Willows City Council discusses critical risks of losing Glenn Medical Center emergency room

Residents of Willows are facing a critical juncture as discussions surrounding the potential closure of the local emergency room at Glenn Medical Center intensify. During the City Council's special meeting on May 19, 2025, community leaders and emergency services personnel voiced urgent concerns about the implications of losing the facility, which serves as a vital resource for medical emergencies.

The meeting highlighted the potential fallout from the emergency room's closure, particularly regarding response times for ambulance services. Currently, Willows has one ambulance stationed locally, ensuring response times of under five minutes. However, if the emergency room were to close, response times could extend to 20 to 30 minutes as ambulances would need to transport patients to facilities in Colusa or Enloe, significantly increasing the risk for patients requiring immediate care.

Public comments underscored the broader impact on community safety. Doug Ross, representing the Sacramento Valley Mayor, emphasized that during flooding events, residents could be stranded without access to emergency medical services. Bradley Ford, an ER staff member, elaborated on the strain that the closure would place on local law enforcement and emergency services, noting that medical clearances for suspects would need to occur out of county, further taxing resources.

The meeting also addressed the potential loss of critical services such as mental health care for local youth, as transporting patients out of the area could disrupt their treatment and support systems. Ford pointed out that the emergency room's capabilities, including a helicopter pad for urgent cases, would be lost, jeopardizing timely interventions for stroke and trauma patients.

City officials acknowledged the gravity of the situation, with calls for a concerted effort to advocate for the preservation of the emergency room. The urgency of these discussions reflects a community at risk, with the potential closure of Glenn Medical Center posing significant challenges to public health and safety.

As the City Council prepares to take action, the implications of these discussions will resonate throughout Willows, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and support for local healthcare services.