Three cheers for good health - May is Health Care District Month!

Among the many other events, celebrations, and designations, the month of May was once again named Health Care District month by the Petaluma City Council and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. This designation recognizes the critical role played by Health Care Districts in ensuring the health of its residents. 

But what exactly is a health care district?

That's a question we here at PHCD get...well...rather often! Is it a non-profit? A clinic? Part of the county health department? Or how about the state? Actually, we're none of those things! A health care district is a type of local government known as a special district. We are legally separate from a city or county government, and deliver a specific public service. In fact, when we were first established, we were known as a Hospital District; however, since the public service we deliver goes far beyond the walls of the hospital, we were reclassified in 1994 as a Health Care District. 

The history of health care districts is fascinating, and truly parallels the growth and evolution of our beautiful state. If you would like to learn more, we recommend two great reports: California's Health Care Districts, by the California HealthCare Foundation and Overview of Healthcare Districts, by the Legislative Analyst's Office. Both of these documents are chock-full of insights into the history of these special districts. You can also check out our website for more information about the history of the Petaluma Health Care District!