As Patterson and the west side of Stanislaus County grow, Del Puerto Health Care District (DPHCD) is planning responsibly for the future of local healthcare. Below are the key questions guiding our work—and how we are addressing them. 

1. How can residents get the care they need closer to home? 

Today: Many people must travel outside the community for emergency care, specialty services, and mental health support. 

What we’re doing: Expanding local services in phases so care becomes more accessible, timely, and reliable. 

2. Is local healthcare coordinated - or fragmented? 

Today: Services are spread across distant locations and providers. 

What we’re doing: Planning a healthcare campus that brings services together and improves coordination between EMS, primary care, mental health, and future specialty care, improving quality and convenience for West Side residents. 

3. Are our healthcare facilities keeping up with community growth? 

Today: Existing facilities were not designed for today’s population or future demand. 

What we’re doing: Developing modern, expandable facilities that can grow as the community grows over time. 

4. Can we improve access without increasing costs unfairly? 

Today: Healthcare costs are rising everywhere. 

What we’re doing: Using grants, partnerships, development impact fees, and careful financial planning to protect taxpayers while investing in needed services. The proposed funding mix ensures that new growth helps fund the services it will rely on. 

5. Do we have enough healthcare professionals locally? 

Today: Rural communities face ongoing workforce shortages. 

What we’re doing: Creating facilities and work environments that help attract and retain skilled healthcare and emergency professionals. 

6. Are we prepared for emergencies as demand increases? 

Today: Emergency calls are increasing and local options are limited. 

What we’re doing: Strengthening ambulance operations now while planning responsibly for expanded emergency care in the future. 

7. Are seniors able to age in their communities with the care they need? 

Today: Many seniors must leave the area to access higher levels of care. 

What we’re doing: Planning future phases that include senior living, memory care, and long-term care options. 

8. Can we comply with regulations while still serving local needs? 

Today: Healthcare is highly regulated. 

What we’re doing: Integrating regulatory requirements into realistic timelines and responsible project planning. 

9. Do residents understand what’s being built—and why? 

Today: Large projects take time and can be confusing. 

What we’re doing: Sharing clear, regular updates and inviting community input throughout the process. 

10. Will this effort last beyond today’s leadership? 

Today: Healthcare planning must look decades ahead. 

What we’re doing: Building strong governance and long-term planning so progress continues for future generations. 

What This Means for Our Community 

DPHCD’s work is guided by one central question: 

How do we bring better healthcare closer to home while planning responsibly for the future? 

Our answer is a locally cultivated healthier community, built step by step, with transparency, accountability, and community partnership. 

DPHCD–Questions We Are Answering for our Community.pdf