Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Public Health Department is ending clinical services at seven of its 13 locations throughout the county. What You Need To Know Cuts result from significant fiscal challenges because of a more than $50 million cut in federal, state, and local funding According to the County Health Department, federal funding accounts for almost 50% of its budget Due to continued uncertainty, the statement released by the health department noted there could be additional service disruptions going forward The clinics that are stopping services offered things like vaccines and STD testing In a statement released by the health department, it cited significant fiscal challenges because of a more than $50 million cut in federal, state and local funding. Dr. Anulika Chilaka opened Lifeline Walk-in Clinic in Torrance a year ago, and she said privately owned clinics like hers will not be impacted by these cuts. “It is concerning when people are losing access to care. It is always concerning to anyone from a health care standpoint, but we want people to know we are here for you,” said Dr. Chilaka. According to the County Health Department, federal funding accounts for almost 50% of its budget. Because of a more than $50 million cut in federal, state, and local funding, the county will close locations starting on February 27. Due to continued uncertainty, the statement released by the health department noted there could be additional service disruptions going forward. Leaving family-owned clinics like Dr. Chilaka’s filling the gap. “We are open, we don’t have the same restrictions, we can do as much as we can, we can spend as much time with our patients, we can do more than perhaps some other places may be able to,” said Dr. Chilaka. In a statement sent to Spectrum News by LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, she said in part: “The Department of Public Health’s decision was based on low patient volume and the clinic’s limited scope of care. I will continue to monitor DPH’s closure plan to ensure patients are fully supported through referrals to nearby community-based clinics and other transition resources so they continue receiving the care they need.” The clinics that are stopping services offered things like vaccines and STD testing. According to the health department, these locations will still offer non-clinical services and programs. For a full list of clinics still offering services in the county and the clinics ending services you can follow this link.