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“WE WILL BE HERE!” Clinicas del Camino Real CEO Vows to Fight Cuts Ventura, CA --- Speaking before a crowd of TV cameras and Reporters Thursday morning, Roberto Juarez spoke out strongly against rumors that Clinicas del Camino Real will close health centers or even reduce the patients being tested for possible Swine Flu. “It is unconscionable to even suggest as some are that we not stay open or that we not see anyone who needs medical attention during this dire time,” said Juarez. “Since Monday morning, hundreds or maybe even thousands of people --- entire families, have been flooding our ten health centers, our mobile triage facilities or our 30 school-based sites and we cannot turn anyone away.” Clinicas del Camino Real officials say the Swine Flu outbreak has stretched clinicians, staff and resources to the limit but that the incident proves the vital role the health centers serve as a safety net to all residents in Ventura County. “We urge everyone to contact their elected officials in Sacramento and Washington to stop the Medi-Cal cuts coming July 1 that threaten our safety because they see community-based health centers as an unimportant budget line item,” said Laura Flores Espinosa, Board President. “We’re much more than that; we’re Ventura County’s home for health and the Swine Flu outbreak is proof of that.” Clinicas Del Camino Real was the first medical team to examine a confirmed case of Swine Flu in Ventura County; a 13-year old boy who was brought in to the Maravilla Clinic on Clara Street in Oxnard. A swab taken of the boy’s saliva was sent to Ventura County Department of Health that later confirmed it was positive. “A second victim of Swine Flu, a little nine-year attends Haycox Elementary where we are also testing and he came up positive. I’m just glad that as tragic as these cases are, our team was there to identify the danger and help contain it,” added Juarez. “We’re here to stay.” # # # |
