The sale of St. John of God Health Care Services to San Bernardino County has been conditionally approved by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

The Victorville facility is the only one offering substance use disorder treatment and recovery services in the High Desert region, according to state officials. The nearly 30-acre property is located at 13333 Palmdale Road, east of Silverado High School.

“St. John’s Victorville facility provides invaluable substance use disorder treatment services for communities in the High Desert region,” Attorney General Bonta said. “Its patients deserve continued access to the care and treatment they need in order to heal, and live happy, healthy lives.”

Under California law, any transaction involving the sale or transfer of control of a nonprofit healthcare facility must secure the approval of the attorney general, who announced the sale on Monday.

The facility has 66 treatment and recovery beds and an additional 16 beds to house children of patients.

The conditional approval also names Phoenix House Orange County, Inc. as the new operator of the property starting Jan. 1, 2024. Phoenix House is a nonprofit drug and alcohol rehabilitation organization operating nationwide, including in Orange and Los Angeles counties.

“After a thorough review process, I am confident that the conditions I have imposed on the sale will protect the well-being of the residents and ensure that their access to these critical services and care remains uninterrupted,” he stated.

The conditions imposed by Bonta include:

• Maintaining, at a minimum, the same type and level of services being provided to residents.

• Certification to provide services to Medi-Cal patients.

• Maintaining and continuing to employ staff who are in good standing.

• Complying with nondiscrimination rules in the provision of services.

A history of restoration

The St. John facility is owned and operated by the Brothers of St. John of God who built a legacy of providing care for the sick and suffering for over 450 years, the nonprofit reported.

Their mission is to serve those in need while offering hospitality and dignity to restore wellness of the body, mind and spirit.

In 1985, St. John began providing assistance and services to those who are struggling with addiction, poverty, and various other abuse and withdrawal issues.

Other services included Samaritan’s Helping Hand, which operated one of the High Desert’s largest food pantries. It also provided utility payment assistance, diapers, formula and baby food for infants, clothing and transportation assistance.

St. John also operated the Second Time Around Thrift Store.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: State approves sale of Victorville-based St. John of God facility