The Imperial County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the dissolution of the Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District Thursday.

The move was called a significant step forward in implementing the provisions of AB 918 that will create a single Valley-wide healthcare district. The action approved by LAFCO transfers all roles, responsibilities, and assets of the Calexico area district to the Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD). According to IVHD Board President Katie Burnworth it is the new districts intent to maintain services to the community. Moving forward, the Pioneers Memorial healthcare District will be dissolved and absorbed into the IVHD later this year. At this time, according to Burnworth, the IVHD has achieved significant milestones, including dividing the district into seven voting zones, initiating terms for El Centro Regional Medical Centers acquisition.