connected to the county’s 180-day strike team support plan, with the goal of maintaining emergency operations at the cash-strapped hospital.

“We aren’t just here to manage a transition; we are here to support the incredible frontline staff and ensure that every resident has access to the high-quality, stable care they deserve,” RUHS CEO Jennifer Cruikshank said last month.

The monetary agreement specifies the county will have “first
priority” status among the healthcare district’s creditors and will under no circumstances be liable for any of its debts. The loan structure calls for a roughly nine-month grace period, during which no payments on the loan are required. However, starting in October, initial payment on loan principal will be necessary. A 3% annual interest rate will be assessed beginning January 2027, and the $1 million will have to be fully amortized by October 2031.

At the end of September, the PVHD board voted to seek federal Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection while efforts were made to stanch ongoing financial losses.

Administrators noted the hospital had been struggling to remain afloat since the start of the current decade, with revenue streams withering while patient loads remained unchanged.

The California Health Facilities Financing Authority extended an $8.5 million infusion from the Distressed Hospital Program in 2023, but that turned into a short-term fix, according to the district. Administrators expressed frustration at the time about the inability to recruit a chief financial officer who would stay the course in sorting out possible solutions. Four CFOs came and went in an 18-month span.

Only the emergency room remains open. All other hospital operations have been shut down.

The county’s original loan will pay for staff salaries and benefits, pharmaceuticals, equipment purchases, utilities, billing operations and some legal expenses associated with Chapter 9 proceedings.

The possibility of a wholesale county takeover of the hospital’s
emergency department has not been ruled out publicly.

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved roughly $1.6 million in appropriations to fill early gaps in the current fiscal year budget, drawing down the county’s cash reserve, without notable impacts to the General Fund.

In a 4-0 vote without comment — and with Supervisor Karen Spiegel absent — the board signed off on the Executive Office’s expenditure request as part of a first-quarter 2024-25 “clean-up,” which typically occurs every September, after the state’s budget for the new fiscal year is in operation.

The appropriations will reduce the contingency cash balance from $7.5 million to $5.9 million, according to the Executive Office. The largest share of the outgo will be for costs tied to the March Air Reserve Base Joint Powers Authority, as part of an ongoing revenue sharing agreement, officials said.

Despite the draw-down, General Fund inflows and outflows for the current fiscal year remain on track, and in a few cases, agencies identified higher estimated revenues. There was no projection for a significant change in the $9.2 billion appropriations blueprint approved by the board in June.

The current budget represents an 11% increase over the 2023-24 spending plan.

One of the bright spots for the current fiscal year is the county’s reserve pool is expected to hit $698 million, compared to $590 million at the end of 2022-23. Executive Office staff estimated county discretionary revenue — which, unlike programmed funding, the board may use for any purpose — will top out at $1.22 billion, a $100 million increase over 2023-24.

County CEO Jeff Van Wagenen confirmed at the end of June there are remaining 2021 American Rescue Plan Act funds in the county treasury, but they’ll have to be spent by Dec. 31. The county received $480 million in ARPA allocations and another $500 million in 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act money. The federal infusions have been applied to “budget stabilization,” community development, infrastructure projects and related programs.

Under the current budget, $2.6 billion is going to the Riverside University Health System, the largest set-aside in the spending plan, at 27% of total expenditures. The outgo translates to a 5.6% increase in healthcare-oriented obligations.

Public safety agencies are next, with $2.2 billion in expenditures, 8.5% more than last year’s outlays and 23% of the composite budget, while the social services portfolio will get $2.1 billion in General Fund receipts, also representing an 8.5% increase compared to 2023-24 and comprising 21.4% of the budget.

A quarterly report on county finances is due in November.

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“Addressing substance use and overdoses is not just an individual health issue; it’s a community health issue,” Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington said in a statement. “We stand together to raise awareness, provide support, and remember those we’ve lost to this epidemic.”

