In an effort to raise awareness of its situation, Westside Healthcare District will send a letter to multiple agencies following the board of directors’ approval last Monday.

The two-page letter mentioned the district’s history, where its ambulance services operate, its parcel tax of $40 per parcel and its attempts to help to levy its financial situation by campaigning for then-Measure D and Measure A. A decision about the letter was previously discussed during a Sept. 29 meeting, but was delayed upon further review.

Board President David Varnell said the letter was made to inform agencies about WSCHD and that it could help the district be in line for grants to help its ambulance services. He reiterates that the letter is “an educational letter”, not a “begging letter.”

“We’re trying to explain the situation that we’ve got and trying to educate them,” Varnell said. “I’m not just talking about us and just asking for some support in that way and just trying to educate [people].” 

Stanislaus County Supervisors, Merced County Supervisors, the City of Gustine and the City of Newman are amongst the organizations receiving the letter, Varnell said. He also said that he hopes the letter could also reach local officials such as Rep. Adam Gray.

As WSCHD looks to gain support, Merced County recently made a change to its ambulance service provider. Its Board of Supervisors voted unanimously last month to make America Response West as the county’s primary ambulance service provider starting next year, the Merced Focus reported. This decision will end a nearly 80-year partnership with Riggs Ambulance.

Mike Swenson, Riggs’ operation manager, told the Focus that the company could take legal action.

Navtej Hundal is a freelance reporter in Stanislaus County.