Sprinkled throughout California’s historic Mother Lode are small cities and towns dating back to the 1800s. A stroll along the sidewalk in one of these mining camp towns takes visitors back in time past quaint shops, narrow streets, iron fences and old-fashioned gardens.

The Sonora of Yesteryear

Sonora is one of those cities. Named after Sonoran miners who settled at the base of the Sierras in 1848, this pristine city has successfully retained its yesteryear flavor. Gold mining is no longer its driving force; the city has successfully evolved with the times. Yet its rich heritage, historic charm and small-town hospitality remain—evidenced by its thriving tourist industry.

According to Tuolumne County historians, settlers gathered in November 1849 to address the issues of community health care. Sonora actually organized itself as a town at that time, “…when citizens met to discuss providing a hospital after scurvy had raged through the camp during the preceding winter. The hospital was built and maintained throughout the ensuing rainy season by the contributions of the benevolent, and by the sale of town lots.”

Although the charming city and fragrant pine trees still stand, much has changed in the Sierra Nevada foothills since that rainy season so long ago. Cars roam the winding roads. Tourists tote cell phones and palm pilots. And another hospital has been built.

Big City Technology in the Gold Country

On Jan. 11, more than 1,000 residents gathered as Adventist Health proudly unveiled Sonora Regional Medical Center (SRMC) during an open house and dedication program.

SRMC replaces Sonora Community Hospital, which served the community since 1957. Forty years later, it had clearly outgrown its facilities.

“Sonora Community Hospital was no longer able to expand, and parking shortage was critical,” explained Alan Rice, SRMC Governing Board chair and senior vice president of Adventist Health. “Services such as oncology, cardiac care and obstetrics all had to be brought current with modern technology. With increasing regularity, residents of Tuolumne County were forced to travel to the valley—or even to the Bay Area. A replacement facility was long overdue.”

Attendees at the ceremony included Lary Davis, SRMC president, and Donald R. Ammon, president and CEO of Adventist Health. Also in attendance were U.S. Congressional Representative George Radanovich; State Assemblyman Dave Cogdill; County Board of Supervisors Chair Dick Pland; and Marlee Powell, Sonora’s mayor.

“I have never attended an event like this before,” said Greg Applegate, Sonora city administrator. “It epitomizes what a community can do when it comes together.”

SRMC Chaplain Bryan Lewis was amazed at the outpouring of support. “There was an almost palpable sense that this is ‘our hospital,’” he shared. “I noticed a strong sense of gratitude that so much thought and effort was put forth on behalf of the community.”

A Major Improvement

The construction project was no small endeavor. Initial design began in 1998. According to project coordinator Val DeVitt, construction began in 2000. Four years and $50 million later, Sonora is home to a new, state-of-the-art health care facility.

The hospital, which opened with 71 acute care beds, can be expanded up to 91 as needed. All rooms offer private bathrooms, satellite TV and a breathtaking view of the Mother Lode.

Boasting the region’s largest and most modern emergency care facility, SRMC will handle more than 20,000 emergency visits per year. A new helipad will facilitate efficient transport of trauma patients.

Adjoining the hospital is a contemporary medical building that houses 15 physician offices; a state-of-the-art cancer care center featuring radiation and medical oncology; an infusion center and laboratory; a health resource center and library; and a women’s breast health center. A cardiac catheterization lab is situated adjacent to the hospital surgery center. Funds to construct the cancer care center and cardiac lab were raised entirely within the community.

“Sonora Regional Medical Center is something this community can be proud of,” declared Cogdill, chair of the California State Legislative Rural Caucus. “It should serve as an example to other rural areas throughout California.”

Applegate agreed. “Medical services are a top priority for any community,” he said. “In fact, they serve as the cornerstone. This hospital is bridging an important gap.”

Powell complimented the hospital in her presentation during the dedication ceremony. “Sonora is known as the 'Queen of the Southern Mines,'” she announced, “and Sonora Regional Medical Center is certainly the jewel in her crown.”

Sharing God’s Love

The mission of Adventist Health—to share God’s love by providing physical, mental and spiritual healing—is well-illustrated in Sonora. “Adventist Health and SRMC are committed to providing the best quality care available,” stated Wynelle Huff, vice president for Delivery of Care at Adventist Health. “This new facility with its state-of-the-art technology is a cogent way of demonstrating that commitment. Caring for others reflects God’s love, and that’s our mission.”

In addition to all the technical improvements, Lewis is excited about the beautiful new chapel. “Excellent services offered in an excellent facility are ways to tell people, ‘You matter to God, and He has good things for you.’”

Lewis shared a favorite memory from the event. “A couple of senior ladies came back after the tour and said, ‘The birth center is so beautiful, it makes us want to have babies again!’”

While delivery rooms may have changed a bit in recent years, one thing hasn’t changed: good health care is as important to Sonora today as it was to the city’s founders more than 150 years ago. And SRMC is up to the task.

“By building this new hospital, we’re making a solid commitment to be here for our community for many years to come,” Davis said. “It is my prayer that our new services and technology will provide better access and patient privacy, bringing hope and healing to those we care for.”

Sonora Regional Medical Center is located at 1000 Greenley Road, in Sonora, Calif. For more information, see www.sonorahospital.org.