As we closed out 2024, I reflect on a year of milestones, achievements and moments that have made me incredibly proud to serve as the president and CEO of Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics. This year has been a celebration of progress — for our team, patients and community.

One of the most exciting moments this year came on Dec. 9, when we officially began performing surgeries in our new state-of-the-art surgical expansion. Over the past two years, this project has transformed from a vision into a reality. Now, with five cutting-edge operating rooms and breathtaking views from post-op recovery rooms and our new dining room, this space is already making a tangible difference in our patient’s lives and our dedicated staff’s work environment. For our rural community, this addition means more opportunities to receive advanced care close to home — where that “hometown touch” truly matters.

This expansion is about more than just health care. It symbolizes what’s possible when we remain committed to our vision: “Quality health care is our mission. Patients are our passion.” It’s also a testament to the hard work of so many — our staff, our board of trustees and our entire community.

Together, we’ve ensured that GRH continues to deliver “big city medicine with a hometown touch.”

Of course, the surgical expansion isn’t the only highlight of 2024. This year, GRH was recognized for a Century of Membership in the American Hospital Association. We received a 4-star rating from CMS, achieved an industry-leading low readmission rate and earned the 2024 Performance Leadership Award for Excellence in Outcomes from the Charis Center for Rural Health. Additionally, GRH was nationally recognized as a leader in health care technology by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives in the acute and ambulatory categories. These honors affirm our commitment to excellence and innovation, even as we navigate the unique challenges of rural health care.

Another highlight of 2024 was welcoming 10 new providers to the GRH family. This growth reflects our ongoing efforts to expand options for our patients and ensure that quality care remains accessible to everyone in our community. We’re incredibly proud of the diverse expertise these providers bring, further strengthening our ability to meet the evolving needs of our patients.

In addition to these accomplishments, I had the honor of testifying before the Oregon Senate Finance Committee earlier this year. My testimony focused on the critical issues rural hospitals face. It emphasized the vital role of small, independent hospitals such as Grande Ronde in ensuring access to quality health care for communities like ours. It was a privilege to advocate for the needs of rural health care providers and patients on the national stage.

Through it all, what stands out most to me is the dedication of our GRH family. From nurses and physicians to support staff and volunteers, every team member embodies the spirit of resilience and collaboration. They’ve navigated challenges, embraced opportunities and worked tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. With over 800 dedicated employees, Grande Ronde Hospital is not just a health care provider — we are a cornerstone of our community. We are deeply committed to

supporting local businesses, groups, and organizations through donations, volunteer efforts, and partnership opportunities. Our mission extends beyond the walls of our hospital as we work to ensure that the people and families we serve are thriving, not just surviving. We take pride in being a foundation that strengthens and sustains the well-being of Union County.

As we look ahead to 2025, we do so with gratitude and optimism. I know the future will bring new challenges, but it will also bring new opportunities to grow, heal, and thrive together as a community.

Thank you for trusting us with your care and being part of the GRH story. Here’s to another year of making a difference together.

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