The first walk will get underway at 7 a.m. Wednesday at Palm Desert Civic Center Park, 43900 San Pablo Ave., according to county officials. The walks will continue April 13 at Riverside’s Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd. and April 27 at Murrieta Town Square Park, 1 Town Square.

During the upcoming events, attendees will hear from guest speakers who will offer perspectives on recovery, prevention and importance of community support, county officials said. Fentanyl overdose fatalities in Riverside County reached 428 in 2023 — 38 of which were among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24.

“Recognizing the signs of poisoning and overdose is crucial in our fight against this growing crisis,” RUHS Behavioral Health Director Dr. Matthew Chang said in a statement. “At RUHS, we are deeply committed to providing comprehensive services and resources to address and prevent these tragic occurrences in Riverside County. Together, we can make a difference.”

Residents interested in participating in the event were encouraged to register at bit.ly/1LifeWalkRegister.

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Following the usual opening invocation and flag salute came roll call. The Council approved Karlee Meyer’s absence, then came communications from the public which were mild.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. April proclaimed Autism Awareness Month.

2. April proclaimed Earth Day Month.

RECEIVE AND FILE:

1. Received and filed the City of Hemet Warrant Registers Dated March 09, 2023, for $2,789,242.37 and the Payroll Period of February 20, 2023 – March 05, 2023, in the amount of $836,174.50.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

Approved as follows:

A. The Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of March 28, 2023.

B. Waived further reading and adopt Ordinance 2010, an Ordinance of the City of Hemet, California, amending Section 2-44 of the Hemet Municipal Code related to City Council member residency requirements.

C. Adopted a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, accepting the 2021-22 State Citizen’s Option for Public Safety (COPS) and Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) Enhancing Law Enforcement Activities Subaccount and Growth Special Account Allocation for $214,008.06 and authorizing the Finance Department to establish an Expenditure Account and Budget for the Grant Activity Period.

D. Adopted a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving the service agreement with the Institute of Ecological Civilization (EcoCiv) for technical assistance on the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Funds from the Board of State and Community Corrections in the amount not to exceed $254,800.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents; and waive the procurement procedure and contract with EcoCiv for services of Mr. Stewart Wakeling for technical assistance.

E. Adopted a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, to Process the Refund Request for Development Impact Fees (Water and Sewer) for property known as TR29129-9 Lots 1-22, TR 29129-7 Lot 8, TR29129-8 Lots 1-7, 26-29 and TR29129-1 Lot 29 for a total amount of $25,655 to Jeffery MDM Partners VII, LLC.

F. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, authorizing the City Manager to enter Settlement Agreements with Entities Within the Opioid Pharmaceutical Supply Chain.

DISCUSSION – ACTION ITEMS:

A. Approved receiving and filing the update on the pooled cash of all City Funds, including general funds from Public Trust Advisors.

B. Approved adopting a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, establishing an Investment Policy and Rescinding Resolution No. 2021-135.

C. This was the discussion as to whether the City Council would discuss the Riverside University Health system Recovery/Wellness Village Project and consider authorizing the Mayor to send the proposed letter addressed to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors expressing the City of Hemet’s opposition to the project, which the Council has been against from day one.

Representatives from Riverside University Health System’s Recovery/Wellness Village gave an excellent 20-minute Dissertation on the advantages of the project.

The Council has repeatedly said the citizens are opposed to it. Imagine the bombshell when more than two dozen Hemet Citizens showed up in support of the Village and in no uncertain terms, accused the City of being snobbish with a NOT IN MY BACKYARD attitude.

One lady who lives in the proposed area said, “The Village would be a big improvement over a lot of weeds,” which is the current condition of the location.

Both women and men, citizens of Hemet, declared that the matter of mental illness is already filling the streets of Hemet because they have no local place for treatment in this area. Some detractors claimed it would bring the mentally ill to Hemet for treatment. Still, the majority reminded the Council that it was our mental people who were going to other communities miles away for treatment, often out of state. Others stated a fact that most of us in Hemet already know, it starts with drugs in high school and ends up with mentally ill addicts with no place to go but the streets,

Others who were victims of mental illness or had mental illness in their families pointed out that the streets are crawling with mentally ill young people. The problem is here, they declared, but the treatment is not.

One after another, they paraded to the podium to beg the Council to change its mind but to no avail. Ultimately, the Council voted 3 to 1 to send the refusal letter. Only Mayor Pro Tem Lilienthal voted no. As a counselor, he would probably be the only one on the Council who deals with the problem on a daily basis.

With everyone worn to a frazzle, the remaining reports were continued until the next Council meeting—the wisest decision of the evening.

Time for the citizens to come out in force, either for or against the Village. If the demand is anything like tonight, we can guess the public’s attitude. Just sayin’

rustystrait@gmail.com

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The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 5th, proclaimed April as National Child Abuse Awareness month as public and private family advocates launched a month of activities aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect. “Abuse and neglect negatively impact the physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing of victims throughout their lives,” said Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Jeff Hewitt. “We must do all we can do to prevent abuse. An important way is for communities to promote activities and resources that strengthen and support families.” County departments and community partners hosted an awareness event in downtown Riverside on Tuesday. The activities are part of the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, a national initiative to educate community members, support families and raise funds to prevent child abuse and neglect.

At Tuesday’s event, partners offered families access to support services, including financial, nutrition and behavioral health assistance. Advocates say the support strengthens families and helps prevent a crisis before it starts. Riverside County caseworkers responded to about 25,000 reports of child abuse and neglect last year. Nearly 4 million cases of suspected abuse and neglect are reported nationwide annually.

The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign supports efforts to care for children and families who have experienced abuse and neglect in Riverside County and includes the Riverside County Child Assessment Center (RCCAT) at Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Medical Center. The Center provides trauma-informed care to about 1,400 children in crisis in the nation’s tenth most-populous county. “Often, these children carry guilt and shame because of sexual abuse. In many cases, they’ve suffered at the hands of the person who was supposed to love and protect them the most,” said RCCAT Medical Director Dr. Sophia Grant. “We’re helping to end trauma and begin healing for our most vulnerable children.”

At the county board meeting Tuesday, leaders from the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), First 5 Riverside County and Hope Collaborative spoke about the power of partnership and the vital role integration plays in helping victims of child abuse. Partners work with law enforcement and private and faith-based organization to provide wrap-around services that promote healing. “Integration is about engaging the entire community to support those who we serve,” said Charity Douglas, assistant director of the Children’s Services Division of DPSS. “It’s not simply about providing services to families, but also including them to ensure their voices are heard.” “Families need connections to thrive,” said Tammi Graham, Executive Director of First 5 Riverside County. “Having support puts prevention into practice and helps children to grow in safe and healthy environments.” County partners are encouraging families and local organizations to display pinwheels to show support for child abuse prevention. The pinwheels represent innocence and the bright future all children deserve. Advocates also encourage community members to promote positive parenting classes and share the warning signs of child abuse and neglect.

Pinwheels for Prevention events are scheduled throughout April, including a public event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at RUHS Medical Center (26520 Cactus Ave, Moreno Valley).

Rivco.org | Contributed

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According to reports, the deadly crash occurred just south of Soboba Road around 6:30 p.m.

Emergency crews responded to the scene shortly after.

Investigators said that a Honda passed the bicyclist in the number two lane while Garcia veered into the number one lane.

As a result, Garcia collided into the passenger side of the Honda, causing him to fall off the bicycle.

Upon arrival, authorities located the male bicyclist down in the roadway with major injuries.

Eventually, paramedics rushed him to Riverside University Health System Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries several hours later.

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 74-year-old Garcia, of Hemet.

Meanwhile, the driver who struck the elderly man remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

San Jacinto Officials are encouraging anyone with information about the bicycle-auto collision to contact Deputy Ray Cortez at (951) 654-2702.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department | Contributed

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By Skymount Medical

Skymount Medical has partnered with Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Medical Center to conduct the first U.S. clinical trial on the efficacy of COVID-19 oral therapeutics discovered by LSU researchers using artificial intelligence (AI). The testing will be conducted through RUHS Medical Center’s Comparative Effectiveness & Clinical Outcomes Research Center (CECORC) in Moreno Valley. It will evaluate the combined effects of an already FDA-approved cancer medication and an already FDA-approved anti-parasitic agent (both approved for humans) on patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms that do not require hospitalization.

Similar studies are already underway in Europe. Although the outcomes for patients have yet to be revealed, predictive studies leveraged by LSU’s AI technology and early cell and animal studies conducted by Illinois Institute of Technology have already shown the new drug combination up to 97% effective in reducing the amount of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“We’re excited to partner with RUHS and Dr. Bruce Weng’s team to facilitate a human clinical investigation to try to demonstrate the safety of the drug combination and efficacy in adult patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and exhibit mild-to-moderate symptoms,” said Dr. Kishor Wasan, Skymount Medical’s Chief Medical & Scientific Officer, Distinguished University Scholar Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia and co-inventor of the therapeutic combination.

The study will be a double-blind intervention conducted in an outpatient setting, comparing the two-drug combination to a placebo. The goal of the study is to determine the impact this combination therapy will have on decreasing the length and severity of symptoms without negative side effects. The study will also evaluate if the combination drug can help decrease the need for hospitalizations. The clinical research study has been ruled FDA Investigational New Drug Exempt (FDA-IND exempt) by the local Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Dr. Weng, an infectious disease physician at RUHS Medical Center, will inform patients diagnosed with COVID-19 about the study, and invite them to participate. Patients will be screened, enrolled, and have subsequent follow up visits in the RUHS Emergency Department.

“Unfortunately, California has its fair share of COVID-19 cases,” Dr. Weng said. “The one silver lining in this is that the sample size at our hospital is substantial enough to produce valuable data when evaluating the safety and efficacy of this drug combination. This is a pilot study and 100% voluntary. The safety of our patients is paramount, and we will stay in constant contact with those choosing to participate to ensure their health and well-being.”

The researchers are hopeful that the new therapeutic also will prevent lingering symptoms, which some people experience following COVID-19.

“The drug combination may reduce long-haul syndrome, the long-term consequences some patients report even after recovering from COVID-19, such as mental health issues and damage to organs,” Dr. Wasan said.

DeepDrug™, the AI platform that helped discover the oral therapeutic, was created by an interdisciplinary team of LSU researchers led by Dr. Supratik Mukhopadhyay, associate professor in the LSU Department of Computer Science. DeepDrug™ uses a next-generation AI capability that reduces the time and cost of drug discovery by up to 90%.

“It’s very gratifying to see this medication enter into the human study phase,” Dr. Mukhopadhyay said. “The fact that we are at this stage so quickly is due to Skymount Medical’s vast professional medical network and our DeepDrug™ platform, which was able to identify this particular combination of medications in a fraction of the time that traditional research takes.”

If Skymount Medical’s oral therapeutic for COVID-19 receives final approval, the company intends to make the treatment widely available and cost-effective.

About Skymount Medical

Skymount Medical’s mission is to accelerate the development of better medicines using DeepDrug™, drug design software leveraged by artificial intelligence developed by researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU). Our focus is to become a leading provider of innovative treatments to improve global health and increase access to the most cutting-edge therapeutics. Visit skymountmed.com to learn more.

About Riverside University Health System

Riverside University Health System (RUHS) includes a 439-bed Medical Center with a Level 1 Trauma Center, including 77 inpatient psychiatric treatment beds at the Arlington Campus, Medical Surgical Center, 13 Community Health Centers, and several primary and specialty clinics, as well as the departments of Public Health and Behavioral Health with services provided throughout Riverside County, California. With more than 8,000 staff members and over 125 years of experience serving Riverside County communities, RUHS continues its commitment to and legacy of delivering exceptional, compassionate care with a focus on community wellness and medical education. Visit ruhealth.org to learn more.

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