The early 1900s ushered in a new and exciting era for health care. At a time when bleeding, purging and liberal drugging were common medical practices, Adventist health care offered alternative treatments that included a proper diet, plenty of rest and exercise, and health education. From the very beginning, Adventist hospitals were dedicated to treating the whole person—body, mind and spirit.

Celebrating More Than a Century of Excellence

In 1904, Paradise Valley Sanitarium admitted its first patients. Guided by the Seventh-day Adventist health care philosophy, the facility thrived. One hundred years later, much has changed in the way of technology, but Paradise Valley Hospital (PVH) is still delivering distinctive health care to its National City, Calif., community.

“It’s exciting to be a part of an organization with such a rich and long history,” said Zen Martinez, lead house supervisor for Patient Care Administration at PVH. “I’m proud to be a part of this hospital and the Adventist Health legacy.”

PVH isn’t the only Adventist Health facility to celebrate an important milestone. In 2003, St. Helena Hospital, the oldest Adventist Health facility, hit the 125-year mark. White Memorial Medical Center in East Los Angeles celebrated its 90th anniversary, and Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital marked 75 years of service in the rural town of Willits, Calif. Glendale Adventist Medical Center is also on the brink of a significant milestone and will turn 100 in 2005.

“We are proud of our history and the men and woman who came before us,” said Donald R. Ammon, president and CEO of Adventist Health. “More than a century later, their dreams and hard work are still alive throughout the West Coast. We continue to build on these dreams and look for ways to expand and improve our services and facilities.”

Building for the Next 100 Years

While technology has come of age during the past century, many of our facilities have become too small to keep up with growing populations. In order to continue delivering on our distinctive mission, several Adventist Health facilities have undergone facelifts. Others have expanded service lines and added new outpatient facilities—all to ensure that each patient who walks through our doors receives the best possible care.

In January, Sonora Regional Medical Center (SRMC) threw open its doors, replacing Sonora Community Hospital, which had served Tuolumne County residents since 1957. The new, state-of-the-art health care facility boasts the region’s largest and most modern emergency care facility. Adjoining the 72-bed hospital is a contemporary medical building that houses 15 physician offices, a cancer center, an infusion center and laboratory, a health resource center and library, and a women’s breast health center.

Head south and you’ll likely stumble upon the “new” White Memorial Medical Center, a hospital rebuilding project that is one of the most significant investments in the history of Adventist Health. The project, necessary to meet strict new earthquake safety standards, also provides an unprecedented opportunity to further enhance quality and meet the changing needs of the East Los Angeles community. The renovation—slated for completion in 2007—includes the reconstruction of the main hospital into a six-story building that will house key services. Three existing hospital buildings will undergo retrofitting and remodeling as well as major equipment upgrades. A new medical office building also will be constructed to help encourage physicians to remain in the area and serve the community.

Sister facility Simi Valley Hospital (SVH) is also busy rebuilding to meet the growing needs of its community. The hospital’s 146,000 square foot, four-story patient care tower—slated for completion in late 2005—will bring 170 private care rooms to Southern California residents. Moreover, the tower will increase the intensive care unit from 11 to 24 beds, create a Level II neonatal intensive care unit and provide patients and guests with a new chapel and external garden areas. The new building also will allow SVH to usher in other advanced care services within cardiology and neurosurgery, and streamline health care services by consolidating inpatient care from two campuses to one.

In Northern California, Ukiah Valley Medical Center opened a $6.7 million Outpatient Services Center in September. The new facility will allow the hospital to perform all outpatient services in one location. The center will house two state-of-the-art surgical suites, an endoscopy room, four preoperative rooms, 11 post-operative bays, outpatient admitting, medical imaging, a new MRI unit and a digital X-ray unit. Lab work, bone densitometry, echocardiography and mammography also will be provided at the new center.

Redbud Community Hospital also brought new services to its Lake County community by opening its new Redbud Family Health Center in early May 2004. The facility boasts numerous services including general surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and cardio and pulmonary rehabilitation. Construction is currently underway on a new dental clinic and cardiology offices. Throughout our system, new service lines continue to open and expand, the latest high-tech equipment is being installed and technology is on the cutting edge. However, the thing that set us apart from other health care providers 100 years ago is still alive and well today—our dedication to whole-person, Christ-centered care.