In a move aimed at combating a shortage of health-care access in lower-income and Black/Latino communities, the county Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved plans to establish a medical clinic in Bell.
The plan comes amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic, which has had a disproportionate impact on select ethnic groups and communities. According to Supervisor Hilda Solis, Huntington Park has 3,266 coronavirus cases for every 100,000 residents, while Cudahy has a rate of 3,159 per 100,000 residents and South Gate has a rate of 3,190 per 100,000.
“Sadly, COVID-19 is impacting generations of hardworking families who live in Southeast Los Angeles County, and it has been my priority to expand access to resources that meet the many needs resulting from this crisis,” Solis said in a statement. “Even though residents in the Southeast often juggle two or three jobs to pay rent and put food on the table, many do not receive medical coverage through their employer and that has exacerbated racial and ethnic disparities within our healthcare system.”
The board approved a motion to begin negotiating a lease for a new medical clinic in the area. There was no immediate timeline on efforts to get the facility up and running.