Cruz Roja Chapala (CRC) shut down its Ajijic substation as of Wednesday, October 1, under the affirmative action plan being developed by the organization’s Consejo (board of directors) to slash expenses and improve cash flow.
The decision to close the Ajijic facility was reached on September 23 as board members reviewed belt-tightening measures required to keep the local Red Cross operation on solid financial ground.
“We have missed being able to meet full payroll on time for the last few two-week pay periods and our payables (to suppliers) have moved from an average of 30 days to almost 60 days,” explained Consejo President Norm Pifer. “We must keep our skilled employees and still maintain our drug inventory to treat the 500-plus patients who pass through Cruz Roja Chapala each month.” 
The institution is also facing rising fuel and maintenance costs for its ambulance fleet. Pifer pointed out that the First Contact Unit – opened on the western outskirts of Ajijic just over one year ago – has not generated sufficient patient demand or income to justify keeping it open.
Pifer said he “truly appreciates” the renovation of Ajijic substation funded by the Fideicomiso de los Municipios del Interior del Estado de Jalisco, furnishings donated by Cruz Roja Jalisco, donations of equipment by individuals and the support of landlord Salvador Arreguin Molina, owner of Fonda Doña Lola Restaurant. “The lack of recuperation of operating costs on those donations has strongly shown us the first notch in tightening our belt,” he added.
In addition to closing the Ajijic branch, Pifer said the CRC board is dealing with the current financial crunch by taking a closer look at its staffing needs and income boosters, such as expanding the credit card payment system to permit on-board availability in the ambulances.
With an average recuperation rate of 85 percent of charges set for medical services and no government funding, CRC relies on generous support from the community to stay alive.
As the single largest local support group, Cruz Roja International Volunteers Chapala provides steady backing with activities such as the Thriller event set for later this month, an upcoming golf tournament, and a raffle tied into the Feria Maestros del Arte in mid-November.
Cruz Roja board officers are now committed to becoming more directly involved in supervising, coordinating and helping run fundraising activities aimed at drawing in more Mexican supporters, Pifer reported.
Contributions are also gratefully accepted at the CRVIC table at the Lake Chapala Society, via the website www.cruzrojachapala.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Cruz-Roja-International-Volunteers-Chapala-Inc.