The Antelope Valley Health Center will be permanently closing. due to Funding Cuts.

Palmdale, CA.-Facing significant fiscal challenges due to a more than $50 million dollar cut in federal, state and local funding, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is consolidating and ending clinic services at seven locations on February 27, 2026.

Public Health Clinics provide several services, including vaccinations, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment and tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment. Services will continue to be provided at six remaining Public Health Clinics and nearby community health clinics.

Other non-clinical services and programs will still be available at all locations except Dr. Ruth Temple Health Center. 

“Public Health is facing serious funding challenges that are reducing our ability to continue all existing programs and forcing the closure of several Public Health clinics,” said Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Fortunately, investments over the last decade have increased the availability of community health care providers offering comprehensive health services. While public health clinics offer important  services and the closures are deeply upsetting, underscoring the real consequences of disinvestment in public health, clinic patients will be connected to appropriate services that meet their needs. We are working closely with community-based organizations and clinical partners to ensure a smooth transition. ”

Community residents wrote letters to the Public Health department, requesting that they refrain from closing the clinic due to its significant impact on the community and its residents who rely on the clinic for essential services.

"In my personal opinion, my primary concern is for uninsured patients and those with limited resources living in the Antelope Valley. With the closure of this clinic, patients will be required to travel long distances to access essential Public Health services. For many, commuting 50 or more miles is simply not feasible. When communicable disease prevention and treatment services are not accessible to vulnerable community members, it places the entire community at risk. Public Health is responsible for both the prevention and treatment of communicable diseases, and these services must be readily available to the populations they are intended to protect. The closure of this clinic leaves North County residents without easy or timely access to County Public Health services, which is inconsistent with the department’s mandate. In simple terms, these services should be available within the community. Public Health should not require patients to seek critical care outside their community, especially when doing so creates an impossible barrier for those with limited means." Juan C. resident of the Antelope Valley.

Background

Public Health is facing significant fiscal pressures due to a $50 million reduction in federal, state and local grant and contract revenues. Funding reductions, along with increased operational costs require Public Health to consolidate and/or reduce services. Continued uncertainty regarding federal funding, which account for almost 50% of the Public Health budget, may result in additional service disruptions.