Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District has been working toward funding a new hospital in Southern Humboldt for several years. The proposed facility will provide a larger, state-of-the-art emergency room, equipment for improved service levels, including a helicopter stop for emergency life-flight transfers.
A community coalition is spearheading a campaign to pass a General Obligation Bond Measure↗ that will increase the Healthcare District’s access to funding sources for the new hospital construction.
The Coalition for SoHum Community Hospital is proposing a $25M bond measure for local voters to consider on Election Day – November 3, 2026.
What is Measure K?
Measure K is a bond measure that will be on the November 3rd ballot. When approved by local voters, it will provide up to $25 million to build a new hospital for the Southern Humboldt community.
How does it work?
The District will issue bonds to partially fund the project. Property owners will repay those bonds over time through an annual property tax for the term of the bond, up to 30 years.
Why does the SHCHD need this bond measure?
Federal cuts from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (HR1) have changed financial projections for healthcare organizations nationwide, including SoHum Health.
How will this money be used?
Money raised from the sale of bonds can and will only be used for the construction and improvement of the new hospital and medical offices. It is written into law that none of the money can be used for any other purpose, including staff and administrative salaries, benefits, or operating expenses.
Who decides?
Voters decide! Measure K will be on the November 3rd ballot. The Community Hospital Bond Measure must receive two-thirds of the vote to pass.
If you are registered to vote in the Healthcare District you will see Measure K on your ballot.
Why do we need a new hospital?
Jerold Phelps Hospital is beyond its useful life and no longer meets seismic standards for the State of California. It’s not possible to retrofit or remodel the current building and state legislation mandates that the hospital will have to close if a replacement facility is not constructed by 2030.
If the Phelps Emergency Room closes, the next nearest Hospital with emergency care is in Fortuna or Willits.
Money Breakdown
Patients can bring their property tax statements into the Billing Office and receive a voucher for taxes paid, which can be deducted from outstanding medical bills at Jerold Phelps and SoHum Clinic.
How much will this cost me?
Roughly $80 per $100,000 assessed value. For the average SoHum homeowner this will be $202 per year.
How much will the new hospital cost?
The total project is estimated to cost just under $100 million.
Where will the rest of the money come from?
The 25 million dollars raised from this bond measure will fund roughly ¼ of the project.
The Healthcare District has a funding plan that includes grants, operations revenue, bond revenue, and financing through the USDA Rural Development loan program.
These sources along with the long-term fundraising efforts and community investments will strengthen its ability to qualify for funding, despite sweeping federal cuts to Medicaid.