What is a healthcare district?
Healthcare districts are the most local form of government, directly accountable to the communities they serve. They are special districts (e.g., fire districts and water districts) in defined geographic areas throughout the state. Residents vote to create healthcare districts and also elect public boards that oversee the spending of their local tax dollars to improve community health.
California currently has 76 healthcare districts, each governed by a locally elected Board. Of these healthcare districts, 50 serve rural locations where access to healthcare is limited.
The Grossmont Healthcare District falls into this category, extending its support across 750 square miles of East San Diego County, including both rural and urban neighborhoods. There are four healthcare districts in the Greater San Diego area: Fallbrook Regional Health District, Palomar Health, Tri-City Healthcare District, and the Grossmont Healthcare District.
For more information about Healthcare Districts, visit:
California Special Districts Association (CSDA)
Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD)
Does the District have a publicly elected Board of Directors?
The Grossmont Healthcare District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at large to four-year terms. They represent more than 520,000 East County residents and are responsible for transparent oversight of District tax dollar spending. Their vision is to create a healthier, thriving East County for all through strategic investments, partnerships, and programs that expand access to quality care, promote wellness, and elevate health education and healthcare workforce training. They hold regular monthly meetings open to the public.
Do I live within the Grossmont Healthcare District boundaries?
The Grossmont Healthcare District represents more than 520,000 East County residents. Its boundaries extend from La Mesa to Mountain Empire and from the international border to just north of Santee, covering more than 750 square miles. It includes the following communities, representing both urban and rural neighborhoods:
- Alpine
- El Cajon
- El Cajon (Bostonia & Unincorporated)
- Harbinson-Crest
- Jamul
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- Lemon Grove
- Mountain Empire Communities (Campo, Potrero, Tecate)
- Pine Valley
- Rancho San Diego
- Santee
- Spring Valley
- Tribal Communities (Barona, Sycuan, and Viejas Reservations)
Why do I pay property taxes to the District?
The Grossmont Healthcare District exists to improve the health and wellbeing of the East County community. The District reinvests resident tax dollars to support the vision of a healthier, thriving East County for all through strategic investments, partnerships, and programs that expand access to quality care, promote wellness, and elevate health education and workforce training.
- The District operates its Health & Wellness Library, providing the community with access to reliable health information and wellness programs.
- It offers a grants and sponsorships program to local nonprofits, aligned with its community health priorities.
- And it invests in the future of healthcare through local partnerships and health career scholarships.
Additionally, in 2006, District voters passed Proposition G, which authorized the sale of $247 million in General Obligation Bonds for improvements at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. The bonds are funded through District property taxes.
What is the District’s connection to Sharp Grossmont Hospital?
The Grossmont Healthcare District office is located in La Mesa and is close to Sharp Grossmont Hospital, next to Briercrest Park. While Sharp and the District may partner on projects for the region and utilize the District’s space for Sharp events and programs, the two entities operate separately with their own leadership teams and organizational rules.
Sharp HealthCare is responsible for the hospital’s daily business activities and maintenance. And the District serves as the hospital’s official landlord, providing oversight through routine audits and facility inspections. Click here to learn more about the partnership.
What entity pays for improvements to Sharp Grossmont Hospital?
Under the 30-year lease agreement, Sharp HealthCare is responsible for the cost of all ongoing maintenance and repairs to the Sharp Grossmont Hospital, including seismic requirements.
In 2006, District voters passed Proposition G, which authorized the sale of $247 million in General Obligation Bonds for construction and infrastructure upgrades and other specific improvements at the hospital.
What entity owns Sharp Grossmont Hospital?
On behalf of the residents and other taxpayers within its boundaries, the Grossmont Healthcare District owns Sharp Grossmont Hospital through a lease agreement, functioning as its official landlord. The District also conducts routine audits and inspections of the hospital’s facilities.
Sharp HealthCare is responsible for the hospital’s daily operations and maintenance. Complaints and concerns with the hospital should be directed to Sharp’s Patient Relations department at 619.740.4060. All other hospital questions can be directed to 619.740.6000.