Mendocino Coast District Hospital signs agreement with Adventist Health effective May 4, 2020

Mendocino Coast District Hospital and Adventist Health have signed an agreement, President Jason Wells announced today which goes into effect on May 4. The hospital will draw on Adventist Health’s extensive experience, as well as its vast network and resources in Mendocino County where Adventist Health manages two hospitals including Adventist Health Howard Memorial and Adventist Health Ukiah Valley. 

“We’re excited to join Adventist Health and its broad network of hospitals and clinics. Their commitment to improving access to care in rural communities and reputation for providing exceptional care makes them a perfect partner for our community,” commented Interim CEO Wayne Allen. “Becoming part of Adventist Health’s system will allow for delivery of more coordinated care throughout all of Mendocino County,” he adds. 

“We are grateful and humbled by the community’s overwhelming vote in support of affiliating with Adventist Health in early March. We value and thank them for their trust in our organization and we look forward to building on the hospital’s rich heritage in the community and expanding our mission throughout the Mendocino Coast and communities in the surrounding area,” said Adventist Health CEO Scott Reiner.

“Our team is proud to work together to care for this community. The combination of the three hospitals in the County gives us a unique ability to provide more coordinated care and access to more services for all,” commented Wells. “We will be stronger together and will coordinate care, share expertise and operational excellence between all three hospitals, positively impacting care for generations to come,” commented Wells. 

Jessica Grinberg, president of the board for the healthcare district says she is excited for a new chapter in healthcare for the coast. “As a long-time resident of the coast and member of the medical community, I know how much this hospital means to this community and I’m glad we’ve found a great partner in Adventist Health who will bring their expertise and resources to build on a great foundation.”

“We are thankful for the leadership and vision of the MCDH District Board to seek a partner to create not just a sustainable future, but one that thrives. They have been strong advocates for the community through this process and I believe we have developed a framework that will build on what is great about MCDH, as well as build a bright future,” shared Wells. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, both organizations are already realizing the benefits of working together — collaborating and sharing resources, personal protective equipment and strategies in preparation for a surge. Wells adds, “We have been sharing best practices and coordinating our efforts so we can ensure we’re ready to care for the community when a surge comes. We’re confident we will continue to make great strides in improving clinical quality and patient experience by drawing on the combined teams’ expertise and experience. I’m excited for what the future holds for healthcare in this community.” 

“For the past month, we are already seeing what increased collaboration with three hospitals in our county can bring to the communities we serve. I can speak for the entire MCDH medical staff that we are excited to be part of Adventist Health so we can continue to improve access to care to our patients here on the coast. Our goal has always been to provide the very best care for those who need it right here. Adventist Health brings additional expertise and resources that allows us to do just that,” concludes William Miller, MD, chief of staff for MCDH. 

Given the current challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic and the shelter in place orders, a community event celebrating this momentous partnership will be scheduled at a later date.