The Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD) will partner with UC San Diego Health to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in the Valley.

The IVHD Board of Directors approved a five-year agreement with UC San Diego Health. The agreement establishes a two-phase effort that is designed to integrate IVHD's healthcare facilities, Pioneers Memorial Hospital and El Centro Regional Medical Center, under unified management that will result in sole community hospital status and maximize operational efficiencies. According to IVHD, the agreement will increase access to specialized healthcare for Imperial County residents, improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations, and enhance operational stability through improved expense management, physician recruitment and retention, and workforce development. IVHD CEO Christopher R. Bjornberg said, " Our partnership with UC San Diego Health marks a transformative step forward in delivering world-class healthcare to the Imperial Valley". If approved by the Office of Health Care Affordability, the five-year agreement will begin July 1, 2025. UC San Diego Health will initially provide strategic advisory services during the integration phase between the two Imperial Valley hospitals followed by comprehensive management services through July 2030.