Local hospitals seek to quell immigration fears and urge people to seek medical care.

Worries over immigration actions should not stop people from seeking medical care—that was the message in two separate statements issued in English and Spanish on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from the local hospital community. 

One message came jointly from the CEO's of Salinas Valley Health in Salinas, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey and Mee Memorial in King City. The other was issued by the County of Monterey's Natividad Medical Center and the Monterey County Health Department.

"We recognize that fears surrounding immigration enforcement may discourage individuals from seeking medical care," the joint statement from the three hospital CEOs reads. "Let us be clear: Your health, safety and access to care are our priorities.

"We strictly adhere to California and federal privacy laws, which prohibit the disclosure of patient information without a legal mandate. We do not inquire about immigration status, and all care provided is confidential," the CEOs—Dr. Allen Radner of SVH, Dr. Stephen Packer of CHOMP and Rena Salamacha of Mee Memorial—said.

Like the joint statement, the County's message underscored that immigration status is not considered when delivering treatment.

'"The County of Monterey's Health Department and Natividad Medical Center are committed to providing high-quality, equitable, compassionate care to all individuals regardless of immigration status," the announcement reads. 

The county's announcement also came with an assurance about protecting patient privacy.

"We urge the public to continue to access the array of services offered by the County of Monterey health system," said Director of Health Services Elsa Jimenez in the statement, which she repeated in an appearance with Dr. Chad Harris, CEO of Natividad, at a county media briefing on Wednesday.

"We are here for you, and please keep your appointments whether with your primary or specialty care doctor, mental health provider, public health nurse, WIC nutrition services and Natividad's emergency, trauma and hospital services are here 24 hours a day," she said.

Asked if they had seen any cancellations, Jimenez said they had not seen higher than normal no-show rates or cancellations. 

"We encourage the public to continue to access our services," she said. "Please know that we are here to serve you and we want to help you on your wellness journey. We can only do that if you participate in our clinics or see your therapist or some of our other specialty services providers."

Jimenez and Harris said that they have sent reminders to their employees about policies already in place regarding privacy and what to do if anyone comes into a clinic seeking information about patients. Members of the public not there for care are not allowed in patient care areas, Jimenez said.

The county announcement came with a reminder about its Know Your Rights website, and stated that red cards with information about peoples' constitutional rights are available at Natividad and county health clinics.

The joint statement from SVH, CHOMP and Mee Memorial brought up the fact that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the hospitals leveraged their "collective strength" to benefit the entire community in fighting the virus. Throughout the pandemic all four hospitals would routinely send out joint statements to educate the public.

"Today, we bring that same dedication to addressing current challenges. Together, we advocate for the rights and dignity of all individuals and will closely monitor federal developments impacting our community," the joint statement said.

Asked why the county was making its own statement, Harris said that "as a public health system we have a special role together in all the services we provide...we're here to be the 'arms around' as the public health system."

(SVH in Salinas is its own health care special district with a publicly elected board of directors; Mee Memorial in King City and CHOMP in Monterey are private nonprofit hospitals.)

Despite the separate messaging, the sentiment was the same: seeking medical care will not jeopardize immigration status.

"If you need medical care, please seek it without fear," the CEOs' statement said. "Our doors remain open and we are here to provide the care you deserve.

"Together, we can foster a healthier, more inclusive community where everyone feels safe and valued